User shared 1-year progress using finasteride 1mg and minoxidil, regaining hair density. Others praised the improvement and asked about side effects and additional treatments.
Hair loss theories discussed include poor blood flow, scalp tension, inflammation, and DHT. Treatments mentioned are massaging scalp, minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.
Hair loss theory involves 3alpha-hydroxysteroid reductase (3AHD) converting DHT to androstenol. Discussion explores potential treatments and encourages more research.
Oral minoxidil is considered a safe and effective treatment for hair loss at low dosages, with minimal cardiac risks. Users report positive results, though some experience side effects like increased heart rate and skin changes, and consulting a doctor is advised.
The conversation discusses using zinc and iron supplements to mitigate side effects of finasteride. It also mentions that shedding is a normal part of the process and suggests a healthy diet, exercise, and sleep to support hair health.
A 25-year-old man is worried about his girlfriend noticing his balding and is frustrated by society's focus on looks. He uses minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride for hair loss and considers being honest with her.
A 49-year-old has used finasteride for 19 years to manage hair loss, experiencing some libido changes but no major side effects, and plans to continue. They found minoxidil inconvenient but are considering restarting it with micro-needling.
A boyfriend's hair improved significantly over 10 months using minoxidil, steroid cream, antihistamine cream, and wild growth oil, with a strict cleaning regimen. His partner's dedicated care contributed to the transformation.
The user has been on dutasteride for 4.5 months after switching from finasteride due to hair thinning, and is experiencing significant hair loss despite also using minoxidil and microneedling. Many responses suggest that dutasteride takes time to show results, often requiring patience for up to a year or more, and recommend not stopping finasteride abruptly to avoid shedding.
The user has been using finasteride for 18 years to manage hair loss and is considering starting minoxidil and possibly a hair transplant. Despite some regrowth, they are exploring additional treatments like dutasteride and oral minoxidil due to continued hair thinning.
Creatine might increase hair loss due to increased DHT sensitivity, but evidence is mostly anecdotal. The user is using oral minoxidil for hair loss and is cautious about starting creatine.
The conversation discusses whether whey protein and creatine worsen hair loss. Some users report hair loss with creatine use, while others do not; opinions on whey protein's effects are mixed. Treatments mentioned include PRP, minoxidil, and finasteride.
Microneedling for hair restoration involves daily use of a 0.3 mm device and weekly use of a 0.5 mm device. Combining microneedling with Minoxidil can enhance hair growth.
The user switched from finasteride to dutasteride for hair loss and noticed elevated cholesterol levels, questioning if dutasteride caused this change. They also take Vitamin D, biotin, magnesium, ginkgo biloba, omega-3, and NAC, and are concerned about the impact of these supplements and their health on cholesterol levels.
The user experienced an elevated heart rate from using topical Minoxidil and discontinued its use. They found that adding a daily protein shake helped with telogen effluvium.
Switching from oral to topical minoxidil due to increased heart rate. The user seeks advice on maintaining their hair treatment while managing heart rate concerns.
A user is considering using both oral and topical finasteride for hair loss, despite having elevated liver enzymes. They currently use a topical spray with finasteride and minoxidil and are seeking advice on whether using both forms is advisable.
Elevated liver enzymes were reported from taking finasteride and minoxidil. The doctor advised stopping oral minoxidil and taking finasteride every other day.
Elevated PGD2 levels in bald scalp tissue may contribute to hair loss, and treatments like castor oil, finasteride, and minoxidil are discussed as potential solutions. Some users explore alternatives like oral castor oil and cetirizine for those who cannot use finasteride.
The conversation discusses using P5P (Vitamin B6) supplements to reduce elevated Prolactin levels and concerns about its potential effect on increasing DHT levels. The user is not currently using finasteride or any anti-androgens.
Whey protein may slightly increase hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) due to elevated IGF-1 and testosterone levels, but the effect is minimal compared to treatments like finasteride and dutasteride. Many users argue that whey protein's impact on hair loss is negligible and that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more important.
Increased hair loss after starting a 10g daily creatine regimen, possibly linked to elevated DHT levels despite dutasteride use. Stopping creatine reduced shedding, but the exact cause is uncertain, with discussions on exercise and lifestyle impacts.
A 48-year-old male from the Philippines shared his two-year progress using finasteride only for hair regrowth, experiencing significant improvement without minoxidil. He started with 0.5mg and increased to 1.25mg, later adjusting to every other day due to elevated liver enzymes, and reported 90% hair restoration.
The conversation discusses two methods for making topical finasteride: using ethanol and propylene glycol or mixing it with topical minoxidil. The focus is on solubility and absorption, with a suggestion to crush pills finely and possibly mix with minoxidil at a slightly elevated temperature.
The user experienced increased shedding and an itchy scalp after switching from Ascend to Aurobindo finasteride. They are considering switching to dutasteride and are concerned about elevated estrogen levels and the effectiveness of adding minoxidil later.
A user discusses switching from RU58841 to Pyrilutamide due to side effects like fatigue, brain fog, and elevated heart rate. They have used dutasteride, finasteride, and minoxidil, and are seeking safer alternatives.
The user started with 1mg oral finasteride and 2.5mg oral minoxidil daily in January 2023, but stopped minoxidil due to an elevated heart rate. They then saw regrowth after beginning topical minoxidil and microneedling in early 2024.
Finasteride can affect hormone levels, potentially causing symptoms like puffy nipples and testicular pain, and may result in elevated prolactin and high testosterone. The user is seeking interpretation of these changes after taking finasteride.
Finasteride can increase total testosterone and potentially raise estrogen levels, leading to side effects. Biotin in combined tablets can falsely elevate thyroid hormone levels in blood tests.