The conversation is about a 21-year-old using finasteride, dermarolling, ketoconazole shampoo, hair growth serums, and exosome therapy to treat early-stage thinning on the crown. They are questioning if these treatments are sufficient to improve hair thickness.
The user has been using finasteride for over a year without improvement and recently started oral minoxidil. Suggestions include trying dutasteride and continuing minoxidil for potential regrowth.
A user's 18-month hairline progress using minoxidil, finasteride, Nizoral, microneedling, and scalp massage. They share their routine and discuss treatment effectiveness and photo order confusion.
The user has been using finasteride since late 2021 and added oral minoxidil in mid-2024, considering adding dutasteride for better results. Users discuss the effectiveness and side effects of these treatments, with some recommending ketoconazole shampoo for redness.
A user experienced initial side effects from finasteride, including erectile dysfunction and emotional changes, but later noticed increased muscle mass and assertiveness. Hormonal tests showed elevated estrogen and prolactin levels, which slightly decreased over time; the user plans lifestyle changes to see if they help.
A user who was able to get dutasteride for free with their insurance, and another user mentioning that finasteride is only covered if it is used for medical reasons.
Key treatments for hair preservation include minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride, and microneedling, with additional options like specific shampoos, oils, biotin, zinc, tretinoin, clascoterone, and low-level laser therapy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and addressing nutrient deficiencies can also support hair health.
A 28-year-old male using only oral finasteride 1mg since May 15, 2024, reports no side effects and significant hair improvement. He plans to continue finasteride for three more months and is considering adding D3+K2 drops, zinc, folate, and magnesium glycinate.
Topical Finasteride doesn't directly reduce 5ar enzyme on scalp and has the same mechanism as oral, needing to go through the liver. Users debate the accuracy of this information and discuss various studies and experiences.
A user in Turkey was advised by a dermatologist to avoid finasteride due to its hormonal effects and was prescribed minoxidil, shampoo, and vitamins instead. The user is considering seeking another doctor's opinion or buying finasteride directly from a pharmacy.
A user shared progress pictures showing hairline improvement after using oral finasteride (1mg) and minoxidil (3mg) for 5 months. Replies praised the noticeable regrowth and encouraged continued use.
User shared 16-month progress using finasteride 1 mg/day and minoxidil 5% solution once/day, noting significant regrowth, especially in temporal peaks. Users discussed shedding, side effects, and positive feedback from others.
Significant hair regrowth and increased confidence after using 1 mg finasteride for 6 months and 5 mg oral minoxidil for 3 months. No major side effects, except unwanted hair growth near temples and eyebrows.
A 27-year-old woman with androgenic alopecia is losing hair despite using oral minoxidil and spironolactone, and is considering dutasteride. She is exploring causes like stress and medication side effects, planning tests, and considering treatment changes.
The post discusses the experiences of individuals with diffuse hair thinning using finasteride, with many reporting no improvement or worsening conditions after 6 months. Various suggestions include persisting with the treatment, checking for underlying conditions, adding minoxidil for volume, adjusting dosage, and considering other potential causes like autoimmune responses and inflammation.
A user shared progress pictures after 5 months of using 1mg finasteride daily, 1ml minoxidil topically every night, and 1.5mm microneedling weekly. Responses included skepticism and congratulations.
Dutasteride is shown to be significantly more effective than finasteride for treating male androgenic alopecia. Users discuss the difficulty of obtaining dutasteride in some countries and share personal experiences with its effectiveness and side effects.
The conversation discusses potential causes of pigmentation around hair follicles, suggesting sebum buildup, autoimmune conditions, or dermatitis. Treatments mentioned include finasteride, dutasteride, and an anti-inflammatory diet, with a recommendation to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Finasteride can take over a year to show results, with some users seeing significant improvements after 1.5 to 3.5 years. Patience is key, and combining treatments like minoxidil may help.
Minoxidil stopped working for OP after 3-4 years, leading them to add tretinoin to their routine. Users suggest trying finasteride for long-term results, despite concerns about side effects.
Dutasteride is often preferred over Finasteride due to fewer side effects and better hair regrowth. Initial side effects like lowered libido may occur but typically diminish over time.
Dutasteride can be prescribed in the U.S. through online services like Dr. B, HiDrB.com, and PushHealth, or by finding a willing dermatologist or PCP. Many users report success with these methods, often at low costs with insurance.
A 23-year-old male has been using Dutasteride for over two years to address hair thinning, with some success in temple regrowth but continued thinning on top. He is considering adding Minoxidil to his routine and is contemplating lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and drinking to improve hair density.
Fin and minoxidil, in combination with dermarolling, as an effective path for hair growth. The post also provides advice about needle depth and frequency, as well as other treatments (foam and oral) which may be beneficial.
Concerns about a potential ban on finasteride and dutasteride due to side effects, with users advocating for continued access and informed choice. Alternative treatments like pyrilutamide are also mentioned.
Creatine may increase scalp DHT without affecting serum DHT, potentially speeding up male pattern baldness (MPB) for those genetically prone. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.
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.
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.