An 18-year-old with Norwood 2 hair loss is considering finasteride treatment. Bloodwork shows testosterone and hormone levels mostly within normal ranges, except for low estradiol.
The user experienced hair regrowth after 4.5 months using oral finasteride and minoxidil, along with Nizoral shampoo, but faced brain fog and motivation issues, which improved after adjusting the finasteride dosage. Other users suggested checking hormone levels to address the brain fog, and congratulated the user on their progress.
A 47-year-old male experienced significant hair regrowth over six months using 1mg oral finasteride, 5mg oral minoxidil, and 1ml 5% topical minoxidil, along with weekly derm stamping. He reported no major side effects, improved prostate health, and increased vascularity, with hair texture changes and minor nasal congestion.
The user is pleased with hair regrowth after taking daily tablets of 1.1 mg finasteride, 3 mg minoxidil, and 2.5 mg biotin for 3 months, with no side effects and some light shedding. The most noticeable improvement is at the crown, which was the main concern.
A 48-year-old man's 11-month progress using 1mg finasteride for hair loss treatment, with significant improvement and no side effects. Other users share their experiences, with some also seeing positive results, while others have not been as successful.
A 20-year-old using 1 mg finasteride, 2 ml topical minoxidil, tretinoin, and microneedling for hair loss shows progress after three months, with thicker hair and temple regrowth. No side effects reported, and the user is considering switching to oral minoxidil.
User tried dutasteride, topical finasteride, oral minox, dermawounding, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, and ketacozonole for hair loss. Improvement was temporary, now trying RU58841 and seeking help.
A user experienced severe dry eyes as a side effect of using topical and oral Finasteride for hair loss and is seeking alternative treatments. They are considering other anti-androgens like Dutasteride, RU58841, Pyrilytamide, and Fluridil, despite mixed results and potential side effects.
Despite using 5% minoxidil, 0.1% finasteride, and other treatments like microneedling, MK-677, and Cialis, hair loss continues with high testosterone and DHT levels. Considering oral dutasteride but concerned about further increasing testosterone levels.
A 31-year-old male used topical finasteride for a year, reducing hair loss significantly with no side effects. Another user suggested adding minoxidil and using oils for better results.
A user shared their 20-week progress using oral finasteride (1mg) and oral minoxidil (3.3mg) for hair loss, noting significant improvement in hair thickness and coverage. Another user complimented the progress.
A 23-year-old male shares his positive progress using 0.5mg finasteride for hair loss, noting initial side effects like sore nipples that resolved after adjusting the dosage. Other users discuss their experiences with finasteride, including effects on libido and the trade-offs of using the medication.
Dutasteride is more effective than finasteride for hair loss, especially at the crown and midscalp, but both have similar side-effect profiles with low incidence of sexual adverse events. Improvement is measured visually, and significant results may take over 12 months to appear.
User shared 4-month progress on hair loss treatment using 0.25mg finasteride daily and topical minoxidil daily, noting cognitive decline possibly linked to finasteride. Users discussed side effects, alternative treatments, and shared similar experiences.
The conversation discusses the potential benefits of creating a hydrophobic version of finasteride to reduce systemic side effects while maintaining scalp health. It compares this idea to fluridil, which is designed to be hydrophobic and has less systemic absorption.
Finasteride can reduce neuroactive steroids, causing side effects like depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. Some users experience persistent symptoms after stopping finasteride, while others use alternative treatments like topical solutions.
A user shared their six-month progress using oral finasteride (1mg) and topical minoxidil (5%) for hair loss, with additional inconsistent microneedling. The combination showed noticeable improvement, and the user microneedles twice a week.
The user started taking 1mg of oral finasteride daily on May 7, 2025, and recently began using Nizoral Shampoo to address hair thinning. They shared progress photos from May 30 and August 18, 2025, noting a desire to grow their hair longer without it appearing thin.
Significant hair regrowth and increased confidence after using 1 mg finasteride for 6 months and 5 mg oral minoxidil for 3 months. No major side effects, except unwanted hair growth near temples and eyebrows.
A 44-year-old man has been using finasteride 1mg daily and minoxidil 5% foam for 19 months to address hair loss, with mixed results and continued shedding. Suggestions include trying oral minoxidil, microneedling, and possibly a hair transplant for better cosmetic density.
FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.
L. reuteri, a probiotic, is being explored for its potential benefits in treating androgenic alopecia, possibly enhancing finasteride's effects and reducing inflammation. The user combines this with finasteride, oral minoxidil, and other supplements, noting some improvement in hair loss.
Finasteride is not linked to a 60% risk of persistent sexual dysfunction; this figure applies only to those already experiencing sexual issues. Most users do not have side effects, and the study's methodology is criticized for selection bias.
The user is experiencing aggressive diffuse thinning despite using 1mg oral finasteride daily, topical minoxidil twice, microneedling, and Nizoral for seborrheic dermatitis. They are considering switching to dutasteride or RU58841 but are advised to seek a second opinion to determine the cause of hair loss.
The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, specifically the transition from topical to oral minoxidil and finasteride, and the associated shedding phase. Users advise patience and consistency, noting that shedding is common and improvement may take several months.
A user shared their positive experience with finasteride for hair loss, noting improved hair thickness and some regrowth after a year of use. They also mentioned using peppermint oil, collagen, Nizoral, zinc supplements, and hair and mane shampoo and conditioner.
A user began treating hair loss with dermastamping, castor oil, peppermint oil, biotin, and nizoral, and has started taking finasteride (generic proscar) with plans to include DIM and zinc supplements. The user aims to maintain current hair and regrow hair at the temples, and will avoid hair loss forums for a month to minimize stress.
The user is using a solution of 5% minoxidil and 0.1% finasteride with micro-needling and is considering adding 1mg oral finasteride. They notice small hairs on their forehead and are questioning if these indicate potential regrowth.
An 18-year-old decided to start taking finasteride for hair loss, justifying it by stating that finasteride is the most effective treatment available and that the risk of side effects is low, with clinical trials showing it stops hair loss in 80% of men. The user encourages others not to be deterred by negative forum posts and to consider their own experience and clinical data.