Dutasteride Hair Loss Treatment – Everything You Need to Know

What is Dutasteride?

Dutasteride is a treatment for pattern hair loss originally used to treat enlarged prostates, including benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). It is a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blocker that works by lowering the levels of DHT in the body which in turn reduces the amount of DHT which binds to hair follicles. 

Dutasteride blocks all three types of isoenzymes known as 5-alpha reductase isoenzymes which stops them from converting testosterone into DHT. By reducing the amount of DHT in the body, hair loss can be slowed down and prevented so new hair growth can be encouraged. 

Explore the FAQs below to learn more about dutasteride or see how it compares to treatments like finasteride or minoxidil.

Highlights

• Dutasteride is a highly effective DHT blocker that provides long-lasting results
• DHT is one of the leading causes of hair loss so dutasteride can be helpful
• See significant prevention of hair loss and healthy regrowth within 6 months

Core Evaluation Criteria

Dutasteride hair loss treatment effectiveness

Dutasteride is an effective hair restoration medication for pattern hair loss. Patients have observed long-lasting prevention of progressive hair loss and encouragement of healthy hair regrowth within 6 months. 

Dutasteride can help stop the process of DHT binding to hair follicles which can cause them to become thinner and eventually lead to hair loss. Dutasteride is a more potent DHT blocker compared to another hair loss treatment you may be familiar with, finasteride. 

Dutasteride can block all three 5-alpha reductase isoenzymes which are responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. In comparison, finasteride can only block 2 of the 3 types of isoenzymes. Additionally, dutasteride has a longer half-life compared to finasteride and its effect in binding to isoenzymes is irreversible. 

Because of this dutasteride results are more effective and the results are longer lasting. In one study men saw an increase of 23 cm2 in their hair count while thin hair count was decreased by 8 cm2 for 24 weeks on a dose of 0.5 mg of dutasteride per day.

Dutasteride hair loss treatment cost

Dutasteride is only approved to treat hair loss in Japan and South Korea so it can be difficult to acquire outside of these countries. The price can vary depending on where you live and the method by which you access your medication. In Japan, the equivalent price of dutasteride is $3.40 USD per pill on average. 

This is a steep price compared to other DHT blockers used for treating hair loss like finasteride. However, in other countries, dutasteride is typically found at a lower price. Dutasteride costs between $0.68 and $6.06 per pill in the US while in the UK the pills range from £0.10 to £0.76 each. 

While dutasteride is not approved in these countries or Australia yet, it can sometimes be used off-label to treat androgenic alopecia. While dutasteride can be more effective than other DHT blockers like finasteride, this cumulative higher cost may make it a more expensive treatment in the long run.

Dutasteride hair loss treatment duration

After around 3 months patients on a daily dosage of 0.5 mg of dutasteride can begin to see positive results like a reduction in hair loss. After 6 months patients can observe more significant changes such as increased hair growth and an improvement in hair thickness. This is a long-term treatment which means that patience and consistency are required to enjoy the results. 

While occasionally forgetting to take your dutasteride pill will not negatively impact your overall results, missing doses frequently can hurt your overall results. While dutasteride can irreversibly bind to the isoenzymes responsible for the conversion of DHT into testosterone, the effects can be slowed or halted if the medication is not maintained. 

Research has shown that regularly taking dutasteride can have a high impact on DHT levels in the body. A consistent dose of 0.5 mg of dutasteride has been proven to reduce serum DHT levels by up to 92 per cent while scalp DHT levels were lowered by up to 51 per cent.

Dutasteride hair loss treatment safety

Dutasteride has potential side effects, the majority of which relate to sexual function. These side effects include decreased libido, ejaculation issues, and impotence. This is because oral dutasteride affects androgens which are also known as male sex hormones and it works systemically. 

