A user stopped finasteride after 15 years due to severe side effects, which improved after quitting. They maintained most of their hair and are considering alternatives like topical treatments or RU58841.
The conversation discusses the use of dutasteride and finasteride for hair loss, with a focus on starting with low doses of dutasteride to match the DHT suppression of finasteride. It highlights the longer half-life and potential side effects of dutasteride, as well as the preference for finasteride due to its availability and research backing.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth using oral minoxidil and dutasteride over several months. Many commenters praised the progress and suggested additional treatments like microneedling for further improvement.
A 38-year-old has maintained hair with finasteride for 17 years, recently adding oral minoxidil for improvement. Users discuss experiences with finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil, noting effectiveness, side effects, and costs.
The user shared positive results after 5 months of using oral finasteride, reporting no side effects and continued shedding but less than in the initial months. Other users discussed their experiences with finasteride and minoxidil, with some expressing concerns about side effects and others sharing their own progress and plans.
The user shared a four-month update on their hair regrowth journey using 1mg daily finasteride, 5mg daily oral minoxidil, and weekly dermarolling, noting significant improvement in hair thickness and uniform growth. They reported no side effects from minoxidil except increased hair growth on arms, fingers, and eyelashes.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth using finasteride 1mg daily, minoxidil 5% twice a day, and microneedling 3-4 times a week. They reported no side effects from finasteride and are pleased with the results, feeling more confident and maintaining a new hair baseline.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth using finasteride 1mg and minoxidil 2.5mg daily over 8-9 months. They reported initial side effects but saw progress around months 7-8, attributing success to patience and consistent use.
A 23-year-old shared progress pictures after five months on Finasteride, starting with 0.25mg and increasing to 1mg, reporting no side effects and noticeable hair improvement. The user is satisfied with the results and plans to continue the treatment, while others in the conversation discuss dosage, side effects, and alternative treatments.
Aloe vera gel can help reduce scalp inflammation and "DHT itch" associated with hair loss, particularly in those with androgenic alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis. It's suggested to use aloe vera alongside treatments like finasteride and ketoconazole shampoo to manage symptoms and promote scalp health.
The conversation discusses the use of RU58841 for hair loss, with concerns about its legality in Germany and potential legal consequences. Alternatives like finasteride and dutasteride are mentioned, with some users questioning the effectiveness and safety of RU58841.
The user had a hair transplant with Estenove, rating the overall experience 6/10 due to logistical issues, unmet expectations, and dissatisfaction with the results. They advise against pricier packages and express regret over the asymmetrical hairline, despite good customer service and post-op care.
The user experienced significant hair loss after stopping a treatment of 5% Minoxidil and 0.1% Finasteride, which they had used from December 2021 to January 2024. They resumed the treatment in April 2025, hoping for regrowth, and are considering additional treatments like transplants and steroid injections.
PP405 shows initial promise for treating androgenetic alopecia, with safety confirmed in early trials, but skepticism remains due to limited data. Further trials are needed to determine its true efficacy and potential market impact.
The conversation discusses hair regrowth using 2-deoxy-d-ribose (2DDR) combined with minoxidil, with some users noting new hair growth. The original poster has been using minoxidil for 12 years and is considering combining 2DDR with finasteride, despite past side effects.
A user bought Kirkland Minoxidil from a TikTok shop and sought confirmation of its authenticity through a bleach test, which some users warned could be dangerous. Many participants advised against buying from TikTok due to the risk of fakes, suggesting alternatives like buying from Costco or reputable online pharmacies.
Mixing tretinoin with minoxidil for hair loss treatment. Some users prefer separate application or professional compounding due to potential solubility issues.
A 27-year-old shared their hair transplant journey after using minoxidil and dutasteride for nearly four years. They underwent a 2600-graft surgery in London, costing £6450, and plan to switch to oral minoxidil during recovery.
A user shared their positive experience with hair regrowth after one year of using 1.1mg oral finasteride and 3mg oral minoxidil daily, reporting no significant side effects and good bloodwork results. The user noted limited results at three months but dramatic improvement by one year, emphasizing the importance of patience with these treatments.
Ketoconazole shampoo does not significantly reduce systemic or scalp DHT levels and is considered a mild topical antiandrogen. Users discuss its use for scalp health rather than DHT reduction, with some preferring alternatives like dutasteride over finasteride due to perceived side effects.
A 30-year-old man shares his successful hair loss protocol, which includes finasteride, Nizoral shampoo, low-level laser therapy, microneedling, and past use of oral minoxidil. He plans to consider dutasteride and possibly hair transplants in the future, while advising caution with crown transplants before age 35.
A 22-year-old male experienced positive hair regrowth after using oral minoxidil and finasteride for over four months, noting slight changes in hair density. He initially used topical minoxidil but switched to oral due to having pets, experiencing minimal shedding and no significant side effects after initial lethargy from finasteride.
The conversation humorously discusses exaggerated hair growth results using 500mg finasteride and 1000mg minoxidil daily, with side effects including a bloody nose and lowered libido. It also jokes about microneedling, hair transplants, and elephants, suggesting the post is satirical.
Belgium disagrees with the EMA and does not authorize the 1 mg oral form of finasteride for androgenic alopecia, citing a negative benefit-risk ratio. Despite this, some individuals in Belgium can still obtain finasteride through prescriptions, and there is debate over its mental health risks versus its benefits for hair loss and other health issues.
Hair regrowth using oral finasteride and topical minoxidil, with significant improvement after three months. Some users experienced side effects like bloating and dark circles, and discussed alternative treatments like microneedling and natural oils.
Finasteride has helped stabilize hair loss, with some users noticing visible improvement and regrowth, particularly in temple areas. Side effects of finasteride are discussed, and minoxidil is suggested as an additional treatment if hair loss resumes.
Minoxidil's effectiveness is limited by the need for sulfation and proper transport to hair follicles, with tretinoin potentially enhancing its effects by promoting enzyme activity and keratinocyte differentiation. Tretinoin may improve minoxidil's response by boosting the expression of necessary enzymes and transporters.
Foam minoxidil may be a good alternative for those who experience irritation from liquid minoxidil, though opinions on its effectiveness vary. Some users suggest oral minoxidil as a more effective option with fewer side effects at low doses, while others recommend foam or alcohol-free topical versions for sensitive scalps.
The user underwent three hair transplants over five years, totaling 6,500 grafts, and uses a topical solution with minoxidil and finasteride. The procedures were performed at Medikliniek in Amsterdam, with some donor hair taken from the beard during the last surgery.
A user shared their successful hair regrowth journey using oral minoxidil, dutasteride, and eucapil, with additional benefits from MTF hormone replacement therapy. They advised consulting specialists and considering individual responses to treatments.