Potential side effects of 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. Users debate risks, benefits, and personal experiences with these hair loss treatments.
The user has been using finasteride, dutasteride, and RU58841 for hair loss without success and feels extremely uncomfortable with their appearance, including being bald and short. They express deep unhappiness and social isolation. Suggestions from others include adopting stoicism, focusing on personal development, considering a hair system, improving fashion, working out, and seeking therapy for mental health.
A YouTuber named Kevin, also known as Rider_Of_Roach, who deleted his YouTube channel due to personal attacks and controversy surrounding his views on hair loss treatments. He advocated for FDA-approved treatments like finasteride and minoxidil but faced backlash from those who disagreed with him. The conversation also discusses his past trolling behavior and a lawsuit he filed against a website that published false information about him. Despite some disagreements, many viewers appreciated his research-based content and hope to see him return in the future.
The user reversed male pattern baldness using a pro-thyroid diet, lifestyle changes, and scalp stimulation exercises, without Minoxidil or Finasteride. They reported reduced dandruff, itchiness, oiliness, and experienced hair regrowth and thickening over 15 months.
Jordan-Iliad has been using a combination of finasteride, minoxidil, stemoxydine, microneedling, saw palmetto, peppermint and jojoba oils, ketoconazole shampoo, and Purador shampoo/conditioner for 3 months to treat their hair loss with stunning results. They have also recently started taking oral minoxidil 1.25mg/day in hopes of achieving even better results over the next 3 months.
Topical finasteride is less popular due to inconvenience, cost, and availability, while oral finasteride is favored for ease and safety. Some users experience side effects with topical use, but find it effective with minoxidil, though opinions on its efficacy vary.
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.
Evidence-based treatments for androgenic alopecia, such as minoxidil, finasteride, low-level laser light therapy, dutasteride, platelet-rich plasma, and topical ketoconazole. It discusses the efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action of these treatments, as well as future developments in understanding this polygenic condition.
The user has DUPA and suspects autoimmune activity as a cause. They have tried various treatments including finasteride, minoxidil, dutasteride, pyrilutamide, estrogel, hydrocortisone, and clobetasol, and are now seeking a long-term immunosuppressant.
Dermatologists often advise against at-home microneedling due to risks of scarring, infection, and improper technique. Professional guidance is recommended for safe and effective use, with some users reporting positive results when done correctly.
Daily microneedling at 0.25mm before applying minoxidil is debated, with some suggesting weekly microneedling is safer and more effective. Concerns include potential skin damage and systemic absorption, while alternatives like tretinoin are considered safer for enhancing minoxidil absorption.
Increased Malassezia and Cutibacterium in the scalp microbiome are linked to higher sebum production and inflammation in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Treatments include ciclopirox shampoo, benzoyl peroxide shampoo, clobetasol propionate, calcipotriol, minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride.
Finasteride can cause sexual side effects in less than 2% of men, but these often disappear over time, even if the treatment continues. Some users report persistent side effects, while others experience no issues or only temporary ones.
The conversation discusses a personal theory on the role of DHT in stress and reproduction, suggesting it converts testosterone for reproductive traits. The discussion includes skepticism and mentions individual differences in physiology and neurochemistry.
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.
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.
Balding seems to worsen with each generation, possibly due to stress, diet, and environmental factors. The user started treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride.
Oral minoxidil may cause dry skin and dark eye bags but doesn't significantly age the skin. Topical minoxidil is toxic to cats, and some users prefer finasteride.
A user is seeking recommendations for a dermatologist in Houston specializing in alopecia areata for her daughter. A doctor actively researching alopecia areata in young people was suggested.
Dutasteride is considered safe for conception, with semen concentrations being too low to cause harm. Users discuss switching between dutasteride and finasteride, with some experiencing side effects like acne and heart issues, and advice is given to maintain a consistent treatment regimen.
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.
A user experienced initial side effects from finasteride, including erectile dysfunction and emotional changes, but later noticed increased muscle mass and assertiveness. Hormonal tests showed elevated estrogen and prolactin levels, which slightly decreased over time; the user plans lifestyle changes to see if they help.
Dutasteride might be better for hairline due to varying levels of 5AR activity in scalps. Genetic tests can determine if finasteride is enough or if dutasteride is needed.
The conversation discusses diffuse unpatterned alopecia (DUPA) and its possible causes, including sensitivity to DHT, not being androgenic alopecia, being diffuse alopecia areata, or hormonal issues. Treatments mentioned include topical melatonin, Clobetasol Propionate for alopecia areata, and the lack of results from using finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil.
A 21-year-old woman with female pattern baldness has tried minoxidil, red light therapy, and supplements without success. She is considering spironolactone and seeking medical advice.
Dutasteride at 0.5mg may have fewer sexual side effects than expected, with many side effects attributed to psychological factors (nocebo effect). The placebo group experienced more side effects, suggesting fear and anxiety might contribute to perceived side effects.
Many are unaware of effective male pattern baldness treatments like finasteride and minoxidil, often opting for ineffective remedies. Educating others on proven treatments and potential side effects is crucial.
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.