27F with androgenic alopecia since 17 seeks treatment. Tried spironolactone, caused low blood pressure; believes finasteride is safer and wants to try it.
The user got blood work to check hormone levels before starting Finasteride for hair loss and is seeking advice on interpreting the results. They are considering hormone levels in relation to potential side effects of Finasteride.
The conversation is about which blood markers to test before starting a 5-AR inhibitor for hair loss. The user mentions already testing Total T, Free T, SHBG, Estradiol, Haematocrit, Red blood cell count, and White cell count, and asks if DHT or additional markers are needed.
The user maintained hair with minoxidil, alfatradiol, and fluridil after stopping finasteride due to erectile dysfunction. They recently added pyrilutamide and are seeking feedback on its effectiveness after six months of use.
A user reported using a topical hair loss treatment containing Minoxidil, Dutasteride, and other ingredients, noting a significant drop in DHT levels and a smaller decrease in testosterone after three months. They also mentioned microneedling, feeling fine with unchanged or increased libido, and taking Cialis as a preventative measure for performance issues.
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.
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.
The conversation discusses GT20029, a compound by Kintor Pharma that degrades androgen receptors and is in trials, with potential as a hair loss cure. Another promising treatment mentioned is an antibody that blocks prolactin and has shown positive results in macaques.
Despite using 5% minoxidil, 0.1% finasteride, and other treatments like microneedling, MK-677, and Cialis, hair loss continues with high testosterone and DHT levels. Considering oral dutasteride but concerned about further increasing testosterone levels.
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.
Oral minoxidil dosing should be based on body weight to minimize side effects, with higher doses increasing risks like pericardial effusion. Combining oral minoxidil with topical treatments and finasteride can improve hair growth, but regular heart health monitoring is essential.
Concerns about the long-term safety of VDPHL01, an extended-release minoxidil, due to potential risks similar to Cantu syndrome, were raised, highlighting the lack of monitoring for chronic connective tissue changes. The conversation suggests that while the treatment may improve hair growth, it could lead to issues not detected in short-term trials.
A dermatologist prescribed 0.625mg of oral minoxidil daily without a DHT blocker, which some users disagree with, suggesting a combination with finasteride or dutasteride for better results. Others argue starting with a low dose of minoxidil is standard to test tolerance before considering additional treatments.
Body hair is more resilient than scalp hair due to different gene expressions and DHT sensitivity. Treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are used for hair loss, but they have varying effects on body and scalp hair.
Liver problems may reduce the effectiveness of oral minoxidil due to impaired SULT1A1 enzyme activity, which is crucial for converting minoxidil to its active form. This reduction in enzyme function can significantly decrease the drug's effectiveness in promoting hair growth.
New hair growth from minoxidil and finasteride is not reaching full length, possibly due to slow growth cycles. Users discuss dosing strategies for oral minoxidil to improve efficacy and minimize side effects, with advice against consuming topical minoxidil orally.
A dutasteride simulator predicts that daily 0.5 mg dosing results in higher DHT suppression compared to less frequent dosing. Twice-weekly dutasteride may be as effective as finasteride 5 mg, providing a balance between efficacy and ease of use.
Topical finasteride is almost as effective as oral finasteride with fewer side effects. Users are considering between oral and topical finasteride for hair loss treatment.
Oral minoxidil has gained popularity as a hair loss treatment, with more online discussions and research showing it's safe in low doses. A viral New York Times article also contributed to its increased acceptance.
P5P supplementation helped reverse finasteride side effects, particularly by lowering prolactin levels and restoring sensitivity. The user experienced significant improvement within a day and full recovery in a few days.
Finasteride significantly increased testosterone levels for the user, with no major side effects except watery semen, which was resolved with zinc supplements. The user's hairline stopped receding and slightly improved.
The safety of combining alfatradiol and fluridil with finasteride as a potential treatment for male pattern baldness, which is approved in the European Union. Other treatments such as minoxidil and RU58841 were also discussed.
The conversation is about adding a topical anti-androgen to a hair loss treatment regimen that includes dutasteride and oral minoxidil. The user is considering topical finasteride or dutasteride, Nizoral shampoo, KX-826, and topical spironolactone, while avoiding RU58841 due to safety concerns.
RU and Pyri block androgen receptors to prevent hair loss but may also hinder hair regrowth since they prevent testosterone, which can stimulate hair growth, from binding to these receptors. The user is questioning if this understanding is correct.
Finasteride can affect hormone levels within two weeks, and a break of several weeks is recommended for baseline results. Monitoring E2 and testosterone is suggested to assess the risk of gynecomastia.
Finasteride not only inactivates the 5a reductase enzyme but also affects the 5b reductase enzyme in a dose-dependent manner, which can impact sexual behavior and brain activity. The user experienced significant hair regrowth and side effects on 1mg of finasteride, which diminished after reducing the dose to 0.5mg, leading to no side effects and further hair improvement.
Dr. Kyle Gillet mentioned on Dr. Andrew Huberman's podcast that dutasteride mesotherapy blocks DHT conversion only in the scalp and is the most promising topical treatment. Users discussed concerns about systemic absorption and the practicality of dutasteride injections.
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.
The user shared their bloodwork results showing DHT at 17 ng/dl and testosterone at 287 ng/dl, with a slight Vitamin D deficiency. They are seeking opinions on these levels and have an upcoming dermatologist appointment.