Potential side effects of 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. Users debate risks, benefits, and personal experiences with these hair loss treatments.
Dutasteride improved hair density and thickness in men who didn't respond to finasteride, with some experiencing transient sexual dysfunction. Users discussed switching from finasteride to dutasteride, noting initial shedding but eventual hair improvement.
Biotin supplements are not effective for hair loss unless you are actually deficient, which is rare. Some users report improved hair quality with biotin, but there's no evidence supporting its use for hair loss in healthy individuals.
Mixing 2.5mg of minoxidil powder with 150ml of water seems to eliminate its blood pressure effects, causing only a brief 20-second hypertension. The reason for this effect is unclear.
An 18-year-old experienced chest pain, headaches, and vomiting after taking oral minoxidil for hair loss. They reduced the dosage, felt better, but experienced sharp chest pain again after increasing it, and are advised to stop the medication and see a doctor.
A 40-year-old user shared their experience using finasteride and minoxidil for hair regrowth over a year, noting initial sexual side effects that improved after reducing the finasteride dosage. They also experienced scalp irritation from Rogaine, leading to reduced usage, and expressed satisfaction with the hair regrowth despite ongoing challenges.
The user is using oral minoxidil for hair growth and is considering adding topical latanoprost, but is concerned about potential eye color change. They are seeking advice on the effectiveness of latanoprost for hair thickening and the risk of eye color change.
The user shared progress on hair regrowth using 5% topical minoxidil, 2% keto shampoo, oral finasteride, and recently switched to daily dutasteride. They reported positive results without significant side effects and are hopeful for further improvement.
An 18-year-old male's successful hair regrowth after three months of using finasteride 1mg daily. He reported no side effects and other users expressed admiration and curiosity about his results.
A hair loss regime consisting of finasteride, minoxidil and microneedling that was started 4 months ago with minimal side effects reported. The user also uses Nizoral once a week.
A 25-year-old is experiencing mild hair loss and is using a regimen including scalp brushing, dermarolling, topical minoxidil, caffeine, melatonin, and a DHT-blocking shampoo. Another person shares their struggle with hair loss due to drug use and plans to start finasteride while trying to quit drugs.
Biotin supplements are considered ineffective for hair loss and are not supported by evidence. People in the conversation have mixed experiences, with some noting benefits for nails and skin but not hair, while others continue to use biotin as part of their vitamin regimen.
User is experiencing increased sebum, dandruff, and acne after taking a supplement containing biotin, iron, zinc, and calcium pantothenate along with finasteride. They are questioning if biotin is the cause and whether they should stop taking it.
Musely sells a hair topical solution containing latanoprost, which degrades in 6 weeks, yet they market it as a 3-month supply. Concerns are raised about the product's effectiveness and the company's sales strategy.
A user on finasteride for 8 months shared bloodwork results showing increased testosterone and estradiol levels, with concerns about high LH. Responses advised monitoring for symptoms but noted levels are within reference ranges.
Oral minoxidil can cause cardiovascular issues, but an extended release formulation may reduce side effects like heart rate and blood pressure spikes. This new formulation offers a safer option for those who previously had to stop due to health concerns.
A user experienced decreased free testosterone levels after three months of using finasteride, despite positive results in hair shedding reduction. They are considering switching to topical finasteride and plan to conduct further blood tests, including checking SHBG levels, to understand the hormonal changes.
The user started oral finasteride and minoxidil in November 2024, initially saw improvement, but has experienced increased shedding since April 2025. They are concerned the treatment may not be effective anymore and seek advice.
Gut microbiota significantly influences androgen metabolism, impacting hair loss treatments like finasteride. Probiotics, dietary changes, and fecal microbiota transplants may help manage DHT levels and improve hair health.
Creatine does not cause hair loss, but it may accelerate hair loss in those predisposed to male pattern baldness. Finasteride users report mixed experiences with creatine, with some noticing no change and others experiencing increased shedding.
The conversation discusses hair shedding after switching from finasteride to dutasteride for hair loss treatment. Users suggest that shedding is a common and temporary phase, with results expected in about 6 to 8 months.
Exosomes are being discussed as a potential hair loss treatment, with some users skeptical about their effectiveness and stability. There is interest in different types of exosomes, including those derived from centella asiatica, and comparisons are made to other treatments like finasteride.
The user is using minoxidil and recently started fluridil for mild hair loss and is questioning if this treatment is sufficient without finasteride. They have finasteride available but prefer not to use it.
The user has seen positive results after 16 months of using topical Finasteride/Minoxidil, microneedling weekly, and Tretinoin for hair loss. There are no reported side effects, and the user advises that the effectiveness of microneedling depends on the pressure applied.
The post and conversation are about the user's high testosterone levels and their worsening hair loss despite trying various treatments. They are considering using low doses of anti-androgens to lower their testosterone levels as a potential solution.
The user "BigBashMan" shared their progress pictures of hair regrowth after using a regimen of finasteride, minoxidil, microneedling, and Nizoral shampoo for about a year. They are happy with the results and attribute the microneedling as a potential factor for regrowth. Another user commented that they may see complete scalp coverage in another year.
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.
The user has been using oral minoxidil (5mg), finasteride (1mg), and biotin for 4 months with minimal progress in hair regrowth. Other users suggest patience, considering alternative treatments, and note that biotin may not significantly contribute unless there's a deficiency.
Biotin may strengthen existing hair and reduce hair loss, but it doesn't promote new hair growth. Some users report stronger, darker hair, while others see no benefits or experience acne.
The user is frustrated with hair loss despite using finasteride and is considering a hairpiece as a solution. Suggestions include trying a buzz cut, considering dutasteride or oral minoxidil, and addressing potential dietary issues.