A 19-year-old experienced significantly low testosterone levels after one month of taking finasteride. Suggestions included checking test units, retesting, and exploring other potential causes.
Dutasteride raises scalp testosterone by 99%, which may not be ideal for those sensitive to all androgens. Some argue finasteride's balancing act might be better, while others believe dutasteride is superior for hair regrowth.
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.
The user is experiencing diffuse hair loss due to high testosterone levels and has tried various treatments including finasteride, minoxidil, nanoxidil, keto/caffeine shampoo, dermarolling, and RU-58841 with limited success. They are seeking advice on safely lowering testosterone levels to manage hair loss.
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.
Creatine does not increase testosterone or DHT, and there is no evidence it causes hair loss. Some users report improved gym performance and mood with creatine, while others are concerned about potential hair loss, but scientific research does not support these concerns.
Dutasteride may affect testosterone levels, leading to high ferritin and iron levels, which can cause hair loss. High ferritin might be linked to past heavy drinking or hemochromatosis.
The user has high free testosterone and is still experiencing hair loss despite taking dutasteride and oral minoxidil for over three years. They are considering adding a topical anti-androgen like RU58841.
A 29-year-old male on 1 mg Finasteride for 3 months has experienced a significant increase in testosterone and estradiol levels, with no major side effects except slightly oilier skin and increased emotional sensitivity. The user is concerned about these hormonal changes and seeks advice, as their general practitioner is not knowledgeable about the issue.
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.
Finasteride may decrease free testosterone by increasing SHBG, potentially causing side effects like reduced libido and hormonal changes. Some find it effective for hair loss, while others experience negative effects.
Akkermansia bacteria can improve hair growth inhibited by testosterone, and metformin may increase Akkermansia, which could help with hair loss related to aging, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair growth, but increasing testosterone, even naturally with ashwagandha, may increase DHT, potentially affecting hair loss if predisposed to male pattern baldness. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be beneficial for energy and muscle gain but may expedite hair loss if already prone to it.
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.
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.
Turmeric may slightly inhibit DHT, but it likely doesn't significantly impact hair loss. Creatine might increase DHT levels, but its effect on hair loss is debated and not conclusively proven.
Ashwagandha may increase testosterone, which can convert to DHT and potentially affect hair loss, but using dutasteride should mitigate this concern. Users suggest that occasional Ashwagandha use is unlikely to impact hair loss significantly when on dutasteride.
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.
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.
Finasteride raises total testosterone but lowers free testosterone, which is important for male health. Users report mixed experiences with their fitness levels and blood test results after using finasteride.
Licorice is not recommended for hair loss as it inhibits hair growth and is a non-selective testosterone inhibitor. Alternatives like spironolactone are suggested for those considering hormonal treatments for hair loss.
A user with low-normal testosterone levels is considering starting finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss but is concerned about hormone imbalance. They are advised that finasteride targets DHT, not testosterone, and could start with minoxidil while making lifestyle changes to naturally increase testosterone.
Using dutasteride or finasteride can increase free testosterone, which may convert to estradiol, potentially causing side effects like increased estrogen levels. Individual responses vary, and some users report changes in cholesterol, hair texture, and side effects like gyno or increased sex drive.
The conversation discusses hair loss and the impact of testosterone and DHT levels, with suggestions to monitor these levels and consider vitamin D supplementation. Treatments mentioned include finasteride and possibly minoxidil.
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.
Topical estradiol may help with hair loss but can have systemic effects, like reduced testosterone production. Using estrogen blockers can have negative side effects, such as joint pain and reduced sex drive.
Despite using Dutasteride, RU58841, and Minoxidil, hair loss continues due to low testosterone levels from taking 15mg of testosterone weekly, which may not produce enough estrogen. Increasing testosterone dosage and stabilizing hormone levels might help address the issue.
Dutasteride and finasteride are used for hair loss, affecting hormone levels like DHT and testosterone. Hormone balance is crucial, as changes can lead to side effects such as increased estradiol and potential hair loss.
A 24-year-old with a history of hair loss, low testosterone, and other health issues is seeking advice on treatments. They are considering options like topical and oral finasteride, oral minoxidil, PRP therapy, tretinoin, and microneedling.