Switch to Maintain Mode

[expli]

Hi All,

So I've been on 5% minoxidil (twice a day) and finasteride (1.25mg every day) for about 3-3.5 months now (24 now btw), and the gains have been phenomenal. Self-diagnosed with DPA, I had a pretty huge bald spot on the crown and very low density up front with a NW2.5-3type recession. The bald spot is almost gone now, the density is much higher, and I am down to Norwood 1.5-2 now. The quality of my hair now is also amazing (less stringy and thicker) that what it used to be.

finasteride gave me some sides, nothing too severe, but palpable nevertheless. I intend to continue with my current regimen for a couple of more months to get some more growth, but am now thinking of scaling down the meds and switching to maintain mode. I have read posts about how taking ~0.5mg instead of 1mg+ helps a lot. Would it be a good idea to gradually start moving down to 0.625mg (it's going to be a pain to split one tab into eights but I'll deal with it)? Also, perhaps start using 2% foam in the morning and 5% minoxidil at nights?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be welcome

-expli

 

[sc64]

If you gained a norwood and about a half in 3.5 months and no shed why mess with a good thing. int:

 

[expli]

Thanks for the response. I have seen somewhat reduced libido because of the finasteride, hence the idea of dropping the dosage. The sides are not too much of a bother at the present unfortunately, but it would be nice to reduce the side-effects once the hairline has recovered. I just added 50mg Zn daily. We'll see if that helps.

 

[abovedagame]

pics by any chance?

does the kirkland minoxidil give you dandruff by any chance?

 

[Wuffer]

I agree, best not to mess with a good thing. Reducing your dosage could potentially hurt your gains and your hair folicles couldbe irreversibly damaged by DHT before you even notice any hair loss.

I think that reducing the amount of minoxidil may be something to try, but I would stay on the recommended finasteride dosage. Theoretically, you should be able to keep the gains you made with minoxidil by using the finasteride, but I definitely wouldn't stop using it cold turkey.

I would recommend staying on the same finasteride dosage and seeing, if after a year, your sides are still bothering you. Also keep in mind, there are many things you can do to counteract this effect. I have not had any sides from finasteride, but i've been hitting the gym for the past month and noticed my sex drive hasn't been this strong since I was 18!