Vitamin D tests like D2, D3, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D are discussed before starting hair treatment. Vitamin D can be obtained from food, but overdose has side effects.
The conversation is about starting finasteride for hair loss, with concerns about high free testosterone and potential side effects like gynecomastia. The user plans to address vitamin deficiencies before beginning the treatment.
A user is experiencing side effects like less hard erections and sensitive nipples while on finasteride, with bloodwork showing high prolactin levels. They are seeking suggestions to address the prolactin issue.
The user is applying topical finasteride with stemoxydine for hair loss and has noticed hair thickening but no regrowth after two months. They also report high SHBG and prolactin levels and a lack of morning erections, even on low doses of medication.
Dutasteride and finasteride can affect libido differently, with some experiencing increased libido and others decreased libido or erectile dysfunction. Dutasteride may increase testosterone levels but can also cause side effects like liver enzyme changes, while topical finasteride may have fewer sexual side effects.
Low iron and ferritin levels can contribute to hair shedding, and low ferritin can reduce the effectiveness of finasteride. Supplementing iron and vitamin D can help improve hair growth and overall health.
The user stopped using finasteride after two weeks due to gynecomastia symptoms and shared blood work results questioning if they indicate a cause for the side effects. The user is considering restarting finasteride and seeking advice on their blood work levels in relation to gynecomastia.
The conversation discusses using homemade topical finasteride for hair loss, showing an increase in DHT levels despite treatment. The user applies 0.125mg daily, resulting in 113.4% of previous DHT levels.
A user experienced increased estradiol, nipple tenderness, and ED after taking finasteride. They are considering dose reduction to mitigate these effects.
A user experienced initial side effects from finasteride, including erectile dysfunction and emotional changes, but later noticed increased muscle mass and assertiveness. Hormonal tests showed elevated estrogen and prolactin levels, which slightly decreased over time; the user plans lifestyle changes to see if they help.
Dutasteride treatment may decrease sperm concentration, but levels remain above WHO recommendations and recover after discontinuation. The study has limitations, including small sample size and lack of pre-treatment sperm data, and does not assess other fertility factors.
Clascoterone 5% solution showed a 539% improvement in hair count compared to placebo, but the actual increase in hair growth is minimal. Users express skepticism about the effectiveness of hair loss treatments.
The conversation is about using finasteride for hair loss and considering supplements like ginseng or ashwagandha to boost testosterone levels. Concerns are raised about potential negative effects on hair due to increased DHT conversion, and it's suggested that natural testosterone boosters may not significantly impact those with already high testosterone levels.
The conversation discusses using very low dose topical finasteride to achieve specific serum DHT reduction percentages. It concludes that finasteride dosage increases linearly between 5-30% DHT reduction but requires exponential increases for reductions up to 70%.
Finasteride raises total testosterone but lowers free testosterone, which is important for male health. Users report mixed experiences with their fitness levels and blood test results after using finasteride.
Female (37) experiencing hair loss for 5 years, tried max dose of spiro and oral + topical minox without success. Discovered low cortisol and low DHEA levels, seeking functional medicine practitioner for help.
Loose-Message9596 has been experiencing hair loss for 3-4 years, initially due to low ferritin and vitamin D levels, and has tried treatments like vitamins, System 4, and PRP therapy. They are considering starting finasteride and minoxidil but are unsure due to their relatively low DHT level of 425.
Topical finasteride with hydroxypropyl chitosan shows significantly less serum absorption and minimal DHT reduction compared to oral finasteride. Users need the specific chitosan formulation to avoid side effects seen with regular ethanol+PG solutions.
The user experienced improved libido and erections after reducing DHT levels with 0.5mg of dutasteride once a week, despite previous side effects from finasteride. They are also on testosterone replacement therapy and have not noticed major personality changes.
The conversation discusses the cost and insurance coverage of a comprehensive hormone and DHT blood panel for hair loss, with a focus on finasteride treatment. The user seeks a cheaper alternative to a $700 panel recommended in a video.
The user experienced a decrease in libido after long-term use of Finasteride and wonders if it's related to the medication. Responses suggest that hormonal changes and libido fluctuations are normal and may not be solely due to Finasteride.
A 25-year-old male experienced increased testosterone and estradiol levels after starting finasteride for hair loss, leading his doctor to suggest a testicular ultrasound as a precaution. The user questions the necessity of the ultrasound, considering it potentially excessive, while others suggest it could be a useful precaution to rule out any issues.
Creatine may increase DHT levels, but its impact on hair loss is unclear and not well-studied. Many users report no significant hair loss while using creatine alongside finasteride, though some experience increased shedding.
The user has been treating hair loss for over 11 years with various methods including Minoxidil, Keto shampoos, vitamins, and microneedling, but has avoided Finasteride due to fertility concerns. They have recently added Zix and The Ordinary Serum to their routine and are questioning their high DHT levels despite their efforts.
Addressing hair loss by checking vitamin D and iron levels is crucial before adding more treatments. Supplementing these deficiencies can significantly reduce shedding.