Hair loss treatments, including PP405, minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841, with hopes for future solutions. Participants discuss the emotional impact of hair loss and consider alternatives like hair transplants or acceptance.
The conversation is about the effectiveness of hair loss treatments, specifically finasteride and dutasteride, in different populations. Some users believe that the results of Japanese studies may not be relevant to Caucasian men, especially young ones, and that East Asians may respond better to these treatments. Others argue that clinical studies should be the basis for decision-making, while acknowledging that individual responses to medications can vary.
A 28-year-old male, losing hair since his teens, started taking 0.31 mg finasteride daily for two weeks with no side effects and regrets not starting earlier. He tried various treatments like minoxidil, scalp massages, and vitamins but found finasteride most effective.
The user experienced mental side effects from oral finasteride, such as brain fog and low mood, and switched to topical finasteride combined with minoxidil. They are monitoring mental clarity and hair progress after stopping oral finasteride.
Finasteride, a medication for hair loss that has both positive and negative effects. Users discussed their own personal experiences with the drug as well as potential side-effects of taking it, such as erectile dysfunction or gynecomastia. Suggestions were also made about starting at a lower dosage to minimize these risks.
A user shared their experience with hair loss, initially using oral finasteride and minoxidil but experiencing side effects like low libido and ED. They switched to a topical finasteride and minoxidil combination, which improved their hair thickness with fewer side effects.
An 18-year-old has been using minoxidil since March 2024 with good results but experienced sexual side effects from topical finasteride and oral finasteride, leading to stress and heavy hair shedding. They are concerned about the side effects of finasteride, potential initial shedding, and whether stopping finasteride will worsen hair loss.
Stopping finasteride may reduce water retention or alter fat distribution, leading to a leaner face. Hormonal changes, like reduced DHT or increased estrogen, could cause these effects.
Dutasteride effectively stops hair loss but can cause side effects like sexual dysfunction, muscle mass changes, and testicle shrinkage. Adjusting the dosage may help manage these side effects, but long-term health effects remain a concern.
A user expressed frustration with hair loss treatments, including finasteride, minoxidil with micro-needling, and RU58841, which all failed to stop hair thinning and miniaturization. Suggestions from others included accepting baldness, considering hair systems, and continuing prescribed antidepressants for depression.
A user is trying fluridil/topilutamide for hair loss and experiencing side effects like pain in the testicles and genital discomfort. They previously had adverse effects with finasteride, dutasteride, and RU58841, and are considering other treatments like topical dutasteride and spironolactone for maintenance before a hair transplant.
Switching from finasteride to dutasteride and back to finasteride led to gynecomastia and fatigue, likely due to hormonal imbalances. Suggested treatments include Tamoxifen, Raloxifene, or low-dose Anastrozole, with a recommendation to test testosterone and estradiol levels.
A user experienced severe depression and anxiety after taking finasteride for hair loss, which resolved after stopping the medication. They shared their story to warn others about potential side effects.
A 19-year-old is experiencing sexual side effects after 1.5 months of using topical finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss. They are considering stopping the treatment to see if symptoms resolve and are seeking advice on how long to wait before discontinuing.
The user has been taking dutasteride for 8 months and finasteride before that, with normal DHT levels but high estradiol and prolactin, leading to sexual side effects. The user is disappointed with these results.
A 17-year-old is concerned about potential hair loss due to maternal genetics and wonders if treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, or RU58841 will be effective. They hope their paternal genetics will help prevent hair loss or make treatments more effective.
A user reported that Procerin, containing Saw Palmetto and Pumpkin seed oil, provided similar hair thickening results as finasteride but with milder side effects. They experienced reduced libido and watery ejaculations but are adjusting the dose to minimize these effects.
Topical finasteride with minoxidil effectively stabilized and thickened hair but caused side effects like brain fog, reduced libido, and emotional flattening, leading to discontinuation. The user switched to a new regimen including minoxidil, KX-826, and other treatments, noting improvements in libido and vivid dreams after stopping finasteride.
A user has been taking finasteride 1mg for 10 years without side effects but is concerned about high estradiol levels affecting weight loss. Another user suggests using estradiol blockers under medical supervision to manage the levels.
A user experienced increased estradiol, nipple tenderness, and ED after taking finasteride. They are considering dose reduction to mitigate these effects.
A 26-year-old male is using a combination of clomiphene, minoxidil, tadalafil, bupropion, and lisdexamfetamine to address low testosterone, ED, depression, and focus issues. He seeks input on the safety and efficacy of this regimen, which also includes magnesium, zinc, and fish oil supplements.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth and regained confidence after using 1 mg finasteride and minoxidil twice daily. Initial side effects like weak erections and hard nipples resolved over time as the body adjusted.
A 28-year-old started finasteride 1mg/day for hair loss, later reducing to 3 times a week. Positive effects include better gym performance, reduced social anxiety, and improved skin health, while negative effects include some erectile dysfunction and nipple sensitivity.
People with hair loss experience emotional struggles and body dysmorphia. Treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride are used, but results vary and can take time.
The user convinced their trichologist to prescribe topical finasteride after using topical estradiol and progesterone for hair maintenance. They also discussed the potential impact of "nofap" on hair loss, noting that abstaining for about four months seemed to reduce shedding.
Stopping finasteride often leads to rapid hair loss, returning to a genetic baseline, as the drug temporarily halts hair loss and promotes regrowth. The discussion explores the complexity of hair loss, suggesting that factors beyond DHT, such as genetics and scalp conditions, may play a role.
A 23-year-old male, experiencing hair loss since his teens, struggles with motivation to continue using minoxidil and dutasteride due to depression and stress. Suggestions include resuming medication, therapy, improving mental well-being, and considering lifestyle changes like exercise and social support.
Finasteride may decrease free testosterone by increasing SHBG, potentially causing side effects like reduced libido and hormonal changes. Some find it effective for hair loss, while others experience negative effects.
The conversation discusses using finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, cialis, and metformin to protect hair and health. Some users caution against self-prescribing these drugs due to potential risks and complications.