Potential side effects of 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. Users debate risks, benefits, and personal experiences with these hair loss treatments.
Hair loss treatments, specifically the use of oral minoxidil in combination with micro-needling. Oral minoxidil has been found to improve hair density in 90% of patients with a low side effect profile, but using 5mg per day can result in higher side effects including hypertrichosis and edema. Other treatments mentioned include finasteride and RU58841.
A potential treatment for hair loss that involves injecting fat into the scalp; the role of testosterone and estrogen in thinning fat tissue under the skin; research on using lard to treat androgenic alopecia, as well as PRP + ACELL/amniotic stem cell treatments; and ongoing clinical trials by doctors involved in the study.
A user experienced severe sexual side effects and man boobs after 11 months of finasteride use, despite initial positive results for hair growth. They are discontinuing finasteride and caution others about potential risks, suggesting that side effects may be more common than reported.
Some embrace baldness, while others promote treatments like minoxidil and finasteride. Opinions differ on accepting baldness versus pursuing hair regrowth.
User shared progress after 5 months of using finasteride, minoxidil foam, and weekly derma rolling. Positive feedback highlights increased hair count and thickness.
A user is considering using finasteride and minoxidil to address hair loss, particularly at the temples and crown. Responses include encouragement, humor, and additional suggestions like using a derma roller.
Dutasteride significantly reduces DHT levels in hair follicles, potentially more effectively than previously thought. The discussion highlights differences in DHT measurements and the impact on hair loss treatment.
Topical finasteride results in plasma levels 100 times lower than oral finasteride, potentially reducing systemic side effects. Users report similar efficacy with fewer side effects, suggesting a preference for topical application.
Dutasteride at 2.5 mg/day reduces scalp DHT by 80%, while 0.5 mg/day reduces it by 50%, with minimal difference in side effects. Users often combine it with finasteride, RU58841, and minoxidil for better hair loss management, though side effects like dry skin and pimples are noted.
Finasteride significantly lowers allopregnanolone levels, while dutasteride's effect is less clear and may vary. Some users speculate that dutasteride might be healthier for the brain due to its different inhibition pathways.
High prolactin levels may contribute to hair loss, and some users suggest supplements like mucuna pruriens, vitamin B6, vitamin E, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, DIM, and Zinc to lower prolactin. Lifestyle changes to increase dopamine, such as reducing screen time and stress, are also recommended.
High prolactin levels can cause hair loss, and finasteride may increase prolactin. Cabergoline or Vitamin B6 might lower prolactin, but combining them with finasteride requires caution.
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.
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 conversation discusses whether not masturbating (semen retention) affects hair loss, with opinions varying but generally dismissing the idea. Some participants mention using hair loss treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, and RU58841, but the effectiveness and relation to prolactin levels in the scalp are debated.
The user is applying topical finasteride with stemoxydine for hair loss and has noticed hair thickening but no regrowth after two months. They also report high SHBG and prolactin levels and a lack of morning erections, even on low doses of medication.
Reducing sebum can indirectly lower DHT levels, with treatments like accutane, tretinoin, and green tea extract acting as DHT blockers. Accutane can lower DHT levels by reducing 5α-reductase activity, but its impact on hair varies.
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.
Researching and developing an effective local antagonist to block the androgen receptors for hair loss, as opposed to using DHT synthesis inhibitors that lower serum DHT levels. Several treatments such as CosmeRNA and Pyrilutamide are currently in development or undergoing trials.
A 23-year-old with high estrogen levels is considering starting finasteride for hair loss and plans to use a low dose topical treatment while also seeking to lower estrogen levels. They will consult an endocrinologist for further guidance.
The user is concerned about low DHT levels due to using saw palmetto in Foligain supplements and is considering trying finasteride. They seek advice on whether finasteride will also lower DHT and how to manage DHT levels.
Natural vitamins like pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, and ecklonia cava are discussed for their potential to lower DHT levels. They may work similarly to finasteride but are significantly weaker.
The user is considering switching from oral to topical dutasteride and minoxidil due to concerns about mental health effects from lower DHT levels. They are seeking advice on the effectiveness and side effects of this change, including potential hair shedding and density changes.
The user has been using topical finasteride and minoxidil for five months with little progress and is considering oral dutasteride to lower DHT levels, questioning if minoxidil is more effective with reduced DHT. They also use microneedling and tretinoin in their treatment routine.
The post discusses the impact of Ashwagandha on hair loss, highlighting its ability to lower stress levels, which is beneficial for hair health. However, there's uncertainty about its potential to increase testosterone and DHT, which could contribute to hair loss.