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GlossaryAlpha-smooth muscle actin

protein involved in smooth muscle contraction and wound healing

Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the contraction of smooth muscle cells, which are found in various tissues like blood vessels and the digestive tract. It is also a marker used by scientists to identify myofibroblasts, cells involved in wound healing and tissue repair. Elevated levels of α-SMA can indicate tissue remodeling or fibrosis, which is the thickening and scarring of connective tissue.

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community PSA: Most men who stay on Fin will see the sexual side effects go away. Stop the fear mongering

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 191 upvotes 2 years ago

Finasteride can cause sexual side effects in less than 2% of men, but these often disappear over time, even if the treatment continues. Some users report persistent side effects, while others experience no issues or only temporary ones.

community Please explain this Minoxidil phenomena

in Minoxidil 56 upvotes 1 year ago

The post discusses the difference in effects of Minoxidil (Min) on scalp and facial hair. The user questions why Min-induced hair growth on the scalp is temporary, while facial hair growth seems permanent, even after stopping Min. They propose theories, including different Min mechanisms on body and facial hair, the role of DHT, and the possibility of not achieving fully terminal hair. The responses include personal experiences and theories about Min's effects on hair growth.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 4 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community DIY treatment... Shedding completely stopped after 1.5 yrs

in Treatment 249 upvotes 2 years ago

Vitamin C mixed with shampoo stopped shedding and promoted hair regrowth after 1.5 years. Both the person and their wife experienced significant hair loss reduction with this method.

community Can we have a thread that summarizes all treatments options in addition to the big 3 which we have some evidence for, their mechanism of action and whether they can be combined with the big 3(other than dermarolling)?

in Treatment 52 upvotes 6 years ago

The conversation discusses hair loss treatments beyond the commonly known three, focusing on separating effective treatments from myths. Dutasteride and low-dose oral Minoxidil are mentioned as having clinical evidence for increasing hair counts, but with potential side effects.

community We don't talk about vitamin E enough

60 upvotes 5 years ago

A user shared that taking vitamin E, specifically tocotrienols, seemed to reduce their hair shedding, and they are also using finasteride, minoxidil, and derma rolling for hair loss. Another user cautioned against high doses of vitamin E due to potential health risks.

community hairloss in my 20s has ruined my life.

in Research/Science 373 upvotes 1 month ago

A person in their 20s is struggling with hair loss, using treatments like minoxidil and finasteride. Suggestions include self-improvement, therapy, hair transplants, and focusing on acceptance and confidence.

community hairline resurrection — 2 months before/after [5mg oral minoxidil, 1mg finasteride everyday, 2% keto shampoo every three days, weekly 0.5mm dermarolling]

in Progress Pictures 478 upvotes 1 year ago

This conversation was about a user named Substantial_Pen_1099 who has been using an regimen of 5mg oral minoxidil, 1mg finasteride everyday, 2% keto shampoo every three days, and weekly 0.5mm dermarolling for hair loss treatment over the course of 3 months. Others in the conversation expressed disbelief at their progress, to which Substantial_Pen_1099 provided video proof as evidence.

community Finasteride vs Dutasteride: The Science

in Research/Science 170 upvotes 11 months ago

The conversation compares Finasteride and Dutasteride for hair loss treatment, discussing their effectiveness and side effects. Users share personal results and consider combining treatments like Dutasteride with RU58841.

community Update of my case, might have finally found what happened

in Minoxidil 6 upvotes 3 months ago

OP believes RU58841 affected their thyroid, causing hypothyroidism and impacting minoxidil's effectiveness. They plan to start thyroid medication to improve hair regrowth.

community Research Backed Dutasteride Simulator (Serum/Scalp DHT included for all doses)

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 95 upvotes 4 weeks ago

A dutasteride simulator predicts that daily 0.5 mg dosing results in higher DHT suppression compared to less frequent dosing. Twice-weekly dutasteride may be as effective as finasteride 5 mg, providing a balance between efficacy and ease of use.

community Haircafe on why microneedling is bad for hair growth

in Microneedling 156 upvotes 4 months ago

Microneedling combined with minoxidil and finasteride shows significant hair regrowth, though opinions on its effectiveness vary. Some users report substantial benefits, while others highlight the need for more research and consistency in application.

community 2.5 months of 1mg fin + 1.25mg OM + dermarolling. Progress or wishful thinking?

in Is this regrowth? 203 upvotes 1 year ago

A user's 2.5 months of finasteride, oral minoxidil, and dermarolling treatments for hair loss, with various users giving their opinion on the progress made.

community PYRILUTAMIDE KX-826 experience

in Research/Science 98 upvotes 2 years ago

A user's experience with the hair loss treatment Pyrilutamide KX-826, which has resulted in some side effects and shedding. The conversation also includes advice for baseline pictures and trying treatments for at least 6 months.

community Husband’s 2.5 month progress so far - I’m amazed!!

in Progress Pictures 347 upvotes 1 month ago

A husband saw significant hair regrowth in 2.5 months using minoxidil, finasteride, collagen, biotin, multivitamins, GHK-cu, microneedling, and scalp oils. His wife highlighted the routine's effectiveness and the importance of consistency.

