Finasteride and dutasteride may increase estrogen levels, leading to water retention and a fuller face. Users discuss managing these effects with lifestyle changes and supplements like zinc and DIM.
The conversation discusses using aromatase inhibitors with dutasteride or finasteride for hair loss, which can prevent testosterone from turning into estrogen but may lead to increased DHT and potentially make finasteride less effective. There's concern about proper dosing and side effects like gynecomastia and emotional changes.
A 23-year-old male is considering starting Finasteride for hair loss after experiencing persistent shedding and hairline recession, with bloodwork showing normal testosterone levels but low DHEA-S and Vitamin D. He plans to discuss DHEA supplementation with his doctor and has already started Vitamin D supplementation.
A 22-year-old male started taking finasteride a month ago and is seeing some progress in hair loss treatment. He is concerned about high estradiol levels but plans to continue the medication and consult an endocrinologist.
The conversation discusses using shou wu chih or fo-ti/he shou wu for hair loss, with OP noticing stiffer beard and body hair. A user warns about potential liver damage from fo-ti and questions the effectiveness of alternative medicine.
The user is experiencing hair improvement in the central and back areas after using finasteride, minoxidil, and a galenic lotion, but the temple area is worsening. They suspect the lotion might be causing the issue and are considering stopping its use.
A user increased their dutasteride dosage from 0.5mg to 1mg daily, resulting in a rise in DHT levels from 148 pg/mL to 281 pg/mL, and is considering switching back to finasteride due to continued hair loss. Replies suggest retesting and emphasize the importance of bloodwork before starting treatments.
A user with diffuse hair loss after taking accutane, which might have triggered genetic predisposition to AGA; their experience taking finasteride and experiencing side effects of increased oil production, increased sex drive, worsening hair texture; they are considering zinc supplementation with finasteride or other treatments such as alfatradiol or spironolactone.
Dutasteride at 0.5mg may have fewer sexual side effects than expected, with many side effects attributed to psychological factors (nocebo effect). The placebo group experienced more side effects, suggesting fear and anxiety might contribute to perceived side effects.
DHT is important for sexual function and mood, but finasteride and dutasteride can reduce DHT, causing side effects like reduced libido and erectile dysfunction. These treatments are effective for hair loss, but their impact on DHT leads to debate.
Finasteride has no effect on the user's estradiol levels, and body fat may influence aromatization. The user is on testosterone replacement therapy and uses everyday injections to manage high RBC count, with plans to measure DHT, DHEA-S, and pregnenolone levels.
The potential health risks associated with long-term use of finasteride and dutasteride, with some responses pointing out the low quality of the journal that published the review article as well as highlighting other alternatives such as keto or minoxidil, and RU58841.
The user is exploring hair loss treatments in China, currently using finasteride and minoxidil, and is concerned about seborrheic dermatitis. Clinics are recommending selenium sulfide, doxycycline, and mesotherapy ampoules like PT88/PT66 or SP88/SP66, but the user is unsure about their effectiveness.
A user experienced increased estradiol, nipple tenderness, and ED after taking finasteride. They are considering dose reduction to mitigate these effects.
The user has tried various hair loss treatments including topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, oral dutasteride, oral minoxidil, and exosome therapy, but none have been effective. They suspect trichodynia might be preventing these treatments from working.
A 20-year-old with thinning hair has low vitamin D and normal testosterone. They are prescribed oral minoxidil and vitamin D, and are questioning if finasteride is also necessary.
The user is experiencing severe hair shedding after taking finasteride for three weeks and plans to stop due to gynecomastia symptoms. Stopping finasteride may lead to some hair regrowth, but benefits from the treatment might be lost; topical alternatives are suggested.
Finasteride's potential side effects, especially sexual dysfunction, are discussed, with emphasis on hormonal balance between testosterone and estradiol. Users share experiences with finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride, highlighting the variability in side effects and the influence of mindset and lifestyle.
A 19-year-old with diffuse hair thinning and erectile dysfunction is considering starting Propecia (finasteride) while already using a minoxidil solution with anti-androgens. Concerns are raised about the psychological nature of erectile dysfunction and the potential systemic effects of anti-androgens, with suggestions to address porn addiction and consult a doctor about hormone therapy.
Dutasteride mesotherapy in women with metabolic syndrome accelerated hair loss after initial regrowth, while women without metabolic syndrome saw continuous regrowth. The user with mild insulin resistance is hesitant to try topical dutasteride and seeks experiences from others with insulin resistance.
The conversation discusses side effects of finasteride, including low libido and potential gynecomastia, with some users mocking fear-mongering while others share personal experiences. The original poster mentions using finasteride, peppermint oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and Pennzoil, and considers saw palmetto as an alternative.
A 24-year-old male using dutasteride for hair loss is worried about its effects on fertility and future children's health. Users advise consulting a doctor, possibly switching to finasteride, or stopping dutasteride before conception due to its impact on sperm count.
Combining finasteride and dutasteride with activities that raise testosterone may increase the risk of side effects like gynecomastia, depending on genetic predisposition and hormone levels. It's advised to check hormone levels to assess the risk.
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.
Finasteride can cause dry eyes and vision issues due to its impact on the meibomian glands. Users have mixed experiences, with some experiencing eye discomfort and others having no side effects.
The user experienced side effects from low-dose topical finasteride and is considering using clascoterone (CB-03-01) despite concerns about its risks and cost. They seek advice on its effectiveness and potential side effects compared to other treatments like alfatradiol and fluridil.
A 25-year-old male experiencing diffuse thinning is advised to address high TSH levels and low iron, and consider treatments like finasteride. Weight loss and improved diet are also suggested to potentially help with hair health.
The user experienced severe side effects from finasteride, including anxiety and libido issues, and is currently using topical minoxidil and microneedling. They are considering trying dutasteride but are concerned about potential side effects.
The user started finasteride and experienced increased shedding for five months. They are concerned about how low vitamin levels might affect the shedding and effectiveness of finasteride.