Androgenetic alopecia is caused by DHT affecting hair growth. Finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss by blocking DHT and promoting hair growth.
Hair loss can begin in early adolescence and cause mental anguish. Treatments mentioned include eating cruciferous vegetables, engaging in physical activity, and maintaining scalp hygiene.
Hair loss theory suggests imbalance between Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) and Androgen Receptor (AR) activation. Proposed treatment includes upregulating VDR, downregulating AR, and improving mitochondrial health.
DUPA and retrograde alopecia may not be solely DHT-based, and a biopsy is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Treatments mentioned include dutasteride, oral minoxidil, pioglitazone, clobetasol, calcipotriol, ketoconazole, and doxycycline, depending on the specific condition.
Increased Malassezia and Cutibacterium in the scalp microbiome are linked to higher sebum production and inflammation in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Treatments include ciclopirox shampoo, benzoyl peroxide shampoo, clobetasol propionate, calcipotriol, minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride.
AMP-303, a new injectable treatment for androgenetic alopecia, showed promising results in increasing hair count and density with minimal side effects. The treatment demonstrated significant hair regrowth and durability, offering new hope for those with hair loss.
Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.
High-dose oral minoxidil (>5 mg/day) can increase hair density in some men with androgenetic alopecia, but side effects like extra body hair and heart issues are common. Gradual dose increase is advised, but adverse effects may lead to discontinuation or dose adjustments.
User added RU and pyrilutamide for hair growth and noticed more baby hairs. Others suggest sticking with fin and min, while some discuss the user's self-image and hair loss severity.
Dutasteride works for most men, but some may experience worsening due to reasons like shedding, paranoia, non-androgenic alopecia, genetic variations, or smoking. Smoking can increase scalp DHT levels and damage follicles.
The comparison of 0.5mg dutasteride and 1mg finasteride for treating hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia, with discussion of which is more effective and has fewer side effects.
A user is experiencing rapid hair loss and has been diagnosed with telogen effluvium by multiple dermatologists, but doubts the diagnosis due to the severity and speed of the hair loss. They are considering various treatments like spironolactone, estradiol, and possibly finasteride, while also exploring the possibility of hormonal imbalances or autoimmune issues.
A user's hairline recovery after severe hair loss, which was treated with Dutasteride and Minoxidil; other users offered their opinions on the severity of the hair loss.
A user started using oral minoxidil (2.5 mg) and dutasteride (1 mg) for hair loss three months ago and noticed no side effects, possibly due to regular exercise. They speculate a possible link between COVID-19 and accelerated hair loss.
Minoxidil alone is often insufficient for treating hair loss because it doesn't address the DHT-related cause. Combining it with finasteride, a DHT blocker, is generally more effective.
Dutasteride at 0.5mg may have fewer sexual side effects than expected, with many side effects attributed to psychological factors (nocebo effect). The placebo group experienced more side effects, suggesting fear and anxiety might contribute to perceived side effects.
Finasteride and Dutasteride do not cause depression or "Post Finasteride Syndrome," with concerns often linked to the nocebo effect and preexisting mental health issues. The EU is unlikely to ban these drugs, but access may become more restricted due to ongoing debates.
A user on dutasteride and oral minoxidil for two years reports worsening hair loss and is seeking advice. Suggestions include consulting a professional for underlying causes, acknowledging that treatments don't work for everyone, and considering dosage adjustments or additional treatments.
Topical finasteride as a potential alternative to oral finasteride for reducing DHT levels on the scalp with fewer side effects, and other hair loss treatments such as minoxidil.
A 35-year-old male uses topical minoxidil, spironolactone, and microneedling for hair loss, with spironolactone prescribed based on a DNA test indicating poor response to finasteride and dutasteride. Despite concerns about the test's validity and spironolactone's side effects, he reports stable or improved hair condition and no low testosterone symptoms.
Finasteride's effectiveness can be gauged by reduced hair shedding, but some users report it losing efficacy over time. Other treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, ketoconazole shampoo, and QR678, with mixed results.
A dermatologist advised a patient to stop taking finasteride (fin) after turning 40 due to potential risk of aggressive prostate cancer. The patient and others in the conversation debated this advice, discussing the relationship between finasteride, prostate cancer, and hair loss, and considering alternatives like topical finasteride.
The conversation discusses the importance of taking vitamin D with food for better absorption and its potential role in hair loss. Some users also suggest taking vitamin D with K2, getting sunlight, and using finasteride for hair loss treatment.
After 11 years on Finasteride, a user's hair is thinning again, suggesting hair may become more sensitive to DHT with age. They plan to introduce Dutasteride once a week, as they cannot tolerate Minoxidil.
A user with aggressive male pattern baldness found that topical melatonin significantly reduced their hair shedding to 1 or 2 hairs per day and noticed some thickening of side hair. They tried many treatments like finasteride and minoxidil with little success, but topical melatonin showed immediate results in reducing hair loss.
A 23-year-old discusses their hair loss treatment using finasteride, dutasteride, oral and topical minoxidil, and topical tretinoin under medical supervision. They stress stabilizing hair loss before a hair transplant and plan to continue the regimen for at least 18 months.
A 37-year-old user shared their positive 3-month progress using a topical solution of 5% minoxidil and 0.25% finasteride, combined with weekly microneedling and Nizoral shampoo. They reported no significant side effects and emphasized the importance of consistency and microneedling for hair regrowth.
Scalp tension may contribute to hair loss by increasing DHT levels, with potential solutions like scalp massages and Botox. Concerns about finasteride's side effects were discussed, and some users shared personal experiences with alternative treatments like scalp massaging and Botox.
A user shared their positive experience of embracing baldness after years of trying treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride. They found happiness and confidence by shaving their head, despite some social challenges, and encouraged others to focus on their attitude and seek therapy if needed.