A 33-year-old attempted hair regrowth after 10 years of baldness using topical finasteride, minoxidil, micro-needling, a laser cap, and later oral dutasteride. They noticed some regrowth, especially vellus hairs, and are considering a hair transplant or other treatments despite side effects.
Switching from finasteride to dutasteride can improve hair regrowth with fewer side effects for some users. Concerns about shedding, lack of improvement, and the long-term safety of oral minoxidil remain.
Androgenic alopecia (AGA) might have evolved to reduce prostate cancer risk by increasing UV exposure to the scalp, but this theory is debated. Treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are used for AGA, though the exact causes and evolutionary reasons for hair loss are unclear.
A 39-year-old user has been using topical 0.3% finasteride with 6% minoxidil for almost 7 months without seeing significant improvement in hair regrowth. They are considering switching to a gel with higher minoxidil concentration, adding retinoic acid, or trying topical dutasteride, while others suggest returning to 5% minoxidil foam, adding oral finasteride, or exploring microneedling and lifestyle changes.
Bee venom at 0.001% concentration was more effective than 2% minoxidil in promoting hair growth in mice, possibly due to increased growth factors and reduced inflammation. Caution is advised due to potential allergic reactions and the reliance on animal data.
Creatine may counteract minoxidil's hair growth effects by closing potassium ATP channels, potentially leading to hair loss in predisposed individuals. Despite anecdotal reports, there is no conclusive evidence linking creatine to hair loss.
A 24-year-old male is considering a hair transplant after unsuccessful attempts with oral minoxidil, topical finasteride, ketoconazole shampoo, and lifestyle changes. He believes smoking and caffeine may worsen his hair loss and is looking into hair fibers for temporary coverage.
Topical dutasteride is considered more effective for hair regrowth with fewer side effects than oral finasteride. Users have mixed experiences, with some preferring topical applications for reduced side effects.
PP405 is expected to be on the market between 2027 and 2030, with phase 3 trials starting in 2026. There is skepticism about its fast-tracking due to its cosmetic nature, and it may appear on the gray market sooner.
DIY topical finasteride mixed with minoxidil is used due to the unavailability of pharmacy-grade options in Sweden. The user reports positive results after three months, with improved hair growth at the temples and vertex.
A 20-year-old is considering starting dutasteride or finasteride for hair loss, with concerns about potential side effects and development. Users shared experiences with both treatments, noting that finasteride is often the first step, while dutasteride may be more effective for some, and emphasized consulting a healthcare provider.
Finasteride and dutasteride have potential risks, including post-finasteride syndrome, but are commonly used for hair loss. RU58841, minoxidil, and needling are suggested as alternatives, though all treatments carry risks.
The conversation discusses the potential impact of creatine on hair loss, with some users sharing personal experiences of increased shedding while others argue there's no scientific evidence linking creatine to hair loss. The original poster switched from finasteride to dutasteride and is considering resuming creatine after monitoring its effects on hair loss.
Dutasteride significantly reduces DHT levels, potentially more effectively than finasteride, and is used to treat hair loss. Some users report side effects like reduced libido and mood changes, while others experience hair regrowth and increased testosterone.
PP405 is a potential hair loss treatment that may work by blocking signals that cause hair cells to stop growing, requiring daily application for effectiveness. It could serve as an alternative to minoxidil and finasteride, but it is not yet available on the market and may take several years to be released.
Creatine may worsen hair loss in some, especially with androgenic alopecia, but evidence is mixed. Some users experience no hair loss when using creatine with minoxidil and finasteride, while others notice increased shedding.
The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, focusing on finasteride, minoxidil, and other options like PRP and ketoconazole. It highlights the importance of asking specific questions during a dermatology visit to determine the cause of hair loss and appropriate treatments.
Way-316606 is considered a potential hair loss treatment but is avoided due to safety concerns and lack of research. Minoxidil and Finasteride are preferred as established treatments.
Dutasteride is more effective than finasteride for hair loss as it blocks more of the enzyme causing hair loss. New treatments like stem cell therapies and alternatives to minoxidil are being explored, but major advancements are still years away.
A sugar gel called 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR) shows potential for promoting hair regrowth by increasing blood supply to hair follicles, similar to Minoxidil, but its effectiveness in humans is unproven. It may benefit those who don't tolerate Minoxidil, but it is not a replacement for treatments like Finasteride or RU58841.
Pelage PP405 is a new hair loss treatment in trials, potentially reactivating dormant hair follicles without affecting hormones. Results are expected in February 2025, offering an alternative to minoxidil and finasteride.
RU58841, oral and topical minoxidil, finasteride, and ketoconazole shampoo led to significant hair regrowth, though some suspect a hair transplant. Concerns about RU58841's side effects, like anxiety and heart issues, were discussed.
A person improved hair loss from Norwood 3 to Norwood 2 using a topical formula with minoxidil, dutasteride, and tretinoin, plus oral minoxidil and red light therapy. There is skepticism about the treatment's effectiveness and concerns about misleading comparison photos.
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.
The conversation is about finding an alternative ketoconazole shampoo to Nizoral due to its strong smell, with suggestions including Intelligent shampoo and Sons brand. The discussion also touches on the effectiveness of ketoconazole for dandruff and hair loss, with some users recommending prescription options for higher concentrations.
Oral minoxidil is effective for hair loss and unlikely to significantly affect collagen synthesis, making it a safe option without causing premature skin aging. Users report positive hair regrowth without noticeable skin aging.
Finasteride and dutasteride are discussed for hair loss, with concerns about their effects on neurosteroids and potential side effects like depression. Alternatives like topical estrogen and lifestyle changes are considered, with varying opinions on mental health and hair regrowth.
High dose topical Finasteride solutions are speculative and not proven more effective than low dose solutions. Users report varying results with different concentrations, with some preferring lower doses to minimize side effects.