Hi everyone, I’m a 24M (Norwood 3) and I’ve been on a topical Fin/Min solution since August 2022 (approx. 3.5 years).
My Progress So Far: Up until recently, the treatment worked well. My hairline held steady, and I even saw some slight regrowth in the temples/corners. I see a local doctor ever so often to track progress with photos.
The Issue: At my check-up this month, we noticed significant regression. The previous “baby hair” regrowth is gone, and my original hairline is starting to recede further. I haven’t changed my routine, though I did recently move to a different area 6 months ago, right after the previous checkup.
Regarding this, my doctor suggested two options:
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Switch to Topical Dutasteride/Minoxidil Solution
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Switch to Oral Fin
My Concerns: I am very worried about side effects (specifically ED and infertility) and the idea of “permanent” side effects. I’m only 24, so these are dealbreakers for me. I know topical Dut has less research, but I like the idea of localized application. Another thing that I am concerned about is dealing with a shed switching to Topical Dut and realizing that I can’t tolerate it.
Questions for the community:
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Efficacy Drop: Is it common for topical Fin/Min to lose efficacy after 3+ years? Could environmental factors like hard water actually cause this level of regression?
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Topical Dut vs. Oral Fin: For those who switched from topical Fin to either of these, what was your experience with side effects and regrowth?
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The Plan: My current plan is to wait 3 months while adding weekly derma-stamping (0.5mm) and a shower filter. Is 3 months too long to wait if I’m already seeing active loss?
I’m getting pretty nervous about losing more ground before making a move. Any advice is appreciated!
Topical dutasteride is not the standard treatment against the progression of androgenetic alopecia. In fact, it is disputed whether it works or not in the first place. Consensus is that it works however is subpar to oral dutasteride while maybe being better than oral finasteride and that is maybe.
If finasteride is not working for you, I would consider dutasteride personally under the supervision, guidance and prescription of a doctor. I would personally use dutasteride MWF for 2 weeks then switch to every day oral dutasteride until the situation stabilizes. However, as always consult a doctor.
Oral dutasteride and oral finasteride typically speaking have the same side effect profile however the side effects of dutasteride last longer due to drug’s long half life.
Not common at all. However can happen.
I used topical finasteride + topical minoxidil for 3 weeks. I had no side effects and that the timeframe was too short to evaluate any potential regrowth during the period. Later I switched raw-dog into 0.5mg oral dutasteride per day. However, I had no side effects in 0.5mg oral dutasteride either. Currently planning to increase the dose to 1mg oral dutasteride per day and I had done a few trials, 1mg oral dutasteride seems to harbor no side effects for me. But, again my anecdote cannot truly reflect the objective reality in regards to side effect profile of 5AR inhibiting medications so take it with a grain of salt.
This text is not a medical advice.
Not recommended personally. I would suggest you to discuss using dutasteride (oral route) under the guidance of a doctor. It seems to me that finasteride is no longer enough for you and you might need dutasteride.
There exists also something known as dutasteride mesotherapy however A) I have never got it done myself B) Its effectiveness is disputed.
Your hair, your choice.
This text is not a medical advice.
I also want to state that environmental factors rarely contribute to progression of hair loss. It is more likely that finasteride in topical form is no longer enough for you at the concentration and mL that you use. I would have considered oral dutasteride personally but you should discuss this with your doctor as I cannot give medical advices.