The user has been using 1 mg oral finasteride for 16 months to slow hair loss and is considering switching to dutasteride due to continued hair shedding. They are avoiding oral minoxidil due to potential side effects and are exploring other options with a dermatologist.
The FDA warned that topical finasteride can cause serious side effects like sexual dysfunction and brain fog, similar to oral finasteride. Compounded topical formulations pose additional risks due to lack of regulation.
Finasteride can maintain hair for many years, but its effectiveness may decrease over time. Some switch to dutasteride or add minoxidil for better results, with side effects like libido changes and ED discussed.
Switching from finasteride to dutasteride can cause increased hair shedding, which may last several months before potential regrowth. Some users suggest combining both medications or waiting up to a year for improvement, while others report better results with finasteride alone.
Finasteride is effective for hair regrowth, especially on the crown, but can cause side effects like reduced libido and erectile dysfunction in some users. Opinions are mixed, with some reporting positive results without side effects and others experiencing significant issues.
A long-term finasteride user experienced side effects like sexual dysfunction, dry eyes, muscle weakness, and brain fog, which improved when they stopped the medication. They decided to stop finasteride again, questioning if maintaining hair was worth the negative impact on their well-being.
Dutasteride is safer than finasteride for long-term use, with fewer sexual side effects. Users experience better hair regrowth and fewer side effects with dutasteride.
Finasteride may decrease free testosterone by increasing SHBG, potentially causing side effects like reduced libido and hormonal changes. Some find it effective for hair loss, while others experience negative effects.
Athletes often use finasteride to maintain hair transplants, but some avoid it due to potential hormonal effects. Notable examples include Mo Salah and Conor McGregor, while LeBron James has had multiple procedures with varying success.
The user stopped finasteride due to testicular aches and switched to minoxidil, seeing positive results in three months. They are considering topical finasteride but are cautious because of past side effects from oral use.
Finasteride and Dutasteride do not cause depression or "Post Finasteride Syndrome," with concerns often linked to the nocebo effect and preexisting mental health issues. The EU is unlikely to ban these drugs, but access may become more restricted due to ongoing debates.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth after three months of using 5 mg oral minoxidil nightly and plans to add finasteride to maintain progress. Many recommend combining minoxidil with finasteride or dutasteride to prevent future hair loss.
Oral minoxidil can boost hair growth but may cause side effects like heart palpitations and increased body hair. Many prefer topical minoxidil due to fewer side effects.
Finasteride and dutasteride can improve skin texture and reduce acne by lowering DHT but do not reverse aging. They may enhance skin and hair health for some, but can also cause side effects like dry skin and sexual dysfunction.
The user used Minoxidil 5% for 18 months, seeing improved hair density but no change in the crown area. They are cautious about using Finasteride again due to past gynecomastia.
A 17-year-old experiencing hair loss is using Minoxidil but is hesitant about Finasteride due to potential side effects. Others recommend Finasteride for its effectiveness and suggest alternatives like vitamins and derma rollers.
The conversation discusses finasteride for hair loss, especially among those with a history of depression. Users shared mixed experiences, with some reporting no issues and others experiencing worsened depression.
The user shared their experience with Finasteride and Dutasteride for hair loss. They initially had success with Finasteride but switched to Dutasteride after experiencing shedding, which continued, and are now considering a hair transplant.
Dutasteride takes 1-3 months to affect scalp DHT levels, not just a week. The prostate absorbs Dutasteride faster than the scalp due to different vascular networks and enzyme densities.
A user experienced no reduction in DHT levels after 8 months of finasteride, despite initial improvement in hair loss. They are considering switching to dutasteride but are concerned about potential side effects.
Topical finasteride results in plasma levels 100 times lower than oral finasteride, potentially reducing systemic side effects. Users report similar efficacy with fewer side effects, suggesting a preference for topical application.
Finasteride can impact neurosteroids, potentially causing depression and other side effects in some users. Despite these concerns, many continue using it for hair loss, with some switching to topical applications to mitigate side effects.
A 22-year-old male has been using oral finasteride for a year with no improvement in hair loss and was denied dutasteride by a dermatologist due to FDA approval issues but was prescribed oral minoxidil instead. The user is seeking advice on whether to switch to dutasteride, continue finasteride, or add minoxidil.
A user shared their 8-month progress using 1mg oral finasteride with no side effects and plans to start minoxidil. Another user commented that the results look great and suggested reconsidering starting minoxidil.
Dutasteride at 0.5 mg/day does not significantly alter allopregnanolone levels, but higher doses (2.5 mg/day) do. Dutasteride may also have anti-neuroinflammatory effects, but the impact on neurosteroids is still debated.
A user shared their 16-month hair regrowth progress using oral and topical minoxidil, dutasteride, derma rolling, and occasional keto shampoo. The conversation includes positive reactions and jokes about their impressive results.
A user has been on dutasteride for nearly 2 years with no improvement in hair loss, expressing frustration. Other users suggest checking for other health conditions, getting bloodwork, and considering stopping TRT or trying finasteride.
A user shared their excitement about starting finasteride for hair loss after trying various ineffective methods. Other users discussed their experiences with finasteride, including shedding phases and side effects, with one mentioning using topical finasteride and minoxidil.
The conversation discusses skepticism around claims that dutasteride worsens hair loss, with some users suggesting misinformation or panic during shedding as reasons for such claims. One user shared their negative experience with dutasteride, including increased sebum production and hair loss, and is now considering a higher dose of oral minoxidil after stopping dutasteride.