The conversation is about managing allopregnanolone deficiency caused by 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors like finasteride or dutasteride. Specific treatments discussed for hair loss include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.
The release of a study on 5a-reductase inhibitors (finasteride and dutasteride) which showed an increased risk of depression, dementia, decreased libido, and reduced semen load as potential side effects; discussion around other forms of hair loss treatments such as topical minoxidil, RU58841, or opting to accept baldness; and advice to consider professional help for deeper issues related to hair loss.
A 23-year-old experienced severe depression and suicidal thoughts from oral finasteride and is considering trying topical finasteride but is worried about similar side effects. They are currently using RU58841 and Minoxidil and are seeking advice on the lowest effective dose of topical finasteride.
The conversation discusses finasteride for hair loss, especially among those with a history of depression. Users shared mixed experiences, with some reporting no issues and others experiencing worsened depression.
The user does not respond well to minoxidil and is seeking an alternative to Tretinoin to upregulate sulfurtransferase activity for hair loss treatment. No specific alternative treatments were mentioned.
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 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.
The user experienced gynecomastia from finasteride, used raloxifene to treat it, and is now taking both without new gyno symptoms but also without hair regrowth. They are seeking others' experiences with this combination and its effects on hair.
Reishi mushroom is significantly weaker than finasteride for inhibiting 5 alpha reductase, requiring much larger quantities to achieve similar effects. The effectiveness and safety of consuming large amounts of Reishi for hair loss are uncertain.
RU58841 is discussed as a treatment that stops scalp itching when used with finasteride or dutasteride. The user is considering trying RU58841 due to persistent itching despite using the "big 3" treatments.
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.
A user experienced a loss of libido and anhedonia after severe dietary restriction while on Finasteride and Minoxidil for hair loss. They are considering reducing the Finasteride dose or taking a break to see if symptoms improve.
The user is experiencing depression and occasional suicidal thoughts while taking finasteride 1 mg daily for six months and is considering stopping it to see if their mood improves. They are seeking advice from others who may have experienced similar mood changes on finasteride.
The conversation discusses the use of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss in transgender women, particularly in relation to testosterone suppression. The original poster has been using dutasteride and is considering stopping it due to undetectable testosterone levels.
Finasteride and Dutasteride are under review in the EU due to concerns about side effects like depression, but they are unlikely to be banned. Access to these medications varies, with easier availability in the UK compared to some EU countries.
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.
A peptide-based delivery system for finasteride shows promise in reducing systemic side effects while maintaining hair growth effectiveness. Combining this with other treatments like minoxidil and RU58841 could enhance results with lower systemic absorption.
A user is considering tapering off finasteride due to concerns about long-term side effects and cost, and is exploring alternatives like zinc and saw palmetto. Their current regimen includes finasteride, Adderall, zinc, bupropion, fish oil, baby aspirin, Rogaine foam, and ketoconazole shampoo.
Finasteride can cause side effects like erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, possibly due to increased estradiol from testosterone aromatization, especially in those with higher body fat. Side effects vary widely and may also be influenced by genetic factors or neurosteroid inhibition.
The user is considering RU58841 and has been using dutasteride since age 17. They are seeking affordable SARD options, mentioning ASC-J9, GT20029, and AH001.
The user has not seen results from various hair loss treatments including finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, and others over several years and is considering adding RU58841 and starting hormone replacement therapy. They are also experiencing anxiety and contemplating moving to a more accepting environment for their nonbinary identity.
Comparing the effectiveness of RU58841, Pyrilutamide and CB-03-01 as treatments for hair loss, with people discussing different aspects such as binding affinity, time of inhibition, safety data and cost.
A 22-year-old experienced significant hair loss due to high stress, SSRI side effects, and Androgenic Alopecia, and has seen some regrowth after starting finasteride and using ketoconazole shampoo. They are inquiring if continued use of finasteride and stress reduction alone can lead to further hair regrowth.
A user started using RU58841 for hair loss and experienced anxiety and physical discomfort. Other users suggested avoiding the treatment due to similar side effects and recommended alternative treatments like pyri.
The conversation discusses concerns about potential cognitive and emotional effects of finasteride, with the original poster planning to monitor their cognitive performance while using the treatment. A user responds that most people do not experience cognitive shifts, though some report subtle changes.
The user is considering adding an anti-androgen, RU58841, to their current hair loss treatment routine due to receding hair. They are also contemplating waiting for Breezula or Pyrilutamide to become more affordable.
Akinfenrawr experienced negative side effects from oral finasteride and RU58841, and is seeking alternative hair loss treatments. They discuss various options, including raloxifene, oral dutasteride, liposomal finasteride, Breezula, Pyrilutamide, SM04554, and sulforaphane, but have concerns about efficacy, availability, and cost.