My DHT blood test results (3.5 months on Fin)

[Gjm127]

Hey guys,

So I've been on Finasteride 0.5mg daily for the past 3.5 months and my blood tests came back.

I'm also on Minox Foam 5% twice daily and Nizoral twice per week. I noticed some of the vellus hairs are longer and thicker, shedding has gone down about 70%, and itching has gone down 90%. Overall, I am satisfied by the results.

My concern is, my DHT levels seem to be in perfectly normal range. I don't know what to make of them because I have no baseline. The results are in the photo.

Now when I look at my hair, I go like hmm maybe I didn't benefit from Fin that much? I could get more...? Should I up the dose?
Aside from feeling 20% less strong erections, I have no side effects.

[Aonyx262]

Aside from feeling 20% less strong erections, I have no side effects.

Only 20%? At least its not 25 or 30%. My erections actually seem 3.56% stronger! With 4.8% more semen volume.

[Aonyx262]

But actually. What is your brand of Finasteride and where do you get it? From the pharmacy? Overseas? Its possible that it's not legit. Also, generally the side effects are due to the pharmacological effects (of lowering DHT and increasing Testosterone)... so if the pills are not having this effect then side effects shouldn't be occurring. If they are really legit pills then you probably need a higher dose.. 3.5 mos is also too soon to evaluate results with your hair with any degree of certainty.

[Gjm127]

But actually. What is your brand of Finasteride and where do you get it? From the pharmacy? Overseas? Its possible that it's not legit. Also, generally the side effects are due to the pharmacological effects (of lowering DHT and increasing Testosterone)... so if the pills are not having this effect then side effects shouldn't be occurring. If they are really legit pills then you probably need a higher dose.. 3.5 mos is also too soon to evaluate results with your hair with any degree of certainty.

Sandoz is the generic brand that I buy. I am shedding less, itching less and have seen some vellus turn thicker and longer. I wanted to play it safer with the 0.5mg daily given that it's 85-90% as effective as the 1mg according to the dosage response curve.

I'd just like to know if normal range DHT levels while finasteride usage means that it's not working or does it mean that my DHT levels were waaay higher before I started finasteride? (I mean, from other people's experience here, ideas or even by looking at my other numbers... anyone?)