Efficacy of Topical Finasteride 0.5% vs 17α-Estradiol 0.05% in the Treatment of Postmenopausal Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Retrospective, Single-Blind Study of 119 Patients

A 27-year-old woman with advanced female pattern hair loss and telogen effluvium is experiencing increased hair shedding after starting oral minoxidil and finasteride. She is seeking advice and reassurance from others who have experienced similar issues, while also considering additional treatments like dermapen and ensuring her nutritional needs are met.

OP used finasteride 1mg and 2.5mg oral minoxidil since late April, showing hair improvement despite some initial libido issues. Users discussed side effects, costs, and alternative treatments, with OP noting increased facial hair but no significant body hair growth.

A 24-year-old experienced improved hair growth using 5% minoxidil, 1 mg finasteride, and dermastamping, but faced side effects like low libido and mild erectile dysfunction. They plan to reduce finasteride dosage after full results and may consider a hair transplant if thinning recurs.

A 35-year-old male used oral finasteride and topical minoxidil, later transitioning to oral minoxidil, to stop hair loss and improve hair density. He plans a future hair transplant and experienced temporary libido changes but no permanent side effects.

The user has been using finasteride (1.25 mg oral) and minoxidil (5% topical) for 14 months, with recent addition of ketoconazole shampoo, and is experiencing ongoing hair shedding. Despite shedding, there is noticeable hair regrowth, though density remains a concern.

The user reported that using 1mg finasteride and liquid minoxidil twice a day helped stabilize their hairline over eight months, despite experiencing a dry scalp. They also mentioned no significant side effects affecting sexual function, despite initial concerns.