The user seeks alternatives to Propylene Glycol (PG) for delivering topical finasteride due to scalp irritation. They consider using Propanediol 1,3 and ask for other suggestions.
DIM is suggested to help with estrogen metabolism for those on finasteride or dutasteride, potentially reversing side effects like fat gain and mood changes. Some users doubt its effectiveness, recommending lifestyle changes or consulting a doctor instead.
The conversation is about a user obtaining a compounded treatment for hair loss, including 0.1% latanoprost, 0.2% melatonin, and 1% cetirizine. The user also uses 2.5 mg dutasteride, 5 mg minoxidil, and RU58841 daily, and is at Norwood 2.
A dutasteride simulator predicts that daily 0.5 mg dosing results in higher DHT suppression compared to less frequent dosing. Twice-weekly dutasteride may be as effective as finasteride 5 mg, providing a balance between efficacy and ease of use.
The user mixes their own RU58841 solution and found that increasing the ethanol content improved absorption and reduced scalp itching. A study on minoxidil showed that penetration increased with higher ethanol concentrations, reaching maximum penetration at 90% ethanol.
Dutasteride effectively reduces DHT levels and significantly increases testosterone levels. Users are cautious about adding oral minoxidil due to potential heart issues and are considering dosage adjustments with medical guidance.
The conversation discusses using S5 plus cream (Spironolactone, Alfatradiol, and Tempol) as an alternative to finasteride for hair loss, with concerns about its effectiveness and potential systemic absorption. The original poster already uses 5% minoxidil and is seeking alternatives due to fears of finasteride's side effects.
The conversation discusses using RU58841 with octopirox or essential oils for hair loss treatment. The user is seeking advice on which variation to try.
A 19-year-old concerned about long-term effects of 5AR inhibitors on physical appearance. They have used finasteride and plan to try dutasteride or RU58841; responses suggest improved skin, hair, and confidence.
User switched from finasteride and minoxidil to dutasteride, experienced side effects, then took dutasteride once a week with improved hair density. Another user had success with daily dutasteride, while one had no results from topical dutasteride.
The user convinced their trichologist to prescribe topical finasteride after using topical estradiol and progesterone for hair maintenance. They also discussed the potential impact of "nofap" on hair loss, noting that abstaining for about four months seemed to reduce shedding.
User experienced feminizing side effects from finasteride and tried RU, alfatradiol, and finasteride without success. They are now considering treatments like Stemoxydine, Zix, Minoxidil, Dermarolling, Eucapil, and a hair transplant.
Azelaic acid is discussed as a DHT inhibitor with no reported sexual side effects, but its effectiveness and absorption as a topical treatment are questioned. The user is interested in azelaic acid due to concerns about finasteride affecting penile health.
Stemoxydine, a hair loss treatment, is reportedly discontinued, with some users suggesting alternatives like a rebranded version with resveratrol that may enhance Minoxidil. Some users express dissatisfaction with the discontinuation and question the product's value.
The user experienced side effects from finasteride and Nutrafol, opting for non-hormonal treatments like minoxidil, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. Others discussed using Dutasteride, Biotin, and minoxidil with varying success and side effects.
OP has been using alfatradiol and a mix of rosemary, peppermint, and jojoba oils for hair loss, with inconsistent dermapen sessions. They plan to add topical finasteride at 0.025% later.
The conversation discusses the absorption and effectiveness of PG-free versus PG versions of RU58841, with some users believing PG improves efficacy while others see no difference. Concerns about RU58841's potential side effects on the endocrine system are also mentioned, with one user considering switching to pyrilutamide.
A 19-year-old shares progress in hair loss treatment from April to August 2025, using oral minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, and topical flutamide, minoxidil, dutasteride, and caffeine. The user seeks feedback and suggestions, with encouragement to continue the treatment.
Dutasteride is preferred over finasteride for hair loss due to fewer side effects. Combining dutasteride with minoxidil and RU58841 is effective for hair regrowth, even during steroid use.
The user "OP" uses a combination of topical minoxidil 5%, finasteride 0.025%, and caffeine to combat hair loss, with noticeable results over 5-6 months. Side effects include unwanted body hair growth and an itchy scalp, but no significant sexual side effects.
Topical dutasteride 0.05% is more effective for hair growth than oral finasteride 1mg, with minimal DHT reduction. The formulation uses castor oil and MCTs for better absorption but is not widely available until 2028.
The conversation discusses androgen receptor degraders for hair loss, highlighting their potential advantages over traditional AR blockers like RU58841 and pyrilutamide. Concerns about the safety and cost of these treatments are also mentioned.
A 20-year-old used finasteride for 5 months, then switched to dutasteride for 7 months, and added oral minoxidil for 2.5 months, finding the combination of dutasteride and oral minoxidil most effective. The user experienced significant hair improvement and confidence boost, with no blood tests but an ECG to monitor heart health.
Dutasteride at 2.5 mg/day reduces scalp DHT by 80%, while 0.5 mg/day reduces it by 50%, with minimal difference in side effects. Users often combine it with finasteride, RU58841, and minoxidil for better hair loss management, though side effects like dry skin and pimples are noted.
Tazarotene's potential to enhance Minoxidil conversion, similar to Tretinoin, is questioned. Users discuss the lack of information and seek further details.
The conversation discusses using zinc sulphate and azelaic acid to inhibit 5 alpha-reductase activity, which could potentially treat androgen-related skin conditions like hair loss. Combining these with vitamin B6 could enhance the effect, potentially offering an alternative to finasteride.
The user is experiencing breast tissue growth from taking dutasteride and minoxidil, and is considering reducing the dosage or stopping the medication. Suggestions include seeing an endocrinologist, using Raloxifene or Arimidex, and considering topical treatments or surgery if necessary.
The conversation is about the effectiveness of 0.25% topical finasteride compared to other concentrations and forms. Users discuss its potential for better scalp DHT reduction and fewer side effects, with some preferring topical over oral treatments.