A 42-year-old man is using topical finasteride, oral minoxidil, microneedling, ketoconazole shampoo, and various oils for hair loss treatment and is happy with the improvements after 5 months. He experienced mild side effects from finasteride, including temporary testicular pain and changes in libido, but no side effects from minoxidil.
The user is considering resuming finasteride after a 6-month break and is debating the necessity of extensive blood work, including hormone and health markers, to establish a baseline. They are unsure if the tests are necessary since they experienced no side effects previously.
The user is using a topical solution containing 1% finasteride and 5% minoxidil for hair loss, with water, glycerin, and PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil as carrier agents. They are questioning if these ingredients are effective carriers after using the solution for three months.
A user shared that taking multivitamins, specifically Myprotein "Alpha Man," improved their sexual energy while on finasteride. They believe the benefits come from Zinc and Vitamin B6/12.
A regimen for hair loss, which includes using Nizoral shampoo twice daily, Minoxidil foam from the can, 5mg of Propecia crushed and snorted on weekends, and dermastamping directly to the head of the penis. Replies discuss potential sides and other treatments, as well as the idea that confidence is more attractive than hair.
Exosomes combined with fractional picosecond laser treatment were effective in treating androgenetic alopecia and promoting repigmentation in white hair patches. The role of exosomes in hair repigmentation, particularly in conditions like poliosis, is not well-studied.
A user experienced worsened hair condition after a PRP session and is considering stopping further sessions. They are using a Dermapen, electric massage, iron, saw palmetto, and plan to start minoxidil, but have had side effects with finasteride and are advised to consider dutasteride under medical supervision.
A 31-year-old with diffuse thinning experienced significant hair regrowth after nearly 5 months on Finasteride 0.75mg MWF. Despite initial side effects like testicle pain and reduced sex drive, these issues resolved, and positive effects included reduced nighttime urination and scalp itching.
A 25-year-old male shared his hair loss journey, using finasteride and oral minoxidil, which improved his hair density and quality. He also addressed dermatitis with exfoliation and anti-dandruff shampoo, and emphasized the importance of a healthy scalp and lifestyle changes.
The user stopped taking oral finasteride due to side effects like brain fog and worsened varicocele but continued using topical minoxidil. They are considering using a lower dose of oral finasteride or making a topical version to manage hair loss without severe side effects.
The conversation discusses a new liposomal topical finasteride from Hasson and Wong, available in Canada and Italy, soon in the US, costing $40/month. It claims to reduce scalp DHT by 50% without affecting serum DHT, potentially benefiting those who can't tolerate oral finasteride or RU58841.
The user experienced side effects from finasteride and found improved mood and performance with DHT, but it worsened hair loss. They are considering options like TRT, HCG, and topical treatments like Saw Palmetto, but struggle with balancing hair preservation and functionality.
The user experienced anxiety and side effects from topical finasteride and is considering switching to saw palmetto. Another user reported no improvement with saw palmetto and experienced liver issues.
A 24-year-old male using topical finasteride for hair loss is experiencing thinning despite treatment and has high estrogen levels. He is seeking advice on whether high estrogen could be causing hair loss and how others with high estrogen levels have addressed it.
The user is experiencing diffuse thinning and inflammation despite using 2.5mg dutasteride daily, ciclopirox, and ketoconazole shampoos. They are considering treatments like hydroxychloroquine and JAK inhibitors due to suspected scarring alopecia and have faced challenges in obtaining a scalp biopsy.
The conversation discusses whether finasteride's reduction of DHT and increase in scalp testosterone contribute to hair follicle miniaturization. Some participants argue testosterone does not cause miniaturization, while others suggest that even with reduced DHT, other androgens like testosterone may still contribute to hair loss.
A user experienced significant hair regrowth after using 1mg of finasteride daily for a year, avoiding minoxidil due to its toxicity to cats. They attributed success to quitting smoking, a better diet, and reduced stress, with only watery semen as a side effect.
Saw palmetto can help reduce DHT levels and may work in combination with other supplements like beta sitosterol and pygume, but it's less effective than finasteride. Additional treatments like pumpkin seed extract, zinc, biotin, essential oils, scalp massages, and micro-needling can support hair health, but should not replace existing treatments like finasteride.
Finasteride is metabolized in the liver and excreted through urine and feces. Users humorously discuss its excretion, with one joking about it being expelled through ejaculation.
Selenium sulfide shampoo helped with a sore scalp but may cause hair root damage. Users experienced hair loss with selenium sulfide and ketoconazole, suggesting reducing use if hair loss occurs.
A 26-year-old male with high testosterone is experiencing diffuse hair thinning despite using a comprehensive treatment regimen including dutasteride, oral minoxidil, RU58841, ketoconazole shampoo, microneedling, and low-level laser therapy. Suggestions include adjusting dutasteride dosage, monitoring iron levels, and consulting a dermatologist for further evaluation.
The conversation discusses using saw palmetto oil to reduce hair loss, with the user reporting decreased shedding but no regrowth yet. The user plans to try minoxidil and finasteride, noting previous success with minoxidil but concerns about its greasiness.
A 19-year-old with diffuse hair thinning and erectile dysfunction is considering starting Propecia (finasteride) while already using a minoxidil solution with anti-androgens. Concerns are raised about the psychological nature of erectile dysfunction and the potential systemic effects of anti-androgens, with suggestions to address porn addiction and consult a doctor about hormone therapy.
The conversation discusses using topical dutasteride from minoxidilmax for hair loss and the possibility of crowdfunding for DHT blood tests to check if the treatment goes systemic. The user plans to post before and after pictures.
A 22-year-old with high estradiol levels is considering starting finasteride for hair loss. They have an upcoming endocrinologist appointment to discuss whether they should proceed with the treatment.
A 24-year-old male experienced side effects like low libido and ED after starting finasteride post-hair transplant and is seeking alternatives to reduce scalp DHT. Suggestions include topical finasteride, Xpecia, DHT-reducing shampoos, and switching to dutasteride, with some users reporting fewer side effects with these alternatives.
The user experiences severe headaches from 5% minoxidil and is considering mixing finasteride with a 2% minoxidil solution or diluting a 5% minoxidil + 0.1% finasteride solution. They seek advice on the appropriate method and dilutant composition.
The release of a study on 5a-reductase inhibitors (finasteride and dutasteride) which showed an increased risk of depression, dementia, decreased libido, and reduced semen load as potential side effects; discussion around other forms of hair loss treatments such as topical minoxidil, RU58841, or opting to accept baldness; and advice to consider professional help for deeper issues related to hair loss.