Topical finasteride is almost as effective as oral finasteride with fewer side effects. Users are considering between oral and topical finasteride for hair loss treatment.
The conversation is about the effectiveness of 0.25% topical finasteride compared to other concentrations and forms. Users discuss its potential for better scalp DHT reduction and fewer side effects, with some preferring topical over oral treatments.
The conversation discusses the use of topical finasteride for hair loss, with the user considering whether oral finasteride might be more effective in reducing DHT levels. Other users suggest alternatives like dutasteride, RU58841, saw palmetto, and a combination of Redensyl, Procapil, and Capixyl, while debating the effectiveness and side effects of these treatments.
Finasteride is favored for hair loss due to FDA approval, accessibility, and manageable side effects. Dutasteride, though more effective in reducing DHT, is used off-label and may have more side effects.
A human trial of verteporfin, a potential treatment for hair loss, with some users noting potential improvements in scarring and overall healing compared to control areas.
The user stopped using finasteride after two weeks due to gynecomastia symptoms and shared blood work results questioning if they indicate a cause for the side effects. The user is considering restarting finasteride and seeking advice on their blood work levels in relation to gynecomastia.
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.
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.
The conversation discusses whether to use finasteride for hair loss, considering its role in inhibiting DHT and 5AR, which can affect brain function and mood. Some users report anxiety and depression from finasteride, while others do not experience these side effects and emphasize the importance of DHT for brain and prostate health.
Peptides like TB500, KPV, GHK-CU, and BPC-157 are overhyped for hair growth with limited proven effectiveness in humans. Combining peptides with delivery methods like iontophoresis and sonophoresis shows promise, but many claims remain unproven.
A trans man shared progress pictures showing significant hair regrowth after 9 months on oral Minoxidil and 1.5 years on finasteride. He encourages others to stick with their treatments despite initial setbacks.
Using dutasteride or finasteride can increase free testosterone, which may convert to estradiol, potentially causing side effects like increased estrogen levels. Individual responses vary, and some users report changes in cholesterol, hair texture, and side effects like gyno or increased sex drive.
The conversation discusses doubts about the effectiveness of topical finasteride for hair loss, suggesting that DHT could be produced elsewhere in the body and affect the scalp. It proposes that androgen receptor antagonists like spironolactone and clascoterone might be more effective as they could prevent this potential bypass mechanism.
Calecim (PTT-6) Advanced Hair System is a 6-week hair restoration product using stem cell-derived ingredients to stimulate hair growth. Users are skeptical, calling it overpriced and ineffective, suggesting alternatives like LLLT devices or PRP treatments.
A user shared their pre-finasteride lab results, including DHT, estradiol, testosterone, SHBG, prolactin, FSH, and LH levels. Another user responded, cautioning against making unsupported claims about side effects and recovery.
A user humorously questions if they should shave their head due to hair loss, mentioning Ronald Reagan's impressive hair genetics. Replies include jokes and comments about jealousy and distrust towards older individuals with full heads of hair.
A user speculates that a fast metabolism might affect the effectiveness of dutasteride for hair loss. Another user argues that drug response is unrelated to metabolism speed.
The user claims NoFap (abstaining from pornography, masturbation, and orgasm) helped stop their hair loss. Others argue that hair loss is primarily due to genetics and DHT, which can be managed with finasteride.
Elevated bile acids can inhibit the enzyme AKR1C2, leading to increased DHT levels, which may accelerate hair loss in those predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. Treatments mentioned include topical minoxidil and finasteride.
The conversation discusses the theory that scalp fibrosis contributes to male pattern baldness (MPB) by increasing DHT concentration, and mentions treatments like Minoxidil. The user seeks opinions on the theory and the effectiveness of scalp massages.
Breezula's phase 3 results are expected soon, with discussions on the effectiveness of androgen receptor antagonists like spironolactone and the potential of GT20029. Users express skepticism about new treatments and discuss the complexities of male pattern baldness, often relying on finasteride despite its side effects.
A user's experience with early balding and their regimen of finasteride, minoxidil, microneedling, vitamin D, and biotin to treat it. Another user asked if the minoxidil had helped with regrowth before they started using it.
The conversation discusses verteporfin as a potential hair loss treatment and questions why more precise methods aren't used to test its effectiveness in regrowing hair. Some users believe verteporfin is promising and should receive more attention, while others are skeptical about the testing methods.
A user who shared progress pictures of their scalp using a microscope camera, demonstrating the difference between healthy and miniaturized hair. Various explanations for the cause of this were discussed, such as DHT build-up in scalp sebum causing an autoimmune response leading to inflammation and eventual hair loss, with some suggesting a do-it-yourself treatment involving adding ascorbic acid powder to shampoo.
Dutasteride takes 1-3 months to affect scalp DHT levels, not just a week. The prostate absorbs Dutasteride faster than the scalp due to different vascular networks and enzyme densities.
Combining finasteride and dutasteride may enhance hair regrowth by targeting different enzymes, with positive results reported. Minoxidil, both oral and topical, is also used to improve effectiveness.
Pirfenidone is suggested to treat fibrosis and baldness by blocking inflammation markers and reducing collagen. It is also available as a gel for scar removal.
A user shared their 2+ years progress on Oral Dutasteride and Sublingual Minoxidil for hair loss. Another user asked about the form of Minoxidil used sublingually.
Dutasteride promotes more hair regrowth than Minoxidil. Users discuss combining treatments for better results and share personal experiences with side effects.