Disappointed after dermatologist visit, should I start Finasteride on my own? What should I do? 10/20/2025
A 19-year-old male is considering starting finasteride on his own for genetic hair loss after a disappointing dermatologist visit, where he was prescribed biotin, ketoconazole shampoo, and saw palmetto instead. Users suggest online options for finasteride and minoxidil, while opinions vary on the effectiveness and safety of saw palmetto and finasteride for someone his age.
View this post in the Community โ
Similar Community Posts Join
6 / 1000+ resultscommunity 6 months of microneedling, minox, 1% keto, & biotin. Time for fin?
User experienced hair growth after 6 months using microneedling, minoxidil, ketoconazole, and biotin. Commenters suggest adding finasteride to treatment for better results and preventing further hair loss.
community Is Ketoconazole a big factor in preventing hairloss?
Ketoconazole shampoo may help with scalp health and inflammation but is not a substitute for DHT blockers like finasteride. It is generally considered a minor addition to hair loss treatment, with varying opinions on its effectiveness.
community 6 months on biotin + minoxidil
A user shared a 6-month progress picture showing improvement in hair loss using biotin and minoxidil. They also mentioned dealing with stress, diet issues, and seborrheic dermatitis.
community What is everyone's stack and why?
People are using various treatments for hair loss, including dutasteride, finasteride, minoxidil (both oral and topical), RU58841, and ketoconazole shampoo. Some also use additional methods like microneedling, vitamins, and oils, with mixed results and personal preferences influencing their choices.
community 5 Months Finasteride + Minoxidil
This user has achieved impressive results after 5 months of using Finasteride and Minoxidil, which appear to have stopped hair loss and stimulated new growth. They have also incorporated derma pen treatments and supplements such as Zinc picolinate and DMAE into their regimen.
community I [19m] have been on finastride for almost 2 years and I am still receding
A 19-year-old male has been using finasteride and minoxidil for nearly two years but continues to experience hairline recession. He is considering switching to dutasteride and exploring options like hair systems and potential future hair transplants.
Related Research
6 / 1000+ results
research The Shifting Preferences of Patients and Physicians in Nonsurgical Hair Loss Treatment
Minoxidil and Finasteride are the most popular hair loss treatments, with rising interest in other options, and economic or health crises can change what treatments people prefer.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Clinical, Pathophysiologic, and Therapeutic Review
No cure for female pattern hair loss, but various effective treatments exist.

research Bioactive Compound-Loaded Nanocarriers for Hair Growth Promotion: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Nanocarriers with plant extracts show promise for safe and effective hair growth treatment.

research Hair Loss and Herbs for Treatment
Herbs can potentially treat hair loss by inhibiting a key enzyme and promoting hair growth, and deficiencies in zinc, biotin, and iron are linked to hair loss.

research Evidence-Based Guideline for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and Men
Use minoxidil for hair loss; finasteride and dutasteride for men, dutasteride for women.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Overview, Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment
Various treatments exist for hair loss, but more research is needed for better options.