Some people avoid finasteride due to side effects but engage in unhealthy habits. Minoxidil and finasteride are common hair loss treatments, with varied side effect experiences.
The user has been using Finasteride and Minoxidil for hair loss but has seen no progress. Suggestions include trying Dutasteride, increasing Minoxidil dosage, or considering a hair transplant.
A dental technician claims malocclusion causes pattern hair loss due to poor scalp circulation. Users debate this, noting treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and microneedling focus on DHT and blood flow.
User experienced hair thinning due to high cortisol and thyroid issues, along with insulin resistance. They are taking magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, calcium, and selenium as supplements.
The user tried dutasteride for hair loss for 2.5 years but experienced drastic thinning and receding hairline. They decided to switch back to finasteride, along with minoxidil, LLLT, and ketoconazole, due to dissatisfaction with dutasteride's results and side effects.
The user "ajsr8" shared their story of hair loss despite being on treatments. They started using finasteride in 2019 and later tried topical minoxidil, but it didn't seem to work. They also experienced side effects from other treatments. They are considering cutting off their hair and stopping the medications if there is no improvement in three months. Other users suggested trying different treatments and getting a blood test to check for underlying conditions.
The conversation discusses the progress of Clascoterone (Breezula) for hair loss treatment, noting that COVID-19 delayed female trials by three months but Phase III trials for males are proceeding with a Special Protocol Assessment filed with the FDA. Users express hope for Breezula as an alternative to existing treatments like finasteride and minoxidil, despite concerns about its potential high cost.
The user shared their experience with hair loss treatments, including low-dose minoxidil, finasteride, and essential oils, and expressed concerns about the cognitive side effects of finasteride. They are seeking more information on how finasteride may affect cognition and are considering whether to continue or stop the treatment.
Dermarolling has potential for hair regrowth and is being used alongside minoxidil and a rosemary oil/castor oil mix. Users discuss its effectiveness and the need for more research.
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.
A 20-year-old is concerned about hair thinning despite using finasteride and minoxidil for over a year. They are advised to manage anxiety, consider therapy, and possibly reassess their treatment plan, while others suggest checking thyroid levels and considering alternative treatments like dutasteride.
A 24-year-old woman with AGA and TE since age 14 is questioning if her hair is regrowing or breaking. She has been using minoxidil consistently since September 2025, along with caffeine and ketoconazole shampoos, rosemary oil, and saw palmetto, and has improved her overall hair care routine.
Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair regrowth, with some users experiencing significant improvement without side effects. However, results vary, and some people report side effects or no improvement.
Dutasteride is less commonly prescribed for hair loss because it is not FDA-approved for this purpose, unlike finasteride, which is more accessible and preferred due to fewer side effects. Dutasteride may be more effective in reducing DHT but has a longer half-life and potentially more significant side effects.
The user reported significant hair improvement over 15 months using dutasteride, minoxidil (oral and topical), RU58841, ketoconazole, and microneedling. They are considering a hair transplant in 4-6 months.
The conversation humorously discusses hair loss treatments, including Minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841, and topical 17 alpha estradiol, with some users joking about transitioning to female to avoid baldness. The overall tone is satirical, emphasizing self-acceptance and the lengths people might consider for hair restoration.
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.
The conversation suggests that people should consult a dermatologist to understand their type of hair loss before starting treatments like finasteride or dutasteride, especially if they have autoimmune issues or low DHT. Some participants believe in starting treatment like finasteride immediately if hair loss is due to DHT, while others recommend ruling out other causes and considering minoxidil first, especially for younger individuals.
A user's experience with hair loss treatments, including Finasteride, Minoxidil, Nizoral Shampoo, Rosemary Oil, Vitamin D, Biotin, Vitamin C, Zinc and Dermarolling, that have not been successful over the past 14 months. Other users gave advice on how to cope with the issue, such as exercising, changing mindset, and shaving their head.
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.
Treatments for hair loss, including microneedling (dermarolling and dermapen) and the use of minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841. It provides detailed information about cost and usage of the various treatments, as well as potential side effects.
A user is concerned about starting finasteride due to negative reports and potential side effects. Other users suggest talking to a doctor, considering personal tolerance, and note that side effects are rare.
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.
Finasteride can cause initial hair shedding as part of the treatment process, which is normal and often leads to regrowth of healthier hair. Users discuss experiencing multiple shedding phases and emphasize patience, as results can take several months to become noticeable.
Hair loss treatments discussed include microneedling, minoxidil, tretinoin, finasteride, dutasteride, pumpkin seeds, saw palmetto, and scalp massage. The consensus is that finasteride or dutasteride is necessary for significant regrowth, while other methods may only slow hair loss.
The conversation provides a guide on using finasteride for hair loss, suggesting to start with a quarter of a 1mg pill daily after ensuring estradiol levels are within a specific range, and potentially increasing the dose if no side effects occur. It also recommends supplements like DIM, Calcium d-glucarate, and Zinc to manage high estradiol levels and side effects from finasteride.
Finasteride is not linked to a 60% risk of persistent sexual dysfunction; this figure applies only to those already experiencing sexual issues. Most users do not have side effects, and the study's methodology is criticized for selection bias.
An 18-year-old with early hair loss is advised to consider minoxidil and finasteride, with a doctor's consultation recommended. Alternatives like a hair system or shaving are suggested due to potential medication side effects and lifelong commitment.
The user experiences severe anxiety and physical symptoms after taking finasteride and is seeking alternative hair loss treatments since dutasteride is unavailable. They suspect an allergic reaction to finasteride and have stopped using it.