Male androgenetic alopecia is commonly treated with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, both requiring continuous use. Other options include hair restoration surgery, dutasteride, light therapy, and camouflaging agents.
Dutasteride, especially at higher doses, is considered more effective than Minoxidil for hair regrowth by blocking DHT, which causes hair loss. Combining Dutasteride with Minoxidil may enhance hair recovery by prolonging the hair growth phase.
Testosterone can still cause hair loss even when DHT is blocked by dutasteride, especially if hair follicles are sensitive. Topical treatments like RU58841 or pyrilutamide may help, but their long-term effectiveness is uncertain compared to dutasteride.
Dutasteride caused persistent hair shedding and no improvement for 18 months, leading to a switch back to finasteride. The user also uses oral minoxidil and plans to focus on better scalp health.
Switching from finasteride to dutasteride after three months is debated, with some suggesting it's too soon to see results, while others recommend dutasteride for better regrowth. Users discuss combining treatments like minoxidil and microneedling, but opinions vary on their effectiveness.