A user shared a positive experience about receiving free finasteride from their dermatologist. Others discussed the varying costs of finasteride in different countries.
Dutasteride and finasteride have similar risk profiles despite Dutasteride blocking more types of 5AR in the brain. Some users report no mood issues with either drug, and it is suggested that Dutasteride's larger molecular size may limit its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Finasteride can take over a year to show results, with some users seeing significant improvements after 1.5 to 3.5 years. Patience is key, and combining treatments like minoxidil may help.
The conversation is about hair loss treatments, specifically minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride. The main advice is to start with finasteride and never stop minoxidil once started, as stopping can lead to significant hair loss.
A user is seeking advice on a new topical hair loss treatment containing Minoxidil 3%, Finasteride 0.3%, Progesterone 1%, Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1%, and Ketoconazole 0.5%. They are concerned about the systemic absorption of Finasteride and plan to do blood tests and a spermiogram before starting.
Dutasteride can drastically reduce sebum production, leading to dryer hair and shedding. Alternating shampoos and periodic silica supplementation can improve hair quality and thickness.
After 12 years of success with oral finasteride and topical minoxidil, the user is experiencing hair thinning and scalp discomfort. They are considering options like switching to oral minoxidil, adding dutasteride, or using ketoconazole shampoo, topical caffeine, rosemary serum, and supplements.
A user increased their dutasteride dosage from 0.5mg to 1mg daily, resulting in a rise in DHT levels from 148 pg/mL to 281 pg/mL, and is considering switching back to finasteride due to continued hair loss. Replies suggest retesting and emphasize the importance of bloodwork before starting treatments.
A 31-year-old who experienced severe hair loss during medical school tried various treatments, including topical and oral finasteride and minoxidil, but stopped due to side effects. They restarted treatment 10 months ago with a regimen including topical finasteride, minoxidil, retinoic acid, hydrocortisone, oral minoxidil, and light therapy, emphasizing the importance of consistency and skincare.
A user shared a 15-year experience using minoxidil and finasteride for hair loss, stating that despite never missing a dose, their hairline continued to recede slowly. Other users suggested that the hair loss might be exacerbated by the use of steroids and recommended considering other treatments like dutasteride and RU58841.
After 11 years on Finasteride, a user's hair is thinning again, suggesting hair may become more sensitive to DHT with age. They plan to introduce Dutasteride once a week, as they cannot tolerate Minoxidil.
A user is participating in a phase 3 trial for Clascoterone, a topical acne medication that may stimulate hair growth, and will share results after 6 months. They will have a section of their hair shaved and marked with a tattoo for the study.
The user shared progress pictures after using Minoxidil and oral Finasteride for eight months to treat hair loss. They experienced significant hair regrowth, and the discussion includes various opinions on the necessity and effectiveness of these treatments.
The conversation discusses whether individuals using hair loss treatments like Dutasteride (Dut) or Finasteride (Fin) should regularly check their hormone levels through bloodwork. Some argue it's important to monitor the effects of these medications on hormone levels, while others believe it's unnecessary if there are no side effects, citing cost and practicality concerns.
Some individuals do not respond to oral minoxidil for hair loss, despite it generally working by improving blood flow to hair follicles. Factors like metabolism, drug interactions, and individual variations in the drug's activation may influence its effectiveness.
The conversation discusses the confusion over low testosterone potentially causing hair loss, with users sharing personal experiences and knowledge about hair loss treatments like Finasteride. Some users suggest that hair follicle sensitivity to DHT, not testosterone levels, is the key factor in balding, and others discuss the side effects of hair loss medications.
The user shared a 6-month progress update on hair regrowth using Minoxidil and 5 months of Finasteride, along with a hair transplant of 4,200 grafts. Commenters reacted positively, discussing the effectiveness of these treatments and the impact on self-image.
People are not using RU58841 for hair loss because it's not FDA approved, lacks long-term safety data, and is difficult to obtain and verify. They prefer FDA-approved treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, ketoconazole shampoo, and microneedling.
A user shared a 6-month progress picture showing improvement in hair loss using biotin and minoxidil. They also mentioned dealing with stress, diet issues, and seborrheic dermatitis.
The user visited three dermatologists for hair loss treatment and was disappointed with their lack of thorough examination and discussion. Treatments prescribed included minoxidil, finasteride, multivitamins, ketoconazole shampoo, vitamin D3, and biotin, but the user was dissatisfied with the approach and lack of consideration for newer treatments.
The conversation discusses GT20029, a drug in Phase II trials that targets androgen receptors with minimal systemic effects, and TDM-105795, a growth stimulant with a different mechanism than minoxidil that may revive papilla stem cells. Both are potential new treatments for hair loss.
A 22-year-old male is experiencing hair loss due to seborrheic dermatitis, not male pattern baldness, and is seeking advice. Suggestions include using Nizoral, sulfate-free and ketoconazole shampoos, cutting hair short, using cold water, avoiding picking scabs, and trying selenium sulfide shampoo or finasteride.
The conversation speculates on whether Tom Cruise uses hair loss treatments like Finasteride or Dutasteride, with some suggesting he naturally has good hair like Brad Pitt, while others joke about Scientology or genetics playing a role. Specific treatments mentioned include Finasteride, Dutasteride, and possibly high-quality hair products or procedures like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma).
Laser caps are found to be more effective than 5% minoxidil for treating hair loss, and when combined with minoxidil, they are even more effective. Some users report positive results with laser treatments, while others see no change; the devices are FDA approved, but opinions on their efficacy vary.
The conversation is about the debate over the existence of Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) and its symptoms, with some users skeptical about PFS and others discussing side effects like erectile dysfunction and gynecomastia from hair loss treatments like finasteride. Specific treatments mentioned include finasteride, viagra, and a joke about using a popsicle stick for erectile support.
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.
Capronium Chloride and Trichoxidil are suggested as better alternatives to Minoxidil for hair growth without heart side effects. The Japanese Dermatological Association recommends topical Minoxidil over Capronium Chloride.
A user on dutasteride and oral minoxidil for two years reports worsening hair loss and is seeking advice. Suggestions include consulting a professional for underlying causes, acknowledging that treatments don't work for everyone, and considering dosage adjustments or additional treatments.
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 user has been using finasteride for five years and minoxidil foam for 1.5 years to combat hair loss, experiencing significant regrowth after an initial shedding phase with minoxidil. They shared progress pictures and discussed treatment experiences, including the addition of minoxidil to their regimen after noticing reduced efficacy with finasteride alone.