Blood test results after taking finasteride for hair loss

Mukesh, a hair loss customer who has been taking finasteride, accord brand for about a year and a half now, has sent us an update video on how he’s getting on.  

Watch the video now >>> 

In the video, he highlights the concerns people may have related to finasteride and shares his own experience, including some recent blood test results that Mukesh did to check that there aren’t any underlying side effects that he isn’t visibly aware of. 

Mukesh completed tests through an online private blood test company. The results were measured within a range of green, amber and red: 

Inside normal range 
Borderline range 
Outside normal range 
 
His results were as follows: 

• Kidney health 
• Liver health
• Proteins
• Cholesterol status
• Inflammation
• Muscle health
• Iron status
• Vitamins

The test results provide Mukesh with an insight into certain areas of his health such as, his kidney health, his protein levels and cholesterol.  

The scoring ranges from the company informing you whether you are, A. Inside normal range, B. Borderline range or C. Outside normal range. Mukesh was pleased to see that all his results were within the normal range. 

In the video, he goes on to explain how he is aware that finasteride works by blocking the overproduction of DHT in your body which can in turn prevent hair loss.  

The excessive production of DHT can be attributed to various factors, including: 

• Genetic predisposition: Male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, has a hereditary component. Individuals with a family history of hair loss are more prone to elevated DHT levels. 
• Enzyme activity: The enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into DHT. If this enzyme is overactive or expressed in higher amounts, it can lead to an overproduction of DHT. 
• Hormonal imbalances: Hormone fluctuations, such as increased testosterone or decreased oestrogen levels, can disrupt the hormonal balance and contribute to excessive DHT production. 
• Aging: With age, the activity of 5-alpha reductase tends to increase, resulting in higher DHT levels. This is one reason why hair loss is more common in older people. 
• Medications or substances: Certain medications, such as anabolic steroids, can stimulate DHT production. Additionally, substances like excessive alcohol or illicit drugs may interfere with hormonal regulation and contribute to the overproduction of DHT. 

It's important to note that the specific causes of DHT overproduction can vary among individuals, and multiple factors may be involved. Consulting a healthcare professional can help determine the underlying causes and develop an appropriate treatment approach. 

Mukesh decided to do a test to check his testosterone levels. So, he went to his GP's practice to have a blood test taken to check if these levels were normal. Mukesh was delighted to see his results were satisfactory, with a range of 24.6 nmol/L (healthy testosterone ranges from 8.0 – 30.0). You can find the screenshot below: 

Mukesh speaks about how he is very satisfied with the results of his blood tests, and it has given him the confidence to continue taking finasteride. He will also continue to maintain his diet and lifestyle, by having a healthy varied diet as it’s important for your health and aids with positive outcomes. 

Does finasteride reduce testosterone?  

Finasteride, also known by the brand name Propecia, does not reduce testosterone but instead works by reducing the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the bloodstream, resulting in a decrease of approximately 70%. Interestingly, it often leads to an increase of free testosterone in the bloodstream, typically by around 10-20%. 

Is high DHT an indication of high testosterone levels? 

Not always. The correlation between testosterone and male pattern hair loss is intricate. Only a fraction of testosterone undergoes conversion to DHT, and having elevated DHT levels does not necessarily mean having high testosterone levels. In cases of elevated DHT, it is important to address potential underlying health concerns that may be more significant. 

Get in touch.

If you have any questions or would like to ask Mukesh a question regarding his experience, you can email, help@oxfordop.co.uk and a member of our healthcare team will get back to you as soon as possible.  

Head over to our hair loss page for more on finasteride and the other treatments available.