February 2013 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”
Certain gene variations may increase the risk of alopecia, and platelet-rich plasma treatment can improve hair density in those with hair loss; a rare case of facial Becker's nevus was linked to uneven beard growth.
People on finasteride or dutasteride cannot donate blood due to the risk of birth defects if the blood is given to a pregnant woman. It's advised to stop finasteride for a month and dutasteride for six months before donating.
The user experienced severe side effects from finasteride and switched to using minoxidil and a derma stamp, seeing positive hair regrowth after initial shedding. They are considering topical finasteride to avoid side effects while maintaining hair health.
Microneedling for hair restoration involves daily use of a 0.3 mm device and weekly use of a 0.5 mm device. Combining microneedling with Minoxidil can enhance hair growth.
The user compared microneedling with a stamp versus a pen, finding the Dr. Pen more effective and easier to use than the Bioneedle stamp. They also mentioned using oral minoxidil for hair loss treatment.
Finasteride and Dutasteride are under review in the EU due to concerns about side effects like depression, but they are unlikely to be banned. Access to these medications varies, with easier availability in the UK compared to some EU countries.