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 user has been on 1mg finasteride daily for 10 months, initially seeing great results, but started shedding heavily again at the 7-month mark. They are considering whether to continue with finasteride or switch to dutasteride.
The conversation discusses a new model for understanding androgenetic alopecia (AGA), linking it to dietary and lifestyle factors similar to PCOS, and highlighting the role of DHT, vascular damage, and inflammation. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.
Some people may not respond to topical minoxidil due to low SULT1A1 enzyme activity, but oral minoxidil can be effective. Tretinoin may enhance minoxidil's effectiveness, and some users prefer oral minoxidil despite side effects.
The user has been using topical minoxidil for over four months and finasteride for one year and two months. They are sharing progress pictures showing good results.
The user shared six months of progress using oral finasteride (1.2mg) and minoxidil (3mg) with positive results. They do not use topical minoxidil and have not experienced side effects like erectile dysfunction.
Shedding is not necessary for regrowth when using finasteride or dutasteride, as experiences vary. Some users report regrowth without shedding, while others see shedding as a positive sign of future regrowth.
The user has been using finasteride since late 2021 and added oral minoxidil in mid-2024, considering adding dutasteride for better results. Users discuss the effectiveness and side effects of these treatments, with some recommending ketoconazole shampoo for redness.
A 26-year-old male started minoxidil treatment for male-pattern baldness and saw significant regrowth in three months. He is considering finasteride but is hesitant due to potential side effects.
A user shared their 4-month progress using oral Minoxidil (3mg) and Finasteride (1.1mg) with a 0.5mm derma roller twice a week, noting visible improvement. Others congratulated and encouraged them to continue the treatment.
A 19-year-old has been using a regimen of 5% topical minoxidil and 1mg oral finasteride for three months to combat early-onset balding. The user reports some progress and plans to continue the current treatment, while others suggest considering additional treatments like dutasteride for more aggressive cases.
Diffuse thinning is often due to androgenetic alopecia, and DHT blockers like finasteride are recommended. Treatments mentioned include minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, and RU58841, with emphasis on starting early and using a holistic approach.
The conversation discusses alternatives to minoxidil for beard growth, focusing on a product called Neofollics Beard Growth Serum, which claims to be effective without using minoxidil. Concerns are raised about its ingredients and effectiveness, especially considering pet safety.
Cialis is used to manage erectile dysfunction caused by finasteride and dutasteride, with mixed results. Some users report improvement, while others consider stopping the medication due to side effects.
A 29-year-old man regained his hairline using a consistent routine of topical minoxidil and finasteride, along with pumpkin seed oil, despite experiencing side effects like low libido and ED. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and is satisfied with his progress, choosing to avoid oral treatments due to potential side effects.
A 31-year-old man with androgenic alopecia is considering treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole shampoo but is worried about finasteride's side effects. Users recommend starting with finasteride or dutasteride for DHT blocking, suggesting topical solutions to reduce side effects.
The user started oral minoxidil, finasteride, and later switched to dutasteride, also using Nutrafol, dermastamp, and ketoconazole shampoo, but experienced increased thinning with little regrowth. Others advised patience, suggesting it takes 6-18 months to see results, and noted that initial thinning is normal when switching treatments.
Using Nizoral shampoo intermittently and reassessing scalp condition after each bottle, potentially adding in other tools to target seb derm, and alternating between Pura D'Or and Nizoral for a healthy and clean scalp.
27F with androgenic alopecia since 17 seeks treatment. Tried spironolactone, caused low blood pressure; believes finasteride is safer and wants to try it.
The mechanism of Androgenic Alopecia and practical applications of treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, RU58841, dermarolling, scalp massages, anti-fungals, progesterone, estrogen, PPAR-γ activators, reducing oxidative stress, and scalp exercises. It explains why DHT is important in AA and how other factors might be involved such as hypoxia, increased DKK-1 expression, morphological changes to the scalp, skull growth during childhood/puberty, and blood flow.
Comparing the effectiveness of minoxidil 5% and adenosine 0.75% for treating male androgenetic alopecia, and measuring patient satisfaction rate; results showed that adenosine is comparable to minoxidil but provides quicker results, however availability of products with adenosine is much less than those with minoxidil.
Male Pattern Baldness, and identifying early signs of it. The treatments discussed to combat and slow balding include finasteride, dutasteride and minoxidil.
Some people have side effects from finasteride and dutasteride due to hormonal predisposition, especially if DHT dominant. Alternatives like RU58841, Pyrilutamide, and Breezula are suggested to target scalp androgen receptors without altering overall hormones.
The user has been using topical Minoxidil since April 2025 and Finasteride since September 2025, but their bald spot has worsened. They are considering switching to oral Minoxidil and have been advised to be patient, see a dermatologist, and possibly try additional treatments like derma rolling.
OP is concerned about hairline recession and was advised by dermatologists to use Minoxidil on the hairline, despite doubts about its effectiveness there. OP is unsure about not being prescribed Finasteride and is considering whether to seek it independently.
A 26-year-old male shared his six-month results using oral dutasteride (0.5 mg/day) and oral minoxidil (3.5 mg/day), noting increased density but little change in the receding hairline. Users suggested dermarolling and adding topical minoxidil for better results, while OP reported no side effects from dutasteride.
The user is considering blood tests to understand their receding hairline and is exploring brewer's yeast for its biotin content. They have been using topical Minoxidil, biotin, collagen, and microneedling, but are avoiding oral Finasteride and Dutasteride.