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.
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.
The user discusses their hair loss experience, exploring various hypotheses including thyroid levels, vitamin D, DHEA, nutritional deficiency, diabetes, seborrheic dermatitis, lack of nutrition to hair follicles, chronic inflammation, female pattern hair loss causes, cortisol, and prolactin levels. They are currently using finasteride, beta-sitosterol, and have tried topical dutasteride and microneedling therapy.
Prolactin and cortisol are identified as key factors in hair loss, with stress hormones impacting hair shedding. Finasteride and minoxidil are effective treatments, while DHT's role and individual sensitivity are significant factors.
The conversation discusses natural ways to reduce cortisol, such as avoiding caffeine, getting proper sleep, syncing with the sun, walking in nature, breathing exercises, increasing calories, and not doing keto. Magnesium supplements are recommended for stress reduction.
The conversation discusses various factors affecting hair loss, not just DHT, and mentions treatments like Minoxidil, finasteride, and melatonin. Some users report personal experiences with these treatments and hormone tests, while others speculate on the role of hormones like prolactin and cortisol in hair loss.
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 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.
The user has been using finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil without success and is considering a comprehensive blood test to explore other causes of hair loss. They are unsure about the necessity and cost of the extensive tests and are seeking advice on whether to proceed with the full panel or focus on specific tests.
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.
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.
CosmeRNA, a new hair loss treatment, is expected to release soon and may become part of the "big three" treatments alongside finasteride and minoxidil. It works differently from finasteride by targeting androgen receptors in hair follicles, potentially offering fewer side effects.
The conversation discusses a last-resort hair loss treatment combining topical finasteride, minoxidil, melatonin, and progesterone, with claims that topical finasteride can inhibit up to 52% of scalp DHT. One reply clarifies that progesterone is not an anti-androgen but has anti-androgenic properties because it competes with androgens for receptors.
User "missbloombastic" has been experiencing hair loss since 2016 and tried min, fin, multivitamins, and spiro with mixed results. Another user shares their struggle with hair loss and its impact on self-esteem, while a third user suggests checking blood tests and confirming the cause of hair loss.
The user has been using a combination of treatments including Dutasteride, Minoxidil, RU58841, ketoconazole shampoo, microneedling, and low-level laser therapy to address hair loss but continues to experience shedding and density loss. Despite high testosterone and iron levels, the user is frustrated with the lack of improvement and is considering adjusting treatment or exploring other options like a hair transplant.
A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.
Female with aga tried minoxidil 5% and spironolactone, no success yet. Gladyator96 suggests waiting 6 months, adding tretinoin or dermarolling with minoxidil.
Finasteride is discussed as a hair loss treatment with benefits like reduced prostate enlargement and skin aging, but it is not seen as a "fountain of youth." Users report mixed experiences, including side effects like decreased libido and dry eyes.
Checking vitamin and hormone levels is important for addressing hair loss, as deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, and iron can affect hair growth. Treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and vitamin supplements are used, but addressing deficiencies is crucial for effectiveness.
The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.
A user is experiencing worsening hair loss despite using 2.5mg Dutasteride, RU58841, and Minoxidil daily for over 8 months. They are concerned that daily nicotine from vaping might be counteracting the treatments.
A user on dutasteride and oral minoxidil for two years reports worsening hair loss and is seeking advice. Suggestions include consulting a professional for underlying causes, acknowledging that treatments don't work for everyone, and considering dosage adjustments or additional treatments.
A female user starting Spironolactone treatment for thinning hair, and others sharing their experiences with Minoxidil and oral/sublingual Minoxidil as treatments.
The user reported early stage diffuse hair thinning and increased DHT levels after 4 weeks on Finasteride and 8 weeks on Finasteride plus 4 weeks on Dutasteride, despite the medications being authentic and stored properly. They are considering increasing their Dutasteride dosage due to the lack of side effects and are unsure if the treatment is helping their hair.
High DHEA levels may contribute to hair loss by increasing DHT in hair follicles, potentially explaining why finasteride is ineffective for some. Treatments like high-dose dutasteride and RU58841 are suggested, but the underlying cause, such as adrenal issues, should be investigated.
A user asked if taking a blood test 3 days after starting finasteride would affect the results for Estradiol, FSH, SHBG, Progesterone, and DHEA-S. The conversation is about the timing of blood tests after beginning finasteride treatment.
27-year-old female experiences aggressive hair thinning and hirsutism despite normal testosterone levels. Spironolactone and 2% minoxidil were ineffective; high DHEA sulfate levels may be the cause.
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.
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.