The user successfully overcame finasteride side effects by lowering the dosage and adding zinc and vitamin B6 supplements. They also micro-dosed dutasteride and resumed weight lifting.
FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.
User experienced high E2 levels after taking finasteride and sought advice on lowering E2 with supplements like Tonkat ali, Fadogia, and Boron. They also used DIM, zinc, and magnesium but avoided using an AI.
A user shared their experience with hair shedding after switching from finasteride to dutasteride. They saw initial hair thickening, experienced shedding after 9 months, but the shedding has now stopped, and their hair is thick again.
A 33-year-old female with androgenic alopecia experienced alopecia areata patches after PRP treatment. She is seeking others' experiences with PRP worsening alopecia areata.
OP is experiencing severe side effects from daily Minoxidil, Dutasteride, and Biotin use and is considering reducing Minoxidil to once or twice a week. A response advised seeing a doctor due to heart-related issues.
A user shared progress pictures after 3 years on finasteride, showing improved hair thickness and density, and mentioned losing 15kg. The user plans to fix their hairline next month and received mixed feedback on their hairstyle and the effectiveness of finasteride.
After 4 months of using topical finasteride and minoxidil, blood tests showed increased E2, Test, and Prolactine levels. The user is concerned about potential side effects like gyno and is seeking advice on managing these values.
The user has been using finasteride, minoxidil, and a derma stamp for 3 months with significant improvement. They are now adding ketoconazole to their routine.
A 26-year-old male showed hair improvement after 6 months of daily 0.5mg dutasteride and 5mg oral minoxidil. He thanked the tressless community and haircafe for their support.
The new OGX thick and full shampoo formula makes hair poofy and soft, ruining its previous thickening effect. The user is seeking old bottles of the original formula.
A user is considering making a 2% clascoterone lotion from powder due to unavailability in their location. They plan to mix clascoterone powder with retinol lotion and use literature to determine the correct dosage.
A user shared their 4-month progress using a serum with Minoxidil 10%, Progesterone, Azelaic acid, Retinoic acid, Latanoprost, and Hydrocortisone, along with PRP and Fotona laser treatments. They are pleased with the results and plan to continue with more PRP and laser sessions, without using Finasteride.
A man has seen slight hair regrowth after 7 months using oral and topical finasteride, topical minoxidil, microneedling, and supplements. He plans to start taking dutasteride, hoping for better results and is not experiencing side effects so far.
The user experienced headaches and brain fog with a topical solution containing Dutasteride, Minoxidil, Tretinoin, Fluocinolone, Latanoprost, and Caffeine. They are considering switching to oral or topical Finasteride to see if it alleviates these side effects.
User taking 1mg finasteride daily for 2 years, wants to block more scalp DHT. Seeks reference for additional topical DHT blockers like alfatradiol and fluridil.
A user discovered they have naturally low DHT levels and is concerned about taking finasteride, which could further lower these levels. They are seeking advice on whether to proceed with the treatment given their hormone levels are within the normal range.
The user has been using a topical solution of 0.1% finasteride and 6% minoxidil for one month with no side effects but noticeable shedding. They plan to continue and provide future updates.
Minoxidil may cause skin aging effects like wrinkles and dark circles, but evidence is mixed. Alternatives like dermarolling and retinol are suggested.
The user received hormone test results showing normal estradiol and testosterone levels, low SHBG, and normal free androgen index. They are considering starting finasteride but are concerned due to being slightly overweight.
A user shared their 7-month progress using oral minoxidil (2.5mg) and recently started finasteride (1mg) daily, reporting significant hair improvement without side effects. They noticed thicker beard growth and some hair thickening at the crown, with no shedding phase yet.
The user experienced initial hair regrowth with topical dutasteride and minoxidil but later faced significant hair shedding, leading to doubts about the effectiveness of topical dutasteride. They plan to continue the treatment for a year and may switch to oral finasteride if no improvement is seen.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth in 2.5 months using a combination of minoxidil, finasteride serum, oral minoxidil 2.5 mg, vitamin E, and biotin. Other users praised the results and discussed the dosage of oral minoxidil.
A 36-year-old user shared their 12-month hair recovery journey using oral Propecia, topical minoxidil, a derma roller, ketoconazole shampoo, biotin, and omega-3. They reported seeing results by the second month, with some setbacks but overall progress.
A user shared their one-year progress using finasteride, minoxidil, derma roller, ketosol shampoo, omega 3, biotin, daily exercise, and a positive outlook. They also discussed their exercise routine and addressed a question about finasteride side effects.
A 19-year-old concerned about long-term effects of 5AR inhibitors on physical appearance. They have used finasteride and plan to try dutasteride or RU58841; responses suggest improved skin, hair, and confidence.
Discontinuing Minoxidil typically returns hair to baseline, but some believe it may go below baseline temporarily. Continuing finasteride or dutasteride is recommended.
Dutasteride and finasteride have similar risk profiles despite Dutasteride blocking more types of 5AR in the brain. Some users report no mood issues with either drug, and it is suggested that Dutasteride's larger molecular size may limit its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Dutasteride at 0.5 mg/day does not significantly alter allopregnanolone levels, but higher doses (2.5 mg/day) do. Dutasteride may also have anti-neuroinflammatory effects, but the impact on neurosteroids is still debated.
The user saw significant hair regrowth after using rosemary-castor oil, scalp massages, a derma roller, biotin shampoo, minoxidil-finasteride spray, and a PRP injection. They plan to continue this routine.