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.
Creatine at 2.5 g/day did not affect DHT levels in the user, suggesting it may not cause hair loss through DHT. The user used minoxidil during the experiment but did not use finasteride or other DHT-reducing medications.
A user gained 10-12 kg after starting finasteride but found their estrogen levels to be within the normal range. They are concerned about potential gynecomastia but are reassured by their lab results.
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.
The conversation is about someone taking dutasteride for hair loss since April 2023 but still experiencing shedding. They had blood tests for various levels and are seeking advice on their DHT levels and vitamin D.
Female (37) experiencing hair loss for 5 years, tried max dose of spiro and oral + topical minox without success. Discovered low cortisol and low DHEA levels, seeking functional medicine practitioner for help.
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 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.
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 conversation is about a user planning a blood test to monitor health while on hair loss treatments: Finasteride, Minoxidil, and Dutasteride. Recommendations include testing for androgens, thyroid function, micronutrients, and basic health markers, with additional suggestions for PSA, prolactin, and estradiol.
The user shared progress pictures showing significant hair regrowth using Minoxidil and a dermapen, expressing concerns about potential side effects of finasteride due to low testosterone levels. Another user reported increased testosterone and no side effects from finasteride, with improved libido.
Whey protein may slightly increase hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) due to elevated IGF-1 and testosterone levels, but the effect is minimal compared to treatments like finasteride and dutasteride. Many users argue that whey protein's impact on hair loss is negligible and that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more important.
The conversation discusses whether individuals using hair loss treatments like Dutasteride (Dut) or Finasteride (Fin) should regularly check their hormone levels through bloodwork. Some argue it's important to monitor the effects of these medications on hormone levels, while others believe it's unnecessary if there are no side effects, citing cost and practicality concerns.
The user is considering switching from oral to topical dutasteride and minoxidil due to concerns about mental health effects from lower DHT levels. They are seeking advice on the effectiveness and side effects of this change, including potential hair shedding and density changes.
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.
The conversation discusses the effects of using Tongkat ali and dioscorea to raise DHT levels, leading to increased body hair growth and an itchy scalp, without causing hair loss. The discussion also debates the role of DHT in male characteristics and its impact on sexual function, with differing opinions on its importance and effects.
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.
The user switched from finasteride to dutasteride for hair loss and noticed elevated cholesterol levels, questioning if dutasteride caused this change. They also take Vitamin D, biotin, magnesium, ginkgo biloba, omega-3, and NAC, and are concerned about the impact of these supplements and their health on cholesterol levels.
A 23-year-old male experienced nipple sensitivity after taking 0.5 mg finasteride for 2.5 months, with blood tests showing increased testosterone and estrogen levels. He stopped finasteride temporarily and seeks advice to prevent gynecomastia.
Different minoxidil formulations affect hair growth and side effects. Higher propylene glycol and pH levels improve effectiveness but can cause scalp irritation.
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.
Dutasteride takes 1-3 months to affect scalp DHT levels, not just a week. The prostate absorbs Dutasteride faster than the scalp due to different vascular networks and enzyme densities.
A user on finasteride for 8 months shared bloodwork results showing increased testosterone and estradiol levels, with concerns about high LH. Responses advised monitoring for symptoms but noted levels are within reference ranges.
The user is experimenting with topical melatonin for hair loss by dissolving melatonin tablets in a solution, but is having trouble with dissolution and is curious about others' methods of application and any effects on energy levels. They mention considering mixing with minoxidil but have not done so, and suggest that melatonin is best used at night.
The user experiencing diffuse hair loss is using various treatments including RU58841, finasteride, minoxidil with tretinoin, anti-hair loss shampoo, and microneedling, and is considering adding peptides TB500, BPC157, and GHK-Cu. They have low growth hormone levels and are questioning its impact on hair loss, while another user suggests androgenic alopecia and androgens are likely the main cause of hair loss.
The user is using a combination of hair loss treatments including dutasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, low-level laser therapy, ketokonozole, supplements, Viviscal, Nutrafol, microneedling, PRP, and scalp Botox injections, but is still experiencing hair shedding and thinning. Despite being on this regimen for two years, the user's hair condition is worsening, and they are seeking advice on what else they can do.
Dutasteride might be better for hairline due to varying levels of 5AR activity in scalps. Genetic tests can determine if finasteride is enough or if dutasteride is needed.
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.
After using finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss, a user's blood tests showed almost unchanged DHT levels and some out-of-range hormone levels. They experienced side effects when taking dutasteride daily and also take supplements that boost testosterone.
The user is using RU58841, finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil to slow down aggressive hair loss but is still experiencing hair shedding due to high testosterone levels. They plan to use ostarine to lower testosterone and prevent hair loss while maintaining muscle mass, and will continue using the other treatments.