A user stopped finasteride after 15 years due to severe side effects, which improved after quitting. They maintained most of their hair and are considering alternatives like topical treatments or RU58841.
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.
The conversation is about the prevalence of baldness among young men and the potential factors contributing to it. Specific treatments mentioned include minoxidil and finasteride.
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.
RU58841 is considered effective by some users, but finasteride and minoxidil are commonly used with varying dosages to manage side effects. Users report different experiences with treatments like pyrilutamide, fluridil, and RU58841, with some seeing results and others not.
Finasteride is being used by a 17-year-old concerned about its impact on height while still growing. The user has been balding since age 13 and was recently diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia.
RU58841 caused severe side effects like heart palpitations and shortness of breath, leading the user to stop using it. Minoxidil and finasteride were effective without side effects, while RU58841's safety and effectiveness remain uncertain.
Topical Finasteride doesn't directly reduce 5ar enzyme on scalp and has the same mechanism as oral, needing to go through the liver. Users debate the accuracy of this information and discuss various studies and experiences.
A 17-year-old improved his hairline using minoxidil and derma stamping, planning to start finasteride at 18. He received advice on dosing and potential side effects to maintain results.
Breezula, a topical treatment, is anticipated to be available in the US by mid-2027 as a potential alternative to finasteride with fewer systemic side effects. There is ongoing debate about its effectiveness and some users report similar side effects to finasteride.
Finasteride can affect sperm quality, but fertility usually returns after stopping it, as shown by a user who conceived four months after discontinuation. Some users successfully conceive while on finasteride, though some prefer to pause its use to minimize risks.
Finasteride is not a miracle drug; results vary widely, with only 2/5 getting good results. Combining treatments like minoxidil and finasteride may help, but expectations should remain low.
The post argues that Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) is likely not real and suggests symptoms may be due to mental health issues or the nocebo effect. The conversation includes personal experiences with finasteride, highlighting both positive and negative effects, and emphasizes consulting doctors and using reliable sources for medication.
A user expressed concern about using low-dose topical finasteride while conceiving, but was reassured that the risk of affecting a fetus is negligible. The user stopped using finasteride during pregnancy and switched to minoxidil and ketoconazole, while others shared experiences and advice on using these treatments safely.
Using essential oil roller bottles makes applying minoxidil easier and more convenient. Oral minoxidil has potential side effects, including heart issues, while topical application is considered safer.
The conversation humorously discusses the side effects of finasteride, particularly sexual dysfunction. Users share mixed experiences, with some reporting issues and others not.
The conversation discusses the side effects of finasteride, including low libido and erectile dysfunction, and the possibility of these effects being permanent, known as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Some users report personal experiences with PFS and debate whether the condition is real, with varying opinions on the reversibility of side effects and the role of individual biology.
Intermittent finasteride dosing, like taking it every third day, may reduce side effects while still lowering DHT levels. Users report side effects such as brain fog and weaker erections, which often subside after stopping the drug.
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.
Finasteride significantly increased testosterone levels for the user, with no major side effects except watery semen, which was resolved with zinc supplements. The user's hairline stopped receding and slightly improved.
A user is concerned about starting finasteride due to negative reports and potential side effects. Other users suggest talking to a doctor, considering personal tolerance, and note that side effects are rare.
Finasteride may take over two years to show results and can cause side effects like sexual dysfunction and emotional changes. Alternatives such as dutasteride and minoxidil are discussed, with varying effectiveness and side effects.
Dutasteride and finasteride can cause watery ejaculate, which may persist for some users. Zinc supplements or switching to topical treatments are suggested to alleviate this side effect.
Woman uses antiandrogens for hair thinning prevention, experiences severe dry eye with finasteride. Asks if dutasteride could be better despite potential for worse dry eye.
Finasteride may pose a risk during pregnancy, so using a condom is recommended if a partner is pregnant. It is advised to stop finasteride before trying to conceive due to potential effects on fetal development.
PP405 shows promise in hair regrowth, potentially outperforming existing treatments like finasteride and minoxidil, with significant results in just four weeks. The treatment is still in early stages, with further trials needed to determine its long-term effectiveness and optimal dosage.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth using 7% minoxidil, 0.3% finasteride, and derma stamping over nine months. They reported no side effects and noticed results around 3-4 months, with faster progress when using derma stamping 2-3 times a week.
CRISPR Cas9 could potentially treat baldness by targeting specific genes in hair follicles without affecting other body functions. There is optimism about its future use, despite ethical concerns and the current reliance on treatments like minoxidil and finasteride.
The user experienced severe side effects from finasteride, including cognitive and sexual issues, despite its effectiveness for hair growth. They are considering switching to RU58841 and seek insights from others who have made a similar change.