The conversation discusses the side effects of finasteride, including low libido and erectile dysfunction, and the possibility of these effects being permanent, known as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Some users report personal experiences with PFS and debate whether the condition is real, with varying opinions on the reversibility of side effects and the role of individual biology.
PP405, a topical treatment, shows promise for hair growth by activating inactive follicles, with 66% of participants experiencing positive results. The treatment is well-tolerated and may proceed directly to Phase 3 trials, offering a potential alternative to minoxidil and finasteride.
Clascoterone is considered overhyped and not as effective as finasteride or dutasteride, but it may be useful as a supportive treatment in combination with other therapies. Users express skepticism about its effectiveness compared to clinical trials, with some suggesting it could be beneficial for those who cannot tolerate other treatments.
The user is experiencing rapid hair loss despite using dutasteride, finasteride, and minoxidil, and is concerned about high estradiol and testosterone levels. They are advised to consult an endocrinologist for potential hormonal imbalances.
An 18-year-old male with hair loss is considering starting finasteride but is concerned about potential side effects like gynecomastia due to his prolactin levels. He seeks guidance on whether his bloodwork indicates it's safe to begin treatment.
The conversation discusses the impact of finasteride on sperm, including potential side effects like decreased ejaculate volume and total sperm count. Users share experiences and concerns about fertility tests before and after starting finasteride.
The user has been taking 0.5 mg of finasteride daily for two months and is experiencing testicular ache, which they believe might be related to the medication. They plan to continue the treatment for a few more months despite the discomfort, hoping the side effects will subside.
The user has been using oral Dutasteride, RU58841, and Minoxidil for three years without success and is considering adding topical Finasteride or Dutasteride to target DHT both locally and systemically. Other users suggest sticking to a consistent treatment plan, exploring different combinations, and considering other factors like potential misdiagnosis or inconsistent medication use.
PP405 shows promising results for hair growth, potentially outperforming finasteride without side effects like erectile dysfunction. Users discuss using treatments like minoxidil, pyrilutamide, nizoral, and alfatradiol while waiting for PP405's availability.
Baby hairs can mature with long-term DHT reduction, and Minoxidil can aid this process. Dutasteride mesotherapy is effective and preferable to oral pills, as it directly targets tissues.
A 26-year-old man shared his positive results after 10 months of treating male pattern baldness using a regimen that includes Estradiol Enanthate, DHPA, Bicalutamide, Dutasteride, oral and topical Minoxidil, and a dermaroller. He experienced mild gynecomastia and reduced body hair as side effects but was satisfied with the outcome.
The conversation is about a user considering reducing their dutasteride dose due to side effects like lower libido and watery semen. They plan to use dutasteride mesotherapy every three months to maintain hair while reducing systemic DHT suppression.
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.
The conversation discusses a personal theory on the role of DHT in stress and reproduction, suggesting it converts testosterone for reproductive traits. The discussion includes skepticism and mentions individual differences in physiology and neurochemistry.
A dermatologist advised a patient to stop taking finasteride (fin) after turning 40 due to potential risk of aggressive prostate cancer. The patient and others in the conversation debated this advice, discussing the relationship between finasteride, prostate cancer, and hair loss, and considering alternatives like topical finasteride.
A new hair loss treatment, PP405, is moving from phase 2A to 2B in clinical trials, sparking discussions about its potential to regrow dormant hairs and its impact on existing treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride. Some users express skepticism, while others are hopeful about its future effectiveness.
The user experienced severe side effects from finasteride, including hormonal imbalances and cognitive issues, leading to a recommendation to stop its use. They plan to follow up with tests to rule out a pituitary tumor and are considering topical treatments as alternatives.
DLQ01, a prostaglandin F2α analog, shows promise for hair growth by directly stimulating PGE2/PGF receptors without needing conversion, and can be combined with minoxidil and retinoids like tretinoin for enhanced effectiveness. Minoxidil's efficacy may be reduced by COX-1 inhibitors, but using prostaglandin analogs like Latanoprost or Bimatoprost can help maintain its effectiveness.
Dutasteride mesotherapy is discussed as a potentially effective hair loss treatment with no sexual side effects, requiring less frequent application than daily pills. However, it is not widely popular due to limited availability, high cost, and skepticism about its effectiveness.
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.
Clascoterone is suggested as an alternative for those who experience side effects from finasteride and dutasteride. It is not widely available yet, but some users are obtaining it from compounding pharmacies or suppliers like Echemi.
GT20029 showed significant hair growth and safety in phase II trials, with no adverse sexual events. Users are hopeful but concerned about future costs and systemic effects.
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.
Finasteride can quickly raise estradiol levels by blocking DHT, allowing testosterone to convert to estrogen. Taking finasteride for just a few days can affect blood test results.
The user diagnosed with DUPA tried treatments like dutasteride, finasteride, RU58841, and minoxidil without success and is considering a hair system. They hope for a future cure, possibly with PP405, and others suggest options like scalp biopsy and SMP.
The conversation discusses concerns about taking finasteride and creatine together due to potential DHT increase from creatine, which might counteract finasteride's effects. Some users believe the DHT increase from creatine is negligible, while others advise caution.
ET-02 showed significant hair growth in five weeks, outperforming minoxidil, with a non-hormonal mechanism that avoids side effects of treatments like finasteride. A phase 2 trial is planned to further assess ET-02's efficacy and safety.
The user switched from finasteride to dutasteride due to side effects and is experiencing fewer side effects with dutasteride, though some scalp itching has occurred. Blood tests show elevated testosterone and estrogen, low DHT, and normal liver and cholesterol levels, leading the user to feel confident in the long-term benefits of dutasteride for hair regrowth.
Creatine may increase DHT levels, potentially affecting hair loss, but evidence is mostly anecdotal. A study to explore this was withdrawn due to funding issues.