Potential side effects of 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. Users debate risks, benefits, and personal experiences with these hair loss treatments.
Finasteride significantly increased testosterone levels for the user, with no major side effects except watery semen, which was resolved with zinc supplements. The user's hairline stopped receding and slightly improved.
The conversation concludes that finasteride, a 5α-Reductase inhibitor used for hair loss, does not impair cognition either short-term or long-term. It suggests "brain fog" is not caused by the medication.
The user's hair thinning and shedding were due to Telogen effluvium caused by COVID-19, not the ineffectiveness of Finasteride. The shedding eventually slowed, and hair growth resumed, but the user was advised to consider additional treatments like Minoxidil or microneedling if needed.
A user shared their hair loss journey, seeing significant improvement after 8 months using finasteride, minoxidil, dermarolling, and supplements. They went from NW 3 to NW 1.5 and emphasized better sleep.
A 21-year-old male experienced side effects from topical finasteride and is seeking alternative treatments to maintain hair until Breezula is available. He is considering using minoxidil, Nizoral, micro-needling, and vitamin D supplementation, and may try CB or RU58841 if necessary.
The conversation discusses using oils like pumpkin seed, rosemary, peppermint, and grape seed oil for hair regrowth, claiming they can be as effective as finasteride or minoxidil without side effects. Some users remain skeptical and prefer proven treatments like minoxidil.
Treatments for hair loss, including topical immunotherapy, regenerative treatments, laser and light-based therapies, oral supplements, intralesional steroids, and new drugs like finasteride and minoxidil.
People discussed their experiences with peppermint oil for hair loss, with mixed results. Some users reported no hair loss after stopping peppermint oil, while others experienced shedding; one user noted improved scalp health when mixing it with minoxidil.
The user used finasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole for hair loss prevention. After one year, there was no noticeable hair regrowth, but no further hair loss occurred.
A 26-year-old with a bald spot is seeking advice for hair regrowth, having no treatment history. Suggestions include starting Minoxidil and finasteride to promote growth and reduce hair loss.
The user is experiencing hairline thinning despite using finasteride, minoxidil (solution and foam), dermastamping, and tretinoin. They suspect minoxidil or tretinoin might be causing the issue but are unsure.
The user underwent a second hair transplant for the crown and mid-scalp, achieving good density. They are using minoxidil, finasteride, and biotin, and considering PRP treatments to enhance growth.
A user is experiencing hair loss in the center of their hairline and has been using topical finasteride for seven months with minimal progress. They are considering switching treatments due to concerns about losing ground and potential side effects of other options.
The user has been using a daily topical spray of finasteride and minoxidil, along with occasional microneedling, to address hair loss since August 2023, and is considering switching to oral medication for convenience and cost reasons. Despite progress, they are exploring options like increasing microneedling frequency or potentially undergoing a hair transplant to address a stubborn spot.
An 18-year-old experiencing hair loss and seborrheic dermatitis has tried finasteride, dutasteride, and various shampoos without success. They are considering anti-androgens like RU58841 and KX-826 for oil control and dandruff reduction.
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a viable option for those experiencing hair loss, providing a natural look similar to a buzzcut. It requires touch-ups every 3-5 years, and using products like zero shine can help manage appearance issues in different lighting.
Various peptides are discussed for treating male pattern baldness, with some available for topical use like GHK-Cu and Ac-KGHK, while others remain in research stages. Users are interested in experiences and sourcing these treatments.
PP405 shows promise in regenerating hair by activating dormant follicles. Other treatments like VDPHL01 and Breezula are also advancing, providing new hope for hair loss solutions.
The user is exploring alternatives to hair transplants due to a weak donor area and is currently using finasteride, minoxidil, dermapen, low-level laser therapy, Nizoral shampoo, and a high-protein diet. They plan to switch to dutasteride and consider adding RU58841, while rejecting hair systems and considering a buzz cut.
A user shared progress on hairline improvement after 3 months using oral finasteride, topical minoxidil, and a dermaroller. They also use Alpecin Caffeine shampoo daily and ketoconazole shampoo weekly.
A 22-year-old male experiencing hair loss suspects androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and possibly telogen effluvium (TE), with a noted improvement in scalp itch after adopting a gluten-free diet. He is advised to consider treatments like finasteride or minoxidil and to check iron and ferritin levels.
The user experienced a receding hairline and tried minoxidil, which may have slowed the process but caused puffy eyes. They are hesitant to use finasteride and suspect oily dandruff might be an aggravator.
BionicBell discussed using Bimatoprost, a medication typically for eyelash growth, for hair loss and mentioned a compounding pharmacy that can mix it with other ingredients like minoxidil and finasteride. They are seeking advice on using topical finasteride for female pattern baldness and are considering a custom foam combination to maximize hair growth results.
Hair loss discussion includes alfatradiol (Pantostin/Ell Cranell) as a potential treatment. Users share opinions on its effectiveness in their regimen.
Pirfenidone is suggested to treat fibrosis and baldness by blocking inflammation markers and reducing collagen. It is also available as a gel for scar removal.
A user did not respond to finasteride, dutasteride, and oral minoxidil for hair loss after four years of treatment and is considering scalp micropigmentation (SMP). Other users suggest the hair loss pattern may indicate alopecia areata and recommend seeing a dermatologist.