Concerns about a potential finasteride ban in the EU, possibly affecting the US, are discussed. Users doubt a ban, citing its widespread use and suggest alternatives like minoxidil and dutasteride.
A user initially had side effects from finasteride, attributed them to anxiety and the nocebo effect, and after resuming the drug, experienced positive effects and now warns against misinformation about Post Finasteride Syndrome.
Dutasteride works for most men, but some may experience worsening due to reasons like shedding, paranoia, non-androgenic alopecia, genetic variations, or smoking. Smoking can increase scalp DHT levels and damage follicles.
The impact of creatine on DHT levels, and whether it could cause accelerated male pattern baldness (MPB). The user taking a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor found that their DHT levels actually reduced despite taking creatine for nine weeks. Replies suggested looking into testosterone levels as well and debating the safety of creatine use in relation to MPB.
A 35 year old male who has seen good results from Finasteride and microneedling, with minimal side effects. Replies to the post ask about the device used for microneedling, discuss the progress made, and offer encouragement.
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.
DHT Itch and its link to balding, with various treatments such as finasteride being discussed. Members shared their experiences of scalp itch before and after taking 5AR inhibitors, and potential underlying causes such as seborrheic dermatitis were discussed.
The user applies a topical solution containing minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, retinoic acid, and hydrocortisone to address scalp inflammation and is considering adding cetirizine to the mix. They are calculating the correct amount of cetirizine to add to their formula and have paused this approach to retry oral minoxidil.
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.
User spent 23 years on Finasteride with side effects like weight gain and reduced libido. Switched to topical Finasteride, side effects reduced and waiting for results.
Intermittent finasteride dosing, like taking it every third day, may reduce side effects while still lowering DHT levels. Users report side effects such as brain fog and weaker erections, which often subside after stopping the drug.
The user had high DHT levels after 8 months on dutasteride, questioning the drug's authenticity. They got dutasteride from a legitimate source and will update on progress.
Switching from finasteride to dutasteride and back to finasteride led to gynecomastia and fatigue, likely due to hormonal imbalances. Suggested treatments include Tamoxifen, Raloxifene, or low-dose Anastrozole, with a recommendation to test testosterone and estradiol levels.
User Kylo313 used dutasteride for 20 years and had two daughters, questioning if dutasteride affects the likelihood of having male vs female children. Replies mostly request hairline photos and discuss anecdotal experiences, with some suggesting correlation doesn't imply causation and that gender determination isn't affected by dutasteride.
Treating the itch associated with male pattern baldness, which is believed to be caused by DHT. Potential treatments discussed include salt water, finasteride, ketoconazole, and RU58841.
Finasteride significantly increased testosterone levels for the user, with no major side effects except watery semen, which was resolved with zinc supplements. The user's hairline stopped receding and slightly improved.
A 24 year old male struggling with the physical and mental effects of balding, being short, and having a micropenis. Suggested treatments include taking medications such as finasteride and minoxidil, lifting weights, and trying not to compare himself to others.
A dermatologist refused to prescribe finasteride due to concerns about recent research linking it to male breast cancer, suggesting a topical alternative with minoxidil instead. The user is advised to seek a second opinion, as the evidence for such risks is inconclusive and the dermatologist's reasoning seems questionable.
Dutasteride and finasteride can cause changes in physical appearance, like more feminine features and increased water retention. Users report side effects such as reduced libido, weight gain, and improved skin clarity, while some notice no significant changes.
Begin with finasteride to evaluate its effectiveness before adding minoxidil. Combining treatments may enhance results but could also increase side effects; individual responses differ.
Minoxidil 5% topical solution may cause eyesight problems, with some users experiencing blurred vision. The discussion also mentions finasteride's potential side effects, including erectile dysfunction, with varied personal experiences.
The conversation discusses the potential for high doses of dutasteride to completely inhibit scalp DHT and speculates whether this could cure baldness when combined with a topical antiandrogen. Specific dosages mentioned are 0.5 mg reducing scalp DHT by 55% and 2.5 mg by about 79%.
The user has been taking 0.5 finasteride for 10 months and wants to repeat blood tests, including estradiol. However, their doctor is reluctant to test estradiol, arguing it's typically low in men, and the user is considering seeking a second opinion.
A user on finasteride for 7+ months shared bloodwork results, questioning if high DHT levels and testosterone could affect cholesterol. Replies suggest consulting a doctor and question the high testosterone levels.
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.
A user asks about the appropriate zinc dosage to offset side effects while taking 0.5 mg of finasteride daily. Responses suggest zinc has a minor effect on hormones compared to finasteride.
Finasteride can cause gynecomastia, which may be reversible by stopping the drug and using selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like tamoxifen. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and avoiding alcohol can also help, but surgery may be needed if the condition persists.
The user experienced side effects commonly attributed to Finasteride without ever taking the drug, suggesting these issues may stem from other life factors. They advise considering other potential causes before blaming Finasteride for such side effects.
Finasteride can cause side effects like erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, possibly due to increased estradiol from testosterone aromatization, especially in those with higher body fat. Side effects vary widely and may also be influenced by genetic factors or neurosteroid inhibition.
Finasteride was intentionally developed to treat BPH and later approved for male pattern baldness (MPB) due to its 5AR inhibition effects. The delay in MPB approval was due to concerns about off-label use for female hirsutism and the prioritization of treating a more debilitating condition.