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.
Dutasteride raises scalp testosterone by 99%, which may not be ideal for those sensitive to all androgens. Some argue finasteride's balancing act might be better, while others believe dutasteride is superior for hair regrowth.
The user has been using a topical treatment combining finasteride, minoxidil, and caffeine for 9 months without noticing any changes and is inquiring about blood tests to check for finasteride resistance. They had their DHT levels checked, which were 54 ng/dl, and are planning to share progress pictures soon.
The conversation is about someone planning to start finasteride for hair loss and wanting to interpret pre-treatment blood panels to assess the risk of side effects like gynecomastia. They list various tests to measure hormone levels and other health indicators.
Dutasteride and finasteride are used for hair loss, affecting hormone levels like DHT and testosterone. Hormone balance is crucial, as changes can lead to side effects such as increased estradiol and potential hair loss.
The conversation is about gathering serum DHT data from individuals taking dutasteride to investigate its efficacy, especially in cases with unexpectedly low DHT reduction. The aim is to explore potential genetic factors affecting drug metabolism.
A person considering finasteride for hair loss checked their hormone levels before starting treatment. They are concerned about the potential increase in estradiol and its effects, as well as the impact on their sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and free testosterone levels.
A 29-year-old male on 1 mg Finasteride for 3 months has experienced a significant increase in testosterone and estradiol levels, with no major side effects except slightly oilier skin and increased emotional sensitivity. The user is concerned about these hormonal changes and seeks advice, as their general practitioner is not knowledgeable about the issue.
A user is concerned about low testosterone while using finasteride 0.625mg MWF and considers ashwagandha for stress. Others suggest exercise, magnesium, and not worrying about testosterone levels if no significant side effects are felt.
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 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.
A user is seeking advice on a new topical hair loss treatment containing Minoxidil 3%, Finasteride 0.3%, Progesterone 1%, Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1%, and Ketoconazole 0.5%. They are concerned about the systemic absorption of Finasteride and plan to do blood tests and a spermiogram before starting.
A user shared their baseline bloodwork results before starting Finasteride 1mg every other day, seeking comparison with others who have done similar tests. They are interested in any changes observed after beginning the treatment.
A user is frustrated that their dermatologist requires blood and sperm tests before prescribing oral finasteride, despite already taking oral minoxidil. They prefer oral medication over topical treatments due to sensory issues and are considering asking their GP for a finasteride prescription or seeking alternatives online.
A user was prescribed Alpicort E, which contains Estradiol Benzoate, Prednisone, and Salicylic Acid, for hair loss and is seeking others' experiences due to concerns about potential side effects.
The user has been using oral minoxidil and dutasteride for hair loss without success and is considering adding topical 17α-estradiol, Pyrilutamide, Clascoterone, or cetirizine. They have confirmed low serum DHT levels and are exploring additional treatments due to genetic sensitivity to DHT and prostaglandin D2.
A user experienced increased pimples and cysts after two years on dutasteride, possibly due to hormonal changes. Suggestions included seeing an endocrinologist, using supplements like boron and DIM, adjusting diet, and reducing body fat to manage side effects.
Some users have experienced good hair regrowth with estradiol, cyproterone acetate, spironolactone, and bicalutamide, but these treatments may cause feminization and other side effects. It's advised to consult a doctor before using these treatments, as they can lower testosterone and have significant risks.
Finasteride can affect hormone levels within two weeks, and a break of several weeks is recommended for baseline results. Monitoring E2 and testosterone is suggested to assess the risk of gynecomastia.
A user with seborrheic dermatitis uses Ketoconazole 2% and Betamethasone and is considering starting Minoxidil for thinning hair. They are concerned about using Minoxidil and Betamethasone simultaneously.
The user is considering switching to oral dutasteride, topical minoxidil, retinoic acid, and clobetasol for hair loss treatment, after limited regrowth with finasteride and other topicals. They are seeking a source for clobetasol, as they believe it may help with their condition.
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.
A woman with AGA is using spironolactone, dutasteride, finasteride, oral minoxidil, bicalutamide, and anti-androgenic birth control but still experiences worsening hair loss. Steroid shots temporarily stop her hair shedding, leading her to question her biopsy results.
The user has androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and low Vitamin D levels, and they started using topical minoxidil (5%). They are considering finasteride but are concerned about side effects and are advised to seek mental health support.
Dutasteride at 0.5 mg/day does not significantly alter allopregnanolone levels, but higher doses (2.5 mg/day) do. Dutasteride may also have anti-neuroinflammatory effects, but the impact on neurosteroids is still debated.
A user reported that after using a topical mix of finasteride and minoxidil, their DHT levels decreased, testosterone and estradiol levels lowered unexpectedly, and they are considering vitamin D3 supplements due to deficiency. They apply the mix 3-4 times a week and use minoxidil on other days. Another user commented that finasteride typically increases testosterone, not decreases it.
The conversation is about whether testing for free DHT is necessary before starting Finasteride for hair loss, despite having other hormone tests available. One person suggests that genetic response to DHT is more important than DHT levels and advises starting Finasteride without the free DHT test.
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.