Male Pattern Baldness, and identifying early signs of it. The treatments discussed to combat and slow balding include finasteride, dutasteride and minoxidil.
A 20-year-old with a family history of male pattern baldness is seeking advice on using finasteride due to an allergy to minoxidil. They are considering whether to use topical or oral finasteride and what dosage to take.
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.
Melatonin is being considered as a potential treatment for androgenic alopecia, with some users discussing its effects and combining it with other treatments like minoxidil and finasteride. Concerns about melatonin's impact on hormones and side effects from other treatments like ketoconazole were also discussed.
The user experienced high liver enzyme levels, possibly due to topical finasteride or supplements, and decided to stop using finasteride while continuing minoxidil. After stopping finasteride and supplements, liver levels returned to normal, suggesting finasteride or supplements might have been the cause.
A user initially had side effects from finasteride, attributed them to anxiety and the nocebo effect, and after resuming the drug, experienced positive effects and now warns against misinformation about Post Finasteride Syndrome.
A user diagnosed with Alopecia Areata started using Litfulo (ritlecitinib), kenalog shots, and mometasone furoate 0.1%. They shaved their head and are seeking others' experiences with Litfulo.
A user's progress with using Minoxidil 5% twice daily, dermarolling 1.5mm once per week and ketoconazole 2% shampoo for 2.5 months. Other users have suggested that the user should also use finasteride in order to maintain their results.
A user experienced erectile issues after 7 months of using Finasteride and sought advice. Responses varied, with some suggesting breaks and others sharing similar side effects or dismissing concerns.
The conversation discusses natural ways to reduce cortisol, such as avoiding caffeine, getting proper sleep, syncing with the sun, walking in nature, breathing exercises, increasing calories, and not doing keto. Magnesium supplements are recommended for stress reduction.
User DeadRay9 reports good progress on finasteride and ketoconazole, with irregular microneedling. They take 1.25mg finasteride, experienced increased libido, and saw improvements at 3-5 months.
Finasteride is effective for treating male pattern baldness (MPB) with minimal side effects, and topical finasteride is similarly effective. Dutasteride is also effective but less understood, and Minoxidil is less effective than Finasteride.
A dermatologist prescribed 0.625mg of oral minoxidil daily without a DHT blocker, which some users disagree with, suggesting a combination with finasteride or dutasteride for better results. Others argue starting with a low dose of minoxidil is standard to test tolerance before considering additional treatments.
Minoxidil requires at least 6 months to show results and may not work for everyone. Combining it with Finasteride can improve outcomes, but stopping Minoxidil can result in losing any regrowth.
A user reported positive results using finasteride 1.25mg daily for six years with no side effects, highlighting early treatment benefits. Others discussed experiences with finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride, mentioning different side effects and effectiveness.
A new study suggests microneedling alone doesn't benefit male balding, but users argue the study's methods differ from common practices, like combining microneedling with minoxidil and using more frequent treatments. Some believe the study's short duration and infrequent sessions are inadequate to assess microneedling's effectiveness.
A user asks about the appropriate zinc dosage to offset side effects while taking 0.5 mg of finasteride daily. Responses suggest zinc has a minor effect on hormones compared to finasteride.
A 24 year old male struggling with the physical and mental effects of balding, being short, and having a micropenis. Suggested treatments include taking medications such as finasteride and minoxidil, lifting weights, and trying not to compare himself to others.
A custom-made serum based on double-blind studies for AGA, which includes natural ingredients such as rosemary oil, procyanidin B-2, saw palmetto extract, curcuma aeruginosa, pumpkin seed oil and castor oil. The user has updated their recipe to include apple poly procyanidin B-2 4% concentration and other ingredients before topping it off with Pura d'or serum.
The user experienced side effects commonly attributed to Finasteride without ever taking the drug, suggesting these issues may stem from other life factors. They advise considering other potential causes before blaming Finasteride for such side effects.
Dutasteride is expensive in the EU, prompting consideration of buying it from Turkey or using alternatives like finasteride, minoxidil, and bicalutamide. Users discuss challenges in obtaining prescriptions and the affordability of treatments in different regions.
A user who had FUT surgery for 2877 grafts with Dr Jerry Wong of Hasson & Wong that resulted in low growth and an abnormally wide scar, suggesting negligence by the doctor and possibly illegal behaviour by an unqualified technician. The post sparked discussion about seeking legal action, as well as criticism of the clinic's high cost.
User asks about two topical dutasteride solutions and wonders if 1% concentration is overkill compared to 0.1%. They also consider trying standard topical dutasteride before using Minoxidil.
Topical minoxidil can cause water retention, making the face appear swollen. Switching from liquid to foam and reducing application frequency may help; using dandelion root extract as a diuretic is also suggested.
A user shared their positive experience with Roots by GA, a company that creates personalized hair loss treatments based on DNA analysis, which confirmed their inability to tolerate finasteride. The user is satisfied with their progress 30 days after a hair transplant and the customized formula they received.