Oral minoxidil may cause dry skin and dark eye bags but doesn't significantly age the skin. Topical minoxidil is toxic to cats, and some users prefer finasteride.
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.
The conversation discusses whether long-term use of finasteride (Fin) is harmful to the liver, with various opinions on side effects and comparisons to other substances. Specific treatments mentioned include finasteride, minoxidil (Min), and RU58841 (RU).
Minoxidil should be left on the scalp for at least 4-6 hours for effective absorption, even if it feels dry after 30 minutes. The skin's interaction with the chemical continues regardless of the solution's evaporation.
The conclusion of the conversation is that the user, Michael_Scott1234, has been using topical minoxidil for a long time and recently started using oral finasteride and dermarolling. They have not experienced any side effects from finasteride and are happy with their progress.
User 36 years old, receding hairline, tried minoxidil, Nizoral, dermarolling, alfatradiol, revivogen, and spiro cream with limited success. Two dermatologists refused to prescribe finasteride. Others shared experiences and suggested finding a different dermatologist.
The conversation is about finding effective shampoos and conditioners for dandruff, excluding ketoconazole. The user mentions trying Paul Mitchell Tea Tree shampoo and Purology, and seeks at-home treatment recommendations.
User is experiencing a very dry scalp with thick white flakes from using liquid minoxidil twice daily for a year. They use Nizoral every 10 days and are seeking advice for a healthier scalp, with a suggestion to use finasteride instead.
A user is considering tapering off finasteride due to concerns about long-term side effects and cost, and is exploring alternatives like zinc and saw palmetto. Their current regimen includes finasteride, Adderall, zinc, bupropion, fish oil, baby aspirin, Rogaine foam, and ketoconazole shampoo.
Switching from finasteride to dutasteride after three months is debated, with some suggesting it's too soon to see results, while others recommend dutasteride for better regrowth. Users discuss combining treatments like minoxidil and microneedling, but opinions vary on their effectiveness.
User shared progress pictures after 7 months of using 0.25mg finasteride daily and 1ml minoxidil twice daily, reporting no side effects and being thrilled with the results. Other users discussed the effectiveness of lower doses and the psychological impact of potential side effects.
The conversation is about using a Dr. Pen for microneedling on a widow's peak, with advice to use a depth of 1.25mm and hold it in place for 10 seconds. The user is also using minoxidil.
A user has been taking 0.5mg oral Finasteride daily for 8 months and is unsure if fine, soft, colorless hairs are regrowth. Other users suggest trying oral Minoxidil for faster results and mention their own experiences with oral treatments.
A user asked if it's safe to swallow semen from a partner using topical finasteride and minoxidil. Responses varied, but most suggested it's likely safe, with minimal risk from small amounts of finasteride in semen.
The conversation discusses using a microneedling device on the face after using it on the scalp, with suggestions to use a depth of 0.2mm for facial treatments. Caution and proper sterilization are advised due to the sensitivity of facial skin.
The conversation discusses the potential for high doses of dutasteride to completely inhibit scalp DHT and speculates whether this could cure baldness when combined with a topical antiandrogen. Specific dosages mentioned are 0.5 mg reducing scalp DHT by 55% and 2.5 mg by about 79%.
A user shared a 25-day progress picture showing significant hairline restoration attributed to microneedling, in addition to using minoxidil and finasteride for 6 months. Other users discussed needle length, frequency, and whether the effects of microneedling are permanent.
A user initially had side effects from finasteride, attributed them to anxiety and the nocebo effect, and after resuming the drug, experienced positive effects and now warns against misinformation about Post Finasteride Syndrome.
The user reports regrowth after 5 months using Minoxidil, finasteride, microneedling with a derma stamp, Nizoral shampoo, multivitamins, and biotin, and has shared progress pictures. They apply treatments daily, microneedle twice a week, and exercise regularly, noting an improvement in their mental well-being.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) impacts various skin conditions, including Androgenetic alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis, by causing overactivity in sebaceous glands. Topical medications Tacrolimus and Clobetasol can reduce these inflammatory conditions, and treatments like RU58841, Minoxidil, and Finasteride may also be beneficial.
A user on finasteride for 7+ months shared bloodwork results, questioning if high DHT levels and testosterone could affect cholesterol. Replies suggest consulting a doctor and question the high testosterone levels.
User asks if dutasteride destroys hairlines. Some users share negative experiences, while others report improvement or no issues. Advice given: start with finasteride and consider anti-androgens if needed.
The user experienced excessive bleeding during microneedling after consuming caffeine and THC, and is unsure if they should continue with the same routine. They are seeking advice on whether the bleeding is a cause for concern.
A user who was part of an ongoing trial for a prolactin blocker and had regrowth, but the progress photos were not shared due to negative reactions from other users. Treatments mentioned include HMI-115, Minoxidil, Finasteride, and RU58841.
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 20-year-old male using Minoxidil and finasteride for 6 months and keto shampoo for 5 months saw initial improvement in dandruff, but the condition returned. He recently started using 3% salicylic acid shampoo and seeks advice for persistent dandruff, which is oily and localized to the left side of his scalp.
The mechanism of Androgenic Alopecia and practical applications of treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, RU58841, dermarolling, scalp massages, anti-fungals, progesterone, estrogen, PPAR-γ activators, reducing oxidative stress, and scalp exercises. It explains why DHT is important in AA and how other factors might be involved such as hypoxia, increased DKK-1 expression, morphological changes to the scalp, skull growth during childhood/puberty, and blood flow.
A user's progress with using Minoxidil 5% twice daily, dermarolling 1.5mm once per week and ketoconazole 2% shampoo for 2.5 months. Other users have suggested that the user should also use finasteride in order to maintain their results.
User DeadRay9 reports good progress on finasteride and ketoconazole, with irregular microneedling. They take 1.25mg finasteride, experienced increased libido, and saw improvements at 3-5 months.