38M: High DHT Levels and Considering Finasteride/Minoxidil for Slow Hair Loss

Treatments
1

Hi All,

I’d like to ask for your opinion about my DHT levels. I’m 38 years old and first noticed hair loss about 10 years ago. Since then, it has been slowly progressing.

Back in July 2019, I got my testosterone and DHT levels tested out of curiosity:

  • July 2019

    • DHT: 1418.41 pg/ml (Reference Range: 280 – 800)

    • Testosterone: 684.00 pg/ml (Reference Range: 250 – 990)

  • November 2019

    • DHT: 1316.22 pg/ml (Reference Range: 250 – 990)

    • Testosterone: same as before

As you can see DHT is really high.

I even consulted an endocrinologist about lowering my DHT, but he dismissed it and told me not to worry. I never understood why my DHT was that high, but I didn’t take any action at the time.

This year, I decided to try finasteride to see how it affects me and whether it lowers my DHT. Before starting, I tested my levels again:

  • 2025

    • Testosterone: 551.00 ng/dl (Reference Range: 280 – 800)

    • Free Testosterone: 33.40 pg/ml (Reference Range: 12.3 – 46.6)

    • DHT: 362.20 pg/ml (Reference Range: 143 – 842)

I noticed that after 5 years, my DHT has dropped significantly, even though I haven’t really changed my lifestyle or diet.

Now I’m curious to see how finasteride and minoxidil might work for me, but I’m not sure if finasteride makes sense at this point since my DHT is already on the lower side. I also haven’t noticed any real slowing of my hair loss—it still seems to progress slowly but steadily.

Do you think it would make sense to try 1 mg of finasteride for 1–3 months just to see if I experience any side effects or if my hair responds in any way? Or would it be better in my case to just try minoxidil? Maybe topical finasteride could be a solution?

I’d really appreciate your opinion on this.

Thanks!

2

fin works by reducing DHT, which is often the main driver in AGA. since your levels have dropped, adding fin can still help maintain lower DHT at hair follicle level and slow miniaturization further. you might start with 1 mg and observe for 3 months for any side effects or benefits in hair density. for more localized action and fewer systemic side effects, consider topical finasteride. min is a good addition as it can stimulate regrowth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles. The Beginner’s Guide has more info on using these treatments.