Hair regrowth treatments for cis-males include Minoxidil, Finasteride, and RU58841. Estrogen and testosterone blockers can help restore hair loss but may not suit everyone.
Higher doses of dutasteride reduce scalp DHT more effectively than finasteride, but have diminishing returns after 3mg daily and may cause more side effects. Combining dutasteride with topical minoxidil can enhance results, but using both finasteride and dutasteride together is unnecessary.
The conversation concludes that finasteride, a 5α-Reductase inhibitor used for hair loss, does not impair cognition either short-term or long-term. It suggests "brain fog" is not caused by the medication.
Finasteride and dutasteride are discussed for hair loss, with concerns about their effects on neurosteroids and potential side effects like depression. Alternatives like topical estrogen and lifestyle changes are considered, with varying opinions on mental health and hair regrowth.
The conversation discusses how different factors can stimulate type 1 and type 2 isoforms of 5-alpha reductase, which are enzymes linked to hair loss. Specific treatments mentioned include oral Dutasteride and topical Finasteride.
A user reported a significant reduction in DHT levels after 3 months of taking 1mg/day oral finasteride, along with using minoxidil foam, microneedling, and Nutrafol vitamins. They hope this will lead to hair growth and less shedding.
Intermittent finasteride dosing, like taking it every third day, may reduce side effects while still lowering DHT levels. Users report side effects such as brain fog and weaker erections, which often subside after stopping the drug.
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.
The post discusses using a topical tincture containing zinc, azelaic acid, and other ingredients to inhibit 5 alpha-reductase activity for treating hair loss. The user plans to try this natural alternative before using finasteride or RU58841.
FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.
Beta-sitosterol may inhibit 5-alpha reductase type 2 enzyme, potentially reducing DHT levels and promoting hair growth, similar to finasteride but possibly with fewer side effects. Its effectiveness and side effects compared to other treatments like saw palmetto and finasteride remain uncertain due to limited research.
User ItchyRaccoon experienced significant hair loss reduction using Eucapil after trying low-dose topical finasteride with no results. Some replies mention that shed hair counts are not reliable indicators of hair loss progression or regression.
A 17-year-old is looking for alternatives to finasteride for DHT control to preserve hair, considering ketoconazole shampoo for its potential to inhibit 5AR and also thinking about using caffeine-containing shampoos like alpecin or watermans.
Glycine supplementation may increase 5-alpha reductase activity, potentially affecting hair loss. Users discuss its impact on hair fall and its role in the body.
Pumpkin Seed Oil and Perilla Oil (with alpha-lipoic acid, linoleic acid, and oleic acid) are discussed as potential 5alpha-reductase inhibitors. The conversation focuses on their effectiveness for hair loss treatment.
Caffeine may promote hair growth and potentially inhibit 5-α-reductase activity in hair follicles, but its effectiveness and systemic impact remain unclear. Users discuss using topical caffeine solutions, with some experiencing no side effects compared to finasteride.
The user experienced prolonged hair shedding after restarting oral minoxidil (OM) at 2.5 mg in September 2023, following a break due to hypertrichosis. Despite seeing regrowth, the shedding has not decreased after 11 weeks on the increased dosage.
Dutasteride 0.5 mg significantly reduces both scalp and hair follicle DHT, with a greater reduction in hair follicle DHT. The discussion questions which reduction is more important for androgenetic alopecia and diffuse thinning.
A user experienced hair thinning and scalp issues after using a sebum-regulating shampoo and perm treatments. They are advised to consider potential allergies, try a simple shampoo, and research treatments like finasteride for possible male pattern baldness.
Rosemary Oil may inhibit the activity of 5α-Reductase, potentially promoting hair growth. Specific treatments discussed include Minoxidil, Finasteride, and RU58841.
Hair loss therapies focusing on hair follicle sugar metabolism and aldose reductase. Potential treatments include magnesium supplements, avoiding high glycemic index foods, and antioxidants.
The conversation is about determining which type of Saw Palmetto, either Chamaerops humilis or Serenoa repens, is effective for inhibiting the 5 alpha reductase enzyme related to hair loss. Specific treatments mentioned are Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.
Minoxidil can inhibit collagen production, potentially causing premature aging. The user is inquiring if Vitamin C serum or derma rolling can counteract this effect.
Topical dutasteride 0.05% is more effective for hair growth than oral finasteride 1mg, with minimal DHT reduction. The formulation uses castor oil and MCTs for better absorption but is not widely available until 2028.
Finasteride and dutasteride, used for hair loss, can cause sexual dysfunction, depression, and suicidal thoughts, with some effects persisting after stopping. The post stresses the importance of being aware of these risks.
The post is a humorous take on the author's experience with hair loss and using finasteride for six months. The conversation includes discussions about hair loss, treatments like finasteride, and personal experiences with baldness.
The reduction in scalp oiliness is likely due to finasteride reducing DHT levels and the use of ketoconazole shampoo. The combination of these treatments may have decreased sebum production.
A user experienced no reduction in DHT levels after 8 months of finasteride, despite initial improvement in hair loss. They are considering switching to dutasteride but are concerned about potential side effects.
Blocking the Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier and using aldose reductase inhibitors like Indian gooseberry and berberine may help with hair growth. Magnesium can also be added to increase NADPH.