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.
A 36-year-old man with androgenetic alopecia suspects copper and zinc deficiencies may be accelerating hair loss and is supplementing copper to address this. He is also monitoring blood sugar levels due to previous prediabetes concerns and plans to test for insulin resistance.
The user started taking zinc for a deficiency and is discussing one month of progress. They are inquiring if the observed changes indicate hair regrowth.
A user experienced excessive hair shedding after taking 17 mg of Zinc gluconate daily for acne. They are seeking advice on similar experiences and solutions.
The conversation is about a user planning to start minoxidil treatment and considering increasing zinc intake to improve testosterone and libido. They are concerned about potential hair loss due to increased testosterone and are advised to consider magnesium supplementation and the effects of DHT if not on finasteride or dutasteride.
A user experienced significant hair regrowth after 5 weeks by taking zinc, vitamin D, and biotin supplements, correcting deficiencies that were contributing to hair loss and thinning. They report a decrease in hair shedding, faster hair growth, and a thickening of their hairline without using common hair loss medications like Minoxidil or Finasteride.
The user is experimenting with a zinc sulfate and B6 topical solution called "Zix" for hair loss, alongside using a zinc oxide scalp mask and low-level laser therapy (LLLT). They report minimal hair loss after three months of use and are seeking feedback from others who have tried similar treatments.
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.
Iron and zinc vitamins helped improve hairline regrowth for someone with celiac disease. Nutrient deficiencies, like iron, can contribute to hair loss, especially around the temples.
The conversation discusses hair loss and the potential impact of zinc supplementation, with some users suggesting it might contribute to shedding. The original poster is using finasteride and considering adjusting their zinc intake and dosage of finasteride.
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.
Zinc supplements can make existing hair thicker and fuller but do not cure or slow hair loss. Long-term zinc use requires copper supplementation to avoid deficiencies.
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.