A user experienced increased testosterone and estradiol levels after starting finasteride/dutasteride and is asking if these levels will return to normal over time. The conversation focuses on whether these changes are temporary.
A 29-year-old male experienced hair loss and reduced libido after heavy drinking from 2020 to 2024, and began using finasteride (1mg daily) and minoxidil (5% topical, once daily) in January 2026, noticing thicker hair but no new regrowth after three months. He also introduced derma rolling in February and plans to continue treatment for 6–12 months before fully assessing results.
Finasteride increased testosterone and estrogen, stopped hair loss, and promoted regrowth. Users discussed side effects like libido changes and considered adding minoxidil and aromatase inhibitors.
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.
A user experienced decreased free testosterone levels after three months of using finasteride, despite positive results in hair shedding reduction. They are considering switching to topical finasteride and plan to conduct further blood tests, including checking SHBG levels, to understand the hormonal changes.
The user is experiencing low libido and mood swings after starting a low dose of topical finasteride. They are considering further blood tests to investigate low testosterone levels and other hormonal factors.
The conversation discusses the confusion over low testosterone potentially causing hair loss, with users sharing personal experiences and knowledge about hair loss treatments like Finasteride. Some users suggest that hair follicle sensitivity to DHT, not testosterone levels, is the key factor in balding, and others discuss the side effects of hair loss medications.
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.
The conversation is about the role of testosterone in hair loss and the effectiveness of different treatments. The conclusion is that DHT is the main culprit for hair loss, and finasteride has been proven to work long-term in maintaining and regrowing hair. Testosterone may have a minor effect, but it is not the primary cause of hair loss.
User experienced 100% testosterone increase after using Finasteride and Dutasteride for hair loss. Some users discuss potential side effects and reasons for the increase.
Creatine does not increase testosterone or DHT, and there is no evidence it causes hair loss. Some users report improved gym performance and mood with creatine, while others are concerned about potential hair loss, but scientific research does not support these concerns.
User tried various hair loss treatments with limited success. RU58841 was effective but caused side effects, now trying Eucapil and continuing Finasteride.
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 user experienced increased pimples and cysts after two years on dutasteride, possibly due to hormonal changes. Suggestions included seeing an endocrinologist, using supplements like boron and DIM, adjusting diet, and reducing body fat to manage side effects.
Testosterone within the normal range does not significantly contribute to male pattern baldness (MPB); DHT is the main factor that can be controlled. Genetics play a crucial role in hair loss, and treatments like finasteride and dutasteride, which block DHT, can help despite potentially raising testosterone levels.
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.
The conclusion of this conversation about hair loss is that genetics play a significant role in determining hair loss, and specific treatments like finasteride may not be effective against certain compounds like masteron and trenbolone.
A user shared their experience using topical finasteride for 6 months, showing a reduction in DHT levels but no visible improvement in hair loss. They are considering switching to oral finasteride for potentially better results.
Finasteride raises total testosterone but lowers free testosterone, which is important for male health. Users report mixed experiences with their fitness levels and blood test results after using finasteride.
Finasteride is more accepted than hair systems because it is less visible and maintains natural hair. Treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are commonly used for hair loss, but opinions on hair systems vary.
Finasteride may decrease free testosterone by increasing SHBG, potentially causing side effects like reduced libido and hormonal changes. Some find it effective for hair loss, while others experience negative effects.
The conversation discusses whether 2.5mg of dutasteride or 200mg of testosterone weekly is more influential in preventing hair loss, with various personal experiences indicating that the effectiveness is dependent on the individual's genetic profile. Some users report that dutasteride is likely to be more effective at the given doses.
Low Vitamin D can cause hair shedding, and taking 5000 IU of Vitamin D daily reduced shedding significantly. Vitamin D deficiency is common and correcting it can benefit overall health.
The user experimented with finasteride to reduce hair loss and plans to test if creatine affects DHT levels while on finasteride. Initial results showed low DHT levels, indicating finasteride's effectiveness, with further tests planned for creatine's impact.
Minoxidil increases blood supply to the scalp, strengthening dormant follicles and extending the growth phase, but may increase scalp activity that can be countered with DHT blockers. Women experiencing side effects from finasteride or dutasteride for hair loss might consider alternatives like estrogen, especially if on birth control.
Turmeric may slightly inhibit DHT, but it likely doesn't significantly impact hair loss. Creatine might increase DHT levels, but its effect on hair loss is debated and not conclusively proven.
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.