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.
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.
Dutasteride is associated with increased blood glucose, HbA1c, LDL cholesterol, and liver enzyme activity, potentially leading to diabetes, NAFLD, and liver metabolism changes. The conversation highlights concerns about these adverse effects and calls for more studies, including on finasteride.
The conversation discusses that dutasteride may be more effective than finasteride for frontal hair loss due to higher 5ar Type 1 enzyme activity in that area. Some users question the validity of this information, while others confirm it with additional sources.
Dutasteride is more effective than finasteride for hair loss, especially at the crown and midscalp, but both have similar side-effect profiles with low incidence of sexual adverse events. Improvement is measured visually, and significant results may take over 12 months to appear.
Natural vitamins like pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, and ecklonia cava are discussed for their potential to lower DHT levels. They may work similarly to finasteride but are significantly weaker.
Finasteride not only inactivates the 5a reductase enzyme but also affects the 5b reductase enzyme in a dose-dependent manner, which can impact sexual behavior and brain activity. The user experienced significant hair regrowth and side effects on 1mg of finasteride, which diminished after reducing the dose to 0.5mg, leading to no side effects and further hair improvement.
Hair loss treatments, specifically 5AR inhibitors, can impact neurosteroids and sexual health. The effects of topical fin/dut on tissue-specific DHT levels are unclear.
A 20-year-old male has been experiencing hair loss since age 16 and has tried various treatments including topical minoxidil, topical and oral finasteride, and oral dutasteride with minoxidil, but has not seen significant improvement. He is currently using 1.5mg dutasteride and 5mg oral minoxidil daily, along with derma penning, and is seeking advice on regrowing hair to avoid using hair fibers.
Topical Finasteride doesn't directly reduce 5ar enzyme on scalp and has the same mechanism as oral, needing to go through the liver. Users debate the accuracy of this information and discuss various studies and experiences.
The conversation discusses the molecular structures of compounds that reduce DHT levels, including finasteride and Ashwagandha. It explores the potential of using Ashwagandha topically as a 5a reductase inhibitor.
Caffeine may promote hair growth and potentially inhibit 5-α-reductase activity in hair follicles, but its effectiveness and systemic impact remain unclear. Users discuss using topical caffeine solutions, with some experiencing no side effects compared to finasteride.
The conversation discusses a hair loss treatment regimen involving high doses of dutasteride, finasteride, and minoxidil, with concerns about safety and potential side effects. Users advise against the excessive use of these medications, suggesting more moderate approaches and consulting a doctor.
A 24-year-old with hair thinning is using a regimen including dutasteride, RU58841, HGH, GHK-cu, and other compounds to protect and regrow hair. They are also incorporating a mild cutting cycle with testosterone propionate, anavar, and tirzepatide.
The user is struggling with hair loss despite using topical minoxidil, finasteride, and oral dutasteride, and is seeking affordable alternatives to 2.5mg dutasteride. Suggestions include checking for scalp inflammation, considering oral minoxidil, using rosemary oil, and possibly trying saw palmetto, though results may vary.