In some people, it can also cause an enlargement of breast tissue which is known as gynecomastia. Research has shown that these side effects only occur in less than 1 per cent of patients which means that in general dutasteride is safe for use and well tolerated. It can have an impact on the liver as androgens are important for the healthy function of your liver. 

If you have liver problems you should discuss any potential interactions with your condition with your doctor before starting dutasteride. There are other physical side effects such as swelling, depression, skin irritation, and fatigue but again these have only been noted in under 1 per cent of patients.

Dutasteride hair loss treatment ease of use

Dutasteride can easily fit into your routine as an oral medication. Taken once daily, 0.5 mg of dutasteride can provide effective long-term results. Dutasteride is generally compatible with your routines but there are some potential drug interactions. Ceritinib (a cancer treatment drug) and clarithromycin (an antibiotic) can both interact with dutasteride. 

Consult with your doctor before starting dutasteride in case it has interactions with any drugs you are currently taking. There are other possible interactions with dutasteride including ketoconazole. This is used in the treatment of pattern hair loss so it is important to check before starting dutasteride, particularly if you are looking to use dutasteride to supplement your current hair loss treatment routine. 

Ketoconazole is generally thought to be a safe combination but it can cause an increase in the risk of side effects. Dutasteride has similar side effects to finasteride but is more effective at tackling all 3 types of isoenzymes responsible for converting testosterone into DHT.

Dutasteride hair loss treatment accessibility

Dutasteride is still being studied as a treatment for hair loss so it is not as widely available as other DHT blockers such as finasteride. Currently, it is only approved for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in South Korea and Japan as of 2009. Whether used as a treatment for BPH or hair loss the medication is taken as a 0.5 mg oral dose. 

Dutasteride is the generic name of the medication but you may see it sold as Avodart or Duagen. It can also be sold under Combodart and Duodart when it is combined with another drug called tamsulosin. This is an alpha-blocker which is used to treat BPH as well. While this combination has had positive results for treating BPH, the pairing of medications has not been used to treat hair loss yet. 

You may be able to receive dutasteride off-brand as a prescription to tackle your hair loss. If this is the case, your doctor or dermatologist will monitor your progress along with any potential side effects you may experience and make adjustments if necessary.

Dutasteride hair loss treatment sustainability of results

Dutasteride is designed to be used as a long-term treatment. While results can be seen from as early as 3 months of consistent use, significant changes can be observed within 6 months. It works best in the long run as dutasteride works to prevent DHT from binding to hair follicles causing miniaturization. 

This is the process of progressively shrinking the hair follicles which causes the hair growth cycle to shorten and leads to thinner and weaker hair strands. Eventually, it can stop hair growth completely. By taking dutasteride over a long period DHT is prevented from binding to hair follicles and your scalp is given a better chance to grow healthy and thicker hair. 

Since the serum half-life of dutasteride is longer than that of finasteride it means that the medication is stronger and will stay in your system for longer. Dutasteride blocks the action of isoenzymes responsible for the conversion of testosterone into DHT indefinitely which means that the results are longer-lasting compared to finasteride.

Dutasteride hair loss treatment compatibility with other treatments

Dutasteride can be used in combination with other treatments for hair loss and can provide more effective results than using dutasteride as a monotherapy. However, these combinations have not been approved by regulatory authorities like the FDA. 

You should talk with your doctor or dermatologist before beginning any combination treatment as it can pose a risk to your health. While dutasteride and finasteride are both DHT blockers their mechanisms of action are different so it can be more effective to use them in combination than either is on its own. 

A study showed that the combination of dutasteride and finasteride saw a significant increase in hair density. Minoxidil can be combined with dutasteride to tackle different causes of hair loss. Since minoxidil works as a vasodilator, it encourages hair growth in balding areas by widening the blood vessels and allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the hair follicles. Research has shown that this combination increased 45.9 hairs per cm2. 

Dutasteride hair loss treatment emotional appeal

On Drugs.com dutasteride has an average rating of 6.3/10. Positive experiences were reported by 43% of reviewers while negative experiences were noted by 24% of users. While users reported superior hair growth compared to finasteride, the negative side effects were more common as well. 

