From Baldness to Brilliance: Exploring the Efficacy of Oral Dutasteride in Treating Hair Loss

Dutasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor drug which inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, usually prescribed to increase prostate size but has also been successful at stopping hair loss in men, says our Dermatologist in Mumbai.

Finasteride is often prescribed off-label to combat hair loss in 0.5mg capsules daily, according to research [3] that revealed it to be more effective at increasing both total and thick hair counts after 24 weeks than 1mg Finasteride treatments.

How is dutasteride prescribed?

Dutasteride is prescribed to symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and it’s currently being evaluated as an effective solution for male pattern baldness. As a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, Dutasteride blocks an enzyme in the body responsible for producing testosterone hormone and hair loss, so Dutasteride produces more hair growth than finasteride in clinical studies while being less likely to cause sexual side effects like decreased libido or erectile dysfunction.

As this medication comes as a capsule, it should be taken by mouth on an ongoing basis to achieve maximum effectiveness for your hair loss treatment. Results typically begin appearing between 3-6 months; as with all prescription and over-the-counter drugs and vitamins, stopping without consulting your physician may reduce effectiveness of this drug.

What is dutasteride used for?

Dutasteride is an oral medication which works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone – the hormone responsible for prostate enlargement and hair loss. Clinical trials have demonstrated its superiority over monoxide for treating male pattern baldness.

As a hair fall treatment, Dutasteride produces an immediate and substantial reduction in serum DHT concentration when taken orally, helping restore miniaturized hair follicles for visible hair growth. Furthermore, dutasteride also alleviates symptoms associated with BPH such as weak urine flow or frequent urges to urinate.

Take one 0.5 mg capsule per day at approximately the same time of day, either with or without food. It is important to follow this regimen every day.

Certain medications may increase the effectiveness of dutasteride, including ketoconazole cimetidine (Tagamet), diltiazem (Cardizem), verapamil) and ritonavir (Norvir) , says our hair specialist. Warfarin, heparin and clopidogrel can reduce or prevent dutasteride’s breakdown which could interfere with its effects – please notify your healthcare provider regarding all medications you are taking!

Can I take dutasteride without a prescription?

Dutasteride (Avodart) is a dual inhibitor of both type I and II 5-alpha-reductase enzymes that works to stop testosterone from being converted to dihydrotestosterone, one of the causes of male pattern baldness. While dutasteride does raise estrogenic levels slightly but within normal physiological limits.

Dutasteride has been shown in clinical trials to be more effective than oral finasteride for treating androgenic alopecia. Although not available as a topical treatment, dermatologists such as Michele Green of New York can prescribe it off-label to combat hair loss.

Dutasteride may cause mild side effects like dry mouth or erectile dysfunction; any other serious side effects should be reported immediately to a healthcare provider. In order to achieve maximum results from taking Dutasteride regularly and consistently, take it as prescribed with water or sugarless gum – this may help eliminate dryness as well as caffeine or nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

How much dutasteride should I take?

Dutasteride’s stronger mechanism of action results in faster and more effective hair growth when compared with finasteride; however, some patients may experience side effects like reduced sexual drive or erectile dysfunction.

Oral dutasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that prevents your body from producing dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for hair loss and male pattern baldness in genetically susceptible men. Studies have proven it can prevent, stop or reverse progression of hair loss while encouraging new hair growth for those suffering from hereditary or genetic thinning hair conditions, says our celebrity dermatologist in Mumbai.

Conclusion

Dutasteride has been FDA-approved to treat BPH, while physicians can also prescribe it off-label to treat hair loss. The cost of dutasteride varies depending on your health care coverage, pharmacy and availability in generic form in your area. To determine if dutasteride is right for you, speak to an experienced hair restoration physician private one-on-one consultations in-office and virtually are offered.