What is Dutasteride and what is it used for?

Dutasteride is an active agent in an oral medication that effectively treats genetic male pattern hair loss on the top of the head and the mid-scalp area.

Dutasteride was developed to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. Chemically similar to Finasteride - the active compound in Propecia - dutasteride has proven to be effective in clinical trials. Like Propecia, dutasteride treats both male pattern hair loss and BPH.

How does Dutasteride work?

Male pattern baldness (hair loss) is caused by a combination of genetic factors and the male hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Blocking the production of DHT reduces hair loss and increases the production of thicker hair.

The mode of action of Dutasteride is similar to Propecia. They both block the enzymes in the male body, 5-alpha reductase 1 and 2, that produce DHT. Propecia mainly blocks 5-alpha reductase 2 whilst Avodart blocks them both. It also blocks these enzymes much more potently so the production of DHT is inhibited to a greater extent - resulting in less hair loss.

How long does Dutasteride hair loss treatment take to work?

Improvement in symptoms of male pattern hair loss is typically seen within a few months of starting treatment; however, it's important to note that results may vary from person to person. As with Finasteride, you may need to take Dutasteride for one year or more before you begin to notice any hair regrowth.

While dealing with male pattern baldness can be distressing, it’s crucial to keep in mind that treating hair loss is a gradual process, and results won’t occur overnight.

As it does take time for the medication to start working you may even continue to see hair loss while you are taking it. Though rest assured this will slow and for some even reverse over time as the medication begins to work in your body.

Does Dutasteride treat hair loss?

Dutasteride is normally prescribed to treat an enlarged prostate. However, as it works in the same way as finasteride (Propecia) only in a much more potent way. It can be seen as an alternative option to help men retain their hair.

Avodart contains the active ingredient dutasteride, which blocks the creation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — the hormone which is responsible for hair loss and male pattern baldness. Click here to read studies on the effectiveness of Dutasteride in treating male hair loss 'off label'.

As this medication was never designed to be used in this way it is prescribed 'off-label' to treat hair loss in men. ‘Off label' means that a medicine is being used to treat a condition other than the one it was initially licensed to treat. Despite this, there is a long and extensive amount of scientific and medical data to support this medicine being used safely to help with hair loss.

Avodart tablets can be used to effectively treat genetic male pattern hair loss, particularly on the top of the head and the mid-scalp area.

Will Dutasteride regrow hair?

Dutasteride has been scientifically shown to treat male pattern baldness by blocking the production of the male hormone DHT. By blocking this hormone, Dutasteride reduces the rate at which hair loss occurs, while promoting the growth of thicker, healthier hair.

While Dutasteride is highly effective at preventing hair loss, it can’t repair dead hair follicles. This is why it’s best to start treatment as soon as you notice your hair thinning or shedding at an unusual rate. If you’re already in the advanced stages of male pattern baldness, Dutasteride can still help, but it’s crucial to manage your expectations accordingly.

Dutasteride vs Avodart vs Propecia

In head-to-head studies, Dutasteride is more effective than Finasteride. Men at the end of a study had more hair growth and less overall loss.

Avodart and Propecia are the branded versions of the generic medications Dutasteride and finasteride respectively. Generic medications are made to the same rigorous standards as branded medications but offer a more cost-effective alternative.

Dutasteride & erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can occur as a side effect of using oral hair loss treatments. This means you may experience the inability to achieve or maintain an erection during your course of treatment. This side effect may persist after you stop taking Dutasteride as it remains in your system for up to 6 months. Dutasteride erectile dysfunction can affect up to 1 in 10 men who use this medicine, so most men will not be bothered by this.

The good news is that if this does affect you there are a range of treatments that can improve the ED symptoms which can be found here.

Non-medicinal alternatives to treat hair loss

There are a range of non-medical treatments such as Wigs/Hairpieces and Hair transplants that offer a more permanent solution but do come with a range of negative problems.

People may see other solutions such as Homoeopathy, Acupuncture and Aromatherapy. However, there is little evidence that these are effective treatments and can be costly.

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss/