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.
Oral minoxidil is considered unsafe due to severe side effects and requires close medical supervision, while oral finasteride is viewed as safe and effective. There is debate over the fear-mongering around finasteride and the downplaying of minoxidil's risks, with some users advocating for proper health screenings before use.
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 and dutasteride may not significantly impact meibomian gland function since these glands do not rely on DHT. Some users report dry eyes and other side effects from finasteride, but these may be influenced by other factors or medications.
Finasteride's potential side effects, especially sexual dysfunction, are discussed, with emphasis on hormonal balance between testosterone and estradiol. Users share experiences with finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride, highlighting the variability in side effects and the influence of mindset and lifestyle.
Finasteride can cause gynecomastia due to hormonal imbalances. Management includes consulting an endocrinologist and using aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole or supplements like DIM and zinc.
A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.
Finasteride can reduce neuroactive steroids, causing side effects like depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. Some users experience persistent symptoms after stopping finasteride, while others use alternative treatments like topical solutions.
The potential health risks associated with long-term use of finasteride and dutasteride, with some responses pointing out the low quality of the journal that published the review article as well as highlighting other alternatives such as keto or minoxidil, and RU58841.
The user experienced long-term pain after an FUE hair transplant and is considering Kenacort injections for relief. They also reported brain fog, dizziness, and anxiety after stopping minoxidil and finasteride, and are currently using PRP, microneedling, and rosemary oil for hair maintenance.
Using high doses of testosterone with RU58841 to create an androgen-free environment for hair regrowth is suggested, but concerns about heart health and the effectiveness of this approach are raised. Alternatives like topical estrogen, progesterone, and other treatments like finasteride and dutasteride are discussed.
Hair shedding can still occur after long-term use of finasteride, and it is often part of the natural hair cycle. Some users consider adding minoxidil or switching to dutasteride to manage shedding.
A user experienced significant hair regrowth and stopped hair loss after taking 0.5mg of dutasteride daily for a month, without using minoxidil. They reported no side effects and were pleased with the results.
A 25-year-old is struggling with hair loss despite using treatments like oral Minoxidil, oral and topical Finasteride, Dutasteride, and PRP sessions. They feel frustrated with inconsistent treatment strategies and are seeking advice on managing thin hair and regaining confidence.
Hair shedding decreased significantly after using finasteride and minoxidil, with users reporting fewer hairs falling out when running fingers through their hair. Some users experienced initial shedding with treatments like dutasteride, but shedding eventually stopped or reduced significantly.
Adding tretinoin to a regimen of minoxidil and finasteride led to increased hair shedding and worsened hairline for some users. Opinions vary, with some experiencing negative effects and others seeing no issues, but concerns about tretinoin's impact on hair loss are common.
A user is considering whether to get a hair transplant now or wait for results from using 5mg oral minoxidil. The discussion involves treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841 for hair loss.
Shedding is common when using finasteride and minoxidil, and it typically stabilizes after a few months, with potential regrowth following. Users report varying experiences, but shedding is generally seen as a normal part of the treatment process.
The user is experiencing worsening hair loss despite using 0.5mg dutasteride, 2.5mg minoxidil, and Nizoral. They are seeking advice and reassurance from others who have faced similar issues.
A user reported that after experiencing hair thinning, they started using finasteride in 2024 and later began GHK-Cu peptide injections in March 2026, which they believe stopped their hair loss and made their hair feel thicker. The user shared their experience despite receiving criticism for not solely endorsing finasteride.
The user has been using oral minoxidil for 4 years and durum wheat 3 days a week for 7 months, but is experiencing increased hair loss when washing hair. They suspect it might be due to decreased DHT levels and are seeking similar experiences from others.
Hair loss significantly impacts self-perception and attractiveness, with treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and hair transplants suggested. The conversation highlights the emotional struggle and societal perceptions tied to hair loss.
Hair loss may be linked to DHT, which can both suppress and increase inflammation, potentially as a defense mechanism. Treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, and RU58841 are discussed, but the exact cause of hair loss remains unclear.
Hair cell therapy and follicle cloning are still in experimental stages, with treatments like hair multiplication and regenerative hair therapy being marketed but not yet proven to create unlimited new follicles. There is skepticism about the effectiveness and legitimacy of these treatments, with some considering them scams.
The conversation discusses the benefits of combining scalp stem cell treatments and exohealer with RF microneedling before a hair transplant. The original poster recommends these treatments for better results.
Hair transplantation involves a detailed consultation, preparation, and a long-term recovery process with stages like initial shedding and gradual new hair growth over months. Setting realistic expectations is crucial for patient satisfaction.
A 20-year-old is experiencing hair loss and is using finasteride, ketoconazole, and topical minoxidil. They suspect retrograde alopecia due to hair loss on the sides and nape, despite noticing some hair thickening on top.
The user shared their hair progress from 2022, starting with no treatment, then using Finasteride and Minoxidil, and later switching to Dutasteride and Oral Minoxidil. They reported no side effects and were pleased with the results.