A user is considering combining oral and topical dutasteride to lower scalp DHT more effectively and is seeking advice on this approach. They are thinking about doing a patch test on their mid scalp.
The user is using topical dutasteride, finasteride, minoxidil, and tretinoin but seeing no results or side effects. They also microneedle every two weeks but experience little bleeding, questioning if a thick scalp is preventing treatment effectiveness.
The user is applying topical finasteride with stemoxydine for hair loss and has noticed hair thickening but no regrowth after two months. They also report high SHBG and prolactin levels and a lack of morning erections, even on low doses of medication.
OP increased Dutasteride from 0.5mg to 2.5mg daily and added 5mg Oral Minoxidil, seeing progress after one month. They also used Nizoral Ketoconazole shampoo to reduce scalp inflammation.
DLQ01, a prostaglandin F2α analog, shows promise for hair growth by directly stimulating PGE2/PGF receptors without needing conversion, and can be combined with minoxidil and retinoids like tretinoin for enhanced effectiveness. Minoxidil's efficacy may be reduced by COX-1 inhibitors, but using prostaglandin analogs like Latanoprost or Bimatoprost can help maintain its effectiveness.
A 25-year-old male experienced hair loss after taking breaks from oral dutasteride and minoxidil, leading to concerns about losing progress. He is advised to remain consistent with his current regimen and avoid adding spironolactone.
New hair loss treatments, including Breezula, VDPHL01, and PP405, are nearing Phase 3 trials, offering hope for effective solutions. Current treatments like finasteride and minoxidil remain effective, but early intervention is crucial.
The user stopped taking oral finasteride due to depression and now uses a topical finasteride/minoxidil mix with some scalp irritation. They plan to start derma stamping and have seen some improvement in their hair over three years, which others have noticed and encouraged them to continue their efforts.
1 mg of finasteride is commonly prescribed because it is more effective for a larger number of people compared to lower doses, despite only slightly reducing serum DHT more than 0.2 mg. Serum DHT and scalp DHT are different, and 1 mg is believed to reduce scalp DHT more effectively, contributing to better hair growth results.
The user experienced facial puffiness after switching from finasteride to dutasteride, which they believe is due to dutasteride. They are seeking advice on reversing this effect, considering factors like diet, exercise, and potential hormonal changes.
Higher doses of dutasteride reduce scalp DHT more effectively than finasteride, but have diminishing returns after 3mg daily and may cause more side effects. Combining dutasteride with topical minoxidil can enhance results, but using both finasteride and dutasteride together is unnecessary.
The conversation discusses the use of Finastopic, a carrier for finasteride solutions by Isdin, and compares it to a standard propylene glycol (PG) solution. The user was prescribed a 1% finasteride solution using Finastopic and has been using a self-compounded 0.025% topical finasteride with minoxidil.
The user is concerned about low DHT levels due to using saw palmetto in Foligain supplements and is considering trying finasteride. They seek advice on whether finasteride will also lower DHT and how to manage DHT levels.
A 31-year-old male switched from finasteride to oral dutasteride (0.5mg, 2x a week) and uses liquid minoxidil daily for hair loss. He experienced shedding and regrowth but is considering increasing dutasteride to 3x a week due to concerns about hair density and ongoing issues.
OP used 1mg finasteride for 4 years, then had a hair transplant, and for the past 6 months has been using 0.5mg dutasteride and 2.5mg oral minoxidil twice daily. The treatments resulted in significant hair density and thickness improvement.
This user experienced improvements in their hair density and texture through the use of finasteride (1.25mg) and minoxidil (5%) applied topically once a day over 8 months, with no reported side effects other than slightly lowered libido.
An 18-year-old woman experiencing hair loss due to stress, possible PCOS, and low vitamin D is concerned about starting 5% minoxidil foam, prescribed by her doctor, due to potential facial hair growth. She is also using a topical steroid for scalp sensitivity and pain.
The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, specifically using Dutasteride 0.5 mg and topical Minoxidil 5% twice daily, with users sharing experiences and advice on using Finasteride and Minoxidil. Some users consider hair transplants, while others suggest giving medications more time to work.
The user is considering switching from finasteride and minoxidil to dutasteride for better hair regrowth results, as they are experiencing thinning and shedding despite current treatments. They have also tried microneedling, Clobetasol, and salicylic acid to manage scalp issues and inflammation.
The user experienced side effects from daily finasteride and reduced the dosage to 0.25mg twice a week while continuing minoxidil. They are considering topical anti-androgens but are concerned about application difficulties and potential side effects.
Oral minoxidil is effective for hair loss but can cause cardiovascular side effects, such as pericardial effusion, especially in those with genetic predispositions. Starting with low doses and monitoring cardiovascular health are advised to reduce risks.
A 35-year-old man is considering stopping Dutasteride and Minoxidil due to severe sexual side effects after 9 months of use. He is exploring alternatives like topical treatments, hair systems, or shaving his head.
The conversation discusses the use of low-dose oral minoxidil for hair loss and its potential effects on skin aging. Users shared experiences, with some noting side effects like puffy eyelids and dark circles, but no conclusive evidence of significant collagen depletion or increased wrinkles.
The user is considering switching from finasteride and oral minoxidil to dutasteride and a higher dose of oral minoxidil, taken intermittently, based on their dermatologist's advice. They are unsure about claims that finasteride loses effectiveness after a year and that minoxidil doesn't need daily dosing, and they are seeking community input on these points.
The FDA will now require only one clinical trial for drug approval, potentially speeding up the release of hair loss treatments like PP405. Pelage is expected to present full results of PP405 Phase 2a trials and move to Phase III in mid-2026.
The user experienced hair regrowth and reduced scalp visibility after six months of using 0.5 mg dutasteride and 5 mg oral minoxidil. Suggestions included continuing the treatment, dermarolling with hyaluronic acid, and considering a hair transplant.
The conversation discusses whether to take oral minoxidil in a split dose or a single dose at night. Users suggest that taking a single 10mg dose at night is simpler, while splitting may help minimize side effects.
A user is discussing making a DIY topical finasteride solution using ingredients like water, alcohol, propylene glycol, ethanol, and glycerin, and is concerned about the stability of the mixture. Other users suggest that the solution will work and discuss the importance of propylene glycol for drug dissolution and factors like temperature and light affecting finasteride stability.
A user experienced a "watery belly" and cellulite after starting finasteride, despite maintaining a disciplined fitness routine. Others suggest checking hormone levels, as changes in DHT and estrogen could affect fat metabolism, but age might also be a factor.