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.
The conversation discusses concerns about starting finasteride with low testosterone levels, with one person suggesting finasteride might increase testosterone and decrease DHT, and another advising to pay attention to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
Alcohol-based minoxidil absorbs better but can cause irritation; non-alcohol-based is gentler. Topical dutasteride shows promise but needs more research; low-dose oral minoxidil (0.25 mg/day) is effective with fewer side effects. Ingredients like Procapil, Redensyl, caffeine, and Anagain in shampoos have limited evidence; ketoconazole shampoo can help when used 2-3 times a week with other treatments.
Finasteride is effective for treating male pattern baldness (MPB) with minimal side effects, and topical finasteride is similarly effective. Dutasteride is also effective but less understood, and Minoxidil is less effective than Finasteride.
Younger generations now view receding hairlines as baldness, increasing the use of treatments like minoxidil and finasteride. Social media and changing beauty standards have intensified focus on hairlines, altering perceptions of baldness.
Topical minoxidil may cause skin aging effects like wrinkles and dark circles, possibly due to its alcohol content, while oral finasteride is reported to make users look younger. Switching to oral minoxidil or using moisturizers might help reduce these skin issues.
Nizoral is a suitable replacement for Ketoconazole, but ensure it contains 2% Ketoconazole. The yellow bottle is recommended and should last 3-4 months if used twice a week.
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.
A 27 year old's 3-month progress with topical finasteride and minoxidil solution, combined with weekly Nizoral shampoo. Replies to the post discuss the user's results, which are considered impressive, as well as the regimen used.
This conversation is about a user named "mr_mime125" who experienced results from using topical finasteride (0.1%) and minoxidil (5%) solution 1.5 ml twice a day for the first two months followed by just minoxidil (5%) 1 ml once a day in the last month, resulting in a drastic improvement to their hairline. Other users discussed their progress while asking questions and offering encouragement.
The user noticed new baby hairs after using sulforaphane but is still experiencing shedding. They are seeking a supplement to stop shedding, possibly grape seed extract.
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.
A user is using a Finoxidil topical spray and is curious if oral Finasteride would be more effective, considering they are already on a DHT blocker called Cyproterone. They are concerned about the potential impact of oral Finasteride on their transition.
A 43-year-old experienced gynecomastia after 20 years of taking dutasteride and 7.5mg oral minoxidil. Suggestions include consulting an endocrinologist, checking hormones, and considering Nolvadex or DIM supplements.
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 who had taken oral minoxidil for 6 months without seeing any results and the advice given in response, which included trying microneedling in combination with topical minoxidil, as well as seeking a dermatologist's opinion.
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.
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.
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.
Kintor Pharmaceutical's Phase 2 results with the drug Pyrilutamide, a potential alternative to 5-ARI drugs like Finasteride and Dutasteride but without the side effects. It could be used in combination with other topical treatments such as Minoxidil. The safety of the drug has been demonstrated in 6 months of use, however there are still questions about long term efficacy and systemic absorption.
The user stopped finasteride due to testicular aches and switched to minoxidil, seeing positive results in three months. They are considering topical finasteride but are cautious because of past side effects from oral use.
Treating the itch associated with male pattern baldness, which is believed to be caused by DHT. Potential treatments discussed include salt water, finasteride, ketoconazole, and RU58841.
Finasteride may seem less effective over time due to increased DHT sensitivity or aging, but it still suppresses DHT. Switching to dutasteride offers stronger DHT suppression but may increase estrogen levels.
The potential health risks associated with long-term use of finasteride and dutasteride, with some responses pointing out the low quality of the journal that published the review article as well as highlighting other alternatives such as keto or minoxidil, and RU58841.
A user shared their hair transplant journey, showing progress from February 2021 to May/June 2024. They now use finasteride, minoxidil, biotin, and Nizoral shampoo, and are happy with the results.
A person started using Minoxidil at 34 and had a hair transplant at 38, avoiding a straight hairline for a natural look and had 2200 grafts. They began taking Finasteride as a precaution, but Minoxidil did most of the work.