community 3 months progress with Finasteride 0.5mg/daily, Minoxidil foam5% 2x daily, Stemoxydine 2x daily, Microneedling(M8) 1.5mm 1x per week, Saw Palmetto 400mg/day, peppermint and jojoba oils daily, Ketoconazole 2% shampoo 3x/week, Purador shampoo/conditioner every day.

in Progress Pictures 337 upvotes 2 years ago

Jordan-Iliad has been using a combination of finasteride, minoxidil, stemoxydine, microneedling, saw palmetto, peppermint and jojoba oils, ketoconazole shampoo, and Purador shampoo/conditioner for 3 months to treat their hair loss with stunning results. They have also recently started taking oral minoxidil 1.25mg/day in hopes of achieving even better results over the next 3 months.

community I think we all hop on estrogen. It's the only angle

in Satire 83 upvotes 4 months ago

The conversation humorously discusses hair loss treatments, including Minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841, and topical 17 alpha estradiol, with some users joking about transitioning to female to avoid baldness. The overall tone is satirical, emphasizing self-acceptance and the lengths people might consider for hair restoration.

community Why is dht bad for scalp hair but good for hair on the rest of body?

in Satire 109 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation discusses why DHT (dihydrotestosterone) negatively affects scalp hair but promotes growth elsewhere on the body. Various opinions include genetic predispositions, differences in hair follicle reactions to DHT, and the potential role of Omega-3 in reducing inflammation and promoting hair health.

community Finasteride can revive up to 7 year old dead hair

in Research/Science 188 upvotes 2 months ago

Finasteride and minoxidil can revive hair dormant for up to 7 years, with microneedling enhancing regrowth. Users report significant hair regrowth even after long periods of baldness.

community 4 years of dutasteride monotherapy

in Progress Pictures 191 upvotes 1 year ago

The conclusion of the conversation is that the user experienced noticeable regrowth of hair after using dutasteride as a single treatment for about 1.5 years. No before photos were available.

community Be careful when switching from Finasteride to Dutasteride because for more efficacy.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 13 upvotes 2 months ago

Switching from finasteride to dutasteride may be more effective for hair regrowth due to dutasteride's stronger enzyme inhibition, but combining both drugs could enhance results. Some users report better outcomes with dutasteride, while others recommend a gradual transition to prevent potential hair loss.

community Diffuse thinning is so brutal.

in Styling 72 upvotes 1 year ago

A 25-year-old with AGA experienced hair thinning and dandruff, stabilized with topical finasteride and minoxidil but saw minimal regrowth. They seek advice on styling and consider oral minoxidil and microneedling for denser hair.

community To all the young non-responders out there

in Update 120 upvotes 2 years ago

A 21 year old who has been taking various treatments for hair loss such as dutasteride, RU58841, minoxidil and finasteride with no results. Other users share their experiences of dealing with hair loss at an early age and offer advice on how to cope.

community Can anyone confidently say their erections are the same on fin ?

in Chat 240 upvotes 6 months ago

The conversation discusses the impact of finasteride on sexual function, with many users reporting reduced libido and weaker erections despite continuing the treatment to prevent hair loss. Some users suggest checking hormone levels or switching to different dosages or treatments like dutasteride, while others share mixed experiences regarding the severity of side effects.

community Diffuse thinning fucking sucks

in Update 430 upvotes 10 months ago

The conversation discusses various treatments for hair loss, including finasteride, minoxidil, dutasteride, microneedling, and checking for nutrient deficiencies. Some users suggest adding hydrocortisone butyrate, low-dose progesterone, or tretinoin to treatment regimens, while others recommend cosmetic solutions like Toppik hair fibers or shaving the head.

community Guys. Your hairloss and your mental health issues connected to your hairloss are two separate issues that require two separate treatments

in Chat 356 upvotes 2 years ago

Hair loss and the importance of not letting it affect one's self-worth. The conversation includes advice on treatments such as taking medication, like Minoxidil and Finasteride, and other methods to manage hairloss, such as buzzing your head or seeking professional help.

community Should I just switch to oral minoxidil + where do you get cheap oral minoxidil in the United States?

in Minoxidil 19 upvotes 2 months ago

Switching from topical to oral minoxidil due to scalp irritation and unsatisfactory results, while also seeking cheaper options in the U.S. Oral minoxidil is generally favored for its effectiveness and fewer application downsides, with CostPlusDrugs and GoodRx offering affordable prices.

community Two months of dutasteride once a day 0.5 and minoxidil 5% twice a day. The light is different but I think there is progress

in Is this regrowth? 96 upvotes 1 year ago

A user's experience with taking dutasteride and minoxidil for hair loss, with other users providing advice to continue treatment for at least 12 months and including dermarolling as well as dietary changes.

community started since friday topical fin+min+ caffeine+dermaroller 0.5 mm once a week… wish me luck my bald friends :-)

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 211 upvotes 2 years ago

Using a combination of topical finasteride, minoxidil, caffeine and dermaroller treatments to help with hair loss, while discussing the potential results and other options.

community Long term finasteride users; Did you notice any improvement after 2 years?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 14 upvotes 1 year ago

Long term Finasteride users and whether or not they have noticed improvements after two years of use, with other treatments such as Minoxidil and dermarolling also discussed. Some replies suggest that improvement is possible even beyond the two year mark while others caution against believing studies backed by the Post-Finasteride Foundation.