A man stopped taking finasteride, a hair loss treatment, to improve his fertility. His sperm count and motility increased after stopping the medication, but sperm shape did not change.
The user "_Mad_Jack_" shared their progress pictures of using topical finasteride and minoxidil for 11 months. They experienced good hair retention and increased overall haircount, but no regrowth of the hairline. They are considering switching to oral finasteride and microneedling for better results. Testicular pain was a side effect experienced during the treatment. Another user mentioned getting a hair transplant to cover their crown.
The conversation discusses the tension theory of baldness, suggesting that over-developed masseter muscles may harm hair follicles. Botox injections to relax these muscles reportedly led to an 18% increase in haircount in men with AGA.
The user switched from a Hims Fin/Minoxidil spray to oral finasteride 1mg and over-the-counter Minoxidil 5% foam in July 2025 but feels the treatment isn't effective as hair loss continues. They seek advice on whether to continue the current regimen or try a different approach.
Finasteride increased testosterone levels from 900 ng/dl to 1200 ng/dl without side effects, improving hair condition. Access to finasteride and minoxidil varies by country, with some places requiring prescriptions and others offering easy access.
The conversation discusses the potential effects of supplements like Tongkat Ali and Horny Goat Weed on hair loss when used with Finasteride and Minoxidil. There is uncertainty about whether these supplements, which may increase testosterone, could counteract the DHT-blocking effects of Finasteride.
Finasteride users have mixed experiences with creatine; some experience increased hair loss, while others do not. Finasteride's DHT-blocking effects might counteract any DHT increase from creatine, but individual responses vary.
The user, Salt_Ad6339, shares their positive experience with hair regrowth after using minoxidil and finasteride for a year, along with microneedling. However, they also mention experiencing chest/nipple pain and suspect it may be a side effect of finasteride. They decide to stop using it for now and see if minoxidil alone can maintain their hair. Other users in the conversation discuss the potential side effects of finasteride and suggest using an aromatase inhibitor to counteract them.
The conversation is about adding crushed bicalutamide or spironolactone to a topical mix with finasteride and minoxidil to suppress testosterone in hair follicles, similar to what RU58841 does. The user cannot obtain RU58841 in their country and is seeking advice on this alternative approach for hair loss treatment.
The conversation is about someone wanting to import RU58841 or CB-03-01 from China for hair loss treatment but being concerned about receiving counterfeit products. Specific treatments mentioned are RU58841 and CB-03-01.
The conversation discusses using 0.1% retinol as a potential substitute for 0.01% tretinoin with minoxidil for hair loss treatment. It mentions that tretinoin is not easily available in some countries, and retinol might be less effective but less harsh on the scalp.
Finasteride is reported to work for 90% of men, but online opinions often claim it doesn't work. A user mentioned it can increase haircount by 40% per square centimeter.
User shared progress after 5 months of using finasteride, minoxidil foam, and weekly derma rolling. Positive feedback highlights increased haircount and thickness.
Finasteride is likely causing beard thinning due to its anti-androgen effects, which reduce DHT levels necessary for thick facial hair. Some users suggest using minoxidil to potentially counteract this effect, while others note that stopping finasteride may allow the beard to regrow.
Minoxidil increases blood supply to the scalp, strengthening dormant follicles and extending the growth phase, but may increase scalp activity that can be countered with DHT blockers. Women experiencing side effects from finasteride or dutasteride for hair loss might consider alternatives like estrogen, especially if on birth control.
The user has been using topical Minoxidil for 8 months and oral Finasteride for 4 months, along with weekly derma rolling, to treat hair loss. They report no side effects and cannot access Dutasteride in their country.
The conversation is about which blood markers to test before starting a 5-AR inhibitor for hair loss. The user mentions already testing Total T, Free T, SHBG, Estradiol, Haematocrit, Red blood cell count, and White cell count, and asks if DHT or additional markers are needed.
Retinoids, like Retin-A and retinol, can be beneficial when used with minoxidil for hair loss. Retin-A is the strongest and requires a prescription, while retinol is over-the-counter.
The efficacy of low doses of finasteride to reduce scalp DHT, and whether studies showing a 61% reduction are reflected in actual results. Replies discussed hair growth as an unintended consequence of minoxidil and finasteride use, as well as self-selective bias, potential side effects, and that studies measure effectiveness by haircount changes rather than DHT inhibition.
Vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, zinc, and iron may aid hair growth, especially in cases of deficiency. Pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, horsetail, and AminoMar show some promise for improving hair health and count.
A user in Russia is trying to make topical finasteride at home using ethanol, finasteride tablets, water, and propylene glycol due to unavailability in their country. They are concerned about tablet residue and considering using isopropyl alcohol or adding finasteride to a hair growth lotion.
Despite using finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841, the user is experiencing slow hair loss, particularly at the hairline, and is considering additional treatments like microneedling and possibly switching to dutasteride. Concerns about medication side effects, such as reduced sperm count and performance anxiety, are also discussed.
A 22-year-old male is frustrated about being the only bald person in his social circle. He has tried minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride without success and is considering hair systems, transplants, or counseling.
A user, 18, is considering switching from topical finasteride (0.025%) and minoxidil to dutasteride due to continued hair shedding. Other users shared their experiences with dutasteride, noting potential benefits and risks, including reduced sperm count.
Finasteride is effective and affordable for preventing hair loss but may cause side effects like low libido. Some users combine it with minoxidil for better results, while others consider alternatives like dutasteride due to side effects.
Turkey is a popular destination for hair transplants due to lower costs, but quality varies, and many clinics are scams. It's crucial to research and select reputable clinics to ensure good results.
Korea launched its first OTC oral hair loss drug, dexpanthenol B5. Users discuss its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects but note a lack of efficacy studies.
Using detox or clarifying shampoos like OUAI Detox Shampoo and K12 Detox Shampoo can help reduce hair fall caused by mineral buildup from hard water. Rinsing hair with soft water after showering is also recommended.
A 27-year-old man saw significant hair regrowth after starting a regimen in January that included topical minoxidil with finasteride, vitamins D and B12, fish oil, zinc with magnesium, quitting smoking, and intermittent fasting. People commented on the effectiveness of minoxidil in Southern populations and asked about the details and timeline of his treatment.