A user's experience with using 5AR inhibitors (Finasteride and Dutasteride) in combination with Minoxidil foam and microneedling, which resulted in substantial improvements to their crown density and hairline, despite high systemic levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.
A user has been on 1mg finasteride daily for 10 months, initially seeing great results, but started shedding heavily again at the 7-month mark. They are considering whether to continue with finasteride or switch to dutasteride.
The conversation discusses a new model for understanding androgenetic alopecia (AGA), linking it to dietary and lifestyle factors similar to PCOS, and highlighting the role of DHT, vascular damage, and inflammation. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.
The user shared six months of progress using oral finasteride (1.2mg) and minoxidil (3mg) with positive results. They do not use topical minoxidil and have not experienced side effects like erectile dysfunction.
Some people may not respond to topical minoxidil due to low SULT1A1 enzyme activity, but oral minoxidil can be effective. Tretinoin may enhance minoxidil's effectiveness, and some users prefer oral minoxidil despite side effects.
Shedding is not necessary for regrowth when using finasteride or dutasteride, as experiences vary. Some users report regrowth without shedding, while others see shedding as a positive sign of future regrowth.
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.
The user has been using finasteride since late 2021 and added oral minoxidil in mid-2024, considering adding dutasteride for better results. Users discuss the effectiveness and side effects of these treatments, with some recommending ketoconazole shampoo for redness.
The user has been using topical minoxidil for over four months and finasteride for one year and two months. They are sharing progress pictures showing good results.
A 19-year-old has been using a regimen of 5% topical minoxidil and 1mg oral finasteride for three months to combat early-onset balding. The user reports some progress and plans to continue the current treatment, while others suggest considering additional treatments like dutasteride for more aggressive cases.
Diffuse thinning is often due to androgenetic alopecia, and DHT blockers like finasteride are recommended. Treatments mentioned include minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, and RU58841, with emphasis on starting early and using a holistic approach.
The conversation discusses treatments for androgenetic alopecia, focusing on evidence-based supplements to complement finasteride. Suggestions include oral minoxidil, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, tocotrienols, and various other supplements, while emphasizing the importance of scientific backing and cautioning against saw palmetto if already using finasteride.
The conversation discusses alternatives to minoxidil for beard growth, focusing on a product called Neofollics Beard Growth Serum, which claims to be effective without using minoxidil. Concerns are raised about its ingredients and effectiveness, especially considering pet safety.
Cialis is used to manage erectile dysfunction caused by finasteride and dutasteride, with mixed results. Some users report improvement, while others consider stopping the medication due to side effects.
A 29-year-old man regained his hairline using a consistent routine of topical minoxidil and finasteride, along with pumpkin seed oil, despite experiencing side effects like low libido and ED. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and is satisfied with his progress, choosing to avoid oral treatments due to potential side effects.
A 31-year-old man with androgenic alopecia is considering treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole shampoo but is worried about finasteride's side effects. Users recommend starting with finasteride or dutasteride for DHT blocking, suggesting topical solutions to reduce side effects.
PP405 is criticized for overhyped claims and cherry-picked data, with doubts about its effectiveness compared to minoxidil and finasteride. Many users express skepticism, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive trial results.
Oral minoxidil can cause severe side effects, including heart issues, even at low doses. Users suggest starting with a lower dose or using topical treatments to minimize risks.
The user started oral minoxidil, finasteride, and later switched to dutasteride, also using Nutrafol, dermastamp, and ketoconazole shampoo, but experienced increased thinning with little regrowth. Others advised patience, suggesting it takes 6-18 months to see results, and noted that initial thinning is normal when switching treatments.
Derma rollers may cause scarring alopecia, leading some to prefer dermastamps or dermapens for microneedling. Combining minoxidil with microneedling is effective, but proper technique and healing time are essential to prevent damage.
User shared progress pictures after 7 months of using 0.25mg finasteride daily and 1ml minoxidil twice daily, reporting no side effects and being thrilled with the results. Other users discussed the effectiveness of lower doses and the psychological impact of potential side effects.
A user shared their 4-month progress using oral Minoxidil (3mg) and Finasteride (1.1mg) with a 0.5mm derma roller twice a week, noting visible improvement. Others congratulated and encouraged them to continue the treatment.
The conversation discusses whether long-term use of finasteride (Fin) is harmful to the liver, with various opinions on side effects and comparisons to other substances. Specific treatments mentioned include finasteride, minoxidil (Min), and RU58841 (RU).
Natural remedies like rosemary oil, coconut oil, and onion juice are generally seen as less effective compared to medical treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and microneedling. Some users believe natural oils can help, but modern medicine is often more reliable.
Using Nizoral shampoo intermittently and reassessing scalp condition after each bottle, potentially adding in other tools to target seb derm, and alternating between Pura D'Or and Nizoral for a healthy and clean scalp.
27F with androgenic alopecia since 17 seeks treatment. Tried spironolactone, caused low blood pressure; believes finasteride is safer and wants to try it.
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.