The user is concerned about high DHT levels despite using finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss, suggesting these treatments may not be effective. They plan to consult an endocrinologist and consider other antiandrogens, acknowledging potential side effects.
A user in England seeks advice on where to get a custom blood test for DHT, PRL, estradiol, SHBG, testosterone, and free testosterone before starting dutasteride. They want a baseline measurement before beginning treatment.
Serum DHT is mostly inactive; sebum DHT is a better measure for hair loss. Users discuss using finasteride, dutasteride, and topical treatments like KX826 and RU58841 for better scalp DHT suppression.
Higher doses of dutasteride, such as 2.5mg, are more effective at reducing scalp DHT than 0.5mg, but are costly and inconvenient. A 1mg dose is considered a more affordable and practical option, though its efficacy is uncertain.
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.
User on 100mg spiro and oral minox for 2 years, now switching to dut due to low testosterone. Asks if tapering spiro is necessary or can stop immediately.
The conversation discusses natural ways to reduce cortisol, such as avoiding caffeine, getting proper sleep, syncing with the sun, walking in nature, breathing exercises, increasing calories, and not doing keto. Magnesium supplements are recommended for stress reduction.
A 25-year-old is using 1.25mg finasteride six times a week and 5% topical minoxidil daily for hair loss. They are experiencing reduced libido and erectile issues, possibly due to stress, and are questioning if the finasteride dosage is affecting DHT suppression.
A man in his 40s treating his slow balding with a daily regimen of 2.5% spironolactone topical solution and Piroctone Olamine Shampoo. Despite initial hair shedding, he experienced no side effects and plans to continue the treatment for at least a year.
The user experienced side effects from using 1% finasteride and 2% minoxidil, including dermatitis, erectile dysfunction, and heart palpitations. They switched to using 2000mg pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto capsules, and applying pumpkin seed oil and rosemary oil twice a week, seeking feedback on results.
Sildenafil (Viagra) shows potential for hair growth by enhancing dermal papilla cell proliferation and stimulating perifollicular vessel formation. Users discuss the possibility of using Cialis (tadalafil) similarly, noting its benefits and side effects.
Dutasteride effectively stops hair loss but can cause side effects like sexual dysfunction, muscle mass changes, and testicle shrinkage. Adjusting the dosage may help manage these side effects, but long-term health effects remain a concern.
The user takes 1 mg finasteride three times a week, topical minoxidil daily, and Saw Palmetto both topically and orally on non-finasteride days. They recently added 1 g of pumpkin seed oil daily to improve hair thickness and are seeking advice on dosing and cycling Saw Palmetto.
Starting with 5 mg of oral minoxidil for faster initial results, then reducing to 2.5 mg to maintain progress. The user seeks opinions on this approach.
A user has been taking finasteride for 5 months with no improvement in diffuse hair loss and suspects high levels of prolactin, cortisol, progesterone, and DHEAS, as well as iron, might be contributing to the issue. They are also taking vitamin D to address a deficiency.
The user has been using 1mg finasteride and 2.5mg minoxidil for hair loss but hasn't seen much change and is considering increasing minoxidil to 5mg. They plan to consult a dermatologist for further advice.
The user is applying topical finasteride with stemoxydine for hair loss and has noticed hair thickening but no regrowth after two months. They also report high SHBG and prolactin levels and a lack of morning erections, even on low doses of medication.
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.
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.
Spironolactone is more potent and lowers testosterone and DHT, while dutasteride only impacts DHT. For female hair loss, checking hormones and considering treatments like oral minoxidil, spironolactone, or topical minoxidil is recommended.
The user reports taking high dosage oral minoxidil (10mg/day) for hair growth, which causes facial bloating. They tried using the diuretic furosemide to reduce bloating, but it was ineffective.
Topical spironolactone is more effective than topical finasteride for treating hair loss in both men and women. Oral spironolactone can affect testosterone, but the topical form doesn't impact the endocrine system.
Finasteride may have positive effects by keeping testosterone levels higher, potentially maintaining youthfulness and physical performance as one ages. It could also help with conditions related to aging like andropause and sarcopenia without increasing estradiol levels.
Sugary beverages increase the risk of pattern hair loss in men by 57%, and type 2 diabetes is linked to female pattern hair loss. Reducing sugar intake and using treatments like finasteride and minoxidil may help manage hair loss.
The conversation discusses dosing for 1000mg Pumpkin Seed Oil tablets and compares its DHT-lowering effects to finasteride. The user considers splitting the tablets to achieve a 500mg dose.
A user shared progress pictures using 5mg oral minoxidil and 100mg spironolactone, noting increased body hair and faster nail growth. Another user humorously suggested a new sub for people with similar experiences.
High prolactin levels can cause hair loss, and finasteride may increase prolactin. Cabergoline or Vitamin B6 might lower prolactin, but combining them with finasteride requires caution.
Oral minoxidil users should monitor heart health with periodic echocardiograms and cardiologist visits due to potential side effects. While some experience serious side effects, they are rare, and the benefits for hair growth often outweigh the risks.