The user has been using finasteride for 3 years with good results and wants to switch to dutasteride combined with tamsulosin. They are seeking more information about tamsulosin.
Minoxidil may cause increased prolactin levels, leading to side effects like puffy nipples and chest tenderness. Users experienced these issues and considered stopping minoxidil while continuing or switching to other treatments like finasteride, microneedling, and supplements.
Finasteride may affect prostate sensation and size, with some users reporting easier urination. Concerns exist about prostate shrinkage even at lower doses.
People are using lower doses of finasteride than the recommended 1mg daily due to concerns about side effects, cost, and new data suggesting lower doses can be nearly as effective. Some users report stability or slight improvements with lower doses, but the effectiveness compared to 1mg daily is debated.
A user shared progress pictures after one month on oral dutasteride and minoxidil, noting some improvement despite initial shedding. They previously used finasteride for a year without noticeable change and emphasized the importance of photo comparisons.
The conversation suggests using a dropper to apply minoxidil to the scalp without force for a less messy application compared to sprays or other methods.
Finasteride prices in Canada vary, with Costco offering lower prices compared to smaller pharmacies, and no membership is needed to access their pharmacy. Users discuss the cost-effectiveness of oral versus topical treatments, with some preferring oral minoxidil and finasteride due to fewer side effects.
Finasteride can cause dry eyes and vision issues due to its impact on the meibomian glands. Users have mixed experiences, with some experiencing eye discomfort and others having no side effects.
Topical minoxidil may cause skin aging effects like wrinkles and dark circles, possibly due to its alcohol content, while oral finasteride is reported to make users look younger. Switching to oral minoxidil or using moisturizers might help reduce these skin issues.
A 20-year-old male using Minoxidil and finasteride for 6 months and keto shampoo for 5 months saw initial improvement in dandruff, but the condition returned. He recently started using 3% salicylic acid shampoo and seeks advice for persistent dandruff, which is oily and localized to the left side of his scalp.
Higher doses of dutasteride, such as 2.5mg, are more effective at reducing scalp DHT than 0.5mg, but are costly and inconvenient. A 1mg dose is considered a more affordable and practical option, though its efficacy is uncertain.
A 31-year-old man chose minoxidil over finasteride due to concerns about erectile dysfunction. He intends to seek another doctor's opinion on finasteride.
Minoxidil is harmful to pets, especially cats, if they contact it. Users recommend switching to oral minoxidil or taking precautions like washing hands and using head coverings to prevent exposure.
A 43-year-old experienced gynecomastia after 20 years of taking dutasteride and 7.5mg oral minoxidil. Suggestions include consulting an endocrinologist, checking hormones, and considering Nolvadex or DIM supplements.
Finasteride made the original poster feel better, with increased energy and less frequent urination, but they were advised to see a doctor due to potential prostate issues. Some users reported positive effects like increased libido and reduced anxiety, while others experienced negative side effects like brain fog and erectile dysfunction.
Minoxidil 5% topical solution may cause eyesight problems, with some users experiencing blurred vision. The discussion also mentions finasteride's potential side effects, including erectile dysfunction, with varied personal experiences.
A 24 year old male struggling with the physical and mental effects of balding, being short, and having a micropenis. Suggested treatments include taking medications such as finasteride and minoxidil, lifting weights, and trying not to compare himself to others.
Minoxidil is highly toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs, even in small amounts. Many users have switched to oral minoxidil to prevent accidental exposure to their pets.
Minoxidil may improve or worsen skin quality, with topical forms causing dryness and wrinkles, possibly due to alcohol content, while oral forms have fewer side effects. Some users consider using tretinoin to mitigate negative effects.
Finasteride was intentionally developed to treat BPH and later approved for male pattern baldness (MPB) due to its 5AR inhibition effects. The delay in MPB approval was due to concerns about off-label use for female hirsutism and the prioritization of treating a more debilitating condition.
The conversation is about whether treatments like finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil can make single hairfollicles produce multiple hairs again. The user is curious if these medications can thicken hair and prolong the growth phase.
A user plans to experiment with creating new hairfollicles using methods like derma rolling, applying lithium chloride, tannic acid, and various other substances including caffeine, ketoconazole, and raspberry ketones. They also consider using anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, and DHT inhibitors to potentially improve results.
Hairfollicles can be dormant and potentially revived with treatments like finasteride and minoxidil, but irreversible loss occurs if certain structures are destroyed. Early intervention is more effective, and additional methods like microneedling may help.
The conversation discusses potential causes of pigmentation around hairfollicles, suggesting sebum buildup, autoimmune conditions, or dermatitis. Treatments mentioned include finasteride, dutasteride, and an anti-inflammatory diet, with a recommendation to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
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.
Scientists have successfully grown functional hairfollicles in the lab, marking a significant advancement in hair regeneration research. A user shared their personal experience with hair loss treatments, including Minoxidil and Finasteride, and plans to share a detailed protocol for hair restoration.
Balding scalps have more androgen receptors, leading to increased TGF-beta, which causes blood vessel loss and hairfollicle miniaturization. Blocking androgen signaling and TGF-beta may help prevent hair loss.