Finasteride and dutasteride may increase estrogen levels, leading to water retention and a fuller face. Users discuss managing these effects with lifestyle changes and supplements like zinc and DIM.
User switched from finasteride to combination dutasteride and finasteride for hair density improvement. They noticed less hair shedding and more youthful skin, with a reply suggesting less DHT could increase elastin in skin.
Creatine may increase scalp DHT without affecting serum DHT, potentially speeding up male pattern baldness (MPB) for those genetically prone. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.
The conversation is about hair loss treatments, including minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, tretinoin, stemoxydine, adenosine, castor oil, baicalin, and bimatoprost. The user shares their nightly and morning routines and discusses the role of DHT in hair loss.
Experimenting with the effects of creatine and finasteride on DHT levels, as well as a discussion regarding the potential link between creatine supplementation and hair loss.
A 30-year-old woman with androgenetic alopecia is considering bicalutamide to slow hair loss but is concerned about its impact on muscle growth due to its anti-androgen effects. Alternatives suggested include dutasteride, spironolactone, RU58841, and minoxidil, with concerns about bicalutamide's side effects.
The user has been using a strong combination of hair loss treatments for 16 months, including Finasteride, Minoxidil, Dutasteride, and RU-58841, but their hair loss has worsened. They're questioning whether their high testosterone levels or residual scalp DHT are causing further hair loss, with a reply suggesting that even small amounts of DHT can cause hair loss if one is sensitive to it.
Adding vitamins like zinc, iron, biotin, and vitamin D to finasteride and minoxidil may help with hair loss. Some users are skeptical about the study's validity due to its precise numbers.
The conclusion of the conversation is that some individuals may experience a condition called reactionary hypergonadism when taking dutasteride for hair loss. This condition can lead to an increase in testosterone levels, which may worsen hair loss instead of improving it.
Dutasteride mesotherapy in women with metabolic syndrome accelerated hair loss after initial regrowth, while women without metabolic syndrome saw continuous regrowth. The user with mild insulin resistance is hesitant to try topical dutasteride and seeks experiences from others with insulin resistance.
GT20029 is a topical treatment that degrades androgen receptors to prevent hair thinning and loss, potentially offering fewer side effects than systemic treatments like finasteride. Concerns include its impact on hair texture and potential systemic effects, with market availability speculated in 3 to 5 years.
The user is concerned that drinking spearmint tea while on finasteride might harm sperm count, mobility, and testosterone levels, despite seeing positive effects on hair. They seek advice on whether to continue or stop the tea.
A user experienced accelerated hairline recession after adding dutasteride to their regimen of topical finasteride and minoxidil, despite reduced hair shedding. They were informed that ELISA testing for DHT levels can be highly inaccurate.
A 24-year-old male experienced side effects like low libido and ED after starting finasteride post-hair transplant and is seeking alternatives to reduce scalp DHT. Suggestions include topical finasteride, Xpecia, DHT-reducing shampoos, and switching to dutasteride, with some users reporting fewer side effects with these alternatives.
The user is experiencing breast tenderness and lumps after three weeks on 0.5 mg oral finasteride, a common side effect. They also report mild brain fog and fatigue but are less concerned about these symptoms.
The user experienced a significant drop in libido and erectile issues after increasing their finasteride dosage, combining oral and topical treatments. They plan to take a break and resume using a lower concentration of topical finasteride to manage side effects.
GT20029 showed significant hair growth and safety in phase II trials, with no adverse sexual events. Users are hopeful but concerned about future costs and systemic effects.
The conversation is about whether testing for free DHT is necessary before starting Finasteride for hair loss, despite having other hormone tests available. One person suggests that genetic response to DHT is more important than DHT levels and advises starting Finasteride without the free DHT test.
Topical spironolactone 5% is being discussed for its effectiveness in treating hair loss, specifically receding temples. The user is inquiring if it works similarly to finasteride as a testosterone blocker.
Vitamin D supplementation may have led to slight hair regrowth and density improvement. Other treatments discussed include finasteride, minoxidil, and maintaining optimal vitamin D levels.
Estrogen injections significantly improved hair growth, particularly on the crown, after stopping finasteride. Monotherapy with estrogen led to hairline improvement, but also caused sterility and potential feminization effects.
Hair loss treatments discussed include 200mg Spiro, bicalutamide, and finasteride. Endocrinologist advises against bicalutamide and finasteride due to potency and risks.
Whey protein and BCAAs may increase testosterone levels, potentially accelerating hair loss, but opinions vary on their impact. Some users suggest monitoring diet and hair health, while others believe the effect is minimal compared to DHT's role in balding.
The user has been taking dutasteride for 8 months and finasteride before that, with normal DHT levels but high estradiol and prolactin, leading to sexual side effects. The user is disappointed with these results.
A user has been taking finasteride 1mg for 10 years without side effects but is concerned about high estradiol levels affecting weight loss. Another user suggests using estradiol blockers under medical supervision to manage the levels.
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.
A 26-year-old male is documenting his hair regrowth journey using 0.5mg dutasteride and 5mg oral minoxidil, transitioning from 5% topical minoxidil. He reports no significant side effects after one week, except for slight water retention and increased libido.
After nearly four months on finasteride, a user noticed improved hair quality but developed nipple puffiness, suggesting early signs of gynecomastia. They considered switching to other treatments like CB-03-01 or RU58841 and contemplated consulting an endocrinologist about aromatase inhibitors.
Zinc picolinate and saw palmetto may lower DHT but are less effective than finasteride. Finasteride and minoxidil are preferred treatments, with ketoconazole shampoo as a suggested addition.