Dutasteride for hair loss: Benefits, side-effects and how to get it
Dr. Aditi Shende, board-certified dermatologist, talks about the benefits of using oral dutasteride in the treatment of pattern baldness and tells you how to get it.
Table of Content:
What is dutasteride? | How does it work for hair loss? | How to get a prescription? | Side effects | FAQs
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What is dutasteride?
Dr. Aditi Shende, board-certified dermatologist, says that dutasteride (commercially known as Avodart) is a medication used off-label in the treatment of male pattern baldness. It inhibits the effects of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, significantly reducing the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss. This reduction helps slow down hair thinning and promotes hair regrowth1.
Dr. Shende says that in spite of its benefits, dutasteride is not approved by the FDA for hair loss treatment and should only be used under medical supervision due to potential side effects.
How does dutasteride (Avodart) work for hair loss?
Dr. Shende says that dutasteride works for hair loss by inhibiting the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that is a key factor in androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness.
This is how how it works for hair loss:
- Dutasteride inhibits the effects of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase
- Decreasing the levels of DHT in the scalp
- Reduces the miniaturization of hair follicles preventing them from shrinking and producing thinner, shorter hair strands
- Promotes hair regrowth as hair follicles to remain in growth phase for a longer period, leading to thicker and more robust hair growth
Do you need a prescription for dutasteride (Avodart)?
Yes, Dr. Shende says that dutasteride cannot be bought over the counter, you need a doctor’s prescription in order to get it. You can get a prescription with a board-certified dermatologist via Miiskin. Virtual consultation price is $59 and medication refills are only $39.
How to buy dutasteride (Avodart) for hair loss?
To buy dutasteride for hair loss you need a doctor’s prescription which you can get via Miiskin via a simple photo-consultation. You can then choose to buy it at a local pharmacy or sent to your doorstep via Skin Medicinals.
What is the dutasteride (Avodart) dosage for hair loss?
Dr. Shende says that the typical dose of dutasteride for treating hair loss is 0.5 mg daily. This is the standard dose found to be effective in clinical studies for promoting hair growth2.
Can dutasteride be applied topically?
Yes, dutasteride can be applied topically. Topical formulations are used to target hair loss directly at the scalp, aiming to reduce dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels locally without significantly affecting systemic DHT levels.
Is dutasteride better than finasteride?
Although finasteride is approved by the FDA for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, clinical studies show dutasteride is more effective at treating this condition3. Click on the link for a full comparison between Finasteride vs dutasteride.
How fast does dutasteride (Avodart) work for hair loss?
Dr. Shende says that the effectiveness of dutasteride for hair loss can vary among individuals, some people may experience faster or slower progress, but generally speaking, here is a timeline for what to expect.
Dutasteride results 0-3 months
Dr. Shende says during the first few months, most users might not notice significant changes as the medication needs time to reduce DHT levels and initiate changes in the hair growth cycle.
Dutasteride results 3-6 months
Some users may start to see initial signs of hair regrowth, especially in the crown area of the scalp and a reduction in hair shedding. Hair may begin to feel thicker, and there may be a reduction in hair thinning.
Dutasteride results 6-12 months
You should be able to see more noticeable results within this period. Hair density can increase, and areas of thinning may show substantial regrowth.
Dutasteride results 1 year
Dr. Shende says that you need to continue treatment to maintain the benefits. She mentions that stopping the medication can lead to a reversal of the hair regrowth achieved. Consistent use and patience are key, as hair growth cycles are slow and it takes time for the full effects to become apparent.
Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor progress and manage side effects.
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What are the side effects of dutasteride (Avodart)?
Dr. Shende says that dutasteride, like any medication, can cause side effects. While it is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience adverse reactions. Here are the common and serious side effects associated with dutasteride:
- Decreased libido (sex drive)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Ejaculation disorders
- Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia)
- Dizziness
- Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or swelling4
Warning and precautions about dutasteride (Avodart)
Dutasteride is metabolized in the liver, so it should be used with caution in individuals with liver disease. There also may be multiple medications interacting with dutasteride such as some antivirals, antifungals and antibiotics.
