Hair loss treatments like spironolactone often require lifelong use to maintain results. Stopping the medication can lead to increased testosterone levels and potential hair loss.
The "DHT itch" is real and likely due to inflammation at the hair follicle, exacerbated by increased testosterone or androgens. Treatments mentioned include dutasteride, minoxidil, finasteride, and various topical solutions.
FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.
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.
The user checked iron, ferritin, B12, zinc, testosterone, DHT, and estrogens to understand hair loss causes and the effects of dutasteride. They also noted increased heart rate and paleness with oral minoxidil.
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.
Topical spironolactone 5% is being discussed for its effectiveness in treating hair loss, specifically receding temples. The user is inquiring if it works similarly to finasteride as a testosterone blocker.
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 reported using a topical hair loss treatment containing Minoxidil, Dutasteride, and other ingredients, noting a significant drop in DHT levels and a smaller decrease in testosterone after three months. They also mentioned microneedling, feeling fine with unchanged or increased libido, and taking Cialis as a preventative measure for performance issues.
A user has been on finasteride for over a year with minimal hair regrowth and is considering stopping it, despite no side effects. They are also planning a hair transplant and seeking additional hair growth treatments, while managing high testosterone and scalp issues like dandruff and oiliness.
A 52-year-old man has been using 5% Minoxidil twice daily for 30 days to treat hair loss, alongside 2.5mg Finasteride, which he reduced from 5mg despite his doctor's advice. He has a history of hair loss due to testosterone treatment and hopes to see improvement in the crown area of his scalp.
A 26-year-old male is using a combination of clomiphene, minoxidil, tadalafil, bupropion, and lisdexamfetamine to address low testosterone, ED, depression, and focus issues. He seeks input on the safety and efficacy of this regimen, which also includes magnesium, zinc, and fish oil supplements.
The user is concerned about hair loss and is using minoxidil while considering beetroot powder, which may affect testosterone and DHT levels. They are cautious about starting finasteride due to potential side effects.
A user on dutasteride for hair loss noticed hair regrowth on their head but a significant reduction in body hair growth. They plan to switch to finasteride and dutasteride and are considering testosterone replacement therapy but are concerned about its effects on hair growth.
A 30-year-old MTF individual shared a 6-month update on hair loss improvement using minoxidil, retinol, and microneedling, along with lowering testosterone to reduce DHT. They reported positive results, feeling happier and more confident.
The conversation discusses the potential of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, like oleic and linoleic acid, as an additional treatment for hair loss, which may inhibit the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT and promote hair growth. Users humorously suggest using oils topically and discuss other hair loss treatments, but the main focus is on the science behind fatty acids and their role in hair health.
A 21-year-old experienced hormone changes after using self-made topical finasteride for hair loss, including a 20% decrease in DHT, a 47% increase in testosterone, and a 39% increase in estradiol. The user previously used minoxidil and microneedling but is now seeking ways to balance hormones, possibly through supplements or dosage adjustments.
Some individuals taking finasteride for hair loss report increased libido and frequent masturbation, with no immediate hair regrowth but darker hair appearance. A dermatologist explains that finasteride may raise testosterone levels temporarily, which could lead to increased sex drive in some people.
A 25-year-old male is concerned about his blood test results, particularly the low percentage of free testosterone, and is questioning whether starting finasteride for hair loss might worsen this issue. He also notes a slight vitamin D deficiency and lack of sleep before the test.
A 37-year-old with a receding hairline started using finasteride and plans to add minoxidil, concerned that creatine and whey protein might accelerate hair loss. Another user suggests these supplements likely don't increase testosterone or cause hair loss, advising to monitor personal experience.
The post discusses the impact of Ashwagandha on hair loss, highlighting its ability to lower stress levels, which is beneficial for hair health. However, there's uncertainty about its potential to increase testosterone and DHT, which could contribute to hair loss.
Increasing IGF-1 may help hair growth, but it could also increase hair loss in people with high testosterone. Treatments discussed include l-arginine, glutamine, vanadium, Deer Antler Velvet, ATP, Cocarboxylase, l-carnitine, and Mk677.
The user is concerned that drinking spearmint tea while on finasteride might harm sperm count, mobility, and testosterone levels, despite seeing positive effects on hair. They seek advice on whether to continue or stop the tea.
The conclusion of the conversation is that some individuals may experience a condition called reactionary hypergonadism when taking dutasteride for hair loss. This condition can lead to an increase in testosterone levels, which may worsen hair loss instead of improving it.
The conversation discusses using cyproterone acetate at 12.5 mg to manage hair loss, with concerns about its effects on testosterone and potential health issues. Other treatments mentioned include finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841, with varying experiences and outcomes.
The conclusion of the conversation is that the user started using 5% Minoxidil for hair loss and is happy with the progress. They also mentioned being trans and coming off testosterone, which they believe will help prevent further hair loss. Some users suggested using finasteride as well.
The conversation discusses the potential effects of ashwagandha on hair loss and anxiety, with users sharing mixed experiences. Some users caution against ashwagandha due to its potential to increase testosterone and DHT, which could counteract finasteride's benefits, while others suggest alternative methods like exercise, cold showers, or different supplements for managing anxiety.
The user is trying RU58841, oral minoxidil, and dermarolling to combat hair loss caused by increased scalp testosterone after using finasteride and dutasteride. They plan to document their results.
The user is experiencing hair loss and plans to use a treatment protocol including Saw Palmetto Berries, MCT Oil, Zinc, testosterone balancers, L-tyrosine, and L-theanine. They also use a specific dandruff shampoo and are open to non-prescription treatments.
User asks if Ashwagandha causes hair loss while using Finasteride and Minoxidil. Replies suggest Ashwagandha may increase shedding, but raising testosterone within normal levels likely won't significantly affect hair loss.