Following a suggestion by @kuba197, and to respond to several questions around, here is some info on my experience on CB. Not as detailed as he would like, though (sorry, not enough time
).
- Time on it: 2.5 years
- Source: WHP (Wuhan Hengheda Pharm)
- I always do my tests at every new batch (identity via NMR and purity via elementar analysis) at the Chem dept. of a local uni. Always found out legit and pure, so I'm actually using CB
- Amount: ED 50mg in 2.5ml, so 2%
- Vehicle: BG (Butylene Glycol, similar to PG but less irritating) 6.25% + transcutol 6.25% in ethanol
- same as the Cosmo patent, with just different proportions (1:1:1 is too oily for me)
- just using a normal mg scale, and throwing CB into the vehicle: it dissolves in seconds. CB dissolves well in pretty much anything except water, according to the patent
- Effect:
- in brief: quite stable maintenance on my NW5A pattern (male pattern baldness started in 1991 with temples recession; my front half had an hair transplant in 2005, the back half is still my native hair saved through the years)
- however, I'm not using CB only; I'm also using a topical (mostly ~2% minoxidil + 1% progesterone), sometimes LLLT, and low-dose setipiprant (200mg b.i.d.)
- nevertheless, some comparison with finasteride can be made: I've been using finasteride 2009-2015 and was maintaining (no miracles for me due to my frontal pattern); now the only difference is: finasteride out, in CB+seti. And still maintaining (maybe a stronger maintenance now). So, good.
- Sides:
- If I have to be fully rational, I have to say none; done hormonal (and cortisol) tests several time at the beginning, and it was all ok
- of course, sometimes I have periods with lower libido, and I immediately point the finger on CB / progesterone / minoxidil
- but I also have periods of normal/high libido, with no changes in my regimen. I have to accept that libido fluctuates (and I'm almost 45)
- had no other sexual sides to worry about, everything works as usual (incl. minor finasteride issues, like liquid sperm or night boners -- all fine)