The post and conversation are about a user's 6-month progress using topical dutasteride, 8% minoxidil, tretinoin, 2% ketoconazole shampoo, microneedling, oral finasteride, pumpkin seed oil, Vitamin D3, a men's multivitamin, rosemary oil, and 5% minoxidil foam for hair loss treatment.
Potential side effects of 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. Users debate risks, benefits, and personal experiences with these hair loss treatments.
The user has been using a combination of finasteride and minoxidil for 5 months and is considering adding dutasteride due to slow progress. They plan to alternate between oral finasteride and dutasteride to save costs and are advised to continue the treatment for more time, possibly adding tretinoin, while considering a hair transplant if results remain unsatisfactory.
A user who shaved their head two years ago and has since regrown it via Minoxidil, dermarolling, and finasteride with no negative side effects; and the encouragement from other users to take the leap and try these treatments.
Topical finasteride is less popular due to inconvenience, cost, and availability, while oral finasteride is favored for ease and safety. Some users experience side effects with topical use, but find it effective with minoxidil, though opinions on its efficacy vary.
Creatine may increase scalp DHT without affecting serum DHT, potentially speeding up male pattern baldness (MPB) for those genetically prone. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.
The FDA warned that topical finasteride can cause serious side effects like sexual dysfunction and brain fog, similar to oral finasteride. Compounded topical formulations pose additional risks due to lack of regulation.
User is on vacation in Greece and wants to buy tretinoin or isotretinoin to improve Minoxidil absorption. They are considering isotretinoin since it is available over-the-counter in Greece but requires a prescription back home.
The conversation discusses natural DHT blockers like rice bran oil, which may reduce 5α-reductase activity similarly to Minoxidil and Dutasteride. One user argues that finasteride is more reliable and effective than natural alternatives.
The user shared progress pictures after using finasteride and minoxidil for 6 months, expressing increased confidence. One user suggested using glasses with stronger prescription.
PP405 might take 3-4 years to be available, but some claim Everychem offers a similar product, though its effectiveness is debated. Users discuss the risks of using untested grey market products and the potential for adverse effects.
Finasteride and minoxidil use resulted in a more youthful appearance and improved skin. There is debate about their effects on collagen and skin aging, with no solid evidence supporting significant changes due to finasteride.
Increased Malassezia and Cutibacterium in the scalp microbiome are linked to higher sebum production and inflammation in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Treatments include ciclopirox shampoo, benzoyl peroxide shampoo, clobetasol propionate, calcipotriol, minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride.
The user has been microneedling for 4 weeks and using treatments like minoxidil and eclipta alba oil, seeing positive but slow results. They are considering peppermint oil as a potentially more effective alternative to minoxidil.
Switching from topical to oral minoxidil due to scalp irritation and unsatisfactory results, while also seeking cheaper options in the U.S. Oral minoxidil is generally favored for its effectiveness and fewer application downsides, with CostPlusDrugs and GoodRx offering affordable prices.
A 30-year-old male has been on finasteride/dutasteride for 3 years, with stable but still receding hairline, and blood tests showing high total testosterone but normal DHT and free testosterone levels. Despite challenges in gaining muscle, he maintains a good physique with a consistent lifting routine and recently improved results with creatine.
Younger generations now view receding hairlines as baldness, increasing the use of treatments like minoxidil and finasteride. Social media and changing beauty standards have intensified focus on hairlines, altering perceptions of baldness.
A user's 18-month hairline progress using minoxidil, finasteride, Nizoral, microneedling, and scalp massage. They share their routine and discuss treatment effectiveness and photo order confusion.
The conversation discusses a personal theory on the role of DHT in stress and reproduction, suggesting it converts testosterone for reproductive traits. The discussion includes skepticism and mentions individual differences in physiology and neurochemistry.
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.
Clascoterone (CB) shows an excellent safety profile with no serious side effects, but its effectiveness may decline after six months, making it more suitable as an adjunct treatment with finasteride and minoxidil rather than a standalone solution. Some argue it could be better than finasteride due to its protection against testosterone, but its long-term efficacy remains debated.
The conversation discusses using a microneedling device on the face after using it on the scalp, with suggestions to use a depth of 0.2mm for facial treatments. Caution and proper sterilization are advised due to the sensitivity of facial skin.
Results for PP405 are expected next year, with concerns about its pricing and potential black market availability. Some users believe it may be slightly more effective than finasteride and dutasteride, and combining it with treatments like minoxidil and microneedling could be beneficial.
Dutasteride's half-life varies with dosage, and lower doses can be effective with fewer side effects compared to finasteride. Some users report different side effects with dutasteride and finasteride, and extreme dosages of dutasteride are unnecessary and potentially harmful.
The conversation discusses how the absorption rate of topical finasteride varies and is not equivalent to its oral form, with only a small percentage reaching the scalp. It also mentions that minoxidil in high concentrations is used topically because only a small amount is absorbed.
Finasteride can reduce DHT in the genitalia, potentially causing side effects like reduced erections and penile fibrosis. Using PDE5 inhibitors like Tadalafil or Sildenafil may help maintain penile health and prevent fibrosis.
User spent 23 years on Finasteride with side effects like weight gain and reduced libido. Switched to topical Finasteride, side effects reduced and waiting for results.