Dutasteride promotes more hair regrowth than Minoxidil. Users discuss combining treatments for better results and share personal experiences with side effects.
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.
Using estrogen for hair regrowth is considered ineffective and risky, with potential side effects like breast growth and hormonal changes. Alternatives like finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil are suggested, but estrogen is not recommended unless transitioning.
A person transitioning is using 2mg sublingual estradiol and 2.5mg oral minoxidil daily for hair regrowth, noting significant progress in three months. They plan to increase estrogen dosage and consider adding dutasteride, discussing the effects and challenges of transitioning.
A 21-year-old experienced significant hair regrowth using oral finasteride for 7 months, initially with minoxidil but later stopped due to inconvenience. He had no major side effects, except a temporary increase in sex drive, and plans to continue finasteride.
Finasteride is seen as risky for men due to side effects like erectile dysfunction, while hormonal birth control for women is normalized despite its side effects. The discussion points out a double standard influenced by societal and gender norms.
Increased Malassezia and Cutibacterium in the scalp microbiome are linked to higher sebum production and inflammation in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Treatments include ciclopirox shampoo, benzoyl peroxide shampoo, clobetasol propionate, calcipotriol, minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride.
Daily microneedling at 0.25mm before applying minoxidil is debated, with some suggesting weekly microneedling is safer and more effective. Concerns include potential skin damage and systemic absorption, while alternatives like tretinoin are considered safer for enhancing minoxidil absorption.
A long-term finasteride user experienced side effects like sexual dysfunction, dry eyes, muscle weakness, and brain fog, which improved when they stopped the medication. They decided to stop finasteride again, questioning if maintaining hair was worth the negative impact on their well-being.
Dutasteride may have fewer side effects than finasteride, with some users experiencing better hair maintenance. Experiences vary, with some preferring dutasteride for fewer side effects, while others see no significant hair improvement.
A user is questioning their progress after 5 months on finasteride and considering alternatives like dutasteride and minoxidil. Replies suggest that finasteride primarily maintains hair, and combining it with minoxidil might help with regrowth.
The conversation discusses whether long-term use of finasteride (Fin) is harmful to the liver, with various opinions on side effects and comparisons to other substances. Specific treatments mentioned include finasteride, minoxidil (Min), and RU58841 (RU).
The user Consistent-Gene1334 shared their positive results in regrowing hair by using topical minoxidil and oral finasteride. Other users in the conversation praised the results and discussed the effectiveness of these treatments for diffuse thinning.
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.
Microneedling for hair restoration involves daily use of a 0.3 mm device and weekly use of a 0.5 mm device. Combining microneedling with Minoxidil can enhance hair growth.
User 36 years old, receding hairline, tried minoxidil, Nizoral, dermarolling, alfatradiol, revivogen, and spiro cream with limited success. Two dermatologists refused to prescribe finasteride. Others shared experiences and suggested finding a different dermatologist.
Androgenetic alopecia is affected by scalp DHT levels, not sensitivity, with treatments like finasteride and dutasteride aiming to optimize these levels. Personalized DHT management is crucial for effective hair growth.
An 18-year-old shared a 5-month hair transformation using RU58841 and minoxidil, reporting no side effects and crediting most regrowth to minoxidil. Opinions on RU58841 are mixed, with some users and a YouTuber moving away from it due to side effects and lack of studies.
Clascoterone (CB) shows an excellent safety profile with no serious side effects, but its effectiveness may decline after six months, making it more suitable as an adjunct treatment with finasteride and minoxidil rather than a standalone solution. Some argue it could be better than finasteride due to its protection against testosterone, but its long-term efficacy remains debated.
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.
A user reports persistent sexual side effects three months after stopping finasteride, despite a healthy lifestyle and supplements. They express concern over the lack of libido and infrequent erections.
The user experienced hair regrowth and improved hair density using oral finasteride and topical minoxidil, with microneedling as an additional treatment. They are considering a hair transplant for low-density areas but are uncertain due to existing follicles.
A woman with androgenetic alopecia uses Dutasteride and Bicalutamide but feels devastated due to increased sensitivity to DHT. She considers wigs, Minoxidil, and seeks advice on options like spironolactone, hair transplants, and therapy.
Red light therapy is scientifically proven to promote hair growth by increasing strand density and thickness, and it's an additional treatment to DHT blockers like minoxidil and finasteride. Some users are skeptical about the cost and effectiveness of commercial devices, despite studies showing benefits.
User "Jordan_cadagan" shares 11-month progress using minoxidil and finasteride for hair growth, with impressive results. Users discuss application methods, ice baths possibly helping, and daily dosages.
An 18-year-old male stopped using finasteride due to side effects and plans to start topical dutasteride, considering it a potential solution with fewer side effects. He continues using minoxidil despite no noticeable results and is exploring other treatments like RU58841.
High-dose Lysine and Histidine supplements caused curly/kinky hair and shedding due to Elastin dysfunction. Minoxidil, white tea, and dark grape juice were mentioned as treatments to inhibit Elastase and mimic Lysyl Oxidase.
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.
Topical Clascoterone showed a 539% improvement in hair count compared to placebo, but its effectiveness and safety are debated. Users compared it to minoxidil and finasteride, with mixed opinions on its potential release in 2026 or 2027.
OP is considering Bicalutamide for female AGA and TE but is concerned about its side effects and effectiveness compared to Finasteride. OP is also using Minoxidil and Spironolactone but is experiencing significant shedding and is unsure if it's androgen-driven or due to Minoxidil changes.