A user reports high DHT levels despite taking finasteride and is concerned about inconsistent blood test results. They also take modafinil, vitamin D, and magnesium supplements.
The user is experiencing low libido and mood swings after starting a low dose of topical finasteride. They are considering further blood tests to investigate low testosterone levels and other hormonal factors.
The conversation discusses using topical liposomal finasteride for hair loss, with concerns about high DHT levels. The user's DHT level is above the normal range, which may affect hair health.
A user experienced initial side effects from finasteride, including erectile dysfunction and emotional changes, but later noticed increased muscle mass and assertiveness. Hormonal tests showed elevated estrogen and prolactin levels, which slightly decreased over time; the user plans lifestyle changes to see if they help.
The conversation discusses the idea of naturally lowering testosterone levels to potentially reduce DHT and help with hair loss, though it is speculative and not tested by the original poster. Participants suggest using treatments like finasteride, dutasteride, or RU58841 instead, as they directly target DHT without reducing testosterone.
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.
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.
The conversation discusses concerns about starting finasteride with low testosterone levels, with one person suggesting finasteride might increase testosterone and decrease DHT, and another advising to pay attention to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
A 23-year-old male has been using finasteride and topical minoxidil for 14 months with slight improvement, but recent shedding led him to switch to a new minoxidil formulation without success. He is considering using topical RU58841 or dutasteride to better address scalp DHT, as his bloodwork shows high total testosterone and mid-range DHT levels.
A 22-year-old male started taking finasteride a month ago and is seeing some progress in hair loss treatment. He is concerned about high estradiol levels but plans to continue the medication and consult an endocrinologist.
Maximum serum DHT suppression for finasteride occurs at 8 hours, while for dutasteride, it occurs within 1 to 2 weeks with daily dosing. Dutasteride mesotherapy will be followed by blood tests to check serum DHT changes.
A 30-year-old male has been on finasteride/dutasteride for 3 years, with stable but still receding hairline, and blood tests showing high total testosterone but normal DHT and free testosterone levels. Despite challenges in gaining muscle, he maintains a good physique with a consistent lifting routine and recently improved results with creatine.
A 27-year-old man shared his hormonal panel results after one year of taking finasteride 1mg/day for hair loss, showing his DHT levels nearly doubled. He reported stabilized hair loss with mild side effects that resolved, and he is considering a hair transplant but is concerned about the increased DHT levels and potential treatment options.
A user on finasteride for 7+ months shared bloodwork results, questioning if high DHT levels and testosterone could affect cholesterol. Replies suggest consulting a doctor and question the high testosterone levels.
A user experienced a significant drop in testosterone levels after taking finasteride, leading to side effects like low libido and muscle mass loss. Despite its effectiveness for hair, the user decided to stop finasteride due to its impact on hormones, preferring to be bald.
The conversation discusses using very low dose topical finasteride to achieve specific serum DHT reduction percentages. It concludes that finasteride dosage increases linearly between 5-30% DHT reduction but requires exponential increases for reductions up to 70%.
The user added 0.5mg dutasteride to their regimen of topical finasteride and minoxidil but experienced rapid hairline recession despite reduced hair fall. Suggestions included increasing the dutasteride dosage to 1mg daily to better suppress DHT and potentially adding oral minoxidil.
A user is concerned about low testosterone while using finasteride 0.625mg MWF and considers ashwagandha for stress. Others suggest exercise, magnesium, and not worrying about testosterone levels if no significant side effects are felt.
The conversation discusses the fluctuation of testosterone levels in men under 40 and the difference between serum DHT and scalp DHT. It also mentions that DHT levels are higher on Dutasteride than on Finasteride, which is unusual.
The conversation discusses using P5P (Vitamin B6) supplements to reduce elevated Prolactin levels and concerns about its potential effect on increasing DHT levels. The user is not currently using finasteride or any anti-androgens.
The user has been using a hair loss treatment regimen including RU58841, minoxidil, and dutasteride, but still experiences hairline recession and fatigue despite high testosterone levels. They are considering adjusting their dutasteride dosage due to concerns about libido and energy levels.
OP noticed an increase in DHT levels after 5 months of using finasteride and is unsure if the drug is effective or if other factors like stress or vitamins are influencing the results. Users suggest testing the medication for authenticity, consulting a doctor, and possibly trying a different brand or dosage.
The user has been using dutasteride and finasteride but still experiences hair loss and high DHT levels. They plan to try topical finasteride and RU58841 while continuing dutasteride to see if topicals are more effective.
The user experienced hair shedding after starting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and is considering using DHT blockers like finasteride or dutasteride to address potential DHT-related hair loss. Low ferritin levels due to frequent blood donations may also contribute to hair issues, and the user is working on stabilizing iron levels.
A user shared their pre-finasteride lab results, including DHT, estradiol, testosterone, SHBG, prolactin, FSH, and LH levels. Another user responded, cautioning against making unsupported claims about side effects and recovery.
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.
Finasteride increased testosterone levels from 900 ng/dl to 1200 ng/dl without side effects, improving hair condition. Access to finasteride and minoxidil varies by country, with some places requiring prescriptions and others offering easy access.
A user experienced decreased free testosterone levels after three months of using finasteride, despite positive results in hair shedding reduction. They are considering switching to topical finasteride and plan to conduct further blood tests, including checking SHBG levels, to understand the hormonal changes.
A person considering finasteride for hair loss checked their hormone levels before starting treatment. They are concerned about the potential increase in estradiol and its effects, as well as the impact on their sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and free testosterone levels.
Switching from finasteride to a generic dutasteride led to unexpectedly high DHT levels, prompting a switch to a reputed brand and consideration of softgel capsules for better absorption. The user plans to retest DHT levels and may return to finasteride if issues persist.