A 27-year-old Asian male is treating hair loss with 1mg oral finasteride, topical minoxidil twice daily, and 1.5mm microneedling weekly. The discussion is about his progress with these treatments.
User experienced side effects from oral finasteride and tried topical Alfatradiol for hair loss. Alfatradiol provided maintenance without significant regrowth, and user suggests it as an alternative for those struggling with finasteride side effects.
A 28-year-old male shares his hair loss journey, starting with a hair transplant in February 2024 and using finasteride, later switching to dutasteride in January 2025. He has not used minoxidil and is satisfied with the results, despite some side effects like temporary nipple pain and a spike in libido.
The user is experiencing hair improvement in the central and back areas after using finasteride, minoxidil, and a galenic lotion, but the temple area is worsening. They suspect the lotion might be causing the issue and are considering stopping its use.
Alfatradiol is used by some for hair loss, often alongside treatments like finasteride, RU58841, and minoxidil, but its effectiveness is unclear. Some users report no significant improvement, while others note reduced sebum production but experience side effects like gallbladder pain.
People are discussing the use of finasteride for hair loss and the importance of hormonal blood testing to monitor effects like changes in DHT and estradiol levels. Some users also mention using minoxidil and the potential side effects of estradiol, such as gynecomastia, especially at higher doses.
A user is experiencing hair loss despite using dutasteride and oral minoxidil, feeling hopeless and considering a hair system. They are advised to try ketoconazole, seek a second opinion from a dermatologist, and consider treatments like finasteride, RU58841, and hair transplants.
Topical formulations, natural products, and CAM therapies are being used to treat Androgenic alopecia to avoid side effects of Finasteride and Minoxidil. The review covers various low-risk, alternative treatment options.
A young person is experiencing aggressive hair loss and not responding well to minoxidil and finasteride. Suggestions include trying dutasteride, hair systems, lifestyle changes, or considering a wig.
After stopping finasteride, the user retained hair without noticeable balding, suggesting an unusual reaction to the medication. The user initially experienced rapid hair loss and itchiness, possibly due to male pattern baldness, but maintained hair stability after tapering off finasteride.
The mechanism of Androgenic Alopecia and practical applications of treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, RU58841, dermarolling, scalp massages, anti-fungals, progesterone, estrogen, PPAR-γ activators, reducing oxidative stress, and scalp exercises. It explains why DHT is important in AA and how other factors might be involved such as hypoxia, increased DKK-1 expression, morphological changes to the scalp, skull growth during childhood/puberty, and blood flow.
A user experienced severe hair shedding and hairline recession after 10 months on finasteride. They are considering switching to dutasteride or adding minoxidil.
A dermatologist prescribed methionine with vitamins for hair loss, but the user is doubtful and plans to seek finasteride in France. The user is unsure why finasteride or minoxidil wasn't prescribed, suspecting concerns about side effects or strength.
The conversation discusses ongoing hair loss while using finasteride (Fin) and concerns about potential interactions with Hydrocortisone Butyrate. The consensus is that shedding is normal and it can take 1-1.5 years to see results from finasteride.
A 24-year-old experienced improved hair growth using 5% minoxidil, 1 mg finasteride, and dermastamping, but faced side effects like low libido and mild erectile dysfunction. They plan to reduce finasteride dosage after full results and may consider a hair transplant if thinning recurs.
A male in his thirties with a Norwood 2 hairline questions if gym gains and supplements like creatine cause hair loss. Responses suggest that while exercise can slightly increase testosterone and DHT, genetics primarily determine hair loss, and treatments like finasteride are recommended for DHT control.
FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.
User asks if Ashwagandha causes hair loss while using Finasteride and Minoxidil. Replies suggest Ashwagandha may increase shedding, but raising testosterone within normal levels likely won't significantly affect hair loss.
The user started using 2.5 mg Minoxidil and 1.5 mg Finasteride five months ago, experienced initial shedding, saw progress, but is now concerned about recent hair loss. Another user reassures them that shedding is normal and suggests continuing the treatment.
An 18-year-old with diffuse hair thinning is considering switching from a topical Minoxidil 10% + Finasteride 0.1% solution to Minoxidil 5% foam and oral Finasteride 0.5mg, while also addressing vitamin D deficiency and potential scalp inflammation. Users suggest using Nizoral shampoo for inflammation, considering dutasteride for better results, and maintaining vitamin D levels to protect hair follicles from DHT.
A 28-year-old male is experiencing temple regrowth but crown thinning while using 5mg minoxidil and 0.5mg dutasteride. The shedding phase is seen as a positive sign of treatment effectiveness, with expectations of noticeable improvements around 6 to 12 months.
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.
The user stopped using Alfatradiol after 4 months due to no hair improvement and side effects like dry scalp and gallbladder pain. They are considering trying topilutamide, which is suggested as an alternative.
A 32-year-old male started taking 0.5mg of finasteride daily for hair thinning and, after 8 weeks, experienced a 70% reduction in DHT and an increase in estradiol; he is currently in the shedding phase of treatment and questioning if the dosage is correct based on his DHT levels. He began with a lower dose due to already low normal testosterone and DHT levels.
A 24-year-old is experiencing aggressive hair shedding despite past success with mesotherapy and minoxidil, and is considering adding treatments like Expecia, dermapen, or a hair transplant. Many suggest using finasteride to maintain hair, as it is necessary even after a transplant, and side effects are rare and reversible.
The user tried finasteride for a year without success, then switched to dutasteride and oral minoxidil for 10 months, still experiencing hair loss. Adding RU58841 and topical minoxidil seemed to improve their condition, with new hair growth observed.
A 17-year-old is addressing hair loss with finasteride, topical minoxidil, and microneedling. They are considering adding GHK-Cu to their regimen, but others advise caution with finasteride due to age.
After 8 months of using oral Minoxidil 5mg and Finasteride 1mg, the user still experiences hair loss, particularly miniaturized hairs in the mid-scalp area, along with itching. They are concerned about losing around 40 hairs daily despite treatment.
The user experienced hairline recession despite using topical finasteride/minoxidil and is considering whether misapplication was the cause. They are exploring options after experiencing side effects from oral finasteride, including possibly returning to the topical formulation with adjusted application methods.