A 25-year-old is using 1.25mg finasteride six times a week and 5% topical minoxidil daily for hair loss. They are experiencing reduced libido and erectile issues, possibly due to stress, and are questioning if the finasteride dosage is affecting DHT suppression.
The user reports taking high dosage oral minoxidil (10mg/day) for hair growth, which causes facial bloating. They tried using the diuretic furosemide to reduce bloating, but it was ineffective.
The user plans to lower their oral minoxidil dose from 5 mg to 2.5 mg to reduce side effects like puffiness and hypertrichosis, while also using finasteride and accutane. They are considering caffeine serums for puffiness and discussing dietary changes or switching to topical minoxidil to address bloating.
The conversation is about whether to use gloves when applying 5% RU58841 to avoid systemic absorption and if washing hands with water is sufficient. Users question the concern, noting it is applied to the scalp.
Oral minoxidil may improve hair growth, reduce arterial stiffness, and prevent other health issues. Some users believe it is an effective treatment despite concerns about its effects on skin and blood.
Oral minoxidil is generally more effective than topical minoxidil, despite higher side effect risks. Topical minoxidil can achieve higher bloodstream levels in some individuals, but effectiveness depends on conversion and scalp response.
Concerns about the long-term safety of VDPHL01, an extended-release minoxidil, due to potential risks similar to Cantu syndrome, were raised, highlighting the lack of monitoring for chronic connective tissue changes. The conversation suggests that while the treatment may improve hair growth, it could lead to issues not detected in short-term trials.
Topical dutasteride may have limited absorption due to its higher molecular mass compared to finasteride, potentially affecting its efficacy in suppressing DHT locally. Microneedling might enhance dutasteride absorption, possibly offering stronger local DHT suppression with fewer systemic effects.
A 26-year-old man who had a hair transplant and used minoxidil with good results is now experiencing shedding and considering finasteride. He's concerned about high progesterone and mild erectile dysfunction before starting the treatment.
Oral minoxidil is generally effective for hair loss but may cause side effects like heart palpitations and facial puffiness. Users highlight the importance of monitoring blood pressure due to potential cardiovascular risks.
High prolactin levels can cause hair loss, and finasteride may increase prolactin. Cabergoline or Vitamin B6 might lower prolactin, but combining them with finasteride requires caution.
A 23-year-old male is experiencing aggressive hair loss despite using 1mg finasteride and 4.5mg minoxidil, with limited progress and side effects like fluid retention. Suggestions include trying dutasteride, microneedling with topical minoxidil, and considering hair systems or a transplant in the future.
The conversation discusses the fluctuation of testosterone levels in men under 40 and the difference between serum DHT and scalp DHT. It also mentions that DHT levels are higher on Dutasteride than on Finasteride, which is unusual.
The conversation discusses using topical liposomal finasteride for hair loss, with concerns about high DHT levels. The user's DHT level is above the normal range, which may affect hair health.
The user experienced chest soreness and mild gynecomastia after taking 1mg finasteride three times a week, which resolved after stopping the medication. They are considering trying a lower dose or topical finasteride to avoid side effects.
The conversation discusses increasing the dose of oral minoxidil from 2.5mg to 5mg for better hair density, with concerns about potential side effects like heart rate changes and fluid retention. Users suggest consulting a doctor, considering individual tolerance, and exploring other treatments like dutasteride.
A user is seeing good results with RU58841 for hair loss, noting reduced shedding and thicker hair. They plan to use pumpkin seed oil as a solvent to avoid water content, which they believe reduces the effectiveness of anti-androgens.
User 1: Female, 24, prescribed 2.5mg oral minoxidil and 100mg spironolactone, asks about others' experiences. User 2: Male, 32, took oral minoxidil for a year, saw better results at 3.75mg, experienced thicker eyebrows, longer eyelashes, and longer body hair.
Oral minoxidil boosted vertex hair but not the hairline, with a stack including 5mg minoxidil, 2mg dutasteride, topical foam minoxidil, fluridil, and Nizoral. Users discuss dosing strategies, with some suggesting 2.5mg twice daily for sustained levels, while others recommend 5mg once daily based on clinical trials.
The conversation is about someone experiencing a lot of bleeding from using a 1.0mm microneedling device for hair loss treatment and asking if it's normal. Various users suggest that the bleeding is excessive and recommend using shorter needles or less pressure, while others share their own microneedling practices with different needle lengths and no bleeding.
A user shared progress pictures using 5mg oral minoxidil and 100mg spironolactone, noting increased body hair and faster nail growth. Another user humorously suggested a new sub for people with similar experiences.
Topical minoxidil can cause water retention, making the face appear swollen. Switching from liquid to foam and reducing application frequency may help; using dandelion root extract as a diuretic is also suggested.
A trans woman is using 10 mg oral minoxidil, dutasteride, and estradiol for hair regrowth and is also doing dermastamping despite the pain. Users discuss the benefits of dermastamping for serum absorption and hair follicle stimulation, with some expressing surprise at the high minoxidil dosage.
Male pattern baldness (MPB) may be an early warning sign for type 2 diabetes due to its association with insulin resistance. Treatments discussed include testosterone therapy and finasteride, which affects hormone levels related to hair loss and insulin sensitivity.
Dutasteride at 0.5mg blocks 50% of scalp DHT, while higher doses like 1mg and 2.5mg block more, with 2.5mg blocking up to 80%. Some users report better results with lower doses, and there's confusion about the effectiveness of different dosages on scalp versus serum DHT.
The user experienced severe side effects from finasteride, including panic attacks and suicidal thoughts, and is seeking alternative hair loss treatments. They have been using oral finasteride and topical minoxidil.
The conversation discusses using topical dutasteride from minoxidilmax for hair loss and the possibility of crowdfunding for DHT blood tests to check if the treatment goes systemic. The user plans to post before and after pictures.
Late 20s woman struggles with worsening hair loss and tried various treatments without success. Now trying spironolactone and ketokonazole shampoo, hoping for improvement.