The post argues that Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) is likely not real and suggests symptoms may be due to mental health issues or the nocebo effect. The conversation includes personal experiences with finasteride, highlighting both positive and negative effects, and emphasizes consulting doctors and using reliable sources for medication.
A user's progress with treating hair loss using 1mg finasteride per day, with reports of no noticeable side effects and positive results. Other users have shared their experiences with different treatments, such as Dutasteride and Minoxidil.
User shared 6-month progress using Fin, Min, Microneedling, Biotin, and Ketoconazole Shampoo for hair loss. They microneedle once a week, use 1.25 mg Fin daily, and apply topical Min twice a day.
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.
A user with low testosterone and mild gyno is considering finasteride for hair loss. Others suggest consulting an endocrinologist first and share experiences of finasteride not worsening gyno.
Biotin supplements are not effective for hair loss unless you are actually deficient, which is rare. Some users report improved hair quality with biotin, but there's no evidence supporting its use for hair loss in healthy individuals.
The conversation provides tips to reduce facial skin side effects from Minoxidil, such as changing pillowcases, sleeping on the back, careful application, hydration, and taking breaks. One reply suggests that alcohol in Minoxidil formulations, not Minoxidil itself, may cause skin aging.
User "flcv" shares their 3-year experience with finasteride for hair loss, stating no side effects and no change in hair thickness despite shedding cycles. They advise fellow fin users to trust the process and not worry about shedding.
User "hairlossblows" shares their positive experience with minoxidil, microneedling, and finasteride for hair loss treatment. They report significant hair regrowth, especially in the hairline, and minimal side effects from finasteride.
Vitamin E was discussed as a treatment for hair shedding, with a specific form mentioned. A user shared a link to a study and started taking the Vitamin E variants used.
A user is concerned about starting finasteride due to negative reports and potential side effects. Other users suggest talking to a doctor, considering personal tolerance, and note that side effects are rare.
A 26 year old female with PCOS who has been dealing with hair loss for several years, despite managing her hormones and taking vitamins. She has tried various treatments such as Nizoral, Minoxidil, Pyrithione zinc, coal tar and salicylic acid to no avail. The user is looking for advice on what else they can do to stop their hair loss.
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 generally effective for hair loss but may cause side effects like heart palpitations and facial puffiness. Users highlight the importance of monitoring blood pressure due to potential cardiovascular risks.
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.
Low-dose oral minoxidil is used for hair loss and does not significantly affect blood pressure but may increase heart rate and cause hypotensive symptoms. Some users experience side effects like palpitations and shortness of breath, while others find it effective; topical minoxidil with tretinoin is also considered.
A 37-year-old male resolved scalp folliculitis by adopting a low-histamine diet and taking Vitamin A, Zinc, and Fish Oil, leading to better skin health and thicker hair. He warns about the potential toxicity of excessive Vitamin A intake.
Switching from finasteride to dutasteride may be more effective for hair regrowth due to dutasteride's stronger enzyme inhibition, but combining both drugs could enhance results. Some users report better outcomes with dutasteride, while others recommend a gradual transition to prevent potential hair loss.
Finasteride significantly improved hair density and reduced hair loss for the user over two years, with plans to switch to dutasteride for long-term benefits. The user experienced no shedding or side effects and obtained finasteride through a private prescription in the UK.
Exercise, especially leg workouts, combined with finasteride and minoxidil, may enhance hair regrowth. Cold exposure, like cold showers, might further boost results.
The user had high DHT levels after 8 months on dutasteride, questioning the drug's authenticity. They got dutasteride from a legitimate source and will update on progress.
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.
The conversation discusses finasteride for hair loss, especially among those with a history of depression. Users shared mixed experiences, with some reporting no issues and others experiencing worsened depression.
A 22-year-old male has been using finasteride, topical minoxidil, and oral minoxidil for hair loss but sees minimal improvement and is considering adding dutasteride. Users suggest additional treatments like dermarolling, PRP, and consulting a dermatologist, or considering a hair transplant.
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.
If oral minoxidil 2.5mg and finasteride 1mg fail after a year, some suggest trying dutasteride. Hair shedding can be normal in the first year, and real changes often occur between 9 months to a year.
A dental technician claims malocclusion causes pattern hair loss due to poor scalp circulation. Users debate this, noting treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and microneedling focus on DHT and blood flow.
Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.