Potential side effects of 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. Users debate risks, benefits, and personal experiences with these hair loss treatments.
Hair loss theory suggests imbalance between Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) and Androgen Receptor (AR) activation. Proposed treatment includes upregulating VDR, downregulating AR, and improving mitochondrial health.
Minoxidil and finasteride are the main effective treatments for hair loss. RU58841 is discussed as a potential option but has concerns about safety and side effects.
Finasteride and dutasteride are discussed as preventative treatments for hair loss, with some advocating for early use and others concerned about side effects, especially before full maturity. Many regret not starting these treatments earlier due to their effectiveness in preventing or slowing hair loss.
DHT is important for sexual function and mood, but finasteride and dutasteride can reduce DHT, causing side effects like reduced libido and erectile dysfunction. These treatments are effective for hair loss, but their impact on DHT leads to debate.
PP405 and ABS-201 are promising treatments for male pattern baldness. PP405 shows rapid hair growth in human trials, while ABS-201 shows significant regrowth in animal studies but is still in early human trials.
ABS-201, a prolactin receptor blocker, shows promise in reversing hair loss and graying, with early success in macaques. Current treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841 are still widely used, but new options like PP405 are eagerly anticipated.
Hair loss treatments like Minoxidil, finasteride, and stem cell therapies exist, but a complete cure is hindered by genetic complexity and market dynamics. Cloning hair follicles is considered a potential solution, but it's currently not feasible.
DHT affects hair follicles, contributing to hair loss, but the exact mechanism is unclear. Treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss, though they may have side effects and varying effectiveness.
Finasteride can help maintain hair and slow hair loss, but its effectiveness varies by individual. Some may switch to dutasteride or add minoxidil for better results, though side effects are a concern.
Concerns about the long-term effects of dutasteride and finasteride on fertility, with discussions on cycling these medications to mitigate risks. The conversation highlights skepticism about study methodologies and the importance of weighing treatment risks against potential fertility issues.
Finasteride may affect neurosteroids, impacting mood and sexual function, with varied user experiences. Some report side effects like depression and sexual dysfunction, while others find it effective for hair retention or prefer alternatives like Dutasteride or topical treatments.
The user is experiencing increased hair loss despite using finasteride and oral minoxidil and is hesitant to switch to dutasteride due to side effects and family planning concerns. Alternatives suggested include dutasteride, microneedling, and addressing stress or nutrient deficiencies.
A user shared progress pictures after 9 months on finasteride, starting with 0.25 mg and increasing to 0.5 mg daily, noting improved hair density, especially at the crown, with initial side effects that resolved after the first month. The discussion includes user experiences with finasteride, concerns about side effects, and alternative treatments like rosemary oil and platelet-rich plasma therapy.
Some users experience worsening hair loss with dutasteride, while others improve after initial shedding. Many switch back to finasteride due to better results or fewer side effects, often using minoxidil and topical treatments.
Finasteride is seen as risky for men due to side effects like erectile dysfunction, while hormonal birth control for women is normalized despite its side effects. The discussion points out a double standard influenced by societal and gender norms.
Dutasteride and finasteride may temporarily affect semen quality but are unlikely to cause permanent infertility. The Kim et al. study is criticized for poor methodology, and many prefer hair retention over potential fertility concerns, using treatments like dutasteride, finasteride, and minoxidil.
Dutasteride may cause chronic infertility by reducing semen volume and motility, with concerns about irreversible prostate fibrosis. Users consider switching to finasteride or using treatments like minoxidil and microneedling, weighing hair preservation against fertility.
A humorous discussion on hair loss, suggesting girlfriend ASMR might counteract finasteride's effects, with a proposed experiment involving finasteride, ASMR, and control groups. Participants joke about evolutionary theories, ASMR, and the effects of DHT on balding.
The user reported positive hair regrowth after 5 months using Minoxidil, red light therapy, and lifestyle changes, including dietary improvements and stress reduction. They chose natural supplements like saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol over pharmaceutical DHT inhibitors like finasteride.
A 24-year-old user shared their 3-month progress using a topical spray containing 0.3% finasteride and 6% minoxidil, along with dermarolling and Nizoral shampoo, reporting reduced shedding and signs of hair regrowth. They emphasized consistency in their routine and noted no side effects, expressing optimism about future results.
Finasteride can affect sperm quality, but fertility usually returns after stopping it, as shown by a user who conceived four months after discontinuation. Some users successfully conceive while on finasteride, though some prefer to pause its use to minimize risks.
The user experienced hair loss after initially gaining hair with minoxidil and is now using dutasteride and oral minoxidil alongside topical minoxidil, hoping to regain lost hair. There is uncertainty about the effectiveness of these treatments, with some users suggesting that blocking DHT might help, while others express skepticism about regrowth.
The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.
Androgenetic alopecia is caused by DHT affecting hair growth. Finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss by blocking DHT and promoting hair growth.
A 23-year-old male has been using Dutasteride for over two years to address hair thinning, with some success in temple regrowth but continued thinning on top. He is considering adding Minoxidil to his routine and is contemplating lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and drinking to improve hair density.
A 17-year-old experiencing hair loss is using Minoxidil but is hesitant about Finasteride due to potential side effects. Others recommend Finasteride for its effectiveness and suggest alternatives like vitamins and derma rollers.
Being overweight may increase finasteride side effects due to higher aromatase activity converting testosterone to estradiol. Maintaining a healthy weight could reduce these side effects.
Dutasteride takes 1-3 months to affect scalp DHT levels, not just a week. The prostate absorbs Dutasteride faster than the scalp due to different vascular networks and enzyme densities.
A user shared their experience with finasteride for hair loss, noting it slowed but didn't stop their hair loss, and they quit after 1.5 years. Suggestions included trying dutasteride, adding minoxidil, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.