Finasteride raises total testosterone but lowers free testosterone, which is important for male health. Users report mixed experiences with their fitness levels and blood test results after using finasteride.
The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, including finasteride, minoxidil, estradiol, and spironolactone, with a focus on their effects on hair regrowth and gender transition. The original poster shares their personal experience with these treatments, emphasizing that estradiol and spironolactone should not be used by those who want to maintain a masculine appearance.
Clascoterone shows promising results for hair regrowth in men with androgenetic alopecia, with potential FDA approval by 2026. It acts as a topical androgen receptor blocker, offering a new treatment option with minimal side effects compared to existing treatments like finasteride.
Finasteride and Dutasteride are used for hair loss, with Dutasteride often in gel form for better bioavailability. Switching from Finasteride to Dutasteride is common, with some users combining treatments like Minoxidil for improved results.
The conversation discusses that dutasteride may be more effective than finasteride for frontal hair loss due to higher 5ar Type 1 enzyme activity in that area. Some users question the validity of this information, while others confirm it with additional sources.
An 18-year-old male has been taking oral finasteride 0.25 mg daily for almost four months to address hairline recession, experiencing mild sexual side effects like softer erections and lower libido. He also uses Tugain 5%, ketoconazole, and vitamins, noticing slowed shedding but no major regrowth, and seeks advice on managing side effects and hair loss.
The user is concerned about high prolactin levels and low testosterone levels after stopping finasteride for three weeks. They are considering resuming finasteride but are worried it might further increase prolactin levels.
A 24-year-old male shares his one-year progress using oral finasteride (1 mg) and minoxidil (3 mg) for hair growth, reporting positive results without significant side effects. Other users discuss their experiences with these treatments, including concerns about side effects and the importance of consulting a doctor.
Beta-sitosterol may inhibit 5-alpha reductase type 2 enzyme, potentially reducing DHT levels and promoting hair growth, similar to finasteride but possibly with fewer side effects. Its effectiveness and side effects compared to other treatments like saw palmetto and finasteride remain uncertain due to limited research.
The conversation discusses the potential use of thermal paper receipts, which contain estrogen, as a treatment for hair loss. Participants humorously debate its effectiveness compared to established treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride.
Reishi mushroom is significantly weaker than finasteride for inhibiting 5 alpha reductase, requiring much larger quantities to achieve similar effects. The effectiveness and safety of consuming large amounts of Reishi for hair loss are uncertain.
Finasteride increased libido for some users, with effects normalizing after a few weeks to months. Other treatments mentioned include Dutasteride and Minoxidil.
The conversation discusses adding finasteride (Propecia) to a liquid containing stemoxydine for hair loss treatment. The user is inquiring about the effectiveness of this combination.
Clascoterone 5% solution shows strong potential for hair growth, offering a new treatment for alopecia with minimal side effects. It blocks androgen receptors locally and may be available by late 2026 or early 2027.
A man shared his hairline improvement after two years on 1.25mg finasteride daily and using piroctone olamine shampoo. He has not had a hair transplant and does not plan to use minoxidil.
Finasteride and creatine are discussed for hair loss, with mixed opinions on creatine's impact. Some users report no hair loss with creatine, while others experience shedding, but finasteride is generally seen as effective.
Hair loss treatments discussed: Minoxidil, Finasteride, RU58841, and Spironolactone. Woman with androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata shares experience using Spironolactone.
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.
A user is considering tapering off finasteride due to concerns about long-term side effects and cost, and is exploring alternatives like zinc and saw palmetto. Their current regimen includes finasteride, Adderall, zinc, bupropion, fish oil, baby aspirin, Rogaine foam, and ketoconazole shampoo.
Pumpkin seed oil is not a substitute for minoxidil; it acts more like finasteride as a DHT blocker. Minoxidil is necessary for hair growth, and combining it with treatments like PRP or saw palmetto may be beneficial.
Hair transplants, oral finasteride, oral minoxidil, and dutasteride mesotherapy are highly effective for treating AGA hair loss. This combination can maintain and improve hair for most people, except those with very aggressive AGA.
Morr F Aqua, an alcohol-free Minoxidil, is discussed for its absorption effectiveness. Users also mention using finasteride and RU58841 for hair loss treatment.
A user is trying fluridil/topilutamide for hair loss and experiencing side effects like pain in the testicles and genital discomfort. They previously had adverse effects with finasteride, dutasteride, and RU58841, and are considering other treatments like topical dutasteride and spironolactone for maintenance before a hair transplant.
The post discusses speeding up verteporfin trials for hair loss treatment. The original poster, involved in the trials, requests help in crowdsourcing doctor emails to spread awareness and gather more support for the trials.
A 34-year-old male experienced significant hair regrowth and increased density after 20 months of using 1.25 mg of finasteride daily, with no noticeable side effects. He did not use minoxidil due to adverse effects and plans to consider adding dutasteride weekly for further improvement.
The post discusses the potential of GT20029 in treating hair loss, questioning if it will replace finasteride or be used alongside existing treatments. A reply indicates that its role is still uncertain.
The conversation discusses the impact of finasteride on sexual function, with many users reporting reduced libido and weaker erections despite continuing the treatment to prevent hair loss. Some users suggest checking hormone levels or switching to different dosages or treatments like dutasteride, while others share mixed experiences regarding the severity of side effects.
The conversation discusses treating male pattern baldness in a transgender woman using cyproterone acetate, finasteride, and biotin. The original poster shared their experience for others who might be in a similar situation.
A 24-year-old male has been using finasteride for 7 months and noticed thinning hair, especially when wet, and is concerned about the effectiveness of the treatment. Suggestions include continuing finasteride, considering minoxidil, and possibly trying micro-needling.