Androgenetic alopecia is caused by DHT affecting hair growth. Finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss by blocking DHT and promoting hair growth.
The user reports taking high dosage oral minoxidil (10mg/day) for hair growth, which causes facial bloating. They tried using the diuretic furosemide to reduce bloating, but it was ineffective.
A 34-year-old woman has been using a topical solution of 5% Minoxidil and 0.1% Finasteride since January 2026 to address hair thinning caused by PCOS and poor nutrition. She reports ongoing hair shedding but has improved her diet with whole foods and supplements.
A 19-year-old experiencing hair loss since 17 uses finasteride, minoxidil, dermaroller, ketoconazole shampoo, and oral castor oil, but sees little improvement. They seek advice on adding an anti-androgen, considering alfatradiol.
The conversation discusses using finasteride, dutasteride, RU58841, and testosterone to combat hair loss and block DHT, with some users expressing concerns about side effects and vegan options for medication. The discussion also touches on personal experiences with hormone treatments and the desire to maintain a youthful appearance.
The user got blood work to check hormone levels before starting Finasteride for hair loss and is seeking advice on interpreting the results. They are considering hormone levels in relation to potential side effects of Finasteride.
The user is treating hair loss with dermarolling, a laser helmet, scalp massages, and Nizoral. They stopped using minoxidil and finasteride and are considering pumpkin seed oil and sulforaphane.
The conversation discusses the high cost of CB-03-01, a topical antiandrogen for hair loss, which is considered safe and remains localized upon application. It questions whether the expense is justified compared to the lower risks it poses relative to finasteride.
Finasteride can quickly raise estradiol levels by blocking DHT, allowing testosterone to convert to estrogen. Taking finasteride for just a few days can affect blood test results.
The user is exploring hair loss treatments in China, currently using finasteride and minoxidil, and is concerned about seborrheic dermatitis. Clinics are recommending selenium sulfide, doxycycline, and mesotherapy ampoules like PT88/PT66 or SP88/SP66, but the user is unsure about their effectiveness.
A user is seeking information on clinics in Toronto offering dutasteride mesotherapy as an alternative to oral dutasteride while trying to conceive. They are looking for recommendations and information.
A user experienced severe testicular pain after two weeks on oral finasteride. Another user suggested that while rare, this side effect can occur and recommended considering topical finasteride if the pain persists.
The conversation discusses a hair loss treatment regimen that includes Dutasteride, oral and topical Minoxidil, Tretinoin, dermarolling, Nizoral, salicylic acid shampoo, vitamins, and possibly The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum. Some responses suggest the regimen might be excessive, while others believe it is sufficient, especially with Dutasteride.
A 27-year-old male experienced limited success with Dutasteride and topical Minoxidil for hair loss and eyebrow thinning, with side effects like decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. He is considering oral Minoxidil but is concerned about side effects, and is advised to try ketoconazole for possible dermatitis and monitor vitamin D levels.
Dutasteride treatment may decrease sperm concentration, but levels remain above WHO recommendations and recover after discontinuation. The study has limitations, including small sample size and lack of pre-treatment sperm data, and does not assess other fertility factors.
A user experienced mild side effects from 0.5mg finasteride daily, including increased estradiol and minor gynecomastia. They are considering taking a low dose of exemestane to reduce estrogen levels.
Fluridil was abandoned due to its weak effectiveness and low binding affinity to the androgen receptor, making it less competitive against DHT and testosterone. Users discuss its limited results compared to other treatments like pyrilutamide and RU58841.
A user is experiencing severe hair loss, diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis, and is using Ketoconazole and beclomethasone. They are concerned about potential female pattern baldness and are seeking reassurance and advice.
A female with AGA is considering buying finasteride online due to its effectiveness at higher doses, despite concerns about legitimacy and potential scams. She has tried spironolactone without success and is seeking advice on purchasing finasteride from websites like minoxidilexpress.
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.
Clascoterone is promising for hair loss, showing 24.5% improvement in satisfaction compared to placebo. Users consider it an alternative to finasteride, with concerns about absorption and side effects.
Using dutasteride or finasteride can increase free testosterone, which may convert to estradiol, potentially causing side effects like increased estrogen levels. Individual responses vary, and some users report changes in cholesterol, hair texture, and side effects like gyno or increased sex drive.
The conversation discusses the use of spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, and bicalutamide for hair loss, with concerns about side effects like gynecomastia and depression. Topical spironolactone is considered safe for men and effective when combined with regular treatments.
RU58841 may pose cancer risks due to its antiandrogen properties and lack of long-term safety data. Using it is considered a high-risk experiment with unknown potential for harm.
A 27-year-old is experiencing significant hair loss despite using a combination of 0.5mg dutasteride daily, topical minoxidil, nizoral shampoo, and vitamin D optimization, and is now starting zinc supplementation. Suggestions include considering other causes, possibly increasing dutasteride dosage, switching to oral minoxidil, or maintaining the current regimen and reassessing in six months.
CB-03-01 is a topical anti-androgen with low absorption, offering potential as a side-effect-free alternative to Finasteride/Dutasteride for hair loss. It's in stage 2 clinical trials for acne and showing promise for male pattern baldness.
A user is considering using both oral and topical finasteride for hair loss, despite having elevated liver enzymes. They currently use a topical spray with finasteride and minoxidil and are seeking advice on whether using both forms is advisable.
The user used 0.5 mL of 0.5 mg of Pyrilutamide for 60 days for hair loss, but didn't notice any hair growth. They shared their hormone panel results and are seeking advice on next steps.
User has been using minoxidil for 5 years and recently started finasteride, 2% nizoral shampoo, low light level laser helmet, microneedling, and biotin supplement to prepare for a hair transplant. Another user suggests it's not too much and mentions additional treatments like dutasteride, oral min, RU, and pyrilutamide.