You may have heard of the term Dutasteride thrown around, but what exactly are the Dutasteride benefits for men and women?
While most people think hair loss mainly affects men, nearly half of women experience noticeable hair loss. In America, almost 80 million people have some form of hair loss, with around 30 million of those being women.
Today, there are many options to deal with this situation. However, most of them never deliver the results they promise. One ingredient that has shown the most promise thus far is Dutasteride.
The science behind it is that it targets two enzymes responsible for converting Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). According to a study of 600 patients, dutasteride reduced DHT by 98%. In comparison, the number was 71% for finasteride. (1)
This article explores Dutasteride's benefits for hair regrowth. It examines how it can help those struggling with hair loss. Our prescription-grade Dutasteride is available online at the highest concentrations. It comes in different forms for different people. Learn how and why Dutasteride may be the key to your hair growth.
Key Takeaways
- Dutasteride is more effective for hair loss than finasteride. Studies comparing both of these compounds show that dutasteride is stronger than finasteride.
- Dutasteride is effective and safe for hair loss in men and women over 50.
- Dutasteride promotes thicker, fuller hair. It blocks two enzymes known to cause prostate enlargement and hair loss.
Dutasteride Explained
Dutasteride is an FDA-approved drug used to treat enlarged prostate glands, including symptoms of prostate cancer. It blocks two enzymes, 5-alpha reductase type I and II (responsible for converting Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone or DHT). This androgen hormone contributes to an enlarged prostate and male pattern hair loss.
Clinical studies have found that men who took Dutasteride saw thicker, fuller hair as a result. (2) Because of these results, this powerful DHT blocker is used off-label for hair loss.
How Can Dutasteride Promote Hair Growth?
DHT contributes to hair loss by attacking hair follicles, causing them to shrink and shortening their growth cycle. When hair follicles shrink, they lose access to vital growth nutrients as they separate from blood vessels at the follicle’s base.
Without nutrients, hair follicles continue to shrink until they eventually fall out. Dutasteride prevents hair loss by blocking the conversion of Testosterone to DHT. It also promotes hair follicle growth, especially in combination with Minoxidil.
Dutasteride can also reverse the miniaturization in hair follicles. This causes them to shrink and eventually fall out, resulting in thicker and fuller hair. It can also extend hair follicles' anagen or growth phase. As a result, hair is much longer before it enters the resting or telogen phase in the growth cycle.
Watch Our Video on Dutasteride Here:
Dutasteride Benefits for Regrowing Hair
There are many benefits of Dutasteride that you must consider. Here are some of the primary benefits:
Effective Treatment for Male Pattern Hair Loss
The most common type of hair loss in men is male-pattern hair loss (MPHL) or androgenetic alopecia. It is caused by genetics and the effects of DHT on hair follicles.
Studies show oral Dutasteride is better than finasteride for male pattern baldness. One survey examined 416 men with male pattern baldness. Dutasteride led to a 23% increase in hair count after 24 weeks, compared to 17% for finasteride. (1)
Effective Treatment for Women
While Dutasteride is used to treat androgenetic alopecia in men, it has also been effective for women. (2) In a study of 87 women with female pattern hair loss, Dutasteride led to a 10% increase in hair count after 24 weeks. In comparison, there was a 7% increase in those who took a placebo.
Dutasteride is often prescribed to women over 50 who cannot become pregnant. It is great for those who have not seen results with other hair loss treatment options, such as Minoxidil and/or Spironolactone.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it. In general, women under 50 should avoid it, as it may be harmful to the developing fetus. Dutasteride for women can expand treatment options when others have failed.
Enhances Effectiveness When Combined with Other Hair Regrowth Treatments
Dutasteride, combined with other options for treating hair loss, like Minoxidil, enhances effectiveness. Minoxidil stimulates blood flow in the scalp, providing more nutrients to hair follicles. By combining Dutasteride and Minoxidil, we block the effects of DHT for more hair growth.
How to Use Dutasteride To Regrow Hair
At Happy Head, Dutasteride is available in oral capsules and as a custom topical. You can take it once a day or apply it topically twice daily. It’s essential to follow the dosage and application instructions provided by your Happy Head dermatologist.
With consistent use, it may take 3 to 6 months to see results from Dutasteride. If you were to stop taking Dutasteride consistently, any progress would be lost in about 12 months. We make it easy to incorporate your custom Dutasteride prescriptions into your daily routine so you can see results and keep them.
Side Effects of Dutasteride When Used for Hair Growth
The most common side effects of using oral Dutasteride to treat androgenetic alopecia in men include:
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Reduced semen volume
For women over 50 (to whom this ingredient may be prescribed, those not within childbearing years), typical side effects include changes in mood