Oral minoxidil can cause severe side effects, including heart issues, even at low doses. Users suggest starting with a lower dose or using topical treatments to minimize risks.
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.
Many are unaware of effective male pattern baldness treatments like finasteride and minoxidil, often opting for ineffective remedies. Educating others on proven treatments and potential side effects is crucial.
User shared progress pictures after 7 months of using 0.25mg finasteride daily and 1ml minoxidil twice daily, reporting no side effects and being thrilled with the results. Other users discussed the effectiveness of lower doses and the psychological impact of 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 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.
Topical Finasteride doesn't directly reduce 5ar enzyme on scalp and has the same mechanism as oral, needing to go through the liver. Users debate the accuracy of this information and discuss various studies and experiences.
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.
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.
Microneedling does not prevent future hair transplants, but some surgeons report the skin becomes "harder" in treated areas. There is no clear evidence to confirm this effect.
A 29-year-old male in Japan is seeking advice on transitioning Finasteride brands, sourcing Finasteride and Minoxidil without a prescription, and managing chronic scalp inflammation. He is considering adding Minoxidil to his routine and is concerned about diffuse thinning and persistent scalp issues despite following a dermatologist's prescribed treatment.
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 treatments for androgenetic alopecia, focusing on evidence-based supplements to complement finasteride. Suggestions include oral minoxidil, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, tocotrienols, and various other supplements, while emphasizing the importance of scientific backing and cautioning against saw palmetto if already using finasteride.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A 21-year-old woman with female pattern baldness has tried minoxidil, red light therapy, and supplements without success. She is considering spironolactone and seeking medical advice.
The post argues that Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) is likely not real and suggests symptoms may be due to mental health issues or the nocebo effect. The conversation includes personal experiences with finasteride, highlighting both positive and negative effects, and emphasizes consulting doctors and using reliable sources for medication.
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.
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.
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 25-year-old is experiencing chronic telogen effluvium (TE) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA) after surgery, using finasteride, red light therapy, and supplements, and considering oral minoxidil despite heart concerns. They are unsure whether to start minoxidil before or after an upcoming surgery, which may trigger another hair shed.
Topical finasteride may not work for some due to incorrect application, insufficient dosage, or individual differences in skin and hair thickness. Oral finasteride and minoxidil are often more effective, with consistent application and patience being key for results.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth using oral minoxidil, finasteride, and topical dutasteride, with no side effects. They plan to continue these treatments long-term to maintain results.
A 23-year-old man started using Minoxidil for hair thinning and experienced improvement, which helped him gain the confidence to ask a girl out, resulting in a date. Other users congratulated him and discussed the importance of hair appearance in dating, with some suggesting other treatments like finasteride or hair transplants.
A 23-year-old man shared his 4-month hair regrowth progress using 1mg oral finasteride daily, 5% minoxidil with finasteride topical twice a day, multivitamins, microneedling, head massages, and ketoconazole shampoo. He's unsure of his current Norwood scale classification and is asking for help to determine it, with suggestions ranging from NW4 to NW4.5.
A 26-year-old man shared his 2.5-year hair regrowth progress using minoxidil and finasteride, initially experiencing side effects but later continuing treatment with no issues, resulting in improved hair. He lifts weights and wrestles weekly, plans to continue treatment indefinitely, and has had no hairline issues, only diffuse thinning.