Joe1870
Full Member
This is WAAAY longer than I intended it to be, but thought I’d stick it into one post as the information out there is all over the place and I wanted to amalgamate the information I’ve come across. To the point of the post, I just wanted to know if there’s something I’ve missed or misinterpreted regarding hair loss and preventative measures that can be taken, so if any of you have any additional information or personal experience with this, I’d like to hear. I actually like my hair, and would prefer to keep it. I know most cue balls (no offence intended) will say to embrace baldness to those who say they’re worried about it.
From my understanding, the genetics to determine if one is predisposed to androgenic alopecia can come from either parents genes; though, from my research, the consensus is thought that it predominately comes from your mothers side. On that note, my dad isn’t bald; though, I never met my mothers dad, so I don’t really know if I’m potentially predisposed. I do have a full head of hair, but I think I’m being paranoid. I am now actively looking for hairs in the shower, and of course, I’m finding the little bastards. I’ve never really noticed any hair loss/thinning, but then I can’t say I’ve ever really looked, so I don’t know if there’s any negative changes. I thought it would be prudent to have an action plan if I notice any advancement for hair loss.
I know that AAS usage will only exacerbate hair loss to those predisposed, and will have no impact to those that aren’t. The main culprit for hair loss being DHT, a by product of testosterone. Approximately 10 percent of the testosterone in our body is converted to DHT with the help of 5-AR (enzyme), and from there, has the ability to link onto the hair follicle receptors and cause miniaturisation.
I’ve come across multiple preventative products on the market to preserve hair and initiate growth. Namely; Ketoconazole, Minoxidil, Finasteride, Dustasteride.
Ketoconazole (Nizoral): A medicated topical shampoo that’s used for its anti-fungal properties. Used for hair growth, and not necessarily a preventative measure to stop hair loss. Not enough data to suggest it blocks DHT production, but general consensus seems that it does help slow hair loss. Not comparable in it’s efficacy to Fina/Dust. Probably a good starting product to use.
Minoxidil: OTC product that can be sourced easily (generic version much cheaper than Regaine). Has to be used daily for results, generally 1ml applied topically to impacted areas, liquid or foam. Works by increasing the flow of blood/nutrients to the hair follicles. Doesn’t do anything to DHT. Shedding will happen prior to regrowth.
Finasteride: Blocks around 70 percent of DHT. A specific inhibitor of the 5-AR enzyme (type 2),stopping testosterone converting to DHT. Can’t be used with DHT derived compounds such as Masteron. General consensus for dosage is 1mg every day, often comes in 5mg tablet form. Needs to be taken consistently until hair loss is no longer a concern. Sides are reported to be quite severe (ED etc), though, I believe people are more likely to leave a bad review than a good one imo.
Dustasteride: Blocks around 90 percent of DHT. A specific inhibitor of the 5-AR enzyme (type 1+2), stopping testosterone converting to DHT. Seen to be more effective than Finasteride. Not FDA approved in the US for treatment in hair loss though. Like Fina, won’t help with DHT derivative compounds, such as Masteron.
Questions:
Regardless of carrying the gene for MPB, can/has any compound made you shed more than natural (50-100 strands per day)?
Have you taken any of the above preventative supplements with any notable adverse sides?
If you’re running a DHT derived compound, or started to see increased shedding, or suspect (or know) you’re prone to MPB, what would/is your preventative action plan?
Without using DHT derived compounds, I would probably go with a Nizoral/Fina or Dust stack whilst on cycle to block the DHT. Would you just take the hit on the hair by running a DHT derived compound?
Other than the questions, please feel free to add any more info I may have missed that’ll help me (and others) understand what can be done to minimise hair loss.
Apologies for the extreme length of the post.
From my understanding, the genetics to determine if one is predisposed to androgenic alopecia can come from either parents genes; though, from my research, the consensus is thought that it predominately comes from your mothers side. On that note, my dad isn’t bald; though, I never met my mothers dad, so I don’t really know if I’m potentially predisposed. I do have a full head of hair, but I think I’m being paranoid. I am now actively looking for hairs in the shower, and of course, I’m finding the little bastards. I’ve never really noticed any hair loss/thinning, but then I can’t say I’ve ever really looked, so I don’t know if there’s any negative changes. I thought it would be prudent to have an action plan if I notice any advancement for hair loss.
I know that AAS usage will only exacerbate hair loss to those predisposed, and will have no impact to those that aren’t. The main culprit for hair loss being DHT, a by product of testosterone. Approximately 10 percent of the testosterone in our body is converted to DHT with the help of 5-AR (enzyme), and from there, has the ability to link onto the hair follicle receptors and cause miniaturisation.
I’ve come across multiple preventative products on the market to preserve hair and initiate growth. Namely; Ketoconazole, Minoxidil, Finasteride, Dustasteride.
Ketoconazole (Nizoral): A medicated topical shampoo that’s used for its anti-fungal properties. Used for hair growth, and not necessarily a preventative measure to stop hair loss. Not enough data to suggest it blocks DHT production, but general consensus seems that it does help slow hair loss. Not comparable in it’s efficacy to Fina/Dust. Probably a good starting product to use.
Minoxidil: OTC product that can be sourced easily (generic version much cheaper than Regaine). Has to be used daily for results, generally 1ml applied topically to impacted areas, liquid or foam. Works by increasing the flow of blood/nutrients to the hair follicles. Doesn’t do anything to DHT. Shedding will happen prior to regrowth.
Finasteride: Blocks around 70 percent of DHT. A specific inhibitor of the 5-AR enzyme (type 2),stopping testosterone converting to DHT. Can’t be used with DHT derived compounds such as Masteron. General consensus for dosage is 1mg every day, often comes in 5mg tablet form. Needs to be taken consistently until hair loss is no longer a concern. Sides are reported to be quite severe (ED etc), though, I believe people are more likely to leave a bad review than a good one imo.
Dustasteride: Blocks around 90 percent of DHT. A specific inhibitor of the 5-AR enzyme (type 1+2), stopping testosterone converting to DHT. Seen to be more effective than Finasteride. Not FDA approved in the US for treatment in hair loss though. Like Fina, won’t help with DHT derivative compounds, such as Masteron.
Questions:
Regardless of carrying the gene for MPB, can/has any compound made you shed more than natural (50-100 strands per day)?
Have you taken any of the above preventative supplements with any notable adverse sides?
If you’re running a DHT derived compound, or started to see increased shedding, or suspect (or know) you’re prone to MPB, what would/is your preventative action plan?
Without using DHT derived compounds, I would probably go with a Nizoral/Fina or Dust stack whilst on cycle to block the DHT. Would you just take the hit on the hair by running a DHT derived compound?
Other than the questions, please feel free to add any more info I may have missed that’ll help me (and others) understand what can be done to minimise hair loss.
Apologies for the extreme length of the post.