While in most cases side effects such as erectile dysfunction are not permanent, some people have seen permanent issues even after discontinuing the medication. Many users reported using dutasteride medications like Avodart off-label to treat their hair loss. 

Some reviewers noted that when Avodart was taken to treat an enlarged prostate, hair regrowth occurred in areas of the scalp that had stopped producing hair years ago. However, trying to regrow hair in completely bald scalps is a very difficult challenge. 

Current hair loss treatments are primarily geared towards maintaining hair and preventing hair loss from progressing. In most cases, treatments like dutasteride can only help to regrow more recent hair loss.

Dutasteride hair loss treatment health benefits beyond hair loss

Dutasteride was originally developed to treat BPH. Initial research into dutasteride found that DHT blockers could lower the risk of prostate cancer. Concurrently though they can also slightly increase the risk of high-grade prostate tumours. A warning may be present on the prescription you receive for your dutasteride pills. 

Research is still needed to understand these interactions as more recent studies have noted that there isn’t a greater risk of prostate cancer for those who are on DHT blockers. The risk of prostate cancer for those taking dutasteride was lowered by up to 37 per cent in a meta-analysis on this topic. 

High-grade tumour risk was not significantly increased as part of the findings. Dutasteride can hide the growth of tumours meaning they are detected later than they should be which has caused the misconception about the effect of dutasteride on prostate cancer. 

If you have a family history of prostate cancer, dutasteride or other DHT blockers may not be recommended for use by your doctor as the medication can prevent a tumour or cancer from being detected until it has already spread.

Dutasteride environmental impact

Dutasteride contains a substance that can harm the environment. For this reason, it should not be released into the environment. Runoff from dilution water can cause pollution. Studies have been conducted into whether dutasteride can harm fish. The pharmaceuticals present in the environment may lead to toxicological effects in the same way that they do in humans. 

This can have an impact on male fertility and steroid hormone dynamics in animals through the same mechanism of inhibiting 5-alpha reductase which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into DHT. 

At present, given the low concentration of exposure along with the low volume of dutasteride that is prescribed every year and the low predicted environmental concentration it does not represent a threat to aquatic biomes. However, if the medication becomes more widely available it could hurt the environment in the future as it could disrupt wildlife ecosystems.

Dutasteride treatment method

Dutasteride is most commonly taken as an oral medication. It is taken as a pill once a day and is designed to be used as a long-term treatment. However, research has shown that it could be a promising topical treatment as well. Topical dutasteride may be combined with other hair loss treatments such as finasteride and minoxidil. 

For the topical application of dutasteride:

• Make sure the scalp and your hands are clean before application
• Follow the directions provided in terms of quantity to apply
• Wash hands directly after application and allow the solution to absorb

Dutasteride may also be applied as a mesotherapy as a method of topical application. Mesotherapy involves applying micro-injections of the medication onto the scalp directly. This is more likely to be conducted in a clinical setting by a medical professional. It is a minimally invasive treatment but its effectiveness is still being researched.

FAQs

Do finasteride and dutasteride work in the same manner?

While both medications are DHT blockers used to treat pattern hair loss they have different mechanisms of action. There are three types of 5-alpha reductase isoenzymes which are responsible for the conversion of testosterone into DHT. 

Finasteride only inhibits types 2 and 3 while dutasteride is able to inhibit all three types. Type 1 and type 2 of these isoenzymes are thought to be the most common causes of hair loss of the three.

Is topical dutasteride effective?

While topical dutasteride is still being researched, initial results from studies show promising results. In one study among a group of 15 participants, all of them saw a significant increase in hair growth when using topical dutasteride, finasteride and minoxidil. As a mesotherapy, a study found that combining dutasteride with biotin and pyridoxine increased hair diameter and thickness while hair loss was reduced.

