About two months ago, I started using the Xyon's topical finasteride product. I had previously experienced significant side effects from PO finasteride, which I had attempted to take years ago. Since that time my hairloss has progressed, and thus I was pretty hopeful that the topical route paired with Xyon's novel delivery formula would substantially reduce the likelihood that I would experience any issues.
Because my body had reacted so poorly to PO fin previously, I decided to ease into using the Xyon product as well. I first obtained baseline testosterone, prolactin and DHT levels. I then began using the product only one time per week. After 5 weeks (five total applications), I obtained a repeat set of lab studies. Unfortunately my serum DHT had decreased substantially.
In terms of side effects, I did notice some mild testicular aching, but this was less pronounced than it was with the oral medication. No other significant side effects noted during the last 5 weeks, but regardless I don't feel as though I can continue with this medication, as the hope was always that it would drastically reduce systemic absorption. Clearly this was not the case with my physiology, unfortunately.
Baseline values: T 555 ng/dL, Free T 14.7 pf/dL, Prolactin 4.9 ng/dL, DHT 45 ng/dL
Follow up results: T 529 ng/dL, Free T 9.8 pf/dL, Prolactin 6.2 ng/dL, DHT 13 ng/dL
So my serum DHT reduction with once weekly application of the Xyon fin product was roughly 71%.
(DHT normal reference range for my lab was 30-85)
I wish I had done the pre and post lab studies when I trialed oral fin as well. I can only imagine how low my DHT must've been at that time.
At any rate, just wanted to share my results with the community so that others have more information to make their own decisions. I will now stop using the xyon fin and let the medication "wash out" from my system, and then recheck my DHT in a few weeks. I suppose I could consider trying topical dutasteride as well, given that it is supposedly less readily absorbed systemically, but I will have to give that some thought. I deliberated greatly over even trying the topical fin, so this is pretty disappointing.