Kitchen_Plastic_2847 had been fighting hair loss since 2019-2020 and was initially successful in regrowing his hair with finasteride. However, after contracting Covid three times back to back at the start of 2021, he started to lose his hair again. He found a new dermatologist who prescribed him oral minoxidil along with finasteride, but eventually decided it wasn't worth spending all the money to try and save his hair.
In Austria, finasteride prescriptions are restricted due to suicide risk concerns, with new prescriptions only for current users. Alternatives like topical finasteride, dutasteride, and online purchases face legal challenges.
A dermatologist refused to prescribe finasteride due to concerns about recent research linking it to male breast cancer, suggesting a topical alternative with minoxidil instead. The user is advised to seek a second opinion, as the evidence for such risks is inconclusive and the dermatologist's reasoning seems questionable.
A 17-year-old has been using topical minoxidil and finasteride for hair loss but is advised by a dermatologist to taper off due to age concerns. Other users suggest continuing minoxidil but stopping finasteride until at least 18, and consulting a specialized pediatric dermatologist.
A dermatologist prescribed a 16-year-old a mix of 5% topical minoxidil and 0.1% topical finasteride for hair loss, but the user is concerned about side effects. Another user advises against using finasteride at a young age due to potential growth impacts and suggests consulting a doctor to assess growth completion.