Finasteride may affect liver function and cortisol levels, potentially linking it to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). More research is needed to understand this connection fully.
The user is on Finasteride for hair loss, taking 0.5mg daily, and plans to reduce the dose to 0.25mg while making lifestyle changes to lower prolactin, SHGB, and cortisol. They will retest in 90 days to assess progress and are open to advice.
A user has been taking finasteride for 5 months with no improvement in diffuse hair loss and suspects high levels of prolactin, cortisol, progesterone, and DHEAS, as well as iron, might be contributing to the issue. They are also taking vitamin D to address a deficiency.
Corticosterone inhibits GAS6, affecting hair follicle stem-cell activity, with potential implications for stress-related hair loss. Ashwagandha and Vitamin K are suggested for reducing cortisol, but their effectiveness is debated.
A user is trying Relora supplements to reduce stress-induced hair shedding. They are frustrated with ongoing hair loss and are open to trying new solutions.
The user discovered their previous hair loss medication was counterfeit and switched to Propecia, which significantly lowered their DHT levels. They plan to continue using Propecia and add oral Minoxidil to their routine for better results.
A 25-year-old is using 1.25mg finasteride six times a week and 5% topical minoxidil daily for hair loss. They are experiencing reduced libido and erectile issues, possibly due to stress, and are questioning if the finasteride dosage is affecting DHT suppression.
A 25-year-old male experiencing hair loss suspects stress-related alopecia and is hesitant to use Minoxidil due to potential side effects. Another user suggests it might be androgenic alopecia and recommends starting finasteride.
A user experienced a "watery belly" and cellulite after starting finasteride, despite maintaining a disciplined fitness routine. Others suggest checking hormone levels, as changes in DHT and estrogen could affect fat metabolism, but age might also be a factor.
The conversation discusses a personal theory on the role of DHT in stress and reproduction, suggesting it converts testosterone for reproductive traits. The discussion includes skepticism and mentions individual differences in physiology and neurochemistry.
Scalp massages may help with hair loss, but results require significant time and effort, and benefits stop when massages stop. Some users combine massages with topical minoxidil and finasteride for better results.
The user experiences immediate hair shedding linked to stress, unlike typical telogen effluvium, and is seeking answers. A suggestion was made to use spironolactone and topical minoxidil to address potential DHT-related shedding.
A user developed a rash after 3 years of using Kirkland minoxidil foam, possibly due to a change in ingredients. They are considering switching to Foligain or Rogaine foam to avoid further issues.
A user's progress in hair regrowth after taking finasteride (1mg) every other day, and the replies to the post offering support, advice, and encouragement.
Dutasteride can lead to increased cholesterol and liver fat. The user is reconsidering its use due to high cholesterol and lipid levels despite a healthy lifestyle.
Excessive use of topical minoxidil led to unwanted facial changes and side effects. The user plans to switch to oral minoxidil with microneedling for hair regrowth.
Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for hair while on Dutasteride, as its effects on testosterone are minimal and it may reduce anxiety. Some users report positive effects on hair thickness and anxiety reduction when using ashwagandha alongside finasteride.
The user has been taking oral Finasteride and topical Essengen 6 Plus for hair loss and is experiencing increased depression. They plan to get bloodwork to check hormone levels and are seeking advice on which tests to include.
A person noticed increased hair thinning after changing their workout routine from cycling to weightlifting, which also coincided with a rise in testosterone levels. They are considering stopping intense workouts, switching to yoga, cutting out caffeine, and re-evaluating after a few months to see if it improves their hair condition.
Clascoterone is suggested as an alternative for those who experience side effects from finasteride and dutasteride. It is not widely available yet, but some users are obtaining it from compounding pharmacies or suppliers like Echemi.
An 18-year-old experiencing aggressive hair loss has been using 1mg finasteride and 2.5mg oral minoxidil for 162 days but continues to shed hair. Suggestions include switching to dutasteride, considering topical minoxidil, and consulting a dermatologist for further evaluation.
Creatine does not increase testosterone or DHT, and there is no evidence it causes hair loss. Some users report improved gym performance and mood with creatine, while others are concerned about potential hair loss, but scientific research does not support these concerns.
Creatine is debated for causing hair loss, with some users claiming it raises DHT levels, while others argue it has no significant effect. Despite conflicting opinions, some users report hair loss even when using DHT blockers like finasteride.
Finasteride may cause insomnia, and ashwagandha is suggested to help with sleep issues without significantly affecting testosterone or DHT levels. Users discuss personal experiences with sleep disturbances and suggest consulting a doctor if side effects persist.
The user is experiencing hair loss and has been using topical Minoxidil 5%, Keto 2% shampoo, and Tretinoin 0.025% for six months, with plans to start topical Finasteride 0.1% soon. They are advised to focus on DHT blockers like Finasteride and consider additional tests and supplements to address potential deficiencies and scalp health.
The user is experiencing low libido and mood swings after starting a low dose of topical finasteride. They are considering further blood tests to investigate low testosterone levels and other hormonal factors.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth using minoxidil (5% topical) once nightly and finasteride (1mg) daily, despite a poor diet, high stress, and lack of sleep. They plan to start dermastamping and improve their overall health for better results.
Ashwagandha may help with hair loss by regulating thyroid function and reducing stress, but its effectiveness compared to finasteride or minoxidil is debated. Some users report positive effects on hair health, while others are skeptical of its benefits.
The user discusses their experience with minoxidil for hair loss, noting that drinking coffee may reduce its effectiveness. They observed better results with the liquid solution and no coffee compared to using the foam solution and drinking coffee.
The user is considering resuming finasteride after a 6-month break and is debating the necessity of extensive blood work, including hormone and health markers, to establish a baseline. They are unsure if the tests are necessary since they experienced no side effects previously.