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.
User shared progress pictures of hair density improvement using 1mg finasteride and topical minoxidil, but expressed concern about recent hairline miniaturization and treatment effectiveness. Another user complimented the results and inquired about initial shedding.
A user regrew all their hair, including temples and bald spots, after one year of finasteride and six months of oral minoxidil. They noted finasteride helped with the crown and bald spot, while minoxidil regrew the hairline and temples.
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.
A 31-year-old switched from finasteride to dutasteride 0.5mg daily on June 1st, questioning regrowth results. A reply noted some stabilization and slight regrowth.
A user shared their 6-month hair loss progress using minoxidil 5% twice daily and finasteride, noting significant improvement. They experienced an itchy scalp initially but resolved it by washing their hair daily and using oils and conditioner as needed.
A user shared their excitement about starting finasteride for hair loss after trying various ineffective methods. Other users discussed their experiences with finasteride, including shedding phases and side effects, with one mentioning using topical finasteride and minoxidil.
A 20-year-old male has been using 1mg finasteride and 5% minoxidil daily for 1.5 to 8 months and is unsure about regrowth. Suggestions include continuing the treatment, trying microneedling, or considering oral minoxidil.
A user expressed frustration about hair loss and its impact on their 20s, mentioning financial struggles and mental health concerns. Responses included advice on positive thinking, self-improvement, and seeking treatment options like Minoxidil and finasteride.
The conversation is about how dealing with hair loss has made other insecurities seem less significant. Some users shared experiences of self-acceptance and improvements in other areas, like vision correction, but still facing the challenge of hair loss.
A 27-year-old man shared his 10-month hair regrowth progress after taking oral finasteride, noting initial hair shedding followed by noticeable thickening around 5-6 months, with significant improvement by March. He also mentioned having scalp psoriasis.
The conversation discusses skepticism around claims that dutasteride worsens hair loss, with some users suggesting misinformation or panic during shedding as reasons for such claims. One user shared their negative experience with dutasteride, including increased sebum production and hair loss, and is now considering a higher dose of oral minoxidil after stopping dutasteride.
The user reports hair thickening after 2 months on 1.25mg oral minoxidil and 1mg oral finasteride, having previously used topical minoxidil with no improvement. Other users suggest taking consistent progress photos and share their own experiences with similar treatments.
Improving diet and taking supplements like Biotin, B12, D3, iron, zinc, and protein can enhance the effectiveness of hair treatments. However, responses to treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride vary, and some users report no improvement despite a good diet.
A user on finasteride for 8 months shared bloodwork results showing increased testosterone and estradiol levels, with concerns about high LH. Responses advised monitoring for symptoms but noted levels are within reference ranges.
The conversation discusses whether individuals using hair loss treatments like Dutasteride (Dut) or Finasteride (Fin) should regularly check their hormone levels through bloodwork. Some argue it's important to monitor the effects of these medications on hormone levels, while others believe it's unnecessary if there are no side effects, citing cost and practicality concerns.
A 28-year-old started using finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss and is frustrated by insensitive comments from others about his balding, which is a sensitive topic for him. People, including a girl he's seeing, have made hurtful remarks, and the conversation includes discussions on societal double standards and advice to ignore such comments and focus on self-improvement.
A user started treating their hair loss with 1mg finasteride and 2.5mg minoxidil daily, and has seen progress in two months. They also use 2% ketoconazole shampoo twice a week and a derma stamp once a week with liquid minoxidil.
The conversation discusses whether age affects the side effects and effectiveness of hair loss treatments like finasteride and dutasteride. Some believe early treatment yields better results, while others mention varied outcomes across ages and personal regrowth experiences without a clear consensus on age impact.
The conversation discusses alternative hair loss treatments beyond the commonly used Minoxidil and Finasteride. One user is trying diclofenac gel, caffeine + antioxidant serum, finasteride, ketoconazole shampoo, and has stopped using Minoxidil due to ineffectiveness, while another user has adopted lifestyle changes like exercise, diet, stress reduction, and topical caffeine, along with scalp massages and microneedling.
A user shared their successful hair regrowth using a combination of derma stamping, Retinol, Minoxidil, Dutasteride, and RU58841, with no side effects. Others discussed their varied experiences with these treatments, including concerns about potential side effects like heart issues and sexual dysfunction.
The user reported high estradiol levels after one month of using finasteride for hair loss. They discussed potential side effects and adjustments to their treatment plan.
A 24-year-old male has been using 0.1% finasteride and 5% minoxidil daily for four months, added dermarolling and topical dutasteride, and sees hair regrowth, improving from a Norwood scale 4a to 3a. He wants to optimize his hair loss treatment routine.
A user was prescribed 5mg of Finasteride daily for hair loss, which is a higher dose typically used for prostate issues. Many suggest using a pill cutter to reduce the dose to 1mg or less per day, as it is more cost-effective and equally effective for hair loss.
The user shared their hair journey, expressing regret over inconsistent barber visits and haircuts that led to thinning. They are considering using a combination of Minoxidil and finasteride for treatment.
The conversation discusses how the absorption rate of topical finasteride varies and is not equivalent to its oral form, with only a small percentage reaching the scalp. It also mentions that minoxidil in high concentrations is used topically because only a small amount is absorbed.
The user showed hair regrowth after two years using finasteride, minoxidil, micro needling, and ketoconazole shampoo, noticing significant improvement around 8-10 months without experiencing shedding. They achieved thicker hair and improved temples, allowing them to style their hair without wearing hats.