The user experienced increased hair shedding after switching from finasteride to dutasteride, despite lifestyle improvements and additional treatments like oral minoxidil and PRP. They are concerned about persistent shedding, changes in hormone levels, and potential chronic telogen effluvium, and are considering a scalp biopsy for further investigation.
A user's experience with hair loss treatments, specifically finasteride/dutasteride, and the potential for nocebo effects to influence side-effects. They caution others against focusing too much on possible side-effects when using these drugs, as they are generally safe and effective.
Switching from finasteride to dutasteride and back to finasteride led to gynecomastia and fatigue, likely due to hormonal imbalances. Suggested treatments include Tamoxifen, Raloxifene, or low-dose Anastrozole, with a recommendation to test testosterone and estradiol levels.
The user is asking for opinions on low level laser light therapy for hair growth and thickening. They have been using it for a year but haven't seen significant results, attributing any regrowth to topical minoxidil.
PP405 increased hair density by 20% in 31% of participants, but results are considered underwhelming. Minoxidil and finasteride are seen as more effective treatments.
A 28-year-old male experiencing diffuse thinning and miniaturization around the ears and back has tried finasteride, dutasteride, and both topical and oral minoxidil without success. He is seeking advice on identifying the type of hair loss and next steps since current treatments are ineffective.
The user shared their bloodwork results showing DHT at 17 ng/dl and testosterone at 287 ng/dl, with a slight Vitamin D deficiency. They are seeking opinions on these levels and have an upcoming dermatologist appointment.
Balding scalps have more androgen receptors, leading to increased TGF-beta, which causes blood vessel loss and hair follicle miniaturization. Blocking androgen signaling and TGF-beta may help prevent hair loss.
A user questions if a topical compound with finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, retinoic acid, caffeine, and triamcinolone is excessive for hair loss treatment. Another user shares their experience using topical finasteride without issues and notes that alternating finasteride and dutasteride is common.
Hair loss discussion includes LLLT treatments and a satirical condition called PLLLTS, causing patients to resemble lighthouses and attract moths. Some users express concern about others taking the satire seriously.
The conversation discusses concerns about using a high concentration of 1% topical finasteride for hairline balding, with some users suggesting starting with a lower dose. It also mentions the use of GHK-CU peptide and the importance of considering the formulation to avoid excessive absorption.
Users discussed increasing oral minoxidil from 2.5mg to 5mg for hair regrowth, with some considering higher doses despite potential side effects. They also mentioned using 1mg oral finasteride alongside minoxidil.
A 27-year-old man shared his hormonal panel results after one year of taking finasteride 1mg/day for hair loss, showing his DHT levels nearly doubled. He reported stabilized hair loss with mild side effects that resolved, and he is considering a hair transplant but is concerned about the increased DHT levels and potential treatment options.
A new hair loss treatment, PP405, showed promising Phase 2a results with 31% of patients experiencing over 20% hair density increase without systemic absorption, avoiding hormonal side effects. The treatment is expected to be expensive, with Phase 3 trials starting mid-2026, and there is skepticism about the data's strength.
Follicum discovered that their drug FOL-005 increased hair count by 12 hairs per cm2 in patients with less than 255 hairs per cm2 and is planning a phase 2b trial. They are currently fundraising for the trial, and the drug may also be effective for women.
Microneedling at 1.5 mm should be done every 4 to 6 weeks, not weekly, to prevent scalp trauma and improve hair growth. The user is also using 0.5 mg dutasteride daily, 5 mg minoxidil daily, and started RU58841 two months ago.
Shiseido's S-DSC Hair Multiplication Treatment in Japan is available to foreigners but is expensive and not very effective. Despite past disappointments, there is hope for future treatments with more options in development beyond Minoxidil and Finasteride.
OP reports that after 3 months on 2.5mg dutasteride, their hair has stopped falling out and is thick again, but they are considering stopping due to potential mood and energy side effects. Other users discuss experiences with finasteride, dutasteride, and side effects, with some suggesting lower doses or alternative treatments like topical applications.
The user is sharing their experience with using 0.5mg dutasteride, 2.5mg oral minoxidil, and hair dye for 45 days. Another user encourages them to continue as it is still too early to see significant improvement.
A 23-year-old man with hair loss, despite using dutasteride, oral minoxidil, and RU58841, is considering bicalutamide for regrowth but is concerned about feminization. Alternatives like topical estrogen, JXL069, and spironolactone are discussed, with suggestions to explore thyroid levels and other potential underlying conditions.
Hair loss treatments discussed include 200mg Spiro, bicalutamide, and finasteride. Endocrinologist advises against bicalutamide and finasteride due to potency and risks.
The conversation discusses a personal theory on the role of DHT in stress and reproduction, suggesting it converts testosterone for reproductive traits. The discussion includes skepticism and mentions individual differences in physiology and neurochemistry.
The user started using a hair loss treatment called pyrilutamide and experienced mild chest discomfort and tightness, similar to previous side effects from RU58841. They plan to reduce the dosage due to these side effects and will provide an update on the results in 1-2 months.
Using both oral and topical minoxidil is likely safe, but be cautious of increased systemic absorption. The best tretinoin dosage to enhance minoxidil effectiveness is not specified.
The user is using a hair loss treatment regimen that includes RU58841, minoxidil mixed with finasteride, adenosine, dermarolling with lidocaine cream, and biotin. They are questioning if they are dermarolling too aggressively and are willing to accept baldness if no improvement is seen in 6 months.
A user with low-normal testosterone levels is considering starting finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss but is concerned about hormone imbalance. They are advised that finasteride targets DHT, not testosterone, and could start with minoxidil while making lifestyle changes to naturally increase testosterone.
Topical finasteride affects serum DHT less than oral forms, while dutasteride mesotherapy may impact only the scalp with minimal serum DHT effects. Oral dutasteride once a week is suggested to have few side effects.
The user has been using oral minoxidil and dutasteride for hair loss without success and is considering adding topical 17α-estradiol, Pyrilutamide, Clascoterone, or cetirizine. They have confirmed low serum DHT levels and are exploring additional treatments due to genetic sensitivity to DHT and prostaglandin D2.
The conversation discusses a hair loss treatment tier list, ranking treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and scalp massages based on efficacy, convenience, and safety. Users express disagreement with the rankings, particularly questioning the placement of dutasteride and hair transplants.