Hair loss treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride, with mixed results and suggestions for combining treatments or considering hair transplants. Some users experience no improvement or side effects.
The user has been using liposomal topical finasteride since late 2022, progressively increasing the dose, but DHT serum levels remain largely unchanged. Despite using finasteride, minoxidil, microneedling, and ketoconazole, hair condition has neither improved nor worsened.
A person had a successful hair transplant in Turkey with 3200 grafts using FUE and DHI techniques, and is satisfied with the results after 9 months. They have been using finasteride for 7 years to maintain hair health.
The user experienced chronic telogen effluvium and mild male pattern baldness, treated with finasteride, oral minoxidil, and later switched to dutasteride, which stopped excessive hair shedding. Other treatments like low-level laser therapy, hair loss shampoos (except ketoconazole), and supplements were ineffective.
The conversation discusses using aromatase inhibitors with dutasteride or finasteride for hair loss, which can prevent testosterone from turning into estrogen but may lead to increased DHT and potentially make finasteride less effective. There's concern about proper dosing and side effects like gynecomastia and emotional changes.
The user is using RU58841, finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil to slow down aggressive hair loss but is still experiencing hair shedding due to high testosterone levels. They plan to use ostarine to lower testosterone and prevent hair loss while maintaining muscle mass, and will continue using the other treatments.
The user has been using 0.5 mg dutasteride and 2.5 mg oral minoxidil for a year, recently adding microneedling and topical minoxidil, with some improvement but the crown remains the weakest area. Consistency and realistic expectations are advised, as progress is slow and coverage is challenging with fine hair.
A sugar gel called 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR) shows potential for promoting hair regrowth by increasing blood supply to hair follicles, similar to Minoxidil, but its effectiveness in humans is unproven. It may benefit those who don't tolerate Minoxidil, but it is not a replacement for treatments like Finasteride or RU58841.
A 23-year-old male has been using oral dutasteride and minoxidil for 1.5 years for temple recession, adding topical minoxidil and tretinoin 5-6 months ago, and recently adjusted thyroid medication and added iron supplements due to deficiencies. He noticed some baby hairs but no significant growth yet, and reports no shedding on dutasteride.
The conversation discusses the potential of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, like oleic and linoleic acid, as an additional treatment for hair loss, which may inhibit the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT and promote hair growth. Users humorously suggest using oils topically and discuss other hair loss treatments, but the main focus is on the science behind fatty acids and their role in hair health.
Minoxidil may inhibit collagen synthesis at high concentrations, with anecdotal reports of skin aging but limited research. Dermatologists and other specialists show little interest in studying minoxidil's side effects.
Pyrilutamide is a selective AR antagonist with a high binding affinity, making it effective in competing with DHT for androgen receptors. The 1% concentration is more effective than the 0.5%, but the latter may suffice for mild hair loss; the drug is considered a good option for those avoiding 5AR blockers due to side effects.
Enhancing minoxidil effects can involve using penetration enhancers like DMSO, urea, or retinol, and methods like dermarolling and adding substances like biotin and L-carnitine tartrate. Some users suggest trying higher concentrations of minoxidil if lower percentages are ineffective.
A user has been taking finasteride for 5 months with no improvement in diffuse hair loss and suspects high levels of prolactin, cortisol, progesterone, and DHEAS, as well as iron, might be contributing to the issue. They are also taking vitamin D to address a deficiency.
Finasteride is helping regrow hair in previously thinning areas, and the user plans to add minoxidil to enhance results. The user is considering increasing the finasteride dose to 1mg daily for better outcomes.
Minoxidil sulfate is more effective than regular minoxidil, especially for those with low sulfotransferase levels or scalp sensitivity, but it is unstable unless delivered in a liposomal format. Combining minoxidil with tretinoin can enhance effectiveness, and stopping minoxidil use can lead to rapid hair loss.
Finasteride and its effects on hair loss, with discussions on the role of estradiol and estrogen. Users debate whether increased estrogen from DHT blockers contributes to hair regrowth, with concerns about potential side effects like chemical castration.
The user switched from finasteride and topical minoxidil to dutasteride and oral minoxidil, experiencing some hair shedding but maintaining hair quality. Suggestions include increasing oral minoxidil dosage, considering a hair transplant, and using dermarolling, while some users recommend stopping treatment altogether.
Some hair loss may be linked to chromosome 20, which isn't affected by DHT blockers like finasteride. Treatments like minoxidil, microneedling, and genetic testing are suggested, but their effectiveness for this type of hair loss is uncertain.
Using Megatek with minoxidil significantly increases hair growth, especially vellus hairs, but is less effective alone. Biotin and ketoconazole shampoo are also used to support hair health.
Tazarotene may be more effective than tretinoin when combined with topical minoxidil for hair loss due to its selective binding to RAR-beta and gamma, though it can cause irritation. Tazarotene's potency can lead to indirect inflammatory reactions despite potentially causing less irritation than tretinoin.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth using finasteride and dutasteride, with noticeable results after switching to dutasteride. Minoxidil was deemed unnecessary due to the restoration of the hairline and lack of hair follicles in bald spots.
The conversation discusses DIY cosmetic procedures like PRP, mesotherapy, and micro-needling, with some users experimenting with Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841 for hair loss. It highlights a community of mostly older women performing these treatments themselves.
A 24-year-old male is increasing his dutasteride dosage from 0.5mg to 1mg daily due to continued hair thinning despite using finasteride, dutasteride, and topical minoxidil. Another user suggests trying oral minoxidil for potentially better results.
The conversation discusses using propanediol as an alternative to glycerin in PG-free minoxidil for better absorption. The user also plans to try nanoxidil, which may absorb more easily due to its smaller molecule size.
Alfatradiol is used by some for hair loss, often alongside treatments like finasteride, RU58841, and minoxidil, but its effectiveness is unclear. Some users report no significant improvement, while others note reduced sebum production but experience side effects like gallbladder pain.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth and improved hair volume after 4 months of using oral dutasteride (0.5 mg) and minoxidil (2.5 mg) daily, eliminating the need for a second hair transplant. The user is now satisfied with the results and feels more confident.