Isotretinoin and tretinoin are different; isotretinoin can cause hair loss and has more side effects. Tretinoin may affect minoxidil absorption, and users suggest waiting before applying minoxidil.
Choose a knowledgeable dermatologist to avoid ineffective treatments for hair loss. Finasteride, dutasteride, and oral minoxidil are more effective than topical versions and supplements like zinc and biotin are not helpful for balding.
A 20-year-old female with PCOS is experiencing hair loss and excessive facial hair. She is using ketoconazole and caffeine shampoos, microneedling, and considering anti-androgens like finasteride, but is cautious about minoxidil due to facial hair concerns.
Dutasteride is praised for improving skin and hair regrowth, with fewer side effects than finasteride. Users report mixed results on shedding and regrowth, with some experiencing enhanced libido and skin quality.
A 23-year-old trans male is concerned about hair loss and is considering treatments like topical and oral minoxidil and finasteride. They are worried about the effects on their pet and hormone balance and are seeking affordable options within their existing medical team.
Minoxidil can cause scalp flaking and dryness, often due to its alcohol content. Switching to foam minoxidil or using antifungal shampoos like Ketoconazole may help reduce these side effects.
The user experienced worsening hair loss despite using oral minoxidil, finasteride, and topical minoxidil for nine months. They are considering switching to dutasteride and reducing ketoconazole shampoo due to its drying effects.
Minoxidil with alcohol and propylene glycol was more effective than non-alcohol versions, and RU58841 worked best in a non-water-based solution. Oral finasteride showed better results than topical, despite side effects; microneedling and tretinoin worsened hair loss, and PRP was only helpful when younger.
The user experienced male pattern baldness starting at 18, tried finasteride with no success, and switched to dutasteride, which halted hair loss. Minoxidil had no effect for them, while their brother, who didn't use AR inhibitors, maintained a juvenile hairline and successfully grew a beard with minoxidil, highlighting the unpredictable nature of genetics in hair loss and treatment response.
The user shaved their head and is using finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss, expressing confidence in the process despite challenges. They are considering additional treatments like microneedling and are open to trying different looks, including facial hair growth.
A user encouraged others experiencing hair loss to try shaving their heads, sharing their own positive experience despite briefly using finasteride and natural methods. Responses were mixed, with some supporting the decision and others suggesting treatments like minoxidil and finasteride, while many commented on the appearance changes.
A 22-year-old male has been using oral finasteride for a year with no improvement in hair loss and was denied dutasteride by a dermatologist due to FDA approval issues but was prescribed oral minoxidil instead. The user is seeking advice on whether to switch to dutasteride, continue finasteride, or add minoxidil.
The user reports significant hair density improvement after 8.5 months of using finasteride, with no side effects except for initially watery semen. They also mention increased sex drive, which they attribute to finasteride, and regret not starting the treatment earlier due to fear of side effects.
Some users of RU-58841 report cardiovascular symptoms like heart palpitations and chest tightness, which may be linked to its metabolites causing lung disease. The safety of RU-58841 is uncertain due to lack of long-term data and concerns about product purity, especially from gray market sources.
People discuss using Tretinoin for both skin anti-aging and improving hair loss treatments. They mention combining Tretinoin with Minoxidil to enhance its effectiveness for hair growth.
Bryan Johnson uses a custom hair loss treatment that includes topical finasteride, minoxidil, azelaic acid, diclofenac, tea tree oil, rosemary oil, ginkgo biloba, biotin, and melatonin, which have shown varying degrees of effectiveness with minimal side effects. He also undergoes PRP and laser therapy, and has tried dutasteride mesotherapy.
Hair loss can begin in early adolescence and cause mental anguish. Treatments mentioned include eating cruciferous vegetables, engaging in physical activity, and maintaining scalp hygiene.
A 28-year-old male diagnosed with Male Pattern Baldness is using finasteride 1mg and asking if it's sufficient without minoxidil, PRP, or multivitamins. The advice given is to continue with finasteride and assess results after a year before considering additional treatments.
The potential effectiveness of homemade topical spironolactone in treating hair loss, with studies suggesting it is more effective than finasteride and even minoxidil when used as monotherapy. The conversation also mentions that other anti-androgens are being developed which may soon hit the market.
User shares positive experience with Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Minoxidil for hair loss treatment. Others discuss personal experiences and hair loss impact on self-esteem and appearance.
An 18-year-old diagnosed with male pattern baldness is using probiotics, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, soy isoflavones, biotin, fish oil, quercetin, a multivitamin, and ketoconazole shampoo. Replies suggest these methods are ineffective and recommend finasteride, minoxidil, and a derma roller.
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.
A user is considering starting finasteride after quitting minoxidil due to scalp inflammation, despite ongoing hair shedding and a worsening crown area. Another user suggests taking finasteride in the morning to minimize focus on potential side effects like slightly decreased libido.
Topical Clascoterone showed a 539% improvement in hair count compared to placebo, but its effectiveness and safety are debated. Users compared it to minoxidil and finasteride, with mixed opinions on its potential release in 2026 or 2027.
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.
Oleic acid and microneedling are being explored for hair regrowth, but results are mixed. Addressing DHT and fibrosis is crucial, with treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and scalp massage also discussed.
Finasteride users may have an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, though some attribute these issues to hair loss itself. The link between finasteride and mental health effects is debated, with varying user experiences.
Stopping dutasteride for a year caused significant hair loss, and resuming it with oral minoxidil led to only partial recovery. Users discuss treatments like finasteride, microneedling, and RU58841, noting mixed results and side effects.
The conversation humorously suggests that drug use might be more effective for hair retention than traditional treatments like minoxidil or finasteride. It attributes full heads of hair in homeless individuals to lifestyle factors like reduced stress or hormonal changes.