An 18-year-old with Norwood 2 hair loss is considering finasteride treatment. Bloodwork shows testosterone and hormone levels mostly within normal ranges, except for low estradiol.
The user has low testosterone and DHT levels and is considering taking finasteride for Norwood 2 hair loss with diffuse thinning. They are seeking advice on whether low DHT indicates high sensitivity to DHT in the scalp and opinions on their lab values.
Testosterone within the normal range does not significantly contribute to male pattern baldness (MPB); DHT is the main factor that can be controlled. Genetics play a crucial role in hair loss, and treatments like finasteride and dutasteride, which block DHT, can help despite potentially raising testosterone levels.
The conversation discusses starting finasteride 1mg daily for hair loss and mentions a high baseline DHT level. Users comment on the unusually high DHT level and its potential causes.
Users discuss the effectiveness of low-dose topical finasteride (0.005-0.05%) for hair loss, often combined with minoxidil. Some report stable results or new growth, but it's unclear if improvements are due to finasteride or minoxidil.
OP is considering dutasteride mesotherapy for hair loss after experiencing side effects from finasteride. A user shared their experience, stating that the treatment was ineffective and costly.
The conversation discusses alternatives to minoxidil and finasteride for hair loss, with users expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of Redensyl, Procapil, and Baicapil. One user recommends Finax by Dr. Reddy as a reliable option in India.
A user started taking 1mg finasteride for hair loss and plans to follow a thrice-weekly dosing schedule recommended by two doctors. They previously used saw palmetto without issues and are hopeful finasteride won't cause sexual side effects.
The conversation provides a guide on using finasteride for hair loss, suggesting to start with a quarter of a 1mg pill daily after ensuring estradiol levels are within a specific range, and potentially increasing the dose if no side effects occur. It also recommends supplements like DIM, Calcium d-glucarate, and Zinc to manage high estradiol levels and side effects from finasteride.
Minoxidil and dermarolling can yield positive hair growth results, but long-term effectiveness varies, and some users experience hair loss again without additional treatments like finasteride. Microneedling enhances minoxidil's effectiveness by increasing enzyme activity, but individual experiences differ.
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.
Creatine does not directly cause hair loss, but it may increase DHT levels, which can affect hair. Some users report hair shedding with creatine, while others experience no hair loss.
Dutasteride may not be effective for everyone due to underlying issues, suggesting scalp biopsies for further diagnosis. Users discuss using higher doses of dutasteride, topical treatments, minoxidil, and pyrilutamide for hair loss management.
Dutasteride and finasteride are effective for many in reducing hair loss by lowering DHT levels, though results vary based on individual sensitivity and genetics. Higher doses of dutasteride may not significantly increase hair growth due to diminishing returns, and topical finasteride is suggested as an alternative for some.
Before starting hair loss treatment, it's suggested to undergo various blood and health tests to minimize side effects. The checklist includes tests for kidney function, liver enzymes, blood sugar, vitamins, hormones, and more.
Topical melatonin may have positive effects on hair loss by keeping hair in the growing phase. Users are discussing product recommendations and DIY methods for incorporating melatonin into their hair care routine.
A user shared their hormone levels to gauge if they can use finasteride for hair loss without issues. Their hormone levels are mostly within the reference ranges.
A user shared their experience with Finasteride for hair loss, noting a significant reduction in DHT levels and a complete loss of libido without other side effects. Another user agreed, discussing the negative impact on sexual drive and criticizing the community's attitude towards discussing side effects.
A user shared their experience using topical finasteride for 6 months, showing a reduction in DHT levels but no visible improvement in hair loss. They are considering switching to oral finasteride for potentially better results.
A woman underwent a hair transplant in Istanbul, receiving 3,000 grafts, and is pleased with the natural-looking results one year later. The experience included a 5-star hotel stay, PRP session, laser treatment, and detailed aftercare, leading to improved hair density and confidence.
The conversation discusses concerns about potential side effects, specifically gynecomastia, from taking 1mg of finasteride every other day for hair loss. Bloodwork results were shared, but more information was requested to provide advice.
The conversation discusses using cyproterone temporarily to reverse hair loss, followed by finasteride to maintain regrowth. Concerns about cyproterone's side effects, such as lowering testosterone and potential health risks, are raised, with alternatives like spironolactone suggested for androgen-related issues.
Using high doses of testosterone with RU58841 to create an androgen-free environment for hair regrowth is suggested, but concerns about heart health and the effectiveness of this approach are raised. Alternatives like topical estrogen, progesterone, and other treatments like finasteride and dutasteride are discussed.
Topical finasteride concentrations are likely much higher than necessary for effective follicular DHT suppression, with current standards being 100-1000 times above the theoretical minimum. Lower concentrations (0.001-0.0025%) might still work locally while minimizing systemic exposure.
The user is generally happy with their hair transplant results but has concerns about graft density and placement, particularly on the left temple and hairline. They are using finasteride and minoxidil inconsistently, plan to add Priorin, and are considering microneedling and PRP sessions for future care.
A 21-year-old is using 5mg Minoxidil, 1mg Dutasteride, Nizoral, and occasional microneedling for hair loss, seeing improvement on the left side of the scalp. They stopped microneedling due to scalp inflammation and are awaiting a dermatologist appointment.
Finasteride increased testosterone and estrogen, stopped hair loss, and promoted regrowth. Users discussed side effects like libido changes and considered adding minoxidil and aromatase inhibitors.
A 30-year-old man experienced significant hair regrowth and improved libido after using finasteride and dutasteride for androgenetic alopecia, with no adverse effects. He plans to reduce dutasteride dosage when trying to conceive and has been using topical minoxidil since 2015.