Topical finasteride is believed to reduce scalp DHT more than oral forms, but its effectiveness is questioned due to inconsistent application and absorption. Oral finasteride is considered more effective because it consistently reduces systemic DHT, ensuring more reliable results.
Topical androgen receptor antagonists may not be necessary if 5-AR inhibitors like finasteride or dutasteride effectively reduce DHT levels. Combining a 5-AR inhibitor with a topical androgen antagonist could potentially enhance treatment, but oral use of androgen antagonists is too risky due to severe side effects.
Low-dose topical finasteride may reduce scalp DHT with fewer side effects than oral finasteride, though it can still lower blood serum DHT. Users report varying experiences, with some finding topical use effective and side-effect-free, while others note significant DHT suppression.
Finasteride users have mixed experiences with creatine; some experience increased hair loss, while others do not. Finasteride's DHT-blocking effects might counteract any DHT increase from creatine, but individual responses vary.
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.
A Dutasteride Simulator predicts serum dutasteride, serum DHT, and scalp DHT levels using models from research papers. It simulates various dosing schedules to determine steady-state effects and visualizes outcomes, including hair growth-related scalp DHT suppression.
A dutasteride simulator predicts that daily 0.5 mg dosing results in higher DHT suppression compared to less frequent dosing. Twice-weekly dutasteride may be as effective as finasteride 5 mg, providing a balance between efficacy and ease of use.
A new therapy aimed at destroying DHT receptors in the scalp is still in early trials and may take at least 5 years to become available. A sugar-like solution similar to Minoxidil is also in early testing stages and not yet commercialized.
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 user is seeking advice on adding dutasteride to their finasteride regimen to stop DHT-related scalp itch. They have tried selenium sulfide and ketoconazole shampoos with temporary success.
Exploring hair loss treatments beyond DHT, including Minoxidil, pyruvate, Gt20029 targeting androgen receptors, and vasodilators. Other options like Kx826, adenosine signaling, growth factor topicals, and microneedling are also discussed.
A user experienced no reduction in DHT levels after 8 months of finasteride, despite initial improvement in hair loss. They are considering switching to dutasteride but are concerned about potential side effects.
The conversation discusses the use of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss in transgender women, particularly in relation to testosterone suppression. The original poster has been using dutasteride and is considering stopping it due to undetectable testosterone levels.
Trans women discuss using finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss and whether to continue after testosterone suppression. One user reduced dutasteride dosage after achieving undetectable testosterone levels.
The user is experiencing scalp itching despite using finasteride and Ketoconazole shampoo for hair loss and seborrheic dermatitis. They are unsure if the itch is due to their treatments, diet, or mental factors.
Increased scalp itching during shedding phases while on finasteride treatment may coincide with hair regrowth and recovery. This suggests that itching might not always indicate continued hair loss and could encourage persistence with the treatment.
The conversation discusses the conflicting information about Zinc's effect on DHT and its role in hair loss. It mentions that Zinc can act as a 5AR inhibitor at high doses but may increase DHT if taken to correct a deficiency, and highlights the importance of nutritional balance for hair health.
The conversation discusses the molecular structures of compounds that reduce DHT levels, including finasteride and Ashwagandha. It explores the potential of using Ashwagandha topically as a 5a reductase inhibitor.
A 21-year-old male managed to control his hair loss using Nizoral, RU58841, and finasteride, but experienced increased scalp itchiness after starting creatine, which subsided upon stopping creatine. Users shared mixed experiences on whether creatine affects hair loss, with some reporting negative effects and others seeing no change or defending its benefits.
A 27-year-old man shared his hormonal panel results after one year of taking finasteride 1mg/day for hair loss, showing his DHT levels nearly doubled. He reported stabilized hair loss with mild side effects that resolved, and he is considering a hair transplant but is concerned about the increased DHT levels and potential treatment options.
The conversation is about using natural DHT blockers like pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto extract for hair loss. The user has been using minoxidil, derma rolling, vitamin D, and biotin but is considering finasteride next.
Tretinoin's effectiveness for hair regrowth alone is questioned, with interest in its use with oral minoxidil. The discussion also considers whether finasteride or dutasteride is the better DHT blocker and if switching to dutasteride is advisable for those without side effects from finasteride.
The post is an update on the user's hair loss journey. They have a strong hair follicle that has remained unaffected by hair loss for almost 3 years. The user is starting finasteride and using ketoconazole, alfatradiol, and oral castor oil for hair maintenance.
Theaflavin, a black tea extract, may inhibit DHT and androgen receptor activity, but its effectiveness for hair loss is debated. Users report no significant improvement with theaflavin, while some find beta sitosterol helpful.
Hair growth can be induced without stopping DHT, as seen with Minoxidil. HMI115 may work by promoting follicle growth, not targeting the root cause of hair loss (DHT).
Mango oil may inhibit DKK1 and DHT, potentially aiding hair growth by activating the Wnt signaling pathway. A user plans to test mango leaves juice and other Ayurvedic products for hair regrowth.
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.
The conversation is about identifying nutritional factors that should be checked and supplemented to address diffuse hair loss, including Vitamin D, Biotin, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Iron, Zinc, Protein, and Omega-3. No specific treatments were mentioned.