Potential side effects of 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. Users debate risks, benefits, and personal experiences with these hair loss treatments.
A user experienced initial side effects from finasteride, including erectile dysfunction and emotional changes, but later noticed increased muscle mass and assertiveness. Hormonal tests showed elevated estrogen and prolactin levels, which slightly decreased over time; the user plans lifestyle changes to see if they help.
The user has been using 1MG finasteride, 5% minoxidil, LLLT, and derma stamping for a year to improve hair density for a potential transplant. They are considering switching to dutasteride and are unsure whether to proceed with a transplant now or wait for more growth.
The conversation is about treatments for androgenetic alopecia, focusing on hyperresponders. Treatments include Minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841, leg training, and cold therapy.
A 57-year-old man with male pattern hair loss and insulin resistance experienced hair regrowth and weight loss after using tirzepatide, without other hair treatments. Dysregulated glucose metabolism is linked to hair loss, with tirzepatide potentially improving hair density by normalizing insulin resistance.
The conversation discusses the best ethanol and propylene glycol ratio for homemade topical finasteride, with a focus on absorption and drying issues. The user shares their experience using a 50% propylene glycol, 30% ethanol, and 20% water solution, and considers adjusting the ethanol content for better results.
A user is considering dutasteride mesotherapy for hair loss due to concerns about oral side effects from high DHT levels. They have been using topical finasteride with minoxidil but are exploring mesotherapy as an alternative, while another user shares their experience with mesotherapy sessions using dutasteride and minoxidil without side effects.
The conversation discusses starting topical finasteride for hair loss, with concerns about high dosages. It suggests starting with a lower concentration, like 0.1% or 0.3%, especially with liposomal versions.
The user cannot handle Minoxidil and is looking for an alternative to dilute topical finasteride. They are considering using Alpecin liquid as a solution.
A 30-year-old man experienced significant hair regrowth and improved libido after using finasteride and dutasteride for androgenetic alopecia, with no adverse effects. He plans to reduce dutasteride dosage when trying to conceive and has been using topical minoxidil since 2015.
Pyrilutamide is being discussed as an alternative for those who can't use finasteride, but users report it may be ineffective at low concentrations. Some users are combining it with minoxidil, microneedling, and other treatments, but results vary.
The user is considering switching to topical finasteride or pyrilutamide to stabilize hair loss before a hair transplant, currently using oral minoxidil and finasteride. Suggestions include sticking to the current regimen as it is already potent, and caution against using pyrilutamide from unreliable sources.
GT20029 and KX826 are promising hair loss treatments, with GT20029 increasing hair count and KX826 showing significant results. KX826 may be a good alternative for those who can't use finasteride or dutasteride, though results vary.
The user has been using 1.25 mg of oral minoxidil and finasteride since September 2025 to address diffuse hair thinning, and is considering trying a new shampoo. Other users suggest increasing the minoxidil dose and trying dutasteride.
The user has been taking dutasteride for 8 months and finasteride before that, with normal DHT levels but high estradiol and prolactin, leading to sexual side effects. The user is disappointed with these results.
The user has been on finasteride for 4.5 years and minoxidil for 10 years, maintaining hair but not regrowing much on the crown and temples. They are considering using a dermastamp more frequently and possibly trying RU58841, but are hesitant about dutasteride due to concerns about side effects and DHT suppression.
Saw palmetto, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, caused unexpected side effects like breast changes and altered semen consistency, which resolved after stopping its use. Concerns about similar side effects with finasteride or dutasteride were expressed, and another user reported low libido and depression from saw palmetto.
A user is considering dutasteride mesotherapy versus oral finasteride for hair loss, with concerns about side effects. Other users share experiences with both treatments, suggesting oral finasteride as more effective and cost-efficient, while also discussing the use of minoxidil, alfatradiol, and potential side effects like gynecomastia.
User started DUT 3 times a week, topical minoxidil/tretinoin at night, and topical stemoxydine/alfatradiol mix with tretinoin in the morning for hair loss. They experienced significant progress and no side effects, crediting a YouTuber for encouragement.
A serum with oleic and palmitoleic acids shows promise for hair regrowth in mice, but its effectiveness in humans is unproven. Minoxidil and finasteride remain the recommended treatments.
OP asked if Alfatradiol 0.1% can maintain hair after a transplant. Responses suggest using stronger treatments like finasteride or micro-dosing oral finasteride instead.
A user on finasteride for hair loss is considering topical dutasteride to further reduce scalp DHT and is using various other topicals as substitutes for minoxidil due to concerns about the safety of their cats and potential heart side effects from oral minoxidil. They are exploring whether a once-weekly application of topical dutasteride would be effective.
The conversation discusses the potential of a new hair loss treatment, GT20029, which may prevent hair loss by destroying androgen receptors on the scalp. Users express hope for the treatment's success and speculate on its usage routine, effectiveness, and possible side effects.
The user is experiencing scalp irritation from a compounded treatment of finasteride, minoxidil, and tretinoin. They are considering switching to a non-alcohol, propylene glycol-free formula with a lower tretinoin percentage to reduce irritation.
A 23-year-old experiencing diffuse hair thinning has chosen a treatment stack including topical finasteride, a blend of rosemary, peppermint, and pumpkin seed oils, procyanidine B2 spray, ketoconazole shampoo, and scalp massages. They avoid minoxidil due to family history of side effects and oral finasteride due to high estrogen levels.
The conversation discusses confusion over the dosage calculation of a topical solution containing 0.25% finasteride, 5% minoxidil, and 0.001% tretinoin. The user considers switching to a 0.025% finasteride solution to enhance the effects of tretinoin and minoxidil.
Finasteride helped users feel better about hair loss, with some experiencing positive changes in confidence and reduced anxiety. Despite initial concerns, users reported satisfaction with the treatment over several months.
The conversation discusses the differences in inactive ingredients between Sandoz 5mg Finasteride and Proscar/Propecia, questioning the purpose of certain additives like Docusate sodium. It seeks to determine if these differences affect the effectiveness of the treatment for hair loss.
The user is concerned about the effectiveness of a prescribed topical finasteride spray, Alocare, when applied to the scalp. They are unsure if hair might block the solution and reduce its effectiveness.
Switching from finasteride to dutasteride, with additional treatments like minoxidil and tretinoin, has not improved hair loss and may have worsened it. Users report better results with finasteride, citing fewer side effects and lower cost.