Most studies seem to say the vast majority of increase in hair count occurs in the first 12 weeks, why does everyone say you need to wait years to know whether fin/dut are working?
    Finasteride/Dutasteride 8/30/2025

    From the encyclopedia
    Finasteride →

    Popular 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that lowers DHT, taken as a pill or used topically

    Dutasteride →

    5-alpha reductase inhibitor that blocks both enzyme types, a stronger DHT blocker than finasteride

    At a glance
    In this general discussion post, the primary subjects mentioned are the tone is 😐 neutral with initial hair count increases within 12 weeks, but significant cosmetic improvements take longer results.

    Other terms

    Finasteride and dutasteride can show initial hair count increases within 12 weeks, but visible improvements often take longer, with many users reporting noticeable changes after a year or more. While early results may be seen under a microscope, significant cosmetic improvements typically require more time for hair to thicken and become visibly denser.
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      community Topical Dutasteride Seems to Work

      in Research/Science  22 upvotes 10 months ago
      Topical dutasteride, particularly at 0.05%, shows greater hair density improvement than oral finasteride over 24 weeks, though hair thickness gains are similar. Some users report side effects with topical treatments, but others find them effective for maintaining hair without significant systemic absorption.

      community 1ish year on fin and no improvement

       85 upvotes 1 year ago
      The user has been using finasteride for over a year without improvement and recently started oral minoxidil. Suggestions include trying dutasteride and continuing minoxidil for potential regrowth.

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