I am 17M and have been taking finasteride for around 3.25 months at 1.25mg per day. I am seeing slight results, and believe they will only grow more now since I have recently started oral minoxidil (since topical didn’t seem to be too effective).
My biggest question is with research I have determined that DHT has a role in facial bone development. At my age, my eyebrow ridge, mandible, and clavicles are the primary growth plates still open (my knee and wrist are essentially closed). On top of this the estrogen increase from reduced DHT could also close these plates faster.
Because of this, I am thinking about potentially reducing the dose or taking jt every few days instead.
Can anyone give me some insight to how to do this or if my worries are warranted or not?
Probably valid fear. Going bald not much of an option at your age though. Maybe try topical finasteride. Ulo has a great low dose option. If it works great. If not switch back to oral later.
Yeah I know, having thinning hair during highschool has made me have a good amount of self esteem issues. Topical has shown to have 20% less systemic effects, with the same results, so maybe topical would be good. Is there any research on lower doses of oral though? I would like to take oral since 1. I have it prescribed, 2.It is much cheaper (money is a slight issue), 3.It is easier to apply. Ideally, I would like to lower the dose to a point where I am not losing or gaining hair and then hop back on a better dose when i am around 20, where my plates will be fused.
Yeah that sucks brother. I use a Ulo topical with .005% finasteride. A study from the late 90s showed efficacy. With the oral minoxidil that may well be enough for now. Money, I can’t speak to. I know some people crush prescribed pills and make homemade topical finasteride at whatever ratio% they want. Lots of DIY advice online.
Theres also other cheaper things you do before resorting to oral finasteride. Microneedling, Ketoconazale shampoo, GHK-cu peptides. If you can spare 6 months to experiment. The oral minoxidil will keep you in the game at the very least.