Potential side effects of 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. Users debate risks, benefits, and personal experiences with these hair loss treatments.
Dutasteride is more effective than finasteride, has neuroprotective benefits, and may prevent acne. Despite initial concerns about metabolic effects, further research suggests it is safe for most users, especially if not hypogonadal.
The conversation concludes that finasteride, a 5α-Reductase inhibitor used for hair loss, does not impair cognition either short-term or long-term. It suggests "brain fog" is not caused by the medication.
The user is using topical minoxidil twice daily for hair regrowth and is hesitant to use finasteride due to concerns about hormonal effects. The conversation includes mixed opinions on the effectiveness of the treatment and suggestions to use a DHT blocker for better results.
The conversation discusses the absorption and effectiveness of PG-free versus PG versions of RU58841, with some users believing PG improves efficacy while others see no difference. Concerns about RU58841's potential side effects on the endocrine system are also mentioned, with one user considering switching to pyrilutamide.
The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, with the original poster considering joining a clinical trial for setipiprant after experiencing side effects from finasteride and disinterest in minoxidil. Some users express skepticism about setipiprant's effectiveness, while others encourage participation in the trial for potential benefits.
The conversation discusses treating side effects of hair loss treatments. Recommendations include lifting heavy weights, reducing body fat, taking ZMA and D3 supplements, improving diet, taking DIM, reducing finasteride dosage, avoiding alcohol, drinking water, getting quality sleep, and not obsessing over side effects.
The user experienced microinflammation on the crown after using mometasone furoate (Nasonex) nasal spray. They are seeking information on the relationship between this corticosteroid and hair loss.
Minoxidil with alcohol and propylene glycol was more effective than non-alcohol versions, and RU58841 worked best in a non-water-based solution. Oral finasteride showed better results than topical, despite side effects; microneedling and tretinoin worsened hair loss, and PRP was only helpful when younger.
Minoxidil is more effective when combined with retinoic acid, such as tretinoin or tazarotene, enhancing hair growth. Some users experience significant regrowth, while others see minimal effects or side effects.
Setipiprant and Fevipiprant are questioned for their effectiveness in hair maintenance, with skepticism due to lack of convincing results beyond vellus hair growth. The user is satisfied with Minoxidil and Finasteride but is curious about the potential of DP2 inhibitors.
The conversation discusses concerns about using hair fibers while microneedling, specifically the potential for clogging pores. It is suggested that microneedling should not cause bleeding.
The efficacy of microneedling for hair regrowth as either a stand-alone therapy or adjunct to Minoxidil, and whether Tretinoin is a safer and more effective option. Replies include personal accounts from users who have had success with microneedling in combination with minoxidil and peptide serums, as well as considerations of technique, depth, and potential scarring.
Topical roflumilast is effective for reducing inflammation in various scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema, but not proven to stop scarring alopecia. Alternatives like apremilast and Vtama are also discussed for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
The conversation discusses the potential effectiveness and future results of the hair loss treatment pp405, with questions about its impact on different hair loss stages and areas. There is anticipation for phase 3 trial results to provide more data, and hope that pp405 could enhance hair transplant outcomes.
The user has been using finasteride for 30 years and recently added colostrum to their routine, noticing darker hair regrowth. They experienced shedding with minoxidil and advise against its use, while highlighting the benefits and side effects of long-term finasteride use.
An arthritis drug, baricitinib, is discussed as a potential treatment for autoimmune alopecia, not androgenetic alopecia. Ritlecitinib is also mentioned as a possible treatment for scarring alopecia.
Red light therapy has shown promising results in hair regrowth for the user, who avoids minoxidil and finasteride due to side effects. The user follows a healthy lifestyle with diet, exercise, and sauna use, and will continue monitoring the therapy's effectiveness.
Retinoids, like tretinoin, may enhance minoxidil absorption and effectiveness on the scalp. Over-the-counter retinols lack strong evidence for similar benefits.
Dutasteride is associated with increased blood glucose, HbA1c, LDL cholesterol, and liver enzyme activity, potentially leading to diabetes, NAFLD, and liver metabolism changes. The conversation highlights concerns about these adverse effects and calls for more studies, including on finasteride.
The user is asking if the hair regrowth achieved from microneedling can be maintained by just using finasteride after stopping microneedling. They used microneedling to enhance the effects of finasteride on hair growth.
A double-blind clinical study that found ingestion of tocotrienols resulted in a 34.5% increase in hair regrowth compared to the placebo group, and discussion about potential side effects and cost of supplementation with vitamin E pills. The conversation noted that it may be more effective than commonly used treatments like minoxidil and finasteride.
Estrogen injections significantly improved hair growth, particularly on the crown, after stopping finasteride. Monotherapy with estrogen led to hairline improvement, but also caused sterility and potential feminization effects.
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.
PP405 may revive dormant hair follicles, and DHT blockers like finasteride or dutasteride could maintain new hair. Combining PP405 with minoxidil might be optimal, but long-term effects and continuous use are uncertain.
The conversation discusses GT20029, a drug in Phase II trials that targets androgen receptors with minimal systemic effects, and TDM-105795, a growth stimulant with a different mechanism than minoxidil that may revive papilla stem cells. Both are potential new treatments for hair loss.
Adding 1% retinol to a regimen with minoxidil and finasteride may not significantly enhance effectiveness, but it likely won't cause harm. Retinol is less effective than tretinoin, but it might help when combined with other treatments.
The user experienced good hair regrowth using natural methods and mechanical stimulation but decided to add finasteride to their regimen for better results. They are optimistic about further regrowth and plan to update on the effects of finasteride, noting no significant side effects so far.
Reducing scalp DHT doesn't directly correlate with preventing hair miniaturization, as different follicles have varying sensitivity levels. Dutasteride at 0.5 mg and 2.5 mg shows minimal visual difference in hair regrowth, with side effects being a consideration for higher doses.
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.