Potential side effects of 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. Users debate risks, benefits, and personal experiences with these hair loss treatments.
The conversation discusses the removal of Breezula phase II 12-month results by Cassiopea and the search for the original data. Concerns were raised about potential negative long-term effects on hair growth, such as androgen receptor upregulation.
A person experienced severe sexual side effects, including loss of libido and erectile dysfunction, after using finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss. They stopped the medications and sought advice, but recovery was slow and uncertain.
My hairline, I am only 23.
This conversation is about a user's experience with treatments for androgenic alopecia, including finasteride, dutasteride, RU, minoxidil, progesterone, melatonin, LLLT, oral minoxidil, and Pyrilutamide. They have tried many treatments over the course of two years without seeing much success, and they are considering getting a hair system as a last resort.
A user who is using a combination of oral and topical treatments, including finasteride, minoxidil, pyrilutamide, dutasteride, microneedling, and ketoconazole shampoo in order to combat hair loss. Another user gave the original poster a word of warning about overusing the ketoconazole shampoo.
A user is trying to reverse male pattern baldness (MPB) naturally by taking high doses of Vitamin D, improving diet, exercising, reducing stress, and other lifestyle changes, but plans to use finasteride if no results are seen in 60 days. Other users are skeptical, advising medical treatments like finasteride and warning against potential vitamin D overdose and the ineffectiveness of natural remedies for genetic hair loss.
The conversation is about managing scalp irritation caused by minoxidil use. Suggestions include switching to foam, using fluocinonide topical solution, trying lipogaine for sensitive skin, and considering low-dose oral minoxidil.
User switched from Finasteride to Dutasteride and oral Minoxidil after dermatologist's recommendation. Others in conversation express interest and support for the new treatment.
A user's experience with Pyrilutamide, which they have been taking for 3 months to treat their aggressive male pattern baldness. The user reported that the medication decreased shedding and was hopeful it would work as advertised.
An 18-year-old diagnosed with male pattern baldness is using probiotics, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, soy isoflavones, biotin, fish oil, quercetin, a multivitamin, and ketoconazole shampoo. Replies suggest these methods are ineffective and recommend finasteride, minoxidil, and a derma roller.
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.
A dermatologist stated that minoxidil does not cause skin aging, despite online claims. A study found no significant impact of minoxidil on collagen content or skin aging.
A user's 18-month hairline progress using minoxidil, finasteride, Nizoral, microneedling, and scalp massage. They share their routine and discuss treatment effectiveness and photo order confusion.
Balding's emotional impact is discussed, highlighting self-acceptance and well-being. Treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and microneedling are mentioned, but the focus is on self-care and maintaining perspective.
A user shared a 25-day progress picture showing significant hairline restoration attributed to microneedling, in addition to using minoxidil and finasteride for 6 months. Other users discussed needle length, frequency, and whether the effects of microneedling are permanent.
User suggests finding unknown baldness cure by applying random items on scalp and reporting results after 6 months. Various users humorously agree to try different substances, including whale sperm and hydrochloric acid.
Kintor Pharmaceutical's Phase 2 results with the drug Pyrilutamide, a potential alternative to 5-ARI drugs like Finasteride and Dutasteride but without the side effects. It could be used in combination with other topical treatments such as Minoxidil. The safety of the drug has been demonstrated in 6 months of use, however there are still questions about long term efficacy and systemic absorption.
Hair shedding can still occur after long-term use of finasteride, and it is often part of the natural hair cycle. Some users consider adding minoxidil or switching to dutasteride to manage shedding.
A 25-year-old is struggling with hair loss despite using treatments like oral Minoxidil, oral and topical Finasteride, Dutasteride, and PRP sessions. They feel frustrated with inconsistent treatment strategies and are seeking advice on managing thin hair and regaining confidence.
Hair shedding decreased significantly after using finasteride and minoxidil, with users reporting fewer hairs falling out when running fingers through their hair. Some users experienced initial shedding with treatments like dutasteride, but shedding eventually stopped or reduced significantly.
Adding tretinoin to a regimen of minoxidil and finasteride led to increased hair shedding and worsened hairline for some users. Opinions vary, with some experiencing negative effects and others seeing no issues, but concerns about tretinoin's impact on hair loss are common.
A user is considering whether to get a hair transplant now or wait for results from using 5mg oral minoxidil. The discussion involves treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841 for hair loss.
Shedding is common when using finasteride and minoxidil, and it typically stabilizes after a few months, with potential regrowth following. Users report varying experiences, but shedding is generally seen as a normal part of the treatment process.
The user is experiencing worsening hair loss despite using 0.5mg dutasteride, 2.5mg minoxidil, and Nizoral. They are seeking advice and reassurance from others who have faced similar issues.
A user reported that after experiencing hair thinning, they started using finasteride in 2024 and later began GHK-Cu peptide injections in March 2026, which they believe stopped their hair loss and made their hair feel thicker. The user shared their experience despite receiving criticism for not solely endorsing finasteride.
The user has been using oral minoxidil for 4 years and durum wheat 3 days a week for 7 months, but is experiencing increased hair loss when washing hair. They suspect it might be due to decreased DHT levels and are seeking similar experiences from others.
Hair loss significantly impacts self-perception and attractiveness, with treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and hair transplants suggested. The conversation highlights the emotional struggle and societal perceptions tied to hair loss.
Hair loss may be linked to DHT, which can both suppress and increase inflammation, potentially as a defense mechanism. Treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, and RU58841 are discussed, but the exact cause of hair loss remains unclear.
Hair cell therapy and follicle cloning are still in experimental stages, with treatments like hair multiplication and regenerative hair therapy being marketed but not yet proven to create unlimited new follicles. There is skepticism about the effectiveness and legitimacy of these treatments, with some considering them scams.
The conversation discusses the benefits of combining scalp stem cell treatments and exohealer with RF microneedling before a hair transplant. The original poster recommends these treatments for better results.