Hair loss treatments like spironolactone often require lifelong use to maintain results. Stopping the medication can lead to increased testosterone levels and potential hair loss.
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.
Long-term finasteride users report that the drug may lose effectiveness over time, with some considering switching to dutasteride or adding minoxidil to their regimen. Many users suggest hair transplants or adjusting treatments to manage hair loss progression.
A user with early-stage diffuse hair thinning asked for long-term success stories using treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841. One person regained most of their hair after 22 months on finasteride and minoxidil, while another saw significant improvement with oral minoxidil after trying various treatments over many years.
User discusses frustration with hair loss treatments and lack of progress. Emphasizes importance of measuring blood hormone levels to understand treatment effectiveness and side effects.
Finasteride is not linked to a 60% risk of persistent sexual dysfunction; this figure applies only to those already experiencing sexual issues. Most users do not have side effects, and the study's methodology is criticized for selection bias.
After experiencing hair loss due to alopecia areata following COVID-19 vaccination and infection, the individual saw improvement with steroid treatments and Olumiant. They paused Olumiant during a second COVID-19 infection and expressed concern about potential hair loss flare-ups.
Experiencing continual nonstop hair loss despite using dutasteride for 9 months, and the possible causes behind it being discussed such as nutritional deficiencies, elevated cortisol, vitamin D deficiency or other problems. Other solutions such as minoxidil and finasteride have been suggested.
A user shared progress pictures after 6 months of using oral finasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole, and occasional derma rolling for hair loss. Another user complimented the hair improvement but suggested a different hairstyle.
Hair systems require frequent maintenance and can be costly, but a DIY approach with bi-weekly changes can help manage these issues. Minoxidil and finasteride were tried but not consistently used due to side effects and personal preferences.
A user shared their one-year hair loss treatment progress using oral finasteride, topical finasteride/minoxidil, and microneedling, reporting no current side effects and significant hair improvement. They also use Head & Shoulders for dandruff control and recommend consistency in treatment.
The user has been using kx826 for 10 months and topical minoxidil for 2 years, reporting slow but undeniable progress in hair regrowth. They experienced side effects from finasteride and do not use it.
Excess sebum rich in cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to hair loss through inflammation, with treatments like Ciclopirox shampoo, Benzoyl Peroxide shampoo, and Clindamycin gel recommended for managing conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and folliculitis. Pioglitazone is suggested for Lichen Planopilaris, while Omega-3s and reducing processed foods may improve sebum quality, though genetic factors play a significant role.
The user diagnosed with DUPA tried treatments like dutasteride, finasteride, RU58841, and minoxidil without success and is considering a hair system. They hope for a future cure, possibly with PP405, and others suggest options like scalp biopsy and SMP.
PP405 shows initial promise for treating androgenetic alopecia, with safety confirmed in early trials, but skepticism remains due to limited data. Further trials are needed to determine its true efficacy and potential market impact.
Finasteride may affect liver function and cortisol levels, potentially linking it to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). More research is needed to understand this connection fully.
Dutasteride users should get yearly kidney and liver tests, especially young people. General health checkups are not common in the UK, but such tests are recommended as a precaution.
The user discusses their experience with diffuse unpatterned alopecia and acquired progressive hair kinkering, noting improvements with treatments including biotin, pantothenic acid, finasteride, ketoconazole, and zinc pyrithione shampoo. They report thicker, healthier hair and improved scalp condition, attributing success mainly to biotin, pantothenic acid, and finasteride.
Some users of RU-58841 report cardiovascular symptoms like heart palpitations and chest tightness, which may be linked to its metabolites causing lung disease. The safety of RU-58841 is uncertain due to lack of long-term data and concerns about product purity, especially from gray market sources.
The conversation is about a user's one-year hair loss treatment using dutasteride, oral and topical minoxidil, ketoconazole, tretinoin, and PRP. Users discuss treatment effectiveness, potential issues with diffuse thinning, and sourcing affordable treatments.
A 19-year-old is concerned about long-term microneedling for hair loss and is unsure if it will remain effective as they age. They experienced side effects from topical finasteride and are considering whether to try it again in the future, while also dealing with body dysmorphia and stress.
A user took finasteride for hair loss 10 years ago, stopped after a month, and has since suffered from severe erectile dysfunction (ED) and other symptoms. They shared blood test results seeking advice for their condition, and others discussed similar experiences with finasteride and related drugs.
The user recovered from Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) using a specific hormone protocol after trying finasteride and dutasteride. They now help others with PFS by reviewing blood work and offering personalized advice.
The user experienced hair thinning from chromium and alpha lipoic acid supplements, which stopped after discontinuing them. Someone mentioned this could be telogen effluvium, a temporary condition.
A user shared progress pictures after 5 months of using finasteride, noting hair growth and minimal side effects. They suggested adding minoxidil for further hair growth if needed.
Female (37) experiencing hair loss for 5 years, tried max dose of spiro and oral + topical minox without success. Discovered low cortisol and low DHEA levels, seeking functional medicine practitioner for help.
A 24-year-old male with diffuse thinning has been using finasteride for two years, dutasteride for 6-7 months, and oral minoxidil for 5 months, along with topical treatments. He plans to continue this regimen and reassess in August 2026, hoping to stabilize hair loss without surgery.
User shared progress on hair regrowth after 4 months of Spironolactone and iron infusions for Androgenic Alopecia. They see some improvement but struggle with perception; others note significant improvement.
The user has been using 1mg oral finasteride daily for four years, experiencing significant hair regrowth and increased testosterone levels without negative side effects. They advise patience and monitoring for side effects, noting that their hair continues to improve with this treatment.
The user has been using oral finasteride for 15 months and oral minoxidil for 6 months, and developed alopecia areata, for which a dermatologist prescribed calcipotriol/betamethasone. The treatment is helping, but the user is experiencing another shedding phase and is concerned about the effects of the steroid cream and the cause of hair loss.