Procapil is marketed as a natural hair loss treatment but lacks strong evidence and is industry-biased. Minoxidil and Finasteride are the only FDA-approved treatments for androgenetic alopecia.
An 18-year-old began using Finasteride and Topical Minoxidil for hair loss, later switching to Oral Minoxidil and Dutasteride by age 25. The conversation emphasizes early treatment, potential side effects, and differing opinions on medication effectiveness.
User shared progress on hair regrowth using Fin 1 mg/day for 4 years, Min 2x/day for 3 years, Estradiol 4mg/day, and Spironolactone 100mg/day for 3.5 months. They noted significant hairline recovery and advised against HRT for cis men due to feminizing effects.
The conversation discusses the use of dutasteride (DUT) versus finasteride (FIN) for hair loss treatment, with some users preferring DUT for its effectiveness while others choose FIN due to its approval status, better long-term data, and lower risk of side effects. Users share personal experiences with both medications, including side effects and effectiveness.
The conversation is about hair transplants and the perception that they often look unnatural, especially in the first few rows of hair. There is a debate about whether it's better to choose a cheaper clinic in Turkey or a more expensive one in the USA, with some arguing that experience and skill matter more than cost.
Potential treatments for hair loss, including Minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841 and various upcoming pharmaceuticals, gene editing and cloning. It is suggested that a cure, if found, would be highly profitable due to the large number of people affected by hair loss globally.
Creatine may counteract minoxidil's hair growth effects by closing potassium ATP channels, potentially leading to hair loss in predisposed individuals. Despite anecdotal reports, there is no conclusive evidence linking creatine to hair loss.
Hair loss is influenced by genetics and sensitivity to hormones like DHT. Treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride are commonly used, and baldness persists as it doesn't affect reproductive success.
The conversation is about using finasteride and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for hair loss and their role in gender-affirming care. It debates whether these treatments are considered hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and their implications for both cisgender and transgender individuals.
Dutasteride is often more effective than finasteride for blocking DHT, but results vary and some may experience side effects. Combining minoxidil with either medication can improve hair regrowth, but switching doesn't guarantee better results for everyone.
Significant hair improvement was reported after 18 months of using 1mg dutasteride and 2.5-5mg oral minoxidil daily for diffuse unpatterned alopecia. The discussion includes praise, skepticism about authenticity, and concerns about side effects.
A 19-year-old is distressed about his 17-year-old autistic brother's hair loss, projecting his own insecurities despite being on finasteride and dutasteride. Replies suggest the brother might not care about balding, and the poster should address his own issues.
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.
Creatine is reported to cause increased hair shedding, but there is no scientific evidence linking it to hair loss. Some users manage hair loss with finasteride and minoxidil or consider stopping creatine if shedding worsens.
Common misconceptions about hair loss treatments include the belief that lower doses of finasteride are as effective as higher doses, and that ketoconazole is effective for androgenetic alopecia without scalp issues. Additionally, minoxidil's effects can be seen sooner than commonly thought, and topical dutasteride is effective.
Balding is challenging, and relying on medications like finasteride is often seen as a better option than constantly shaving or trying to compensate in other areas. Many feel that societal expectations to "own it" or drastically change oneself to cope with baldness are unrealistic and burdensome.
Finasteride and dutasteride can cause psychiatric side effects like depression and suicidal thoughts in some users, especially those with a history of mental health issues. While some users experience positive hair growth results, others face severe psychological effects, raising concerns about their safety and the need for careful monitoring.
Regrowth is more likely if hair follicles are still alive, regardless of age, but younger individuals often see better results due to early intervention. Treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and dermarolling can help, but results vary based on individual factors such as the presence of miniaturized hairs and the speed of treatment initiation.
Developing new hair loss treatments is challenging due to the complexity and cost of trials, and a permanent cure is unlikely soon. Current treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride are used continuously because hair loss is progressive, and future possibilities include gene editing and hair cloning.
High-dose Lysine and Histidine supplements caused curly/kinky hair and shedding due to Elastin dysfunction. Minoxidil, white tea, and dark grape juice were mentioned as treatments to inhibit Elastase and mimic Lysyl Oxidase.
Hair texture changes, such as hair becoming curly, are common when using treatments like finasteride and minoxidil. Users report various experiences with these treatments, including changes in hair density and texture, with some using additional products like alfatrodial, fluridil, and pyrilutamide for hair maintenance.
A 27-year-old male is using a hair loss treatment regimen including topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, dermarolling, ketoconazole shampoo, and mesotherapy with dutasteride and vitamins. He is considering switching to oral dutasteride as recommended by his doctor and questions the necessity and cost of mesotherapy.
The conversation discusses whether topical caffeine is effective for hair loss, with some users questioning its role due to its vasoconstrictive and vasodilative properties, while another suggests that temporary vasoconstriction might be beneficial by promoting angiogenesis. Specific treatments mentioned include caffeine shampoo, which one user believes is ineffective.
Amino acids, particularly Cysteine, are important for hair growth and may be lacking in a normal diet. Using a protein powder that includes these amino acids can help improve hair growth and strength.
A 43-year-old male with advanced hair loss is experimenting with alternative treatments, including red light therapy, microneedling, scalp massages, an oil mix, and ketoconazole shampoo, after previously experiencing side effects from finasteride and minoxidil. He noticed some minor changes with red light therapy but remains skeptical about significant improvement.
RU-58841 does not dissolve well in common Minoxidil solutions due to water content, requiring a 70/30 ethanol/propylene glycol mix. Users report using separate solutions for RU-58841 and finasteride/Minoxidil for better results.
Minoxidil can cause heart palpitations, and users experiencing this should consider reducing the dosage or switching to alternatives like rosemary oil. It's advised to consult a doctor if side effects occur.
The conversation is about a hair loss treatment routine that includes using a 1.5mm dermaroller once a week, applying 5% Minoxidil twice daily, taking 1mg Finasteride, and Biotin supplements. It also includes warnings about the potential risks of applying Minoxidil immediately after dermarolling and instructions for cleaning the dermaroller.
Common foods that may support hair growth include ginger shots, salmon, roasted chicken, spinach, tinned sardines, and grass-fed ground beef. Energy drinks are considered bad, and iced coffee is suggested as a possible alternative.