Oral minoxidil is effective for hair loss but may cause side effects like increased heart rate and edema. Finasteride is recommended, with dutasteride as an alternative if needed.
Finasteride is seen as risky for men due to side effects like erectile dysfunction, while hormonal birth control for women is normalized despite its side effects. The discussion points out a double standard influenced by societal and gender norms.
A 15-year-old experiencing hair loss and anxiety is using minoxidil and microneedling but is advised against starting finasteride or dutasteride due to age. The discussion emphasizes consulting a doctor, considering hormonal evaluations, and exploring non-medication coping strategies.
A 21-year-old experienced erectile dysfunction after using finasteride and consuming multiple drugs, including MDMA, LSD, and weed. He plans to quit finasteride and weed, improve his habits, and consider alternative treatments like mesotherapy with dutasteride.
The user experienced excessive scalp oiliness and high testosterone levels after switching from finasteride to dutasteride. They plan to manage their condition with finasteride and are considering spironolactone to reduce testosterone and restore dry skin.
The user has been using liposomal topical finasteride since late 2022, progressively increasing the dose, but DHT serum levels remain largely unchanged. Despite using finasteride, minoxidil, microneedling, and ketoconazole, hair condition has neither improved nor worsened.
The conversation discusses the potential benefits of adding Vitamin B6 (P-5-P) to topical hair loss treatments like RU58841, finasteride, or minoxidil. The user suggests that Vitamin B6 might enhance these treatments by naturally lowering scalp prolactin.
Taking 1000mg l-arginine alongside 0.5 mg finasteride every other day helped alleviate erectile dysfunction and possibly increased libido. The user recommends trying l-arginine for those experiencing sexual side effects from finasteride.
Hair loss treatment with latanoprost, minoxidil, and biotin showed progress. Latanoprost, a glaucoma drug, stimulates anagen phase and increases conversion of vellus hair to terminal hair.
A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.
The conversation is about gathering serum DHT data from individuals taking dutasteride to investigate its efficacy, especially in cases with unexpectedly low DHT reduction. The aim is to explore potential genetic factors affecting drug metabolism.
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.
Finasteride treatment is being considered, and it's advised to track DHT, testosterone, estradiol, and SHBG levels to monitor hormonal changes. These tests will help understand the treatment's impact.
Hair loss due to vitamin B12 deficiency is discussed, with some users suggesting supplements and dietary changes, while others recommend medications like finasteride or dutasteride. The conversation highlights differing opinions on the cause of hair loss, with some attributing it to genetics or male pattern baldness.
A user stopped using minoxidil after 10-12 years due to severe side effects like fluctuating bloodpressure and chest pain, resulting in significant hair loss. Other users shared similar experiences, emphasizing health over hair and suggesting alternatives like finasteride, nanoxidil, and rosemary oil.
Topical minoxidil can cause water retention, making the face appear swollen. Switching from liquid to foam and reducing application frequency may help; using dandelion root extract as a diuretic is also suggested.
A user seeks a lotion for an inflamed, itchy scalp caused by DHT, asking for options that promote blood flow and contain hair vitamins like caffeine and biotin. Another user suggests using a mix of mustard oil and coconut oil.
The user has been using oral minoxidil at 10 mg daily, split between morning and night, alongside finasteride for 7 years, and reports new hair growth at the temples. Many users express concern over the high minoxidil dosage, citing potential health risks, while others question the effectiveness and necessity of such a dose.
The conversation discusses the difficulty in distinguishing between side effects of finasteride (like brain fog and loss of libido) and depression caused by hair loss. Users share experiences of severe depression while on finasteride, leading some to stop the treatment despite anxiety over hair loss.
A 20-year-old started taking finasteride for hair loss at 18, saw improvement, but developed erectile dysfunction (ED) after taking accutane. Despite stopping both medications, ED persisted, and hair loss worsened. Advice given includes considering tadalafil for ED, resuming finasteride, using minoxidil, and addressing psychological factors through positive thinking and lifestyle changes.
People on finasteride or dutasteride cannot donate blood due to the risk of birth defects if the blood is given to a pregnant woman. It's advised to stop finasteride for a month and dutasteride for six months before donating.
The release of a study on 5a-reductase inhibitors (finasteride and dutasteride) which showed an increased risk of depression, dementia, decreased libido, and reduced semen load as potential side effects; discussion around other forms of hair loss treatments such as topical minoxidil, RU58841, or opting to accept baldness; and advice to consider professional help for deeper issues related to hair loss.
A user noticed increased hair loss after taking B12 supplements for two months, with B12 levels rising to 1500. They are seeking help as other tests show normal levels of minerals and vitamins.
A 20-year-old male experienced early hair thinning due to male pattern baldness and successfully thickened his hair using oral finasteride and topical minoxidil. The conversation highlights the importance of early action and overcoming fear of medication side effects.
The user stopped using minoxidil 5 weeks ago due to facial swelling, which initially subsided but then returned. Despite a healthy lifestyle and normal test results, the user is concerned about the persistent bloating.
Oral minoxidil is discussed, highlighting potential cardiovascular risks at high doses, but users note that lower doses commonly used for hair loss are generally considered safe. Monitoring by doctors is advised, and some users report taking it without issues, comparing its risks to those of common medications like ibuprofen.
The conversation is about which blood tests are essential to check before starting hair loss treatment with finasteride or dutasteride. The tests mentioned include DHT, PSA, Estrogen/Estradiol, Testosterone, FSH, and LH.
An 18-year-old is using a high-dose hair loss treatment with 40mg daily dutasteride, finasteride, minoxidil, tretinoin, and topical bicalutamide. Despite health risk concerns, especially liver issues, they report hair regrowth progress and intend to continue the regimen.
The conversation discusses using cetirizine (Zyrtec) topically to relieve scalp itch associated with hair loss and suggests it may also benefit androgenetic alopecia (AGA). One person found relief from scalp itch after three months on finasteride, noting the itch was linked to areas where hair was lost.