The conversation is about starting finasteride for hair loss, with concerns about high free testosterone and potential side effects like gynecomastia. The user plans to address vitamin deficiencies before beginning the treatment.
Finasteride's impact on fertility is discussed, with users sharing experiences of conceiving while on the medication. Concerns about long-term safety are also mentioned.
A 32-year-old male started taking 0.5mg of finasteride daily for hair thinning and, after 8 weeks, experienced a 70% reduction in DHT and an increase in estradiol; he is currently in the shedding phase of treatment and questioning if the dosage is correct based on his DHT levels. He began with a lower dose due to already low normal testosterone and DHT levels.
A user is considering starting finasteride for hair thinning but is concerned about side effects like low libido and gynecomastia. They plan to consult a dermatologist and are advised to test DHT, testosterone, and estradiol levels.
Dutasteride may affect testosterone levels, leading to high ferritin and iron levels, which can cause hair loss. High ferritin might be linked to past heavy drinking or hemochromatosis.
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 19-year-old transgender individual is experiencing worsening temple recession despite taking female hormones and 1.25mg finasteride. They are seeking advice on additional treatments to address hair loss.
The conversation discusses using Tribulus Terrestris and Zinc to boost libido while on finasteride, with some users reporting success in increasing libido despite no testosterone boost. The original poster also considers reducing finasteride dosage and using Cialis for libido and bodybuilding purposes.
Finasteride can reduce semen volume due to prostate shrinkage but doesn't affect fertility. To increase semen volume, consider zinc, lecithin, and reducing finasteride dosage.
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.
User is experiencing hair thinning and sebum overproduction after starting finasteride and a hair growth supplement containing biotin, iron, zinc, and calcium. They suspect the finasteride might be fake but have noticed a side effect of watery semen.
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to hair loss, and supplementation with vitamin D can improve conditions like androgenic alopecia and telogen effluvium. Users discussed various dosages of vitamin D, emphasizing the importance of getting blood tests to determine the appropriate amount.
A 30-year-old man experienced significant hair regrowth and improved libido after using finasteride and dutasteride for androgenetic alopecia, with no adverse effects. He plans to reduce dutasteride dosage when trying to conceive and has been using topical minoxidil since 2015.
The user has been taking 1mg finasteride daily for a year with no improvement in hair loss and reports low cortisol levels, sleep issues, and anxiety changes. The conversation includes discussions on the potential effects of finasteride on cortisol and neurosteroids, with suggestions to consult a doctor and consider other factors.
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.
The conversation is about using finasteride for hair loss and considering supplements like ginseng or ashwagandha to boost testosterone levels. Concerns are raised about potential negative effects on hair due to increased DHT conversion, and it's suggested that natural testosterone boosters may not significantly impact those with already high testosterone levels.
User experienced good results with topical finasteride, noting reduced DHT and increased testosterone. They plan to revert to a lower dosage after observing slight libido reduction.
A 23-year-old male taking 0.25 mg finasteride for 40 days noticed reduced hair shedding and improved hair texture but experienced watery semen, which might be temporary. Overejaculation and finasteride can cause this, and it usually resolves, but consulting a healthcare provider is advised if it persists.
FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.
The user reduced serum DHT by 60% using Advanced Trichology's natural DHT blocker but saw no improvement in hair loss. They are considering switching to finasteride due to its proven effectiveness in inhibiting scalp DHT.
A 25-year-old male experiencing diffuse thinning is advised to address high TSH levels and low iron, and consider treatments like finasteride. Weight loss and improved diet are also suggested to potentially help with hair health.
Low estrogen levels may reduce the risk of side effects from finasteride, such as gynecomastia. Some users plan to start with microneedling and minoxidil before trying finasteride, while others have experienced temporary side effects from topical finasteride but continued use without persistent issues.
A serum containing Centella asiatica extracellular vesicles, IGF-1, FGF-7, and caffeine significantly improved hair thickness, density, length, and reduced hair loss after 56 days. The conversation also discusses how treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole address different aspects of hair loss by reducing DHT, improving blood flow, and lowering inflammation.
A user discovered they have naturally low DHT levels and is concerned about taking finasteride, which could further lower these levels. They are seeking advice on whether to proceed with the treatment given their hormone levels are within the normal range.
The user is starting dutasteride mesotherapy and seeks information on checking serum DHT levels in Germany. They previously tried finasteride but experienced unpleasant side effects.
The conversation provides a detailed list of blood tests recommended before starting finasteride to establish a baseline for monitoring potential side effects. A shorter list is also provided for those with limited funds, and the user shares personal experience of using finasteride without issues for about nine years.
The conversation discusses hair loss treatment options, focusing on finasteride and its potential effects on gynecomastia. The user is considering finasteride while managing hormone levels with supplements like boron, vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and P5P, and is advised to consult an endocrinologist for further evaluation.
Saw palmetto, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, caused unexpected side effects like breast changes and altered semen consistency, which resolved after stopping its use. Concerns about similar side effects with finasteride or dutasteride were expressed, and another user reported low libido and depression from saw palmetto.