27F with androgenic alopecia since 17 seeks treatment. Tried spironolactone, caused low blood pressure; believes finasteride is safer and wants to try it.
A person considering finasteride for hair loss checked their hormone levels before starting treatment. They are concerned about the potential increase in estradiol and its effects, as well as the impact on their sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and free testosterone levels.
A 21-year-old experienced hormone changes after using self-made topical finasteride for hair loss, including a 20% decrease in DHT, a 47% increase in testosterone, and a 39% increase in estradiol. The user previously used minoxidil and microneedling but is now seeking ways to balance hormones, possibly through supplements or dosage adjustments.
The user started using oral minoxidil and estradiol in August 2025, added finasteride in December, and experienced significant hair shedding in February/March. They switched to estradiol injections and are considering their hair washing routine, while another user suggested consulting a dermatologist and possibly trying dutasteride.
The conversation discusses a transgender individual's successful hair loss treatment over 1.5 years using 2.5mg oral minoxidil, 5mg finasteride, and 8mg weekly injectable estradiol valerate. Some users debate the appropriateness of this approach within the group's goals, while others support the individualized treatment and its additional benefits for transgender individuals.
The user has been using finasteride for 15 months, minoxidil for 4.5 months, and estrogen monotherapy for 4.5 months. Their current regimen includes finasteride, minoxidil, alfatradiol, and estradiol gel.
Finasteride may affect neurosteroids, impacting mood and sexual function, with varied user experiences. Some report side effects like depression and sexual dysfunction, while others find it effective for hair retention or prefer alternatives like Dutasteride or topical treatments.
Low testosterone and estradiol may contribute to hair loss, and blocking DHT without sufficient hormone levels might hinder regrowth. The discussion highlights the importance of hormone balance, with some considering supplements and lifestyle changes to support hair health.
Stemoxydine's effects on hair growth are uncertain and not well-studied, with users reporting mixed results and concerns about maintaining gains. Some users combine it with 5AR inhibitors like Dutasteride, but results vary, and conditions like lichen planopilaris complicate treatment.
The user is concerned about high DHT levels despite using finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss, suggesting these treatments may not be effective. They plan to consult an endocrinologist and consider other antiandrogens, acknowledging potential side effects.
A user is experiencing side effects from topical finasteride and is considering using a low dose of anastrozole to manage potential gynecomastia while continuing finasteride for hair loss. They are unsure whether to start the aromatase inhibitor immediately or wait to see if their body adjusts.
RU-58642 is a powerful anti-androgen that was not developed further, possibly due to safety concerns or financial reasons. RU58841 is a topical alternative, but it is less effective than finasteride and dutasteride, and its long-term effects are not well-studied.
Elevated bile acids can inhibit the enzyme AKR1C2, leading to increased DHT levels, which may accelerate hair loss in those predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. Treatments mentioned include topical minoxidil and finasteride.
Combining dutasteride and an aromatase inhibitor may increase testosterone levels significantly, potentially enhancing athletic performance but also posing health risks like elevated blood pressure and worsened cholesterol. The user is experimenting with dutasteride, anastrozole, minoxidil, and ketoconazole shampoo to manage hair loss and estradiol levels, while monitoring side effects and hormone levels.
Finasteride can cause gynecomastia, which may be reversible by stopping the drug and using selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like tamoxifen. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and avoiding alcohol can also help, but surgery may be needed if the condition persists.
The conversation is about the effectiveness and production of GT20029, a drug being developed as a topical androgen receptor degrader for hair loss, and whether it can fully degrade androgen receptors or only partially. It also discusses the drug's potential unique working mechanism and synthesis by a company called Anagen.
Spironolactone is more potent and lowers testosterone and DHT, while dutasteride only impacts DHT. For female hair loss, checking hormones and considering treatments like oral minoxidil, spironolactone, or topical minoxidil is recommended.
Dutasteride may inhibit androgen receptors in addition to reducing DHT, potentially explaining its effectiveness over finasteride for hair loss. Concerns about its impact on muscle growth are debated, with some suggesting no significant effects.
A trans woman is curious about the impact of HRT on hair regrowth and scalp tension. Her current regimen includes finasteride, spironolactone, estradiol, ketoconazole, vitamin D, iron, and plans to add oral minoxidil and restart derma rolling.
The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, focusing on the use of topical minoxidil, microneedling, finasteride, and dutasteride, while debating the role of testosterone and DHT in hair loss. It also touches on the potential liver health impacts of these treatments and the genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens.
User considers adding Alfatradiol to their topical finasteride treatment for hair loss. Others discuss Alfatradiol as a weak estrogen and 5α-reductase inhibitor used for pattern hair loss in men and women.
Finasteride can cause gynecomastia due to hormonal imbalances. Management includes consulting an endocrinologist and using aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole or supplements like DIM and zinc.
A user shared their experience with Spironolactone for hair loss, noting it stopped hair loss and cleared acne but had side effects like frequent urination and potential kidney damage. They also mentioned Bicalutamide as a potentially more potent DHT blocker with fewer side effects and asked for others' experiences with DHT blockers for women.
PP405 is being discussed as a potential hair loss treatment, possibly more effective than minoxidil. There are concerns about its effectiveness and product contamination, but some users report early signs of hair regrowth.
A 35-year-old transgender woman experienced hair regrowth with feminizing HRT, adding dutasteride and bicalutamide, and plans a hair transplant for further improvement. Estrogen also improved skin appearance, and the user advises against cisgender men using feminizing HRT for hair regrowth.
Fatty acid metabolic signaling can activate epithelial stem cells for hair regeneration. Oleic and palmitoleic acids showed the best results, but practical application on humans remains uncertain.
The user reported high estradiol levels after one month of using finasteride for hair loss. They discussed potential side effects and adjustments to their treatment plan.
Orient Bio is developing a PLGA formulated version of Cyclosporine A to stimulate hair growth without its immunosuppressant effects. Users discuss various treatments like Clascoterone, PP405, minoxidil, and tacrolimus, expressing hope for new developments and sharing personal experiences with these treatments.
PP405 shows initial promise for treating androgenetic alopecia, with safety confirmed in early trials, but skepticism remains due to limited data. Further trials are needed to determine its true efficacy and potential market impact.
The conversation discusses the effectiveness of Regenera Activia stem cells versus Cellgenic exosomes for hair loss treatment. The user has been using topical minoxidil 5% and 0.001% estradiol for a year without results.