Minoxidil alone is often insufficient for treating hair loss because it doesn't address the DHT-related cause. Combining it with finasteride, a DHT blocker, is generally more effective.
Oral minoxidil is considered effective for hair growth, and some users combine it with microneedling despite mixed opinions on its additional benefits. Concerns about microneedling include potential scarring and lack of conclusive evidence on its effectiveness when used with oral treatments.
Many people use finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss, with some switching due to cost or effectiveness. Minoxidil is also commonly used, and side effects like weaker erections or ball pain are reported by some.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth using 5% topical minoxidil twice daily and 1mg oral finasteride once daily over a year. They reported no major side effects, only slightly less chest hair.
The conversation discusses a user's hesitation to start dutasteride for hair loss while already using finasteride, minoxidil (both oral and topical), RU58841, and ketoconazole shampoo. The user plans to gradually transition from finasteride to dutasteride to minimize shedding, seeking advice and reassurance from others.
Switching from topical to oral minoxidil due to scalp irritation and unsatisfactory results, while also seeking cheaper options in the U.S. Oral minoxidil is generally favored for its effectiveness and fewer application downsides, with CostPlusDrugs and GoodRx offering affordable prices.
A user was embarrassed by a pharmacist's loud mention of "minoxidil" for hair loss, sparking a discussion on the stigma and unprofessionalism. Users suggested online purchases or different pharmacies for privacy and reassured that most people don't notice others' purchases.
A user experienced significant hair shedding and thinning 10 months post-hair transplant despite using minoxidil and topical finasteride. They are considering switching to oral finasteride or dutasteride and are also dealing with scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.
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.
The conversation discusses the severe shedding caused by Minoxidil, with users sharing their experiences and outcomes. Some report eventual regrowth, while others see no improvement or worsening hair loss.
A user shared their disappointing results after 1.5 years of hair treatments, including a hair transplant, finasteride, minoxidil, PRP, vegan shampoo, and more. They are considering switching to dutasteride, oral minoxidil, and improving their microneedling routine.
In the Czech Republic, doctors are largely unaware of hair loss treatments beyond minoxidil, and finasteride is hard to obtain. Many users suggest buying treatments like finasteride and minoxidil from other countries or online.
User reports 12 months of using Mexican finasteride (Novaride), minoxidil spray, and ketoconazole shampoo with significant crown improvement and slight frontal hairline improvement. No current side effects; plans to continue treatment for further gains.
Dutasteride at 0.5 mg/day does not significantly alter allopregnanolone levels, but higher doses (2.5 mg/day) do. Dutasteride may also have anti-neuroinflammatory effects, but the impact on neurosteroids is still debated.
A user in Germany struggles to get a finasteride prescription despite trying multiple doctors and apps, only receiving minoxidil. Other users suggest alternative sources like Zava.med, EU doctor App, and buying from pharmacies abroad.
Biotin is being misleadingly marketed as a primary treatment for androgenic alopecia, overshadowing more effective treatments like finasteride and minoxidil. There is a call for increased awareness and accountability to prevent misinformation.
A user is experiencing worsening hair loss despite using finasteride, PRP treatments, and supplements like vitamin D, biotin, zinc, and iron. They are seeking advice on whether to continue with finasteride, increase the dosage, or try additional PRP sessions.
The conversation discusses topical androgen receptor blockers for hair loss, mentioning Clascoterone, Pyrilutamide, GT20029, and RU58841. Ketoconazole's effectiveness and application methods are also debated.
The conversation expresses frustration over the lack of clear evidence regarding the effectiveness and systemic impact of topical Dutasteride for hair loss treatment, despite years of discussion. People are criticized for not conducting proper research and for providing contradictory anecdotal claims.
The conversation discusses HMI 115, a new hair loss treatment with promising results, showing a significant increase in hair density after two months. Some users are skeptical, while others are hopeful for its release and potential affordability.
Quitting vaping significantly reduced hair loss for a user who was a heavy vaper and also taking finasteride. Some participants suggest nicotine's vasoconstrictive properties may worsen hair loss, while others share personal anecdotes of hair improvement after quitting smoking or vaping.
A user shared their one-year progress using Dutasteride, oral and topical Minoxidil, RU58841, and microneedling tools from Amazon, and credits learning from top posters on the forum. Other users discuss the effectiveness of the treatments, affordability, and reflect on the benefits of starting treatment early.
A user shared a success story showing hair regrowth over 10 years, attributing it to quitting creatine and taking 0.5mg finasteride. Some commenters were skeptical about creatine's impact, while others inquired about side effects, and the original poster reported no negative effects from finasteride.
The conversation is about someone considering a hair transplant due to ineffective hair loss treatments, with suggestions ranging from trying a hairpiece to continuing with medications like finasteride and minoxidil, and waiting for new treatments. Some advise against a transplant due to the extent of hair loss and the cost, while others share different views on the effectiveness of transplants and non-surgical options.
The conversation is about a user who got a perm after successfully treating their thinning hair, with mixed reactions from others on the appearance. Specific treatments used are not mentioned.
The user successfully treated their hair loss using 1ml of minoxidil twice daily and dermarolling with a 1.5mm dermaroller once a week. They experienced noticeable results only after combining minoxidil with dermarolling, and they have not used finasteride.
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 pros and cons of dutasteride for male pattern baldness, with a focus on its long half-life. The user, a physician, also mentions that switching from finasteride to dutasteride can cause temporary hair loss until dutasteride reaches effective levels or accelerates the hair cycle.
A new study suggests microneedling alone doesn't benefit male balding, but users argue the study's methods differ from common practices, like combining microneedling with minoxidil and using more frequent treatments. Some believe the study's short duration and infrequent sessions are inadequate to assess microneedling's effectiveness.