User started finasteride in Oct 2021 and experienced reduced shedding and side effects. Saw improvements in months 3-5, but worsening in months 11-13, and asks for advice on next steps.
Adding Nizoral Shampoo (ketoconazole 2%) improved hair quality and reduced scalp irritation. Alternatives like zinc pyrithione shampoo and Piroctone Olamine were also discussed.
A user tried topical melatonin for hair loss and experienced significantly reduced shedding, similar to when they used finasteride, but stopped finasteride due to side effects. They applied liquid melatonin from a dropper and noticed a decrease in hair fall within two days.
A user reported that taking iron polymaltose significantly reduced their hair loss. They also mentioned hair loss due to DHT and asked if hair loss from iron deficiency is permanent or temporary.
Improved diet, reduced alcohol consumption, and better water quality led to thicker hair and less shedding. The user also used MSM supplements, vitamin C, multivitamins, biotin shampoo, and growth oil.
Minoxidil non-responders may benefit from using minoxidil sulfate due to reduced sulfotransferase activity in their scalps. Users are encouraged to share their experiences with minoxidil sulfate.
Korean scientists developed a red light therapy that reduces a hair loss marker by 92%. Users discussed the benefits and drawbacks of natural sunlight versus red light caps for hair health, with some suggesting supplements for vitamin D.
Increasing dutasteride from 0.5mg to 2.5mg may not significantly reduce hair loss and can cause side effects like sleep disturbances and brain fog. Many users find 0.5mg effective enough, while some switch to topical finasteride due to side effects.
The conversation discusses using saw palmetto oil to reduce hair loss, with the user reporting decreased shedding but no regrowth yet. The user plans to try minoxidil and finasteride, noting previous success with minoxidil but concerns about its greasiness.
The user switched from liquid to foam minoxidil to reduce skin irritation but finds foam harder to apply effectively to the scalp. A suggestion was made to melt the foam into a liquid for easier application.
Creating a propylene glycol-free Minoxidil and Tretinoin solution to reduce skin irritation and enhance effectiveness. An emulsifier like lecithin can help mix Tretinoin properly, and Minoxidil foam is an alternative without propylene glycol.
Switching from propylene glycol to glycerin in topical finasteride may reduce systemic absorption and side effects while maintaining local scalp DHT suppression. Concerns exist about glycerin's ability to deliver the full dose to hair follicles.
Using a low dose of topical Tamoxifen effectively reduces gynecomastia caused by finasteride, with minimal side effects. The solution involves mixing Tamoxifen with ethanol and propylene glycol, applied daily to the chest.
The conversation discusses sourcing hair loss treatments from India to reduce costs. The treatments include Morr F Minoxidil + Finasteride solution, Traya Recap Hair Serum, a derma roller, and Man Matters DHT Blocking Shampoo and Conditioner.
Avoiding excessive time on hair loss forums to reduce anxiety and focus on consistent use of treatments like finasteride and minoxidil. Users emphasize trusting medical advice, being patient for results, and not overanalyzing anecdotal experiences.
Rob English's scalp massages are discussed as a method to reduce DHT and stop hair loss, but many users criticize it as ineffective compared to treatments like finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil. Some users argue that alternative treatments like scalp massages and microneedling can work for some, but the community largely favors the "big three" medications.
Finasteride and dutasteride can improve skin texture and reduce acne by lowering DHT but do not reverse aging. They may enhance skin and hair health for some, but can also cause side effects like dry skin and sexual dysfunction.
The conversation discusses the molecular structures of compounds that reduce DHT levels, including finasteride and Ashwagandha. It explores the potential of using Ashwagandha topically as a 5a reductase inhibitor.
Ashwagandha topical formulation may increase hair density and reduce hair loss, but results seem too good to be true due to a small sample size. Users are skeptical about its effectiveness and are experimenting with different application methods.
The conversation discusses using P5P (Vitamin B6) supplements to reduce elevated Prolactin levels and concerns about its potential effect on increasing DHT levels. The user is not currently using finasteride or any anti-androgens.
A user is considering switching from oral to topical finasteride to reduce systemic DHT impact and is exploring ethossomal finasteride for better skin penetration and potential hair regrowth. They found ethossomal finasteride in Brazil and are seeking opinions on its effectiveness compared to other topical delivery methods.
The conversation discusses using finasteride or dutasteride to reduce DHT, CosmeRNA to target androgen receptors, and Minoxidil as a vasodilator for hair growth. The regimen aims to maintain hair by addressing DHT-AR ratio and continuous Minoxidil use.
Creating a liposomal gel with Pyrilutamide for hair loss to reduce systemic effects, similar to Xyon's gel. The discussion includes concerns about ingredient sourcing and the benefits of targeted topical treatments.
The efficacy of low doses of finasteride to reduce scalp DHT, and whether studies showing a 61% reduction are reflected in actual results. Replies discussed hair growth as an unintended consequence of minoxidil and finasteride use, as well as self-selective bias, potential side effects, and that studies measure effectiveness by hair count changes rather than DHT inhibition.
A user who underwent a hair transplant in Istanbul to reduce balding, and the discussion of various treatments such as finasteride and growth hormone for preventing further hair loss.
A user found that taking Zyrtec (Cetirizine) and Advil helped reduce their scalp inflammation and pain, potentially creating a better environment for hair growth. They have not used any other medication for hair loss or scalp issues.
A user suggests that a .25% topical finasteride solution could reduce scalp DHT levels without affecting bloodstream DHT levels, potentially avoiding sexual side effects. They question why a 2.5% solution was chosen and if a custom .25% solution can be ordered.
The user switched from topical Minoxidil and Finasteride to oral Finasteride and reduced testosterone, expecting to lower DHT, but instead, DHT increased and hair loss worsened. The user is seeking advice on whether to return to the previous topical treatment or if others have experienced similar issues with oral Finasteride while on TRT.
Minoxidil works by opening potassium channels, leading to reduced blood pressure and potential side effects like reflex tachycardia. It is used for hair growth and affects blood pressure at high doses.