Comparing the effectiveness and side effects of topical finasteride versus oral finasteride, with people sharing their experiences using both treatments to manage hair loss.
This conversation is about a user who has been using topical finasteride and minoxidil for 6 months and has seen great results, with some side effects. Others have shared their progress and advice on how to further maximize the effectiveness of the treatments.
People switching from Finasteride to Dutasteride after long-term use of finasteride and their results, including hair maintenance and increased thickness.
A user's 4-year journey of using Finasteride to improve their hairline, which they started noticing results from within the first month, and experienced significant shedding during the first year. They also tried Minoxidil but had heart palpitations so stopped taking it.
User asked dermatologist for finasteride, received latanoprost and diprogenta cream instead. Others suggest latanoprost is expensive and not better than minoxidil, recommend trying another doctor for finasteride.
30-year-old uses 1 mg finasteride daily, minoxidil 2x a day, Nizoral shampoo, derma roller 2x a week, and conditioner for 7-month progress. Significant improvement seen after 5 months, with no side effects.
The user has been using topical finasteride 0.1% for almost 7 months but is experiencing worsening hair loss and is considering adding minoxidil 5% to their regimen. They are hesitant about oral finasteride and are exploring options for topical treatments, including minoxidil and possibly dutasteride.
The conversation is about a person considering making their own topical finasteride to avoid side effects from oral use. They discuss potential methods and ingredients, including cayenne pepper extract, rosemary, and coconut oil, and seek advice on effectiveness and alternatives like light therapy or dermarolling.
A user shared their experience with finasteride, reporting severe side effects like erectile dysfunction and watery semen, which improved after stopping the medication. They emphasized the risks of finasteride and decided not to resume its use despite hair loss stabilization.
A user shared their 13-month hair regrowth results using Finasteride 0.25mg three times a week, Biotin, Nizoral, Vitamin D, and a multivitamin. Commenters discussed the effectiveness of low-dose Finasteride and inquired about potential side effects and the addition of Minoxidil.
The user reports 8 months of hair growth progress using 1mg Finasteride daily, 5k biotin daily, Nizoral 1% biweekly, a multivitamin daily, and Vitamin D 2000IU daily, with pictures provided for reference. Commenters discuss the improved thickness and length of the hair, with some suggesting a buzz cut for better comparison, which the user declines.
Efforts to find a Canadian dermatologist in the US to prescribe H&W's topical finasteride for hair loss. The user is willing to fund a crowd-share effort to identify prospects.
A user is starting finasteride and seeks advice on expected results. Another user reports combining finasteride with minoxidil, experiencing some regrowth and a return to hair thickness similar to when they were younger.
A user in Slovakia struggles to get finasteride for hair loss and considers using the UK-based Hair Repair Clinic, which others have used successfully for finasteride and dutasteride. The clinic offers quick service and ships medications directly, but it's unclear if they deliver to Slovakia.
Finasteride is effective for treating male pattern baldness (MPB) with minimal side effects, and topical finasteride is similarly effective. Dutasteride is also effective but less understood, and Minoxidil is less effective than Finasteride.
Topical finasteride may reduce more scalp DHT but is seen as inconsistent and messy compared to oral finasteride. Users report mixed results with both forms, with some preferring oral for its convenience and consistent dosing, while others find topical effective but harder to apply.
The user experienced reduced hair loss after switching from finasteride and dutasteride to consuming fruit seeds like pumpkin and flaxseed, but others suggest the improvement is likely due to the delayed effects of the medications. There is skepticism about the seeds' effectiveness in blocking DHT compared to the medications.
A 19-year-old experiencing hair loss despite using minoxidil and finasteride for three months, with no family history of baldness except for maternal grandfather. The user is advised to continue the treatment for Androgenic Alopecia and not rely on home remedies.
An 18-year-old is maintaining a stable hairline using Minoxidil, topical finasteride (Fynzur), and Dermastamp, and is considering adding oral finasteride for prevention. They seek advice on whether starting oral finasteride early is necessary given their family history and current regimen.
The user shared their 5-year progress using finasteride and topical minoxidil for hair growth, noting initial success but recent thinning and side effects. They plan to switch to dutasteride and oral minoxidil, addressing low iron levels and monitoring potential side effects.
The user experienced positive hair growth results after a year of using finasteride, initially taking 1mg daily but switching to a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule due to side effects like erectile dysfunction and watery semen. The side effects improved after switching to the reduced schedule, with normal erections returning within a month.
The conversation discusses combining oral dutasteride with topical finasteride to further reduce scalp DHT levels for hair regrowth. Users debate the effectiveness and safety of this combination, with some suggesting alternatives like topical antiandrogens such as RU58841, fluridil, and alfatradiol.
The user regrets stopping finasteride and minoxidil due to side effects but plans to resume treatment. They consider using finasteride every other day and continuing topical minoxidil to manage side effects while maintaining hair.
Switching from finasteride to dutasteride can worsen hairlines for some, as experienced by the original poster. Finasteride worked better for them, and they suggest returning to it if dutasteride causes hair loss.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth using 5% topical minoxidil and 1mg finasteride daily, despite multiple shedding phases, and emphasizes the importance of starting treatment early and maintaining consistency. They advise against obsessing over online forums during shedding periods and recommend checking for scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and ensuring proper nutrition.
Finasteride is seen as risky for men due to side effects like erectile dysfunction, while hormonal birth control for women is normalized despite its side effects. The discussion points out a double standard influenced by societal and gender norms.
The conversation humorously discusses the unfairness of hair loss, highlighting various treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, red light therapy, and experimental drugs, while contrasting with people who have great hair despite unhealthy lifestyles. The original poster mentions experiencing side effects from switching to oral finasteride.