Hair loss discussion involving finasteride's side effects and effectiveness. Users shared mixed experiences, with some reporting side effects and others seeing positive results.
A user reports significant hair density increase and new growth at the temples after two months of using finasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole, dermarolling, MK-677, zinc, and vitamin D3, with shedding stopping a week ago. They recently added MK-677 to their regimen.
A 20-year-old male is unsure how to interpret his bloodwork results and whether he should take finasteride for hair loss. His bloodwork shows borderline high levels of albumin and testosterone, and high progesterone, but normal levels of other hormones.
Topical finasteride may have higher systemic absorption and lower efficacy when using a Propylene Glycol/Ethanol formulation compared to the hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCH) formulation. The safety profile of topical finasteride relies heavily on the HPCH formulation, and using standard solutions might lead to different pharmacokinetics.
The user has low testosterone and DHT levels and is considering taking finasteride for Norwood 2 hair loss with diffuse thinning. They are seeking advice on whether low DHT indicates high sensitivity to DHT in the scalp and opinions on their lab values.
Hair loss treatments discussed include microneedling, minoxidil, tretinoin, finasteride, dutasteride, pumpkin seeds, saw palmetto, and scalp massage. The consensus is that finasteride or dutasteride is necessary for significant regrowth, while other methods may only slow hair loss.
A user experienced severe sexual side effects and man boobs after 11 months of finasteride use, despite initial positive results for hair growth. They are discontinuing finasteride and caution others about potential risks, suggesting that side effects may be more common than reported.
Switching from finasteride and minoxidil to dutasteride and minoxidil can potentially lead to over 40% improvement in hair thickness in some cases, especially in young individuals who have plateaued after initial success. Generally, a 20% improvement is expected after six months.
The conversation is about hair loss treatments, focusing on minoxidil and finasteride, with suggestions for microneedling and dermarolling to improve hair thickness. The original poster has used minoxidil for four years and finasteride for over a year but is exploring additional options for better results.
A user suggests that a .25% topical finasteride solution could reduce scalp DHT levels without affecting bloodstream DHT levels, potentially avoiding sexual side effects. They question why a 2.5% solution was chosen and if a custom .25% solution can be ordered.
Spironolactone is more potent and lowers testosterone and DHT, while dutasteride only impacts DHT. For female hair loss, checking hormones and considering treatments like oral minoxidil, spironolactone, or topical minoxidil is recommended.
Finasteride worked better for frontal scalp hair loss, while dutasteride helped the crown and mid-scalp but worsened the frontal area. The user shared personal experiences and invited open dialogue.
The user achieved thicker hair using finasteride and minoxidil tablets daily, along with derma rolling twice a week. No side effects were reported, and noticeable improvements were seen after switching from topical to oral treatments.
The user experienced sexual side effects after starting finasteride and later switched to dutasteride, noticing hormonal changes. They are considering using P5P and possibly aromatase inhibitors to manage high prolactin and estradiol levels.
Minoxidil's effectiveness is limited by the need for sulfation and proper transport to hair follicles, with tretinoin potentially enhancing its effects by promoting enzyme activity and keratinocyte differentiation. Tretinoin may improve minoxidil's response by boosting the expression of necessary enzymes and transporters.
Finasteride works by reducing DHT, which helps stop hair miniaturization. The user is on finasteride and believes it works due to its effect on growth factors and DHT reduction.
Dutasteride is safer than finasteride for long-term use, with fewer sexual side effects. Users experience better hair regrowth and fewer side effects with dutasteride.
The "DHT itch" is real and likely due to inflammation at the hair follicle, exacerbated by increased testosterone or androgens. Treatments mentioned include dutasteride, minoxidil, finasteride, and various topical solutions.
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 seeking a stronger treatment than Dutasteride (DUT) for hair loss. Suggestions include combining DUT with RU58841, increasing DUT dosage, and using transgender hormone replacement therapy or testosterone blockers, though some options may have feminizing side effects.
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.
Discussing results, side effects and potential sources of pyrilutamide for hair loss treatment alongside RU58841 and other treatments such as Minoxidil and finasteride.
Hair regrowth in transfems is more effective due to hormonal changes, specifically estrogen, which keeps hair in growth phase longer. Treatments mentioned include anti-androgens, sex hormones, and DHT blockers like finasteride.
A 40 year old male using Dutasteride every other day, Minoxidil once daily, micro needling roughly every other week, Nizoral twice a week and taking vitamins and biotin, with results showing hair darkening. The conversation includes discussion of side effects experienced by the user, as well as potential alternative treatments such as finasteride or RU58841.
A woman experiencing hormonal hair loss is on dutasteride and bicalutamide, which initially improved her hair, but she is now experiencing a second shedding phase with significant short hair loss. Despite normal hormone levels and no deficiencies, she is unsure if this shedding is normal and seeks advice.
Baby hairs can mature with long-term DHT reduction, and Minoxidil can aid this process. Dutasteride mesotherapy is effective and preferable to oral pills, as it directly targets tissues.
The conversation discusses the effectiveness of using 2.5 mg Dutasteride daily versus combining 0.5 mg Dutasteride with 150 mg RU58841 for reducing scalp DHT. Opinions vary, with some users recommending lower doses of Dutasteride and cautioning against RU58841 due to potential side effects.
A 17-year-old is concerned that taking finasteride might affect facial bone growth and is considering switching to topical finasteride due to its reduced systemic effects. They are also using oral minoxidil and exploring other hair loss treatments like microneedling and ketoconazole shampoo.
The conversation discusses the effectiveness of different concentrations and dosages of topical finasteride on scalp and serum DHT levels, comparing it to oral finasteride and noting the side effects seem to be fewer at lower dosages. Participants shared experiences and referenced a chart indicating similar scalp DHT reduction with 0.025% topical finasteride as with 1mg oral finasteride, but with fewer side effects.
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.