People have been using finasteride for 10 to 20+ years to maintain their hairline, with many reporting success and no significant side effects. Some users have combined finasteride with minoxidil for better results, and a few have switched to dutasteride or added hair transplants when finasteride was less effective.
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.
Creatine is not considered a significant factor in hair loss compared to anabolic steroids, and finasteride or dutasteride can mitigate any potential impact. Some users report hair loss with creatine use, but others suggest finasteride as a more effective treatment.
Finasteride, a medication for hair loss that has both positive and negative effects. Users discussed their own personal experiences with the drug as well as potential side-effects of taking it, such as erectile dysfunction or gynecomastia. Suggestions were also made about starting at a lower dosage to minimize these risks.
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.
A user experienced mild side effects from 0.5mg finasteride daily, including increased estradiol and minor gynecomastia. They are considering taking a low dose of exemestane to reduce estrogen levels.
The user used Finasteride daily and Ketoconazole twice a week for 1.5 years, and RU58841 daily for 0.5 years, which improved hair thickness but caused slight gynecomastia. They are considering using SERMs like tamoxifen and raloxifene to manage side effects and are exploring other treatments like oral minoxidil.
A 32-year-old man experienced positive hair regrowth after 4 months using 1.2mg finasteride and 3mg oral minoxidil, with no side effects. He used a chewable combo pill from Hims, noting minoxidil aids regrowth and finasteride maintains hair.
A user shared their two-year progress using finasteride 1mg daily for hair recovery, noting significant improvement with minimal side effects like a slight decrease in libido. They initially tried microneedling weekly for six months but discontinued it, and they are now experimenting with reducing the finasteride dose to 0.5mg daily.
The user experienced significant hair thinning and scalp irritation after three months of using topical finasteride. Suggestions include that shedding is normal before regrowth and switching to oral finasteride or addressing scalp inflammation might help.
A user shared their 5-year experience using minoxidil and finasteride, noting significant hair improvements without side effects. Consistency, a positive mindset, and lifestyle changes like a healthier diet and better sleep were key to their success.
A 22-year-old male shared his 4-month progress using topical minoxidil, topical finasteride, dermarolling, ketoconazole shampoo, and supplements for hair loss, showing significant improvement. Users discussed his potential for further recovery, shared purchasing tips for finasteride, and mentioned possible side effects like reduced libido.
A user reported significant hair regrowth using a homemade 0.01% topical finasteride solution, highlighting its effectiveness and lack of side effects. The discussion included concerns about oral finasteride's side effects and the benefits of topical solutions.
A user shared their 6-month progress using oral finasteride and oral minoxidil for hair loss, reporting significant improvements with minimal side effects, such as slight erectile dysfunction that resolved. Other users discussed their experiences, concerns about side effects, and the effectiveness of these treatments.
The user halted hair loss using 0.01% topical liposomal finasteride daily, with no side effects or regrowth, and recently added 5% minoxidil and low-level laser therapy. They recommend this conservative approach for those hesitant about finasteride.
A 37-year-old male shared his 3-month progress using oral finasteride, oral minoxidil, and microneedling for hair loss, showing significant improvement. He experienced initial side effects like anxiety, low mood, and testicular ache.
A user reversed hair loss using 10% sulfur soap, which reduced scalp inflammation and possibly demodex mites. The user did not use finasteride or minoxidil, suggesting inflammation may contribute to hair loss.
The conversation discusses using 2.5mg dutasteride, 0.5mg dutasteride with topical treatments, and other combinations like oral minoxidil, RU58841, and microneedling for male pattern baldness. Users share experiences and suggest various treatment regimens, emphasizing the effectiveness of dutasteride and minoxidil.
User shared a 5-month progress update on using topical minoxidil 6% and finasteride 0.05% once daily, with microneedling and vitamins. They experienced initial shedding but no side effects, and increased the treatment to twice daily after month 4.
User experienced good results with topical finasteride, noting reduced DHT and increased testosterone. They plan to revert to a lower dosage after observing slight libido reduction.
The conversation discusses finding a finasteride dosage that reduces DHT by about 25% to minimize side effects, with considerations for topical versus oral formulations. Alternatives like dutasteride mesotherapy and topical treatments are explored, with concerns about systemic absorption and potential impacts on athletic performance and hormone levels.
A user shared their 3-month progress using finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss. Responses included congratulations, jokes, and mixed opinions on the visible results.
A 47-year-old has been using finasteride for 25 years for hair loss, but it's less effective now. Suggestions include switching to dutasteride, stopping anastrozole, and trying minoxidil, microneedling, and possibly TRT.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth after using 1.25mg finasteride for 7 months, with no side effects, and is considering whether to keep or remove a previous SMP (scalp micropigmentation). They avoided minoxidil due to dandruff and sensitive scalp concerns, and they use a specific dandruff shampoo once a week.
A 24-year-old male shared his 9-month hair loss treatment journey, initially using topical finasteride and minoxidil, and recently switching to oral dutasteride and minoxidil. He experienced manageable shedding, noticeable hair density improvement, and plans to consider a hair transplant after 12-18 months on the oral treatment.
The user reduced serum DHT by 60% using Advanced Trichology's natural DHT blocker but saw no improvement in hair loss. They are considering switching to finasteride due to its proven effectiveness in inhibiting scalp DHT.
A 45-year-old male has been using oral finasteride for 12 months and oral minoxidil for 8 months to address hair loss, with plans for a hair transplant next year. He reports no side effects and some improvement, but acknowledges a transplant is needed for full restoration.
The conversation is about using finasteride and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for hair loss and their role in gender-affirming care. It debates whether these treatments are considered hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and their implications for both cisgender and transgender individuals.