Dutasteride

Started by HairlossFighter, Jan 08, 2024, 10:02 AM

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Dutasteride is a medication that, like finasteride, is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a hormone implicated in the progression of male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia).
Some key points regarding dutasteride for hair loss include:
1.    Effectiveness: Dutasteride has shown efficacy in promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss. Some studies suggest that it may be more potent than finasteride in inhibiting DHT.
2.    Prescription Only: Dutasteride (in most of the countries) is a prescription medication and is not available over-the-counter. It's important to use it under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
3.    Side Effects: Dutasteride may cause side effects, including sexual dysfunction, breast tenderness, and decreased libido. These side effects are similar to those associated with finasteride (see also relevant thread for Finasteride).
4.    Use in Women: Dutasteride is generally not recommended for use in women of reproductive age, especially those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, due to the potential risk to a male fetus (see also relevant thread for Finasteride).
5.    Consultation with a Healthcare Professional: Before starting any treatment for hair loss, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional. They can assess your individual situation, discuss potential risks and benefits, and help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and health profile.
It's important to note that individual responses to hair loss treatments can vary, and not everyone may experience the same level of success. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice and guidance when using medications for hair loss.
hairloss fighter for me and for others

I have read that dutasteride is more effective than finasteride but has perhaps more side effects than finasteride.

Copying from the net:
Finasteride and dutasteride are both medications used to treat conditions related to an enlarged prostate and male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). They belong to a class of drugs known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. While they share similarities, there are some key differences between the two:
1.   Active Ingredient:
•   Finasteride: It contains only one active ingredient, finasteride. Finasteride inhibits the Type II 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
•   Dutasteride: It contains dutasteride as the active ingredient. Dutasteride inhibits both Type I and Type II 5-alpha reductase enzymes, targeting a broader range of DHT production.
2.   Enzyme Inhibition:
•   Finasteride: Selectively inhibits the Type II enzyme, reducing DHT levels by approximately 70%.
•   Dutasteride: Inhibits both Type I and Type II enzymes, leading to a more significant reduction in DHT levels (about 90-95%).
3.   Dosage:
•   Finasteride: Typically prescribed as a 1mg oral tablet, taken once daily.
•   Dutasteride: Usually prescribed as a 0.5mg oral capsule, taken once daily.
4.   FDA Approval:
•   Finasteride: Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness.
•   Dutasteride: Approved by the FDA for the treatment of BPH but not specifically approved for male pattern baldness. However, some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for this purpose.
5.   Effectiveness:
•   Finasteride: Shown to be effective in slowing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth in men with male pattern baldness.
•   Dutasteride: Some studies suggest that dutasteride may be more effective than finasteride in inhibiting DHT and promoting hair regrowth, but it is not officially approved for this purpose.
6.   Side Effects:
•   Finasteride: Can cause sexual side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders.
•   Dutasteride: Similar sexual side effects have been reported, and there may be an increased risk compared to finasteride due to the broader inhibition of 5-alpha reductase.

it is true that Dutasteride is not approved as a treatment for hair loss, as well as that there are several studies that show better results in hair regrowth with its use. Given that it is not approved as an anti hair loss medicine, I think it is a risk to take it.