Hair loss is linked to cellular physiology and the IGF-1 to TGF-B1 ratio, not just androgen sensitivity. The theory lacks evidence, while finasteride and minoxidil are effective treatments.
The post and conversation discuss the link between DHT (a hormone), scalp itchiness, and hair loss. Some users share their experiences and treatments, including the use of fluconazole, corticosteroids, and ketoconazole shampoo, with one user suspecting minoxidil as a potential cause of their symptoms.
Long-term use of finasteride and dutasteride may be linked to health risks like fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dry eye disease, and potential kidney disease. Some users believe the risks are low and the medications are generally safe.
The conclusion of the conversation is that some individuals may experience a condition called reactionary hypergonadism when taking dutasteride for hair loss. This condition can lead to an increase in testosterone levels, which may worsen hair loss instead of improving it.
Topical estradiol may help with hair loss but can have systemic effects, like reduced testosterone production. Using estrogen blockers can have negative side effects, such as joint pain and reduced sex drive.
The conversation discusses how different factors can stimulate type 1 and type 2 isoforms of 5-alpha reductase, which are enzymes linked to hair loss. Specific treatments mentioned include oral Dutasteride and topical Finasteride.
A user on 1mg finasteride for a year has low estradiol levels but no significant symptoms, and others suggest monitoring without immediate concern. Some users discuss potential effects of low estrogen, like low libido, but the user reports no erectile dysfunction.
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.
Finasteride can impact neurosteroids, potentially causing depression and other side effects in some users. Despite these concerns, many continue using it for hair loss, with some switching to topical applications to mitigate side effects.
A 25-year-old is experiencing chronic telogen effluvium (TE) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA) after surgery, using finasteride, red light therapy, and supplements, and considering oral minoxidil despite heart concerns. They are unsure whether to start minoxidil before or after an upcoming surgery, which may trigger another hair shed.
A 21-year-old is concerned about androgenic alopecia and has been using minoxidil for a year, noticing some stabilization in the hairline but fears using it on the whole scalp due to seborrheic dermatitis. Another person suggests considering a psychiatrist for stress management, using Nizoral shampoo, and possibly trying a small dose of finasteride.
Finasteride can increase estrogen levels, causing dizziness and nausea. Users discuss adjusting treatment and diet, and explore alternatives for hair loss management.
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 user found out they are vitamin D deficient and was prescribed high-dose vitamin D supplements, asking if others had similar experiences and if it improved their hair. Some shared improved mood and testosterone levels after treatment, while another combined vitamin D supplements with finasteride due to family history of baldness.
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 woman experiencing hormonal hair loss is on dutasteride and bicalutamide, which initially improved her hair, but she is now experiencing a second shedding phase with significant short hair loss. Despite normal hormone levels and no deficiencies, she is unsure if this shedding is normal and seeks advice.
Excess Vitamin A and topical retinoids can cause diffuse hair shedding. The user suspects their chronic telogen effluvium may be linked to using adapalene, a topical retinoid.
Low oxytocin levels in hair are linked to reduced empathy and may affect hair growth. Cinnamic acid can promote hair growth by activating oxytocin receptors.
Why androgenic alopecia affects the scalp rather than other body parts, potential explanations for this phenomenon, treatments available to combat hair loss, and the implications of male attractiveness in modern society.
A 22-year-old male experienced hair thinning and found minoxidil ineffective, with blood tests showing deficiencies in zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D3, and possible hypothyroidism. Another user suggested adding topical finasteride to the regimen, which helped them regrow hair effectively without side effects.
The user experienced high estradiol levels after using topical finasteride at 0.1 mg/day, which normalized after discontinuation. They are questioning if this low dosage could significantly impact hormone levels.
A 19-year-old concerned about long-term effects of 5AR inhibitors on physical appearance. They have used finasteride and plan to try dutasteride or RU58841; responses suggest improved skin, hair, and confidence.
The conversation is about a user preparing to join the ABS-201 clinical trial for hair loss treatment, which involves a prolactin inhibitor. The user plans to update others on their progress if enrolled.
The conversation discusses managing gynecomastia symptoms potentially caused by finasteride use, with treatments including reducing finasteride dosage, using DIM, ashwagandha, tamoxifen, epistane, and arimistane. Users share experiences and advice on balancing testosterone and estrogen levels to address symptoms.
OP experienced significant hair regrowth after recovering from iron deficiency anemia and starting minoxidil. They suspect anemia contributed more to their hair loss than androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.
Gym and creatine can cause hair loss by increasing testosterone and androgenic activity. DHT blockers may help some, while others need androgen suppression with topical AA like RU or Pyri.
Stopping finasteride may reduce water retention or alter fat distribution, leading to a leaner face. Hormonal changes, like reduced DHT or increased estrogen, could cause these effects.
A user reports persistent sexual side effects three months after stopping finasteride, despite a healthy lifestyle and supplements. They express concern over the lack of libido and infrequent erections.
The post discusses the potential of upregulating aromatase to treat hair loss, suggesting that increasing CCL2 levels through Vitamin D or microneedling might help. The user questions why microneedling doesn't work for everyone, especially those with advanced hair loss.