Potential side effects of 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. Users debate risks, benefits, and personal experiences with these hair loss treatments.
Oral minoxidil can cause serious heart issues like cardiac hypertrophy and arrhythmias, prompting some users to reduce dosage or switch to topical treatments. Despite significant hair regrowth, side effects such as shortness of breath and chest pains are common concerns.
A user shared their positive experience using topical finasteride and minoxidil for nine months to combat male pattern baldness, reporting healthier and thicker hair without side effects. They recommend these treatments but advise researching potential side effects and consulting a professional.
User used minoxidil 5% topical liquid, HIMS topical finasteride, derma rolling, DHT blocking shampoo, and castor oil with rosemary for hair loss treatment. They experienced significant progress and increased confidence.
The user is considering stopping finasteride due to depression, anxiety, and difficulty building muscle, despite its effectiveness in stopping hair loss. Suggestions include reducing the dose, switching to topical solutions, or consulting a doctor for alternatives like dutasteride or RU58841.
Progress (in a good way). How often did you take biotin?
KarensAnon: I took biotin once daily.
KarensAnon has made 3-month progress with the use of Minoxidil foam, 0.5mm micro-needling weekly, and biotin to combat hair loss which had started at age 19. They plan to further their treatment by adding finasteride soon.
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.
The user has used oral Dutasteride and Minoxidil for two years without regrowth, despite trying Finasteride and supplements. They consider increasing Minoxidil, adding microneedling, and switching medications, while others suggest RU58841, a hair transplant, or checking for other hair loss causes.
A dermatologist advised a patient to stop taking finasteride (fin) after turning 40 due to potential risk of aggressive prostate cancer. The patient and others in the conversation debated this advice, discussing the relationship between finasteride, prostate cancer, and hair loss, and considering alternatives like topical finasteride.
Breezula is seen as potentially overhyped, with concerns about its cost, effectiveness, and long-term benefits compared to existing treatments like finasteride and minoxidil. Some users believe it could complement existing treatments, while others are skeptical about its impact and prefer waiting for newer options like GT20029 and PP405.
Alcohol-based minoxidil absorbs better but can cause irritation; non-alcohol-based is gentler. Topical dutasteride shows promise but needs more research; low-dose oral minoxidil (0.25 mg/day) is effective with fewer side effects. Ingredients like Procapil, Redensyl, caffeine, and Anagain in shampoos have limited evidence; ketoconazole shampoo can help when used 2-3 times a week with other treatments.
A user shared their progress using 1.1mg oral finasteride and 3mg oral minoxidil since January 2024, noting significant improvement without side effects. They previously had an allergic reaction to topical treatments.
PP405 is discussed as a potential alternative to finasteride, but its effectiveness and market availability are uncertain. Users share experiences with finasteride, minoxidil, and topical treatments, noting side effects and application techniques.
A user experienced heart problems after taking 1mg finasteride and 2.5mg oral minoxidil and is considering quitting minoxidil. Others discussed their experiences with heart issues and minoxidil, with some suggesting topical minoxidil as a safer alternative.
Switching from liquid to foam Minoxidil to avoid scalp irritation, with a method to melt the foam for easier application. Users discuss alternatives and personal experiences with Minoxidil, including issues with propylene glycol and different application methods.
PP405 might take 3-4 years to be available, but some claim Everychem offers a similar product, though its effectiveness is debated. Users discuss the risks of using untested grey market products and the potential for adverse effects.
Switching generic finasteride manufacturers can reduce side effects while maintaining effectiveness. Different fillers in generics may affect bioavailability and cause varying side effects.
Minoxidil is typically applied once daily, with some users opting for foam to minimize irritation. Users often combine it with finasteride or use oral minoxidil for improved results, while managing scalp irritation with ketoconazole or salicylic acid shampoos.
The user, Virtual_Force3845, shared their progress pictures after using Hims Fin/Min Spray consistently for 3-4 months. They are excited about the progress and have not experienced any side effects. Other users in the conversation shared their own experiences and asked questions about the treatment.
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.
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.
The user saw no results from Minoxidil after a year and suspects it aged their face. They started Finasteride and are considering other treatments like oral Minoxidil, microneedling, and skincare routines.
A user is starting a topical finasteride treatment for diffuse patterned alopecia, having previously used minoxidil without success. They are cautious about side effects and have chosen topical over oral finasteride, while also using Nizoral and biotin in their routine.
Topical finasteride in Europe is often seen as less effective than oral forms, with users suggesting alternative application methods for better results. Many prefer oral finasteride due to cost and effectiveness.
Breezula's phase 3 results are expected soon, with discussions on the effectiveness of androgen receptor antagonists like spironolactone and the potential of GT20029. Users express skepticism about new treatments and discuss the complexities of male pattern baldness, often relying on finasteride despite its side effects.
The user has been using finasteride for over a year without improvement and recently started oral minoxidil. Suggestions include trying dutasteride and continuing minoxidil for potential regrowth.
The user is using finasteride 1mg every other day and seeks a topical solution excluding minoxidil. They are considering various combinations of ingredients like finasteride, dutasteride, and tofacitinib, with options for nourishing oils and other additives.
The user is using finasteride 1mg every other day and seeks a topical solution to complement it, excluding minoxidil. They are considering various combinations of ingredients like finasteride, dutasteride, and tofacitinib, with options for nourishing oils and other additives.