The conversation discusses the ineffectiveness of tablet forms of dutasteride for hair loss due to poor absorption compared to soft gel capsules. It suggests switching to FDA-approved soft gel capsules for better results, as tablets may not adequately suppress DHT levels.
The user experienced heart palpitations after increasing their oral minoxidil dosage and starting a new topical minoxidil formulation. They wish to stop oral minoxidil for heart health and continue with topical minoxidil.
The FDA warned that topical finasteride can cause serious side effects like sexual dysfunction and brain fog, similar to oral finasteride. Compounded topical formulations pose additional risks due to lack of regulation.
The conversation is about the risks and uncertainties of using oral Minoxidil for hair loss, emphasizing that topical Minoxidil may be just as effective. It also mentions alternative treatments like micro-needling and retinol.
Dutasteride tablets are less effective than softgel capsules because they require a fat-based environment for proper absorption. Softgel capsules, like Avodart, are designed to maximize bioavailability, while powdered tablets may result in significantly lower DHT suppression.