A user's experience with using 5AR inhibitors (Finasteride and Dutasteride) in combination with Minoxidil foam and microneedling, which resulted in substantial improvements to their crown density and hairline, despite high systemic levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.
A user has been on 1mg finasteride daily for 10 months, initially seeing great results, but started shedding heavily again at the 7-month mark. They are considering whether to continue with finasteride or switch to dutasteride.
The conversation discusses a new model for understanding androgenetic alopecia (AGA), linking it to dietary and lifestyle factors similar to PCOS, and highlighting the role of DHT, vascular damage, and inflammation. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.
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.
The user has been using topical minoxidil for over four months and finasteride for one year and two months. They are sharing progress pictures showing good results.
A 26-year-old male started minoxidil treatment for male-pattern baldness and saw significant regrowth in three months. He is considering finasteride but is hesitant due to potential side effects.
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.
A user shared their 4-month progress using oral Minoxidil (3mg) and Finasteride (1.1mg) with a 0.5mm derma roller twice a week, noting visible improvement. Others congratulated and encouraged them to continue the treatment.
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).
Natural remedies like rosemary oil, coconut oil, and onion juice are generally seen as less effective compared to medical treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and microneedling. Some users believe natural oils can help, but modern medicine is often more reliable.
Using Nizoral shampoo intermittently and reassessing scalp condition after each bottle, potentially adding in other tools to target seb derm, and alternating between Pura D'Or and Nizoral for a healthy and clean scalp.
27F with androgenic alopecia since 17 seeks treatment. Tried spironolactone, caused low blood pressure; believes finasteride is safer and wants to try it.
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.
Comparing the effectiveness of minoxidil 5% and adenosine 0.75% for treating male androgenetic alopecia, and measuring patient satisfaction rate; results showed that adenosine is comparable to minoxidil but provides quicker results, however availability of products with adenosine is much less than those with minoxidil.
Many are unaware of effective male pattern baldness treatments like finasteride and minoxidil, often opting for ineffective remedies. Educating others on proven treatments and potential side effects is crucial.
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 diagnosed with Alopecia Areata started using Litfulo (ritlecitinib), kenalog shots, and mometasone furoate 0.1%. They shaved their head and are seeking others' experiences with Litfulo.
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.
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 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.
A user experienced erectile issues after 7 months of using Finasteride and sought advice. Responses varied, with some suggesting breaks and others sharing similar side effects or dismissing concerns.
The conversation discusses natural ways to reduce cortisol, such as avoiding caffeine, getting proper sleep, syncing with the sun, walking in nature, breathing exercises, increasing calories, and not doing keto. Magnesium supplements are recommended for stress reduction.
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.
Male Pattern Baldness, and identifying early signs of it. The treatments discussed to combat and slow balding include finasteride, dutasteride and minoxidil.
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.
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.