The post expresses frustration over the unavailability of pure topical finasteride in India despite the developed pharma industry. The user seeks advice on making it at home and its effectiveness.
User DeadRay9 reports good progress on finasteride and ketoconazole, with irregular microneedling. They take 1.25mg finasteride, experienced increased libido, and saw improvements at 3-5 months.
The user is using Minoxidil 5% with procapil spray and oral Minoxidil 2.5mg daily, and plans to add finasteride 1mg. They accidentally ordered a Minoxidil solution with finasteride 0.1% and are seeking advice on which to use.
Topical Finasteride doesn't directly reduce 5ar enzyme on scalp and has the same mechanism as oral, needing to go through the liver. Users debate the accuracy of this information and discuss various studies and experiences.
Dutasteride may reduce bone mineral density, but there's no increased risk of osteoporosis or fractures compared to finasteride. Users suggest resistance training to counter potential bone effects.
Finasteride and Dutasteride are under review in the EU due to concerns about side effects like depression, but they are unlikely to be banned. Access to these medications varies, with easier availability in the UK compared to some EU countries.
User shared progress pictures after 7 months of using 0.25mg finasteride daily and 1ml minoxidil twice daily, reporting no side effects and being thrilled with the results. Other users discussed the effectiveness of lower doses and the psychological impact of potential side effects.
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.
A user is seeking advice on obtaining oral minoxidil in Australia through telehealth services. They are considering options like Mosh and are unsure if they should mention previous use or claim it's for hypertension.
A 23-year-old has been using 0.5mg Dutasteride and 5mg oral Minoxidil daily for two years, but their hair has thinned considerably. Suggestions include increasing the Dutasteride dose, adding Finasteride, or considering a hair transplant.
Enhancing minoxidil effects can involve using penetration enhancers like DMSO, urea, or retinol, and methods like dermarolling and adding substances like biotin and L-carnitine tartrate. Some users suggest trying higher concentrations of minoxidil if lower percentages are ineffective.
Switching from topical to oral minoxidil due to scalp irritation and unsatisfactory results, while also seeking cheaper options in the U.S. Oral minoxidil is generally favored for its effectiveness and fewer application downsides, with CostPlusDrugs and GoodRx offering affordable prices.
Dutasteride is shown to be significantly more effective than finasteride for treating male androgenic alopecia. Users discuss the difficulty of obtaining dutasteride in some countries and share personal experiences with its effectiveness and side effects.
The efficacy of degrading the androgen receptor through dermal application in DP cells, a delivery system for topical drugs that involves dissolving microneedles, and rosemary oil as an alternative anti-androgen.
A user's progress with using Minoxidil 5% twice daily, dermarolling 1.5mm once per week and ketoconazole 2% shampoo for 2.5 months. Other users have suggested that the user should also use finasteride in order to maintain their results.
Dutasteride is hard to get in Europe due to prescription rules, leading some to consider online pharmacies or travel. Users discuss alternatives like private doctors and compare it to finasteride, expressing concerns about side effects and effectiveness.
Finasteride may cause elevated liver enzymes, potentially leading to liver issues, though this is rare. Users should monitor liver function and consider topical alternatives if liver sensitivity occurs.
A user in Turkey was advised by a dermatologist to avoid finasteride due to its hormonal effects and was prescribed minoxidil, shampoo, and vitamins instead. The user is considering seeking another doctor's opinion or buying finasteride directly from a pharmacy.
Finasteride and minoxidil can be obtained cheaply through Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs and Costco's Kirkland brand, respectively, costing about $7.53/month combined. Amazon's RXPass and virtual visits at Dr. B. offer additional savings.
A user in Germany struggles to get a finasteride prescription despite trying multiple doctors and apps, only receiving minoxidil. Other users suggest alternative sources like Zava.med, EU doctor App, and buying from pharmacies abroad.
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.
Some people have side effects from finasteride and dutasteride due to hormonal predisposition, especially if DHT dominant. Alternatives like RU58841, Pyrilutamide, and Breezula are suggested to target scalp androgen receptors without altering overall hormones.
A user discusses their struggle with female pattern baldness, mentioning that Minoxidil helped initially but their hair health declined after stopping a specific diet. They seek advice on managing oily, brittle hair and mention using an egg yolk and olive oil mixture as a temporary solution.
A 31-year-old man chose minoxidil over finasteride due to concerns about erectile dysfunction. He intends to seek another doctor's opinion on finasteride.
Dutasteride takes 1-3 months to affect scalp DHT levels, not just a week. The prostate absorbs Dutasteride faster than the scalp due to different vascular networks and enzyme densities.
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 has been using finasteride and topical minoxidil since 2020 with good initial results, but progress has stalled since 2024. They are considering switching to dutasteride and oral minoxidil for better results.
A user who had FUT surgery for 2877 grafts with Dr Jerry Wong of Hasson & Wong that resulted in low growth and an abnormally wide scar, suggesting negligence by the doctor and possibly illegal behaviour by an unqualified technician. The post sparked discussion about seeking legal action, as well as criticism of the clinic's high cost.
A British man's death at a Turkish hair transplant clinic raised safety concerns about such clinics. Users discussed risks of cheaper clinics and suggested alternatives like Thailand, Korea, and Colombia.
The user shared a one-year progress of hair regrowth using topical minoxidil and dutasteride, along with microneedling and scalp massages. They experienced significant hair growth without side effects.