It's all so frustrating: I don't know what to do anymore.
    Chat 2/6/2026

    From the encyclopedia
    Minoxidil →

    An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

    Finasteride →

    Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

    Dutasteride →

    Heavy duty finasteride that comes with higher risks

    At a glance
    In this treatment experience post, the primary subjects mentioned are
    💧 Minoxidil (topical) 6% daily several years
    💧 Finasteride (topical) 0.1% daily several years
    💧 Dutasteride (topical) several years
    💧 Ketoconazole (topical) 2x weekly
    the tone is 😞 negative with no growth results.

    Other terms

    The user is frustrated with hair loss despite using minoxidil, topical finasteride, and topical dutasteride, and is considering other options like oral treatments, SMP, or hair systems. They feel demoralized and are struggling with self-esteem and social interactions due to their thinning hair.
    View this post in the Community →

    Similar Community Posts Join

    6 / 6 results

      community If dutesteride and oral minoxidil doesn’t work that’s it right?

      in Treatment  20 upvotes 2 years ago
      A user is experiencing continued hair loss despite using 0.5mg dutasteride and 2.5mg minoxidil, and is seeking advice on why the treatments aren't working and how to address potential androgen receptor sensitivity. Replies suggest getting tested and considering scalp micropigmentation (SMP).

      community Can this be salvaged with a second transplant?

       57 upvotes 4 months ago
      The user is considering a second hair transplant after previous treatments with finasteride and minoxidil failed to stop hair loss. Suggestions include trying dutasteride, oral minoxidil, scalp micropigmentation, or shaving the head.

      community I'm sad I now lost enough hair I can only hide with a hat now

       100 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 21-year-old is experiencing significant hair loss and considering treatments like dutasteride, minoxidil, and possibly a hair transplant. Others share their experiences with finasteride, scalp micropigmentation, and hair transplants, discussing the emotional impact and offering support.

      community Hair regrowth attempt. Age 33 after 10 years bald.

       650 upvotes 6 months ago
      A 33-year-old attempted hair regrowth after 10 years of baldness using topical finasteride, minoxidil, micro-needling, a laser cap, and later oral dutasteride. They noticed some regrowth, especially vellus hairs, and are considering a hair transplant or other treatments despite side effects.

    Related Research

    6 / 6 results
      Androgenetic Alopecia: Update on Etiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

      research Androgenetic Alopecia: update on Etiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment

      March 2024 in “International journal of pharmaceutical sciences and drug research”
      In this review, the authors explored current and novel treatment options for androgenetic alopecia, noting both FDA-approved pharmacologic treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride and various non-pharmacologic and surgical methods, including hair transplantation and scalp micro-pigmentation.
      Safety Concerns When Using Novel Medications to Treat Alopecia

      research Safety concerns when using novel medications to treat alopecia

      23 citations , October 2018 in “Expert Opinion on Drug Safety”
      This review discusses the safety concerns associated with new treatments for non-scarring alopecias, highlighting that while these therapies such as JAK inhibitors and oral minoxidil show efficacy in hair regrowth, their safety profiles vary significantly, requiring careful consideration of benefits and risks.
      Beard Alopecia: An Updated and Comprehensive Review of Etiologies, Presentation and Treatment

      research Beard Alopecia: An Updated and Comprehensive Review of Etiologies, Presentation and Treatment

      1 citations , July 2023 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”
      This review provides a detailed overview of the causes, prevalence, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of beard alopecia, highlighting conditions such as alopecia areata, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and tinea barbae, and aims to serve as a resource for clinicians handling such cases.
      Primary Cicatricial Alopecia: Treatment Approaches and Classification

      research Primary cicatricial alopecia

      95 citations , November 2016 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”
      This article reviews primary cicatricial alopecias, focusing on lymphocytic forms such as chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, according to a classification by the North American Hair Research Society, and reports no new clinical results.
      Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update

      research Androgenetic alopecia: An update

      July 2023 in “JAAD International”
      This study describes androgenetic alopecia as a common non-scarring hair loss condition primarily influenced by genetic factors and androgen sensitivity, notably impacting psychosocial well-being, especially in females and younger males seeking treatment.