Creatine may increase DHT levels, potentially affecting hair loss, but evidence is mostly anecdotal. A study to explore this was withdrawn due to funding issues.
Ketoconazole shampoo does not significantly reduce systemic or scalp DHT levels and is mainly used for its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory effects. It is not a replacement for finasteride, which is recommended by some users despite concerns about side effects.
Dutasteride is less commonly prescribed for hair loss because it is not FDA-approved for this purpose, unlike finasteride, which is more accessible and preferred due to fewer side effects. Dutasteride may be more effective in reducing DHT but has a longer half-life and potentially more significant side effects.
The conversation is about managing allopregnanolone deficiency caused by 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors like finasteride or dutasteride. Specific treatments discussed for hair loss include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.
The user checked iron, ferritin, B12, zinc, testosterone, DHT, and estrogens to understand hair loss causes and the effects of dutasteride. They also noted increased heart rate and paleness with oral minoxidil.
The user has been using a strong combination of hair loss treatments for 16 months, including Finasteride, Minoxidil, Dutasteride, and RU-58841, but their hair loss has worsened. They're questioning whether their high testosterone levels or residual scalp DHT are causing further hair loss, with a reply suggesting that even small amounts of DHT can cause hair loss if one is sensitive to it.
The conversation is about the double standard in the hair loss community regarding shedding when using different treatments. The conclusion is that shedding is considered normal when starting finasteride or minoxidil, but not when starting dutasteride, despite the fact that dutasteride is more effective at reducing DHT.
Topical finasteride may reduce more scalp DHT but is seen as inconsistent and messy compared to oral finasteride. Users report mixed results with both forms, with some preferring oral for its convenience and consistent dosing, while others find topical effective but harder to apply.
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.
The user shared their personal experience with hair loss, hormone imbalances, and treatments including testosterone boosters, natural estrogen blockers, and DHEA. They suggest that low-dose finasteride and natural hormone therapy could reduce hair loss with fewer side effects.
The user has been experiencing sudden and aggressive hair shedding despite using oral dutasteride and topical minoxidil for six years, and recently added topical finasteride without improvement. Possible causes discussed include stress-related hair loss, dietary changes, or high DHT sensitivity, with suggestions to consult a doctor and consider adjusting treatments.
Taking finasteride alone did not stop hair loss, but adding vitamin D3 and iron supplements improved hair coverage and quality. It's important to check and address deficiencies, but caution is advised with iron supplementation without medical guidance.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) impacts various skin conditions, including Androgenetic alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis, by causing overactivity in sebaceous glands. Topical medications Tacrolimus and Clobetasol can reduce these inflammatory conditions, and treatments like RU58841, Minoxidil, and Finasteride may also be beneficial.
The user is considering using topical finasteride for hairline recession and thinning, despite having low DHT levels and previous side effects from oral finasteride. They are also taking 2.5 mg of oral minoxidil, which has not resulted in regrowth or stabilization.
The conversation discusses a topical finasteride therapy with hydrocortisone butyrate, estrone base, and breviline. A user suggests oral finasteride as a superior option.
The conversation is about hair loss treatments, specifically the lack of improvement after one year of using oral finasteride and topical minoxidil. Suggestions include switching to stronger medications like dutasteride and oral minoxidil, considering a hair transplant, and possibly using microneedling or tretinoin.
A user stopped using minoxidil due to severe side effects and experienced rapid hair loss. They also tried finasteride and dutasteride but faced adverse reactions, leading them to consider accepting hair loss and exploring options like oral minoxidil or a hair transplant.
A user shared progress after 5 months on oral finasteride (1mg) and minoxidil (2.5mg), noting improvements despite minimal temple growth. They experienced shedding initially but reported no side effects, and others shared similar experiences and additional treatments like hair serums.
Hair growth caps and helmets using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) show potential for treating androgenetic alopecia, but more research is needed. Users often combine these devices with treatments like minoxidil and finasteride for better results.
A user reported significant hair regrowth after 3 months using 1mg oral finasteride, 1ml 5% topical minoxidil, and microneedling, along with biotin, vitamin D, iron, and zinc supplements. They are optimistic about continued progress despite initial skepticism.
The user experienced reduced effectiveness of minoxidil after consistent use, despite using dutasteride to maintain hair. They are considering alternatives like microneedling and exploring options like hair transplants due to dissatisfaction with current hair density.
Microneedling with minoxidil significantly boosts hair growth, even for non-responders to minoxidil alone. The routine includes a 1.5mm dermaroller weekly and minoxidil twice daily, with some users adding finasteride and tretinoin.
The conversation discusses severe hair shedding and thinning, with the original poster using finasteride, oral minoxidil, and other supplements without improvement. The discussion highlights the possibility of telogen effluvium and the importance of addressing potential underlying health issues, such as stress and gut health, rather than assuming diffuse unpatterned alopecia (DUPA).
Accutane use led to hair loss and seborrheic dermatitis for many, with treatments like dutasteride, minoxidil, and Nutrafol being used to manage symptoms. Some users reported improvement, while others experienced persistent issues or side effects from treatments like finasteride.
A user created oral minoxidil sugar cubes due to lack of prescription access, leading to a humorous discussion about unconventional and potentially unsafe methods of using minoxidil. The conversation highlights the lengths people go to for hair growth.
The conversation is about seeking shampoos that help with hair loss or hair thickening without ketoconazole, suggesting alternatives like minoxidil, finasteride, or stemoxydine. One reply suggests that most hair loss shampoos don't work as claimed.
A user experienced heart problems after taking 1mg finasteride and 2.5mg oral minoxidil and is considering quitting minoxidil. Others discussed their experiences with heart issues and minoxidil, with some suggesting topical minoxidil as a safer alternative.
The conversation is about the preference for using a derma stamp over a derma roller for hair loss treatment, with users discussing its efficiency, needle material, replacement frequency, and personal experiences. Specific treatments mentioned include microneedling with a derma stamp.