Finasteride and dutasteride may increase estrogen levels, leading to water retention and a fuller face. Users discuss managing these effects with lifestyle changes and supplements like zinc and DIM.
A 25-year-old with AGA experienced hair thinning and dandruff, stabilized with topical finasteride and minoxidil but saw minimal regrowth. They seek advice on styling and consider oral minoxidil and microneedling for denser hair.
Stopping finasteride may reduce water retention or alter fat distribution, leading to a leaner face. Hormonal changes, like reduced DHT or increased estrogen, could cause these effects.
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.
Dutasteride and finasteride can cause changes in physical appearance, like more feminine features and increased water retention. Users report side effects such as reduced libido, weight gain, and improved skin clarity, while some notice no significant changes.
Dutasteride may inhibit androgen receptors in addition to reducing DHT, potentially explaining its effectiveness over finasteride for hair loss. Concerns about its impact on muscle growth are debated, with some suggesting no significant effects.
Minoxidil can cause facial bloat, which some users manage by adjusting sodium intake or using it only on the scalp. Alternatives like finasteride or dutasteride are suggested for those concerned about facial changes.
Oral minoxidil can cause multiple facial hairs to grow from one follicle, known as Pili Multigemini, leading to ingrown hairs and zits. Users report increased facial and body hair growth, with some experiencing fewer issues after switching to dutasteride.
The user aims to achieve a hypertrichosis look and has used topical Minoxidil for 20 years, now trying oral Minoxidil in a low dose. They seek alternatives to Minoxidil to avoid side effects.
A user shared progress pictures showing improvement from NW6 diffuse to NW1 after 5 months of finasteride and 2 months of dutasteride. Another user asked if these treatments affected beard or body hair thickness.
A user is experiencing facial bloating from low-dose topical finasteride due to high estradiol levels and is seeking advice on using DIM to manage this issue, including dosage and brand recommendations.
The user's hair appears to have improved, looking thicker and healthier, especially around the temples, after using topical minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, and tretinoin. Most participants agree the last picture shows significant improvement, though one disagrees.
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.
Dutasteride may inhibit new beard growth, but minoxidil can still promote beard growth, albeit slowly. Some users report thicker beards with oral minoxidil despite using dutasteride.
The conversation humorously discusses inducing goosebumps to potentially reverse hair loss, with mentions of using cold therapy and muscle exercises. It also references other unconventional ideas like removing a testicle to lower DHT.
The user Consistent-Gene1334 shared their positive results in regrowing hair by using topical minoxidil and oral finasteride. Other users in the conversation praised the results and discussed the effectiveness of these treatments for diffuse thinning.
The user switched from finasteride to dutasteride and is seeking feedback on hair changes after 4 months. The current regimen includes oral dutasteride, oral minoxidil, and topical minoxidil.
People with diffuse thinning and retrograde hair loss are discussing treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride, with some reporting improvements and others experiencing issues like scalp inflammation and increased sebum. Suggestions include addressing scalp inflammation, considering gut health, and possibly using topical antiandrogens or micro-needling.
Training scalp muscles to absorb more DHT is suggested as a hair loss solution, but users debate its effectiveness compared to medications like dutasteride and finasteride. Concerns about side effects of DHT blockers, such as reduced libido, are discussed, with some advocating for natural remedies like scalp massages and healthy living.
The conversation is about someone's hair growth progress after using dutasteride and oral minoxidil for eight months, with users commenting on the increased hair density and volume. Some users are skeptical, but the original poster insists there is a significant improvement in hair density.
A user's experience with using 5AR inhibitors (Finasteride and Dutasteride) in combination with Minoxidil foam and microneedling, which resulted in substantial improvements to their crown density and hairline, despite high systemic levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.
A 22-year-old male uses dutasteride, a serum with 10% minoxidil and 0.5% finasteride, and microneedling for diffuse androgenetic alopecia. Progress pictures show changes from July 2025 to February 2026.
Glycine supplementation may increase 5-alpha reductase activity, potentially affecting hair loss. Users discuss its impact on hair fall and its role in the body.
Fatty liver and related issues may influence hair loss conditions like Dupa/Aga. Treatments discussed include Minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841, myo-inositol, and L-glutamine.
The conversation discusses a new model for understanding androgenetic alopecia (AGA), linking it to dietary and lifestyle factors similar to PCOS, and highlighting the role of DHT, vascular damage, and inflammation. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.
The user reduced serum DHT by 60% using Advanced Trichology's natural DHT blocker but saw no improvement in hair loss. They are considering switching to finasteride due to its proven effectiveness in inhibiting scalp DHT.
The user is using minoxidil, finasteride, dermarolling, and other treatments for hair regrowth, showing promising results in the temple area. Despite some skepticism, there is optimism about potential improvement.