17-alpha-estradiol may work for hair loss by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, similar to finasteride. It might lower testosterone in the scalp, reducing DHT conversion.
Saw palmetto, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, caused unexpected side effects like breast changes and altered semen consistency, which resolved after stopping its use. Concerns about similar side effects with finasteride or dutasteride were expressed, and another user reported low libido and depression from saw palmetto.
The solution contains minoxidil, finasteride, azelaic acid, caffeine, retinoic acid, and procapil. Users suggest minoxidil with tretinoin and a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, while dismissing retinoic and azelaic acids as unnecessary.
The user shared their successful hair regrowth journey using minoxidil 5% twice daily and weekly microneedling. Other users suggested adding finasteride to maintain gains long-term.
The conversation discusses the need for a localized 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that only affects the scalp without systemic side effects, similar to pyrilutamide's approach. Current treatments like topical liposomal finasteride and dutasteride are mentioned, but concerns about their systemic effects and lack of research are highlighted.
A 29-year-old male experienced hair regrowth using minoxidil 5% foam and KX826 after stopping finasteride due to side effects. He applies both treatments once daily and reports no side effects from the current regimen.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth after three months of using 5 mg oral minoxidil nightly and plans to add finasteride to maintain progress. Many recommend combining minoxidil with finasteride or dutasteride to prevent future hair loss.
The conversation discusses using zinc sulphate and azelaic acid to inhibit 5 alpha-reductase activity, which could potentially treat androgen-related skin conditions like hair loss. Combining these with vitamin B6 could enhance the effect, potentially offering an alternative to finasteride.
Reishi mushroom is significantly weaker than finasteride for inhibiting 5 alpha reductase, requiring much larger quantities to achieve similar effects. The effectiveness and safety of consuming large amounts of Reishi for hair loss are uncertain.
A 27-year-old male physician improved hair density using minoxidil 5% foam and finasteride 1mg every other day, with initial sexual side effects that subsided. He recommends trying finasteride for a year but warns against dutasteride due to potential liver effects.
A 31-year-old male experienced significant hair regrowth after 6 months using daily 0.5 mg dutasteride, 5% topical minoxidil twice a day, occasional dermarolling, and hair supplements. He reported a slight decrease in libido initially but no other side effects, and there's potential for further improvement up to 12–18 months.
The conversation discusses how different factors can stimulate type 1 and type 2 isoforms of 5-alpha reductase, which are enzymes linked to hair loss. Specific treatments mentioned include oral Dutasteride and topical Finasteride.
A user shared their hair progress after three steroid cycles, using 5% minoxidil and 100mg RU58841 daily. They are considering a hair transplant due to paranoia about shedding.
The conversation discusses alternative and unorthodox hair loss treatments, including RU58841, nandrolone, and dianabol, as well as theoretical approaches involving high doses of estrogen and selective estrogen receptor modulators. These methods are considered extreme and potentially harmful but are explored for those unable to tolerate traditional 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.
A 31-year-old man, between Norwood 4 and 5, is considering hair loss treatments like finasteride and minoxidil but is concerned about side effects. He is exploring options with doctors and considering a hair transplant, noting that some clinics require medication before and after the procedure.
It's safe to take oral dutasteride with pyrilutamide, as many use 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors with topical antiandrogens for better results. Avoid ingesting pyrilutamide.
A user experienced significant hair regrowth using finasteride 1 mg daily for two years and gradually introduced dutasteride 0.5 mg daily over four months. They reported no side effects and plan to switch fully to dutasteride due to its cost-effectiveness and potential effectiveness.
The conversation is about considering pyrilutamide 1% as an alternative treatment for hair loss due to intolerance to 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Some users suggest it might be effective, while others view it as a temporary solution.
The conversation discusses natural DHT blockers like rice bran oil, which may reduce 5α-reductase activity similarly to Minoxidil and Dutasteride. One user argues that finasteride is more reliable and effective than natural alternatives.
A 19-year-old with rapid hair loss since 16 is considering a hair transplant but refuses to take finasteride or any 5α-Reductase inhibitors. They are currently using minoxidil, tretinoin, and microneedling with a Derminator 2, and only want hair until age 27.
He Shou Wu (Fo Ti) extract was found to prolong the hair growth phase, inhibit 5-alpha-reductase (like finasteride), reduce androgen receptors, and increase growth factors, potentially outperforming minoxidil in recovering hair follicle size after DHT exposure. Two compounds, emodin and TSG, are identified as responsible for these effects and warrant further investigation.
A user asked if microneedling, massages, and essential oils can prevent further hair loss in the crown area without using drugs. The response indicated that without a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, hair loss will likely continue.
The conversation discusses the mechanism of action of alfatradiol (17 alpha estradiol) in treating hair loss. It explores theories that it either inhibits 5 alpha reductase to prevent T->DHT conversion or aromatizes scalp T into 17-alpha-estradiol to save hair.
The conversation discusses a user's two-month hair regrowth progress using Minoxidil and a 0.5mm dermaroller. Some suggest adding a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor like finasteride or dutasteride to maintain the results.
Rosemary oil is compared to minoxidil 2%, but its effectiveness and safety are questioned. Minoxidil 5% is considered safer and more reliable for hair loss prevention.
The impact of creatine on DHT levels, and whether it could cause accelerated male pattern baldness (MPB). The user taking a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor found that their DHT levels actually reduced despite taking creatine for nine weeks. Replies suggested looking into testosterone levels as well and debating the safety of creatine use in relation to MPB.
A 15-year-old is concerned about hair loss, possibly at Norwood 2 or 3, and is using shampoos and conditioners recommended by a trichologist. Suggestions include considering topical minoxidil and consulting a doctor about topical anti-DHT treatments like finasteride or RU58841, but avoiding 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors at this age.
A user shared a hair growth stack using minoxidil sulfate, valproic acid, bimatoprost, blue copper peptide, and other ingredients, emphasizing a gel-based formula for better skin tolerance. Another user suggested adding a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor like finasteride or dutasteride for more effective long-term results.
The side effects of taking finasteride as a treatment for hair loss, with particular focus on its sexual and psychiatric side effects; research has indicated that there are high and low outliers in terms of prevalence of sexual side effects, but it is usually between 3-5%, while evidence of lasting sexual side effects comes from lower quality sources.