Finasteride is prescribed at 1mg because it is FDA-approved and proven effective, despite evidence that 0.2mg may similarly reduce DHT. The 1mg dose is more effective for hair growth, and lower doses are less available.
Finasteride may cause hair shedding as part of the regrowth process, but there are no controlled trials confirming this. The shedding idea is mostly based on anecdotal reports and comparisons to how minoxidil works.
Finasteride can regrow hair but may cause depression and suicidal thoughts in some users. The connection between finasteride and mental health issues is debated, with some attributing it to pre-existing conditions or stress.
The conversation is about a user trying a new hair loss treatment, Ruxolitinib, alongside their existing regimen of finasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole shampoo, and microneedling. They plan to apply Ruxolitinib to their temples daily for 1-2 months.
Dutasteride once a week may be a cost-effective alternative to daily finasteride for reducing DHT levels, with potential benefits for those seeking a lighter approach to hair loss treatment. Some users combine dutasteride with finasteride, minoxidil, and dermarolling for improved results.