Moving on after years on fin. What next?

[location1]

I started on finasteride in 2008. After one year on it, my hair was so thick, the result was just great. I experienced tremendous regrowth, except in the temples of course. I was about a NW2.5 and remained that way except the hair was so thick.

I put up with the side effects (facial bloating, midsection bloating, very poor sleep, anxiety) for several years because the result was so good, and I also took dutasteride along the way, but in 2014 I stopped, I couldn't take it.

My hair of course went back to thinning. I'm looking for something other than finasteride to help maintain until a new drug comes out. If I can get regrowth again of course that would be amazing.

What are the options currently? Is there any treatment that doesn't block DHT and has a different mechanism of action?

Thanks.

[Vic]

Here's an option I'm about to start.

https://www.baldtruthtalk.com/threads/7802-Capsaicin-and-Soy-Isoflavones-Promote-Hair-Growth

[location1]

Here's an option I'm about to start.

https://www.baldtruthtalk.com/thread...te-Hair-Growth

Interesting, though I don't want to lower DHT.

is seti available? and how does CB work?

[Vic]

I thought that might have been a typo. Why don't you want to lower DHT levels?

[location1]

I thought that might have been a typo. Why don't you want to lower DHT levels?

I am under the impression that I would get side effects similar to finasteride from the low DHT. Isn't that right?

[Vic]

The combo in that study actually raises testosterone levels while lowering DHT.
Here's an article on the increase test

http://inhumanexperiment.blogspot.com/2009/09/capsaicin-and-soy-isoflavones-grow-hair.html?m=1

[location1]

The combo in that study actually raises testosterone levels while lowering DHT.
Here's an article on the increase test
http://inhumanexperiment.blogspot.co...-hair.html?m=1

So the problem still remains, no? Finasteride also raises T and lowers DHT. I believe it's the low DHT that causes the side effects I mentioned. DHT appears to be an important hormone after all.

[Vic]

Didn't know that. Thanks for the info. Thought fin lowered Tess too

[WanderingOracle]

You ever try backing off to 1/4 mg of Fin and taking it every other day?

That's what I do, with zero sides. Some studies show it's still about %85 as effective at lowering DHT when taking at that 1/8 dose.

[location1]

You ever try backing off to 1/4 mg of Fin and taking it every other day?

That's what I do, with zero sides. Some studies show it's still about %85 as effective at lowering DHT when taking at that 1/8 dose.

But if I understand correctly, it's the lowering of DHT that causes sides. You need to lower it to not lose hair, and lowering it causes sides. And to answer your question, yes I tried tiny doses of .5 and .25 and felt the side effects. The side effect I hate most is the 'moonface' effect, and I notice it at any dose.

[location1]

Does anyone know the side effects of:

- RU
- CB
- seti

Any other treatments I'm missing?

[WanderingOracle]

Spiro is probably the most effective one... but it will turn you into a woman.