anti-dht topicals

General Discussion
#1

Do you think anti-dht topicals, such as Revivogen, have a systemic absortion, and could ultimately result in the same side-effects as you guys have?

I know it’s a long shot, and I think so far no complaints for this, but would like to know you’re opinion, since i’ve read a couple of guys here have side effects not from Propecia, but from Saw Palmetto.

Anyway, I’d like to say that I believe your symptoms to be very physical, and i’ve tried to raise awareness in popular hair loss forums, so that people know it before putting the 1st pill in their mouths, but I keep getting bashed, since everyone thinks the people here are hypochondriacs or something.
I’d like to know what can I do to show them, and my dermatologist about this risk?

#2

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1431

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=8

#3

thanks mew!

I was reading about Revivogen, and they say its natural ingredients that block DHT conversion, and has no systemic side effects.
Also I read some people using Sinere’s Finasgel (which seems to be topical Finasteride).

I’ve read that a broken pill of Propecia can be absorbed when in contact with the skin.
So do you think the problem comes from Finasteride, or dht blockers in general?
And then, how more safe can be a topical application, than Propecia itself?

#4

Interesting.

Some guy here claims Revivogen gave him the same side effects as Propecia did (only mental, not sexual).
http://www.hairlosstalk.com/interact/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=47289

#5

Anything that inhibits DHT, wether natural or pharmaceutical, has the potential to cause problems in men (for those that are susceptible to the effects of lowering DHT), depending on how much DHT is inhibited.

Same goes for topical application, the possibility exists for systemic absorption.

I’d say both of those points are pretty much a given.

#6

That sucks, since most of treatments relly on inhibiting DHT.
Well, trying a Finasteride topical seems a bit risky at this point, but I haven’t heard one bad case with Revivogen.

Fuck. In the other forums everyone bashes me for alerting on Propecia permanent side effects. If I talked about topical anti-dht permanent side-effects people would get crazy I guess.

Mew, why don’t you raise awareness in the most popular forums? This could make a difference. It made for me. If people would believe there’s at least 1 person in the world with devastating permanent side effects because of Propecia, they wouldn’t take the chance of starting using it. I think. I wouldn’t.

(so taking aside dht blockers, what are bald people options? Minoxidil and stupid Laser Combs? dammit.)

#7

Uhm, I already do try to, particularly on hairlosstalk.com and hairlosshelp.com

I get flamed all the time by ignorant types. 2 users in particular from hairlosstalk.com make it their duty to try and downplay anything bad about this drug. I secretly wonder if they are corporate Merck schills paid to do so. One is also involved with the Wikipedia entry for Finasteride, and has removed numerous negative entries about the drug. Propeciahelp.com is permanently banned from the Wikipedia Finasteride page because of disbelievers like them.

I suggest you also raise awareness on your own if you are concerned about it. One man cannot do everything.

#8

Yeah I also noticed that pattern in the forums, and the wikipedia entry constantly changing.

I’ve also tried to post to raise awareness, I don’t care If i get flamed. People can decide for themselves. Also next time I visit my dermatologist, I’ll confront her with some studies, to educate her.

Now I need your help Mew.
I’m seriously considering taking Revivogen, based on what I’ve read so far.
I know it contains topical dht blockers, and systemic absortion is likely to occur. However, I’ve read that this absortion is very very very small, when compared to taking a pill:
http://www.revivogen.com/questions/saw-palmetto.html

This could prove that the benefits of a topical treatment occur in the scalp and not in the system.

Moreover, the user from this forum that had serious problems with Saw Palmetto was taking a 320mg pill daily.
So I feel this is pretty safe to do, but I really value your opinion.
I think you also feel the same way as me, by reading what you wrote here:
http://www.hairlosstalk.com/interact/viewtopic.php?p=406321#p406321

So tell me, what should I be concerned about here?
If there is in fact very small systemic absortion, can I make blood tests before and while on treatment to test my DHT levels (or T), or something?
I mean, if this dht blocking action almost only occurs in the scalp, I should be able to mantain my levels of DHT in the body right?

What would you do? I want to keep my hair at risk-free (or very close to this).
Thanks man.

#9

I tried Revivogen topical serum (not shampoos) for about a week and started feeling a little “off” (dizzy) after about 7 days, so decided to stop.
I have mentioned I may try it again sometime but just haven’t bothered since.

Based on this study, it certainly appears Revivogen has 5AR inhibiting properties: hairlosstalk.com/interact/vi … 39&t=43810 (download the PDF), however it has not been peer reviewed or published in any journals that I’m aware of… thus not sure how much stock I’d put into it.

View study discussion here: hairlosstalk.com/interact/vi … 11&t=43811

So all I can say is – it’s up to you. If you want to give it a shot, go for it, if you feel wierd, stop using it. And just remember: almost nothing is free, or risk-free… there’s ALWAYS a tradeoff somewhere. It’s just a question of how much risk you’re willing to take.

As for bloodwork… if you want to be extra cautious, of course that would be the best option before, while on, and after any treatment.

#10

Thanks!
I’ve read good opinions about it, and it seems at least you’re not warning me against it, which is the most optimistic thing i’ve seen you write about a product :smiley:

So i’ll get on the boat.
Regarding tests, which ones should I do, specifically?
Are they worth doing it anyway? I just thought of it to prove that is not really affecting my system. Have studies measured this in the past?

#11

Up to you, if you’re THAT concerned about any potential side effects.

I would probably just get DHT, Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, SHBG, Estradiol, LH, FSH and Androstenedione done.

Not that I’m aware of, you should ask Bryan or users on HLT for more info. Good luck.