Finasteride and dutasteride can improve skin texture and reduce acne by lowering DHT but do not reverse aging. They may enhance skin and hair health for some, but can also cause side effects like dry skin and sexual dysfunction.
The user used Minoxidil 5% for 18 months, seeing improved hair density but no change in the crown area. They are cautious about using Finasteride again due to past gynecomastia.
Finasteride increased the user's estrogen levels by 51%, causing concerns about gynecomastia and sleep issues. Despite potential side effects, the user prefers continuing finasteride to prevent hair loss, considering it essential for self-esteem.
The user reported hair regrowth progress using minoxidil and dermapen, considering adding finasteride. Others shared experiences with minoxidil, finasteride, and microneedling, recommending finasteride for long-term results but noting potential side effects.
The user is trying to maximize minoxidil's effectiveness by applying it for only one hour to avoid spreading it to furniture and pets, especially cats. They experience side effects when combining minoxidil with dermarolling and are considering alternatives like oral minoxidil or microneedling.
A 34-year-old woman is experiencing diffuse hair loss and irregular periods, possibly due to long-term spironolactone use. She is considering minoxidil and finasteride for treatment and seeking medical advice for androgenic alopecia and hormonal imbalances.
A 24-year-old male is considering the "Big 4" treatments (Finasteride, Minoxidil, Ketoconazole shampoo, and Microneedling) or a hair transplant for hair loss. Most users recommend starting with Finasteride and Minoxidil to stabilize hair loss before considering a transplant.
Topical finasteride may reduce more scalp DHT but is seen as inconsistent and messy compared to oral finasteride. Users report mixed results with both forms, with some preferring oral for its convenience and consistent dosing, while others find topical effective but harder to apply.
The "DHT itch" is real and likely due to inflammation at the hair follicle, exacerbated by increased testosterone or androgens. Treatments mentioned include dutasteride, minoxidil, finasteride, and various topical solutions.
A 17-year-old experiencing hair loss is using Minoxidil but is hesitant about Finasteride due to potential side effects. Others recommend Finasteride for its effectiveness and suggest alternatives like vitamins and derma rollers.
A 26-year-old male shared his 9-month hair regrowth progress using 1mg oral finasteride daily, 5% topical minoxidil once a day, and weekly 1.5mm microneedling. He reported no side effects and significant improvement, with users discussing various experiences and advice on similar treatments.
The user shared their experience with Finasteride and Dutasteride for hair loss. They initially had success with Finasteride but switched to Dutasteride after experiencing shedding, which continued, and are now considering a hair transplant.
A user experienced no hair regrowth after using oral minoxidil, topical finasteride, minoxidil, and tretinoin, and reported side effects from oral finasteride. They are considering switching to dutasteride or using hair fibers for better results.
A user has been using 5% minoxidil and a derma pen for one month, experiencing shedding but noticing potential new hair growth. They plan to add finasteride to their regimen.
A 28-year-old male using only oral finasteride 1mg since May 15, 2024, reports no side effects and significant hair improvement. He plans to continue finasteride for three more months and is considering adding D3+K2 drops, zinc, folate, and magnesium glycinate.
A user, 18, is considering switching from topical finasteride (0.025%) and minoxidil to dutasteride due to continued hair shedding. Other users shared their experiences with dutasteride, noting potential benefits and risks, including reduced sperm count.
A 43-year-old experienced gynecomastia after 20 years of taking dutasteride and 7.5mg oral minoxidil. Suggestions include consulting an endocrinologist, checking hormones, and considering Nolvadex or DIM supplements.
The conversation is about overcoming fear of finasteride/dutasteride for hair loss treatment. Users suggest starting with a small supply, noting side effects are rare and reversible, and emphasize personal comfort and confidence.
A 23-year-old experiencing diffuse hair thinning has chosen a treatment stack including topical finasteride, a blend of rosemary, peppermint, and pumpkin seed oils, procyanidine B2 spray, ketoconazole shampoo, and scalp massages. They avoid minoxidil due to family history of side effects and oral finasteride due to high estrogen levels.
User used topical minoxidil 5% with 0.1% finasteride twice daily, oral minoxidil 2.5mg, and finasteride 1mg daily, along with a hair multivitamin and weekly derma rolling. They missed the medication 3-4 times but still saw significant progress.
Users discuss using pyrilutamide for hair loss, seeking alternatives to 5AR inhibitors. They mention using minoxidil, ketoconazole shampoo, and RU58841.
User experienced significant hair loss after adding dutasteride to their finasteride and minoxidil regimen. They plan to revert to finasteride only due to lack of improvement.
Dutasteride raises scalp testosterone by 99%, which may not be ideal for those sensitive to all androgens. Some argue finasteride's balancing act might be better, while others believe dutasteride is superior for hair regrowth.
A user is experiencing facial bloating from low-dose topical finasteride due to high estradiol levels and is seeking advice on using DIM to manage this issue, including dosage and brand recommendations.
A user shared their 8-month progress using 1mg oral finasteride with no side effects and plans to start minoxidil. Another user commented that the results look great and suggested reconsidering starting minoxidil.
David Barreto shared that a London-based research group is conducting a 12-month trial for a new nutraceutical treatment for pattern hair loss, designed with Dr. Carlos Puig. The trial aims to provide robust data, with results expected in 1-2 years, potentially representing a significant advancement since finasteride’s introduction in 1997.
A 23-year-old male shared his 6-month hair transformation using Dutasteride, oral Minoxidil, ketoconazole shampoo, vitamin D, gym, cardio, and dermastamping. He reported significant hair maintenance and no side effects.
A user shared their one-year progress using finasteride 1mg three times a week, starting at age 25, with noticeable regrowth after three months and no side effects. Other users discussed their experiences with finasteride, minoxidil, microneedling, and dutasteride, noting varying results and side effects.
A user shared their 9-month progress using Propecia and minoxidil for hair loss, noting significant daily shedding. Others suggested potential vitamin/mineral deficiencies and offered encouragement.