Hair loss affects confidence, with discussions on treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841. Emphasis is placed on self-acceptance and building confidence beyond appearance.
The conversation discusses the frustration over the unavailability of 2.5mg dutasteride soft gels, with some users suggesting higher doses for better scalp DHT suppression. Concerns about side effects and the necessity of DHT are debated, with some users advocating for alternative treatments like RU58841 and oral minoxidil.
Long aerobic exercise (over 60 minutes) can reduce DHT levels and improve hair health. Some users discuss using Tadalafil (Cialis) to further reduce DHT after exercise, while others mention using treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, and RU58841 for hair growth.
A doctor criticized the use of Finasteride for hair loss, suggesting Minoxidil and a hair transplant instead, despite the patient experiencing no side effects from Finasteride. The patient disagreed, arguing that Minoxidil doesn't address the root cause and that Finasteride is necessary to protect donor hair in transplants.
Oral minoxidil can cause severe side effects, including heart issues, even at low doses. Users suggest starting with a lower dose or using topical treatments to minimize risks.
Athletes often use finasteride to maintain hair transplants, but some avoid it due to potential hormonal effects. Notable examples include Mo Salah and Conor McGregor, while LeBron James has had multiple procedures with varying success.
Oral minoxidil is discussed, highlighting potential cardiovascular risks at high doses, but users note that lower doses commonly used for hair loss are generally considered safe. Monitoring by doctors is advised, and some users report taking it without issues, comparing its risks to those of common medications like ibuprofen.
Topical finasteride results in plasma levels 100 times lower than oral finasteride, potentially reducing systemic side effects. Users report similar efficacy with fewer side effects, suggesting a preference for topical application.
Finasteride can reduce neuroactive steroids, causing side effects like depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. Some users experience persistent symptoms after stopping finasteride, while others use alternative treatments like topical solutions.
PP405 may encourage earlier hair growth and slightly increase visible hair count but does not reverse hair follicle miniaturization in male pattern baldness. It does not address damage to the dermal papilla or broken Wnt signaling.
The conversation discusses the potential for high doses of dutasteride to completely inhibit scalp DHT and speculates whether this could cure baldness when combined with a topical antiandrogen. Specific dosages mentioned are 0.5 mg reducing scalp DHT by 55% and 2.5 mg by about 79%.
The conversation discusses the potential of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, like oleic and linoleic acid, as an additional treatment for hair loss, which may inhibit the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT and promote hair growth. Users humorously suggest using oils topically and discuss other hair loss treatments, but the main focus is on the science behind fatty acids and their role in hair health.
The conversation discusses the effectiveness of finasteride and dutasteride in treating hair loss, emphasizing that significant results often take 12-18 months or more. Dutasteride is generally considered superior, with similar or fewer side effects than finasteride, but patience is required for noticeable improvement.
A medical student experienced hair loss slowing with Finasteride but developed severe, treatment-resistant insomnia. They tried various medications with little effect, suspecting Post-Finasteride Syndrome, and others suggested the insomnia might be linked to Finasteride's impact on neurosteroids.
The user regrets stopping finasteride and minoxidil due to increased hair loss. They have resumed these treatments and are considering a hair transplant.
Excessive use of Nizoral can lead to dry, brittle hair and is not recommended more than 1-2 times a week. Users suggest using conditioner to mitigate dryness and note that Nizoral is more effective for treating fungal issues rather than regrowing hair.
Hair loss treatments discussed include dermarolling, minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841. Some users find dermarolling sad, while others mention the complexity of biological systems and limited research funding for hair loss.
Finasteride is discussed as a hair loss treatment with benefits like reduced prostate enlargement and skin aging, but it is not seen as a "fountain of youth." Users report mixed experiences, including side effects like decreased libido and dry eyes.
A 21-year-old male managed to control his hair loss using Nizoral, RU58841, and finasteride, but experienced increased scalp itchiness after starting creatine, which subsided upon stopping creatine. Users shared mixed experiences on whether creatine affects hair loss, with some reporting negative effects and others seeing no change or defending its benefits.
Non-steroidal ways to reduce scalp inflammation include using topical melatonin, urea shampoo, Zyrtec, turmeric with black pepper, omega-3 supplements, a self-made topical solution with cetirizine, melatonin, and piroctone olamine, ketoconazole shampoo, witch hazel shampoo, tacrolimus, and lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular exercise. Some users also mentioned unconventional methods like infrared light therapy and a carnivore diet.
Minoxidil is extremely toxic to cats, even from residue on surfaces, and can be deadly if they come into contact with it. Switching to oral minoxidil is suggested as a safer alternative for pet owners.
Scalp tension from the occipitalis muscle is theorized to contribute to hair loss, but most believe DHT and genetics are the main causes. Treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are considered more effective than addressing scalp tension.
Creatine may cause hair loss in some individuals, especially those on finasteride, despite no scientific link. Personal experiences suggest individual sensitivity to DHT could be a factor.
Oral minoxidil can boost hair growth but may cause side effects like heart palpitations and increased body hair. Many prefer topical minoxidil due to fewer side effects.
Dutasteride and finasteride can affect libido differently, with some experiencing increased libido and others decreased libido or erectile dysfunction. Dutasteride may increase testosterone levels but can also cause side effects like liver enzyme changes, while topical finasteride may have fewer sexual side effects.
Oral minoxidil may cause facial bloating and dark circles, making some users feel they look older. Some consider reducing the dosage or switching treatments due to these side effects.
Creatine does not directly cause hair loss but may increase DHT levels, potentially worsening hair loss in those predisposed to male pattern baldness. Users have mixed experiences, with some reporting increased shedding and others seeing no effect.
People discussed using finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride for hair loss, with mixed results and side effects. Some had positive outcomes, while others experienced issues like libido changes and chose alternatives like hair systems.
The user experiences immediate hair shedding linked to stress, unlike typical telogen effluvium, and is seeking answers. A suggestion was made to use spironolactone and topical minoxidil to address potential DHT-related shedding.
A 21-year-old male diagnosed with telogen effluvium and male pattern baldness started taking finasteride, which initially slowed hair shedding and slightly thickened hair. The doctor recommended iron and vitamin D supplements, and the user is considering minoxidil but wants to stabilize shedding first.