Treatments used to prevent and treat male pattern baldness, the difficulty in finding a permanent cure for hair loss, and the potential financial motivations of companies not wanting to find a cure.
My hairline, I am only 23.
This conversation is about a user's experience with treatments for androgenic alopecia, including finasteride, dutasteride, RU, minoxidil, progesterone, melatonin, LLLT, oral minoxidil, and Pyrilutamide. They have tried many treatments over the course of two years without seeing much success, and they are considering getting a hair system as a last resort.
Jordan-Iliad has been using a combination of finasteride, minoxidil, stemoxydine, microneedling, saw palmetto, peppermint and jojoba oils, ketoconazole shampoo, and Purador shampoo/conditioner for 3 months to treat their hair loss with stunning results. They have also recently started taking oral minoxidil 1.25mg/day in hopes of achieving even better results over the next 3 months.
A dermatologist advised a patient to stop taking finasteride (fin) after turning 40 due to potential risk of aggressive prostate cancer. The patient and others in the conversation debated this advice, discussing the relationship between finasteride, prostate cancer, and hair loss, and considering alternatives like topical finasteride.
A user who is using a combination of oral and topical treatments, including finasteride, minoxidil, pyrilutamide, dutasteride, microneedling, and ketoconazole shampoo in order to combat hair loss. Another user gave the original poster a word of warning about overusing the ketoconazole shampoo.
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.
Minoxidil gains are typically lost after stopping its use, but some suggest finasteride or dutasteride might help retain them, though results vary. Microneedling and low-level laser therapy are mentioned as alternative treatments, but minoxidil is noted for having a more significant impact.
The user has been using finasteride for 15 months, minoxidil for 4.5 months, and estrogen monotherapy for 4.5 months. Their current regimen includes finasteride, minoxidil, alfatradiol, and estradiol gel.
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.
DHT itch's existence is debated, with some claiming it's real and others saying it's psychological. Finasteride, Ketoconazole shampoo, and addressing scalp conditions like dandruff or eczema may help reduce itchiness.
Finasteride isn't working after 8 months, and stopping minoxidil led to no regrowth. Advice includes resuming minoxidil, correcting iron deficiency, and continuing finasteride.
Breezula, a topical treatment, is anticipated to be available in the US by mid-2027 as a potential alternative to finasteride with fewer systemic side effects. There is ongoing debate about its effectiveness and some users report similar side effects to finasteride.
Finasteride is unlikely to cause a drop in testosterone; it typically increases it by preventing conversion to DHT. The testosterone level drop is likely due to timing of injections or other factors, not finasteride.
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.
Switching from finasteride to dutasteride led to hairline regression and scalp issues for some users, prompting a return to finasteride. Users reported better maintenance and regrowth with finasteride compared to dutasteride, despite using oral minoxidil throughout.
The user is considering switching from topical minoxidil to a combined oral treatment of finasteride and minoxidil for better consistency but is concerned about potential side effects like shedding, dizziness, and swelling. Another user advises that oral minoxidil should only be used under medical supervision with regular health checks and suggests using reputable brands like Pfizer's Loniten.
The user switched from finasteride to dutasteride due to a prostate condition and noticed mixed results, with some improvement in the middle hairline but worsening at the temples, while also using minoxidil. Other users shared similar experiences with shedding and emphasized the need for patience, as dutasteride can take several months to show full effects.
PP405 is criticized for overhyped claims and cherry-picked data, with doubts about its effectiveness compared to minoxidil and finasteride. Many users express skepticism, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive trial results.
Higher doses of dutasteride, such as 2.5mg, are more effective at reducing scalp DHT than 0.5mg, but are costly and inconvenient. A 1mg dose is considered a more affordable and practical option, though its efficacy is uncertain.
User shared 16-month progress using finasteride 1 mg/day and minoxidil 5% solution once/day, noting significant regrowth, especially in temporal peaks. Users discussed shedding, side effects, and positive feedback from others.
The user shared their 2-year progress using finasteride and minoxidil, with significant improvement after adding dutasteride in the last year. They advise persistence with the treatment despite initial setbacks.
The conversation discusses whether long-term use of finasteride (Fin) is harmful to the liver, with various opinions on side effects and comparisons to other substances. Specific treatments mentioned include finasteride, minoxidil (Min), and RU58841 (RU).
The user, Virtual_Force3845, shared their progress pictures after using Hims Fin/Min Spray consistently for 3-4 months. They are excited about the progress and have not experienced any side effects. Other users in the conversation shared their own experiences and asked questions about the treatment.
The user is treating male pattern baldness with oral minoxidil, ketoconazole, derma rolling, rosemary oil, and topical minoxidil, and is considering adding finasteride. They are debating between three finasteride dosing strategies: 1mg daily, 1.25mg every other day, or 1.25mg five days a week, focusing on efficacy, safety, and cost.
A user is seeking advice on obtaining oral minoxidil in Australia through telehealth services. They are considering options like Mosh and are unsure if they should mention previous use or claim it's for hypertension.
Switching from oral to topical dutasteride can cause shedding due to changes in DHT levels, and it's recommended to overlap both treatments to minimize this effect. Topical dutasteride may cause scalp irritation, and the user is considering dutasteride mesotherapy as an alternative.
The user has been taking finasteride and biotin for 80 days and is considering starting minoxidil after six months. Opinions vary, with some suggesting starting minoxidil immediately for better results, while others advise patience with finasteride.
The user has been using finasteride for 5 months and minoxidil for 9 months without results and is considering switching to dutasteride. Microneedling seems to be the only effective treatment for them so far.
Concerns about a potential finasteride ban in the EU, possibly affecting the US, are discussed. Users doubt a ban, citing its widespread use and suggest alternatives like minoxidil and dutasteride.
Topical finasteride is believed to reduce scalp DHT more than oral forms, but its effectiveness is questioned due to inconsistent application and absorption. Oral finasteride is considered more effective because it consistently reduces systemic DHT, ensuring more reliable results.