Potential side effects of 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. Users debate risks, benefits, and personal experiences with these hair loss treatments.
User's 2-month progress with hair loss treatment includes Ket 3x a week, Min 2x a day, Dut 0.5 every other day, Vit D 125mcg daily, and PRP once a month. Users discuss treatment effectiveness, side effects, and alternative solutions.
The conversation discusses the side effects of finasteride, including low libido and erectile dysfunction, and the possibility of these effects being permanent, known as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Some users report personal experiences with PFS and debate whether the condition is real, with varying opinions on the reversibility of side effects and the role of individual biology.
Oral minoxidil is considered a safe and effective treatment for hair loss at low dosages, with minimal cardiac risks. Users report positive results, though some experience side effects like increased heart rate and skin changes, and consulting a doctor is advised.
Minoxidil may cause wrinkles and dark circles, which some users report can be mitigated by adjusting dosage. Reactions vary, and while some dismiss these side effects, others experience significant changes.
The conversation is about finding sea salt sprays, volumizing powders, and waxes for hair styling and thickness, specifically available in or shippable to New Zealand. The user seeks affordable options for these hair products.
Sea salt spray may not be ideal for thinning hair, and alternatives like texture powder, thickening tonic, and styling clay are suggested for volume without damage. Some users recommend thickening sprays or mousse for a fuller appearance, while others suggest considering medication for hair loss.
A user shared their positive experience with hair transplants by Dr. Craig Barton, having undergone two surgeries totaling 3,600 grafts for $12,000. They have been using finasteride and dutasteride for maintenance but stopped using minoxidil due to shedding issues.
Lighting and camera angles can greatly affect the appearance of hair thickness in photos. Consistent conditions are crucial for tracking progress, and treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride can show results in about 6-8 months.
A questionable paper which suggests that 5% topical spironolactone is more effective than 0.1% topical finasteride for treating hair loss. It should be taken with a grain of salt due to the journal it was published in.
OP is seeking recommendations for thickening tonics and decides to try Aveda thickening tonic after a suggestion. Another user recommends hair powder as an alternative.
A user is concerned about taking evening primrose oil alongside finasteride and minoxidil due to its potential effects on hormonal balance and DHT inhibition. They seek advice on whether to continue the supplement or if their worries are unfounded.
Be skeptical of claims about new baldness cures; current treatments like finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil remain the best options. New products like Breezula and PP405 lack compelling evidence and may not be available soon.
The conversation discusses using topical cetirizine as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia (hair loss). Specific treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.
Hair thickness can fluctuate while on finasteride, possibly due to product overuse or other factors like health or hormones. The user experienced a significant thinning in November 2025 but noticed improvement since then.
A user is anxious about shedding after starting oral finasteride and topical minoxidil, noting about 250 hairs lost after washing. Responses suggest that shedding is common with these treatments, especially with curly hair, and that it often peaks around 8-10 weeks before improving.
Intermittent fasting may suppress hair follicle regeneration, but opinions vary on its impact on hair loss. Some users report no negative effects or even hair improvement while using treatments like finasteride and minoxidil.
Spironolactone and finasteride are not recommended for women planning pregnancy due to birth defect risks. Both need to be stopped months before conception, and finasteride is generally not advised for women.
A user developed AI software to simulate hair transplants on photos, helping people visualize potential results. The tool offers photo-realistic renderings but advises caution regarding exact outcomes due to various factors.
Finasteride may affect prostate sensation and size, with some users reporting easier urination. Concerns exist about prostate shrinkage even at lower doses.
The user experienced hairline improvement using microneedling once a month with a 12-pin set at 1.5-2.0mm and taking Tru Niagen, alongside a heavily modified diet. They attribute the slow hairline improvement to environmental factors, particularly diet, rather than solely genetic factors.
The conversation is about creating a natural hair loss topical using ingredients like cetirizine, Zinc Sulphate Heptahydrate, Safflower Extract, Ricinoleic Acid, and others. The user is seeking input and collaboration on this topical formula.
The user has been using Minoxidil for 4 years and recently added a derma pen and Trinov to their regimen, but results are inconclusive after 3 months. Some users suggest Trinov is ineffective and recommend alternatives like Clascoterone (Breezula) for better results.
The conversation discusses concerns about brain fog potentially caused by finasteride use, with some users sharing personal experiences of cognitive issues and others suggesting it might be paranoia or unrelated. The original poster decides to stop using finasteride to see if their cognitive function improves.
Hair cell therapy and follicle cloning are still in experimental stages, with treatments like hair multiplication and regenerative hair therapy being marketed but not yet proven to create unlimited new follicles. There is skepticism about the effectiveness and legitimacy of these treatments, with some considering them scams.
Minoxidil can cause dry, stiff hair, making styling difficult. Users suggest applying it hours before styling, using light styling products, and not washing hair daily to manage dryness.
A 21-year-old male experienced significant hair regrowth and thickening after eight months of using 2.5 mg oral minoxidil and 1 mg oral finasteride, along with keto shampoo and micro stamping. He reported no side effects and noted that improvements were most noticeable in months 7-8, particularly at the hairline and corners.