Potential side effects of 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. Users debate risks, benefits, and personal experiences with these hair loss treatments.
Finasteride was intentionally developed to treat BPH and later approved for male pattern baldness (MPB) due to its 5AR inhibition effects. The delay in MPB approval was due to concerns about off-label use for female hirsutism and the prioritization of treating a more debilitating condition.
The emotional impact of hair loss and the risks associated with common treatments such as finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, and Fluridil. People discussed their personal experiences with these treatments, including potential side effects and lowered fertility. Hair transplants were also mentioned as a possible solution.
The side effects of taking finasteride as a treatment for hair loss, with particular focus on its sexual and psychiatric side effects; research has indicated that there are high and low outliers in terms of prevalence of sexual side effects, but it is usually between 3-5%, while evidence of lasting sexual side effects comes from lower quality sources.
The user reported early stage diffuse hair thinning and increased DHT levels after 4 weeks on Finasteride and 8 weeks on Finasteride plus 4 weeks on Dutasteride, despite the medications being authentic and stored properly. They are considering increasing their Dutasteride dosage due to the lack of side effects and are unsure if the treatment is helping their hair.
A user shared their 10.5-month progress using oral finasteride, topical minoxidil, a derma roller, biotin, and Omega 3, despite losing over 150 hairs daily. They also mentioned starting "bald showers" after leg workouts for the last two months.
To minimize hair loss while using steroids, use finasteride or dutasteride and apply topical anti-androgens like RU58841. Avoid high doses of hair-toxic steroids; prefer testosterone, nandrolone, and boldenone.
A user shared their hair progress after three steroid cycles, using 5% minoxidil and 100mg RU58841 daily. They are considering a hair transplant due to paranoia about shedding.
The conversation is about the effects of steroids on hair loss. Some users believe that steroids can cause hair loss, while others argue that it depends on individual sensitivity to DHT. There is also discussion about the appearance of balding individuals who use steroids.
Seborrheic dermatitis can cause hair loss, and treatments like ketoconazole shampoo, topical steroids, and oral antifungals may help. Some consider using finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss despite dermatitis.
The conversation discusses the potential of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, like oleic and linoleic acid, as an additional treatment for hair loss, which may inhibit the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT and promote hair growth. Users humorously suggest using oils topically and discuss other hair loss treatments, but the main focus is on the science behind fatty acids and their role in hair health.
Experimenting with trestolone as a treatment for hair loss in an attempt to avoid DHT-related treatments such as finasteride and dutasteride, and discussing the potential effects of its receptor selectivity on the androgen receptors in the scalp.
The conversation discusses whether creatine causes hair loss for those using finasteride or dutasteride, with some suggesting creatine might increase DHT or upregulate androgen receptors, potentially leading to hair loss. Others argue the evidence is not conclusive, citing limited studies and personal anecdotes, with some avoiding creatine as a precaution.
The conversation discusses natural DHT blockers like rice bran oil, which may reduce 5α-reductase activity similarly to Minoxidil and Dutasteride. One user argues that finasteride is more reliable and effective than natural alternatives.
The conversation discusses whether drinking green tea affects hair loss, with one user concerned it might increase DHT levels. The user is already using finasteride and wants to ensure green tea doesn't hinder progress.
Finasteride can continue to improve hair loss for up to 10 years, with the best results seen when started early. Combining treatments like minoxidil, dermarolling, or RU58841 may enhance effectiveness.
The post discusses a user's experience with hair loss treatments, specifically topical finasteride, minoxidil, and micro-needling, and their plan to switch to oral versions and add Dutasteride. The conversation includes various responses, with some users sharing their own experiences and side effects, and others expressing desire for a more permanent hair loss solution.
User has used Finasteride, Minoxidil, and derma roller for 8 years to treat hair loss but is still losing the battle. Others suggest trying Dutasteride, oral Minoxidil, RU58841, or considering a hair transplant.
Finasteride significantly increased testosterone levels for the user, with no major side effects except watery semen, which was resolved with zinc supplements. The user's hairline stopped receding and slightly improved.
Being overweight may increase finasteride side effects due to higher aromatase activity converting testosterone to estradiol. Maintaining a healthy weight could reduce these side effects.
A user has been on oral Finasteride/Proscar for 15 years and started using topical Minoxidil, RU58841, and Dutasteride, along with microneedling, 2 years ago. They shared progress pictures and discussed their treatment routine.
Switching from finasteride to dutasteride and back to finasteride led to gynecomastia and fatigue, likely due to hormonal imbalances. Suggested treatments include Tamoxifen, Raloxifene, or low-dose Anastrozole, with a recommendation to test testosterone and estradiol levels.
The conversation highlights the general public's lack of knowledge about hair loss, with various ineffective remedies suggested, such as not wearing hats or using hair fibers. The only effective treatments mentioned for male pattern baldness are medications like minoxidil and finasteride, and hair transplants.
A user reported that Minoxidil, a hair growth treatment, stopped working for them despite initial success. Other users suggested not taking breaks from the treatment, checking for fake products, trying microneedling, using oral Minoxidil, combining Minoxidil with tretinoin, and using finasteride.
Two different experiences of using Pyrilutamide, a hair loss treatment, which caused headaches that took around a week to subside in both cases. Other users offered insight into their own experiences with the treatment or suggested alternate treatments such as RU58841 and Minoxidil.
The conversation discusses hair loss treatments using oral minoxidil, oral dutasteride, and mesotherapy dutasteride, showing impressive 6-month results. The user wishes these treatments were available in the U.S.
The user experienced significant hair thickening after using topical minoxidil and oral finasteride for about 5 months and is considering switching from finasteride to RU58841. Other users encourage the original poster to continue the current treatment due to the positive results.
A 21 year old male who has been using finasteride and minoxidil for 3 months to treat hair loss, and others sharing their experiences with the same treatments.
The user shared their personal experience with hair loss, hormone imbalances, and treatments including testosterone boosters, natural estrogen blockers, and DHEA. They suggest that low-dose finasteride and natural hormone therapy could reduce hair loss with fewer side effects.