What’s the difference in doses for dutasteride and finasteride?

Dutasteride is a more potent medication so it is prescribed at 0.5 mg daily doses. Comparatively finasteride pills are prescribed at 1 mg daily doses to treat hair loss. 

Is it possible to switch from finasteride to dutasteride?

Since dutasteride is more potent than finasteride some people decide to switch from finasteride to dutasteride. Switching from finasteride to dutasteride is considered safe and effective, particularly if finasteride is not providing results. 

You should try finasteride for at least 6 months before switching since it is designed to be a long-term medication and it can take time for results to show depending on the individual.

Are there natural DHT blockers that are an alternative to dutasteride?

Natural DHT blockers are available and are sometimes combined with pharmaceutical medications in pill formulations. One of the most popular is the nutraceutical saw palmetto. 

This is an extract from the berries of a particular palm tree. Other natural DHT blockers include pumpkin seed oil, tea tree oil, and caffeine. These are sometimes incorporated into topical hair loss treatments, like hair loss shampoos.

Are there people who should not take dutasteride?

Some people are not recommended to take dutasteride. If you are allergic to the ingredients in dutasteride or are allergic to finasteride you should not use dutasteride. If you have problems with your liver or a history of prostate cancer it is recommended to talk to your doctor before taking the medication to discuss the potential risks.

What should I not do while taking dutasteride?

You should not donate blood while you are taking dutasteride or for a minimum of 6 months after you stop taking dutasteride. The medication can be carried in your blood and could cause birth defects if a pregnant woman receives blood that contains dutasteride through a transfusion. 

What should I do if I miss a dose of dutasteride?

If you miss a dose just take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time you would usually be taking your dose, only take one pill. Do not try to catch up and take two as this could have dangerous side effects. It’s ok if you miss a dose irregularly but for the drug to work there needs to be a certain amount of dutasteride in your body at all times.

What should I do with the dutasteride pill?

You can take dutasteride with or without food. If you take it with food it can help reduce any nausea associated with the pill. Do not crush, chew or open the dutasteride capsule as the contents of the capsule can cause irritation to your lips, mouth, or throat. Because of this, you should swallow the capsule whole.

Does dutasteride interact with any foods or drinks?

It may not be recommended to eat grapefruit while taking dutasteride. Grapefruit can cause an increase in the risk of side effects as a result of taking dutasteride. It is not known whether drinking alcohol affects dutasteride. 

How should I store dutasteride?

Dutasteride should be stored at room temperature in a dark place. The medication should not be exposed to high temperatures or light. Dutasteride should also be handled carefully and children and women should avoid handling the medication as it can be absorbed through the skin and cause harm to a male fetus during pregnancy. 

What should I do before starting dutasteride?

Before beginning taking dutasteride you should tell all of your health care providers to check if there are any potential interactions between the medication and any other drugs you are taking. Your doctor should perform a prostate exam and order a PSA blood test to see if you are at risk for prostate cancer since dutasteride can mask the presence of prostate cancer.

What side effects should warrant a call from my doctor?

 Though these are rare, some people can have serious side effects when taking dutasteride. These include signs of an allergic reaction such as a rash, hives, itching, peeling skin, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and swelling of the mouth, face or lips. Other side effects that you should get medical help for include enlarged breasts, a lump in the breast, breast pain and low mood (depression)

Should I start taking dutasteride before trying finasteride?

Since dutasteride is not officially licensed for the treatment of hair loss outside of Japan and South Korea, it is recommended to try finasteride first to see if it is an effective solution for your hair loss. Dutasteride can be helpful for those who have tried finasteride and have not seen any improvements after at least 6 months. 

When should I start taking dutasteride?

Dutasteride may have a faster response in younger men who have only been balding for a short period of time and have smaller areas of baldness according to research. The response to the treatment will vary depending on the individual so this is only a preliminary indication of the best patient profile for dutasteride.