27F with androgenic alopecia since 17 seeks treatment. Tried spironolactone, caused low blood pressure; believes finasteride is safer and wants to try it.
The conversation is about a user planning a blood test to monitor health while on hair loss treatments: Finasteride, Minoxidil, and Dutasteride. Recommendations include testing for androgens, thyroid function, micronutrients, and basic health markers, with additional suggestions for PSA, prolactin, and estradiol.
The user shared their hormone levels over time while using finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss. They experienced a significant drop in DHT levels but continued to lose hair, hoping for better results in the future.
A 19-year-old male with no family history of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is experiencing hair loss and considering using a topical minoxidil and finasteride mixture. Despite low vitamin D levels and normal DHT serum levels, he seeks confirmation of AGA before starting treatment.
The user stopped using finasteride after two weeks due to gynecomastia symptoms and shared blood work results questioning if they indicate a cause for the side effects. The user is considering restarting finasteride and seeking advice on their blood work levels in relation to gynecomastia.
A user has been taking finasteride for 5 months with no improvement in diffuse hair loss and suspects high levels of prolactin, cortisol, progesterone, and DHEAS, as well as iron, might be contributing to the issue. They are also taking vitamin D to address a deficiency.
Dutasteride effectively reduces DHT levels and significantly increases testosterone levels. Users are cautious about adding oral minoxidil due to potential heart issues and are considering dosage adjustments with medical guidance.
The impact of creatine on DHT levels, and whether it could cause accelerated male pattern baldness (MPB). The user taking a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor found that their DHT levels actually reduced despite taking creatine for nine weeks. Replies suggested looking into testosterone levels as well and debating the safety of creatine use in relation to MPB.
The user wants to donate plasma to save for a hair transplant but can't take finasteride or dutasteride due to plasma center restrictions. They are considering using minoxidil and biotin instead and are seeking advice on alternative treatments.
The conversation discusses starting low-dose oral finasteride for hair loss, considering hormone levels and potential side effects like gynecomastia. Suggestions include using DIM for estradiol, vitamin B6 for prolactin, and lifestyle changes to optimize hormone profiles before starting treatment.
People are discussing the use of finasteride for hair loss and the importance of hormonal blood testing to monitor effects like changes in DHT and estradiol levels. Some users also mention using minoxidil and the potential side effects of estradiol, such as gynecomastia, especially at higher doses.
The conversation discusses the idea of naturally lowering testosterone levels to potentially reduce DHT and help with hair loss, though it is speculative and not tested by the original poster. Participants suggest using treatments like finasteride, dutasteride, or RU58841 instead, as they directly target DHT without reducing testosterone.
The user has been taking 0.5 finasteride for 10 months and wants to repeat blood tests, including estradiol. However, their doctor is reluctant to test estradiol, arguing it's typically low in men, and the user is considering seeking a second opinion.
A user is considering starting finasteride for hair loss and shares their hormone levels, with others suggesting checking SHBG and discussing potential side effects. Some recommend starting with 0.5 mg finasteride, while others suggest considering dutasteride.
A 21-year-old male suffering from male pattern baldness is using topical finasteride and minoxidil, and oral minoxidil. His bloodwork shows normal DHT levels and slightly high testosterone, leading to discussions about the role of DHT sensitivity in hair loss, the potential impact of finasteride on his DHT levels, and the suggestion to proceed with oral finasteride due to his high testosterone.
A 26-year-old male with high testosterone is experiencing diffuse hair thinning despite using a comprehensive treatment regimen including dutasteride, oral minoxidil, RU58841, ketoconazole shampoo, microneedling, and low-level laser therapy. Suggestions include adjusting dutasteride dosage, monitoring iron levels, and consulting a dermatologist for further evaluation.
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 user has low testosterone and DHT levels and is considering taking finasteride for Norwood 2 hair loss with diffuse thinning. They are seeking advice on whether low DHT indicates high sensitivity to DHT in the scalp and opinions on their lab values.
The conversation discusses the fluctuation of testosterone levels in men under 40 and the difference between serum DHT and scalp DHT. It also mentions that DHT levels are higher on Dutasteride than on Finasteride, which is unusual.
The user has been using dutasteride and finasteride but still experiences hair loss and high DHT levels. They plan to try topical finasteride and RU58841 while continuing dutasteride to see if topicals are more effective.
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.
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.
High estradiol levels may contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED) and can be addressed with lifestyle changes or medication. It's important to consult a medical professional for treatment options.
Finasteride increased the user's estrogen levels by 51%, causing concerns about gynecomastia and sleep issues. Despite potential side effects, the user prefers continuing finasteride to prevent hair loss, considering it essential for self-esteem.
Finasteride can quickly raise estradiol levels by blocking DHT, allowing testosterone to convert to estrogen. Taking finasteride for just a few days can affect blood test results.
Finasteride increased testosterone levels from 900 ng/dl to 1200 ng/dl without side effects, improving hair condition. Access to finasteride and minoxidil varies by country, with some places requiring prescriptions and others offering easy access.
A 23-year-old male has been using finasteride and topical minoxidil for 14 months with slight improvement, but recent shedding led him to switch to a new minoxidil formulation without success. He is considering using topical RU58841 or dutasteride to better address scalp DHT, as his bloodwork shows high total testosterone and mid-range DHT levels.
People discussed their experiences with anti-androgens for hair loss, mentioning side effects like chest pains with RU58841 and skepticism due to lack of safety data, while considering Fluridil as a potential addition to treatment. Some users expressed reluctance to use these chemicals.
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 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.