Potential side effects of 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. Users debate risks, benefits, and personal experiences with these hair loss treatments.
A user shared their hair loss journey, starting treatments with topical minoxidil and finasteride at 17, and later adding oral versions and dutasteride by age 20, but still experiencing hair loss. Others suggested that the treatments have likely slowed the progression, and some recommended considering a hair transplant or adjusting medication, while expressing concerns about the potential side effects of starting such treatments at a young age.
A user successfully regrew hair using oral finasteride (1mg daily for 3 years) and topical minoxidil (5% twice daily for 15 years) with no side effects. They highlighted the importance of consistency and patience, crediting finasteride for significant hair improvement.
The user experienced worsening hair thinning despite using finasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole shampoo, and switched to dutasteride five months ago. They are considering adding tretinoin and microneedling to their routine for better results.
Breezula offers modest hair growth similar to finasteride and is expected to be available by late 2026. It is a safe alternative without hormonal side effects and works well with minoxidil.
Finasteride changed the user's hair texture from wavy to curly, reverting after stopping. Minoxidil was more effective for temple hair regrowth than finasteride.
A user stopped oral finasteride after 7 years due to decreased libido and switched to topical finasteride and minoxidil. Others shared similar experiences and discussed alternatives like dutasteride and topical treatments.
A woman experienced significant hair regrowth after six months of using dutasteride and minoxidil, despite initial hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia. She reported minimal side effects and highlighted the effectiveness of these treatments for women, despite doctors' hesitancy to prescribe them.
Many delay hair loss treatment due to lack of awareness, denial, or fear of side effects. Treatments like finasteride, minoxidil (oral and topical), and hair transplants are discussed, with mixed results and concerns about side effects.
A user shared progress pictures after 9 months on finasteride, starting with 0.25 mg and increasing to 0.5 mg daily, noting improved hair density, especially at the crown, with initial side effects that resolved after the first month. The discussion includes user experiences with finasteride, concerns about side effects, and alternative treatments like rosemary oil and platelet-rich plasma therapy.
Significant hair growth was achieved using Minoxidil 5% and dermarolling twice a week, with suggestions to add finasteride for maintenance. There is debate on when to apply Minoxidil after dermarolling to avoid irritation.
A user reversed hair loss using 10% sulfur soap, which reduced scalp inflammation and possibly demodex mites. The user did not use finasteride or minoxidil, suggesting inflammation may contribute to hair loss.
An 18-year-old shares their successful hair regrowth journey using finasteride 1mg daily, topical minoxidil twice a day (mixed with tretinoin 0.025% at night), ketoconazole shampoo 2-3 times a week, and occasional dermarolling. They report no side effects and emphasize the importance of consistency and early intervention.
Increased Malassezia and Cutibacterium in the scalp microbiome are linked to higher sebum production and inflammation in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Treatments include ciclopirox shampoo, benzoyl peroxide shampoo, clobetasol propionate, calcipotriol, minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride.
A woman is concerned about her husband's hair thinning and researches treatments like finasteride and minoxidil. He decides against medication due to potential side effects and plans to shave his head if necessary.
A user regrets not starting finasteride earlier for hair loss, noticing significant crown thinning by age 30. They have started using finasteride and are considering minoxidil for better hair regrowth.
A 19-year-old male has been using finasteride and minoxidil for nearly two years but continues to experience hairline recession. He is considering switching to dutasteride and exploring options like hair systems and potential future hair transplants.
Ketoconazole shampoo helps reduce hair shedding and improve thickness for some, but can cause dryness or irritation. Its effectiveness compared to finasteride or minoxidil varies among users.
Choosing hair loss treatments is challenging due to concerns about side effects from finasteride and minoxidil. Users suggest starting with topical treatments and gradually increasing dosage, while some recommend oral finasteride for its effectiveness despite potential side effects.
An 18-year-old with hair thinning is using minoxidil and considering stopping creatine due to concerns about increased DHT and hair loss. Opinions on creatine's impact are mixed, and the user plans to stop it until they can access topical finasteride.
A user experienced significant hair shedding and thinning 10 months post-hair transplant despite using minoxidil and topical finasteride. They are considering switching to oral finasteride or dutasteride and are also dealing with scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.
A user shared their 1.5-year experience using 0.25mg finasteride daily for hair loss, noting significant hair quality improvements and reduced scalp itch but mild erectile dysfunction. They managed side effects with daily 2.5mg Cialis and 5mg citrulline and plan to continue this routine.
A 19-year-old experienced worsening hair loss after 4 months on finasteride, despite initial improvement with minoxidil. The consensus is to continue treatment for at least a year, as shedding is common and often temporary.
Finasteride and oral minoxidil significantly improved hair texture and thickness over 8 months. The user also experienced increased hair growth on the beard and eyebrows.
User has seen no improvement after 4 years of using minoxidil and finasteride, and recently started dutasteride. Suggestions include adding oral minoxidil, microneedling, and considering a hair transplant.
A 23-year-old shared his hair regrowth progress after using Minoxidil, finasteride, Dutasteride, and RU58841 for over a year. The post received supportive comments, with others sharing their own experiences and complimenting his transformation.
Creatine may accelerate genetic hair loss, but stopping it can reverse the effects. Finasteride helps block DHT, and some users report no issues taking both daily.
A person with hair loss since COVID-19 is considering treatments like finasteride and minoxidil but is hesitant due to potential side effects. Suggestions include visiting a dermatologist, using a ketoconazole shampoo, and considering that post-COVID hair loss might be an autoimmune response.
A user started finasteride for hair loss and saw improvement, but is now experiencing shedding and thinning in new areas. They added Nizoral due to dandruff caused by finasteride. Replies suggest that shedding is normal around 6 months and advise to stick with the treatment.
The conversation discusses whether to use finasteride for hair loss, considering its role in inhibiting DHT and 5AR, which can affect brain function and mood. Some users report anxiety and depression from finasteride, while others do not experience these side effects and emphasize the importance of DHT for brain and prostate health.