Men taking dutasteride should avoid donating blood for at least six months after the last dose to prevent the medication from being transfused to a pregnant woman.
Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are important to monitor for side effects and assess the effectiveness of the treatment 5.
Is it safe for men to take dutasteride (Avodart) for hair loss?
Dutasteride can be a safe and effective treatment for hair loss in men when used correctly and under medical supervision. However, it is essential to discuss with a dermatologist if it is the right treatment for you. Regular monitoring and open communication with the healthcare provider can help manage any adverse effects and ensure the best outcome.
Can I use dutasteride (Avodart) for female hair loss?
Oral dutasteride is generally not recommended for use in women, especially those who are pregnant or may become pregnant, due to the potential risk of birth defects, unless strict birth control is employed and is indicated by your healthcare provider. Alternative treatments that are safe and effective for women include: oral minoxidil, oral spironolactone and the combination of topical finasteride and minoxidil and topical dutasteride and minoxidil.
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Frequently asked questions about oral dutasteride for hair loss
Is dutasteride 2.5 mg used for hair loss?
Dutasteride is typically prescribed at a dosage of 0.5 mg daily for hair loss. Some studies suggest that 2.5 mg of dutasteride daily, may be more effective in promoting hair regrowth compared to the standard 0.5 mg dose, however, you also increase your risk for experiencing side-effects at this higher dose, so it seldomly prescribed.
Is dutasteride 0.5 mg used for hair loss?
Yes, dutasteride is typically prescribed at a dosage of 0.5 mg daily for hair loss, which is the most commonly studied and recommended dose.
Can dutasteride regrow hair?
Yes, according to Dr. Shende, dutasteride can regrow hair in the case of male androgenetic alopecia. It works by reducing DHT levels on the scalp and thus slowing down hair loss and promoting hair regrowth.
Is dutasteride better than minoxidil?
Dr. Shende says that dutasteride and minoxidil work through different mechanisms, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the individual. Dutasteride reduces DHT levels and promotes hair regrowth in men with androgenetic alopecia. Minoxidil, a topical treatment, directly stimulates hair follicles and can be used by both men and women, especially those concerned about side effects from dutasteride. Ultimately, the choice between the two is based on individual preferences, medical history, and the advice of a healthcare provider.
Why is dutasteride not FDA approved for hair loss?
Dutasteride is not FDA-approved for hair loss primarily because the original clinical trials and regulatory submissions focused on its use for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While subsequent research has demonstrated its effectiveness for hair loss, the pharmaceutical manufacturer has not pursued FDA approval for this indication.
What is the success rate of dutasteride?
The success rate of dutasteride for hair loss is generally high, with studies showing significant improvement in hair count and density. Clinical trials have indicated that up to 90% of men experience some degree of hair regrowth or stabilization of hair loss after using dutasteride for 6 to 12 months. The medication is considered more effective than finasteride, another DHT inhibitor, due to its ability to inhibit both Type I and Type II 5-alpha-reductase enzymes, leading to greater reductions in DHT levels6.
What happens if I stop taking dutasteride for hair loss?
Dr. Shende says that if you stop taking dutasteride for hair loss, the levels of DHT in your body will gradually return to their pre-treatment levels. This can lead to the resumption of hair loss, and any hair regrowth achieved while on the medication may be lost over time. It typically takes several months for DHT levels to return to normal, and hair shedding may become noticeable within a few months of discontinuing the treatment.
Is dutasteride safe long-term?
Dr. Shende says that dutasteride is generally considered safe for long-term use when taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider. However, long-term use can be associated with side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders, and breast tenderness or enlargement. There are also concerns about a potential increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer, although this risk is still being studied. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential to manage any side effects and ensure the continued safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
Is dutasteride a DHT blocker?
Dutasteride is indeed a DHT blocker. It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase in the scalp, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By reducing the levels of DHT dutasteride helps to prevent the miniaturization of hair follicles, thereby slowing hair loss and potentially promoting hair regrowth in individuals with androgenetic alopecia.
Lee éste artículo en Español: Dutasterida ¿Qué es y para qué sirve?
Article References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9561294/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20605255/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9561294/
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603001.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20971-dutasteride-capsules
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9561294/
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