Gym and creatine can cause hair loss by increasing testosterone and androgenic activity. DHT blockers may help some, while others need androgen suppression with topical AA like RU or Pyri.
Hair loss is worsening despite using finasteride, oral minoxidil, and rosemary oil, possibly due to stress, hormone changes, and environmental factors. Improvement was noted with a soft water filter, but recent stress may have exacerbated the issue.
A 33-year-old male restarted finasteride after stopping it to conceive, noticing hair loss, especially in the crown area. His current routine includes finasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole, and microneedling, and he plans to continue this treatment for 18 months before making any major changes.
The user experienced excessive scalp oiliness and high testosterone levels after switching from finasteride to dutasteride. They plan to manage their condition with finasteride and are considering spironolactone to reduce testosterone and restore dry skin.
Late 20s woman struggles with worsening hair loss and tried various treatments without success. Now trying spironolactone and ketokonazole shampoo, hoping for improvement.
A user's experience with using 5AR inhibitors (Finasteride and Dutasteride) in combination with Minoxidil foam and microneedling, which resulted in substantial improvements to their crown density and hairline, despite high systemic levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.
A 33-year-old female with androgenic alopecia experienced alopecia areata patches after PRP treatment. She is seeking others' experiences with PRP worsening alopecia areata.
The user is struggling with seborrheic dermatitis and plans to try ciclopirox olamine after finding ketoconazole too drying. They are also using finasteride daily.
The user started using oral minoxidil and estradiol in August 2025, added finasteride in December, and experienced significant hair shedding in February/March. They switched to estradiol injections and are considering their hair washing routine, while another user suggested consulting a dermatologist and possibly trying dutasteride.
The user experienced increased hair loss and scalp itchiness despite using finasteride and plans to resume minoxidil and start microneedling. They are considering using clay, Aveda thickening tonic, and a beanie to manage the appearance of thinning hair.
Tretinoin may improve minoxidil's effectiveness for hair growth, but results vary; some users report no change or potential hair loss acceleration. Tretinoin is included in some topical hair loss treatments sold by dermatologists and online companies.
The user started using pyrilutamide for hair loss on January 24, applying 1ml daily without other treatments, and after 10 days noticed reduced hair shedding and improved hair quality, with plans to continue for at least 6 months. They experienced chest pain initially, which could be related to starting methylphenidate or pyrilutamide, but the pain has since subsided.
Tretinoin may increase minoxidil absorption but could potentially worsen hair loss over time. Users discuss applying 0.5% tretinoin gel to the hairline/scalp with minoxidil.
The user experienced unexpected hair volume increase after combining scalp massages with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride. They plan to continue this regimen, noting a reduction in hair shedding.
A user experienced a loss of libido and anhedonia after severe dietary restriction while on Finasteride and Minoxidil for hair loss. They are considering reducing the Finasteride dose or taking a break to see if symptoms improve.
Clascoterone cream can be used on the scalp, but it may not be effective due to its dosage. AR antagonists like clascoterone are generally less effective than 5AR inhibitors for hair loss.
A 19-year-old male switched from finasteride and minoxidil to dutasteride due to continued hair thinning and is experiencing increased nipple sensitivity and a small lump, raising concerns about gynecomastia. Suggestions include slowing the transition, checking hormone levels, and considering an aromatase inhibitor.
Minoxidil use may worsen seborrheic dermatitis, causing itching and dandruff. Users consider stopping minoxidil or switching to foam to improve scalp condition.
The user has been using a combination spray with 0.1% finasteride, 5% minoxidil, and tretinoin for over a year but feels their hairline has worsened. They are considering increasing the concentration of finasteride and adding 5% minoxidil once a day, while another user suggests trying oral finasteride for potentially better results.
Finasteride can increase estrogen levels, causing dizziness and nausea. Users discuss adjusting treatment and diet, and explore alternatives for hair loss management.
Scalp tension may contribute to hair loss by increasing DHT levels, with potential solutions like scalp massages and Botox. Concerns about finasteride's side effects were discussed, and some users shared personal experiences with alternative treatments like scalp massaging and Botox.
HairCarePls shared their 5-month Dutasteride update, mentioning previous use of Finasteride with no results. They also use Spironolactone, Minoxidil, dermarolling, Ketoconazole shampoo, and Yaz contraception for hair loss treatment.
The user is experiencing increased hair shedding, scalp sensitivity, and itching despite using finasteride for four months, and has tried various shampoos without relief. They are advised to consult a dermatologist for potential scarring alopecia and consider other treatments like adding Dutasteride.
A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.
The user experienced side effects from using 1% finasteride and 2% minoxidil, including dermatitis, erectile dysfunction, and heart palpitations. They switched to using 2000mg pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto capsules, and applying pumpkin seed oil and rosemary oil twice a week, seeking feedback on results.
The user is experiencing reduced hair shedding and increased hair density after using finasteride, minoxidil, derma rolling, granactive retinoid, and Nizoral, while also taking testosterone and aromatase inhibitors. They question if they are a hyper responder to the treatments, despite mixed feedback from others about visible progress.
The Derma Harmony Sulfur/Salicylic acid soap bar shampoo caused significant hair shedding, oily scalp, and cystic acne. The user experienced better results with rosemary shampoo.
A 20-year-old started taking finasteride for hair loss at 18, saw improvement, but developed erectile dysfunction (ED) after taking accutane. Despite stopping both medications, ED persisted, and hair loss worsened. Advice given includes considering tadalafil for ED, resuming finasteride, using minoxidil, and addressing psychological factors through positive thinking and lifestyle changes.
Topical tretinoin can increase the absorption of minoxidil by three times, which may enhance its effectiveness for hair loss treatment. Tretinoin causes increased skin turnover, making the skin more permeable and potentially improving minoxidil's efficacy.