Finasteride is not a miracle drug; results vary widely, with only 2/5 getting good results. Combining treatments like minoxidil and finasteride may help, but expectations should remain low.
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.
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.
Switching from finasteride to dutasteride and back to finasteride led to gynecomastia and fatigue, likely due to hormonal imbalances. Suggested treatments include Tamoxifen, Raloxifene, or low-dose Anastrozole, with a recommendation to test testosterone and estradiol levels.
A user stopped using minoxidil after 10-12 years due to severe side effects like fluctuating blood pressure and chest pain, resulting in significant hair loss. Other users shared similar experiences, emphasizing health over hair and suggesting alternatives like finasteride, nanoxidil, and rosemary oil.
A user shared their 16-month hair regrowth progress using oral and topical minoxidil, dutasteride, derma rolling, and occasional keto shampoo. The conversation includes positive reactions and jokes about their impressive results.
A user shared impressive hair regrowth results after using 1mg finasteride daily for over a year, with minimal side effects. The user also mentioned taking biotin gummies and experiencing periods of shedding followed by thicker hair growth.
A 35-year-old MTF individual shared their hair recovery journey, using Minoxidil, Dutasteride, Estradiol, Spironolactone, Microneedling, and Exosomes. They recently had a hair transplant and are documenting the healing process.
The conversation is about hair loss treatments, including minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, tretinoin, stemoxydine, adenosine, castor oil, baicalin, and bimatoprost. The user shares their nightly and morning routines and discusses the role of DHT in hair loss.
The conversation discusses using crushed finasteride tablets mixed with topical minoxidil for hair loss treatment. Users share their experiences and opinions on the effectiveness and proper concentration of this method.
The DHT itch is linked to hair loss and persists despite finasteride use; switching to dutasteride helped alleviate the itch and promoted regrowth. Some users suggest seborrheic dermatitis as a cause and recommend treatments like medicated shampoos, vitamin D, and minoxidil.
Hair loss treatments vary greatly in effectiveness and timelines, with no guaranteed results. Common treatments mentioned include finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841.
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.
The conversation discusses skepticism around claims that dutasteride worsens hair loss, with some users suggesting misinformation or panic during shedding as reasons for such claims. One user shared their negative experience with dutasteride, including increased sebum production and hair loss, and is now considering a higher dose of oral minoxidil after stopping dutasteride.
The GT20029 tincture, a topical androgen receptor degrader, showed significant hair growth and good safety in a China Phase II trial for male androgenetic alopecia (AGA), with the 1% dose twice weekly identified as optimal. The company plans to initiate Phase III trials in China and Phase II in the U.S., and the treatment also shows promise for acne.
A user started using RU58841 a month ago after using finasteride and minoxidil for nearly three years, hoping for hair regrowth at the temples. Other users suggest vitamin B supplements and microneedling to improve hair thickness, and one mentions the possibility of a hair transplant for the temples.
A user on dutasteride and oral minoxidil for two years has experienced worsening hair loss and an itchy scalp. Suggestions include increasing medication doses, trying other treatments like RU58841, getting a scalp biopsy, and addressing potential inflammation through diet and topical treatments.
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.
The user experienced improved hair density and thickness after using finasteride and dermarolling for 2.5 years but noticed hair loss when doing anaerobic exercise. They increased their finasteride dose and continued dermarolling but are considering not starting minoxidil due to its perceived hassle and uncertain long-term benefits.
A man shared his 6.5-month progress using finasteride, a derma roller, and biotin supplements for hair loss, with no side effects and overcoming two shedding phases. Commenters are impressed, noting hairline improvement and discussing the potential of these treatments in regrowing hair, especially at the temples.
A 25-year-old has used minoxidil for 7 years, finasteride for 2 years, oral minoxidil and dutasteride for 3 months, and also tried microneedling and nizoral. They are considering a hair transplant but are concerned about being a good candidate due to potential retrograde alopecia.
The conversation discusses personal experiences with hair loss treatments, specifically Minoxidil and Finasteride, with some users regretting not starting treatment earlier and others experiencing side effects. Some users are considering or have switched to topical formulations due to side effects from oral medications.
A user shared progress pictures showing successful hair retention using a low-dose topical finasteride (0.008%) combined with minoxidil. Users discussed the effectiveness of the treatment, minimal effective dosing, and avoiding systemic side effects.
After 9 months of using Dutasteride, oral and foam Minoxidil, Zinc, Vitamin D, Nizoral shampoo, and microneedling, combined with reduced stress, an individual restored their hair. They saw significant improvement despite initial worsening, and had low Vitamin D levels which they corrected with supplements.
A 21-year-old male managed to control his hair loss using Nizoral, RU58841, and finasteride, but experienced increased scalp itchiness after starting creatine, which subsided upon stopping creatine. Users shared mixed experiences on whether creatine affects hair loss, with some reporting negative effects and others seeing no change or defending its benefits.
A user is concerned about using more minoxidil than prescribed to cover their hair loss area and mentions taking spironolactone pills. Another user advises against men taking oral spironolactone due to significant hormonal effects.
The user shared a 6-month aggressive hair loss treatment progress, using oral minoxidil, finasteride/minoxidil topical, dutasteride, derma stamping, Nizoral, and daily Cialis, which notably improved regrowth. Commenters observed significant improvement, with one noting a change from a Norwood 5 to a Norwood 1 in hair loss classification.
The original poster believes shaving his head made him more attractive to a specific group of women, despite being less attractive overall. The conversation includes various opinions on attractiveness, with some agreeing that being bald can work for certain men, while others suggest maintaining hair is generally more appealing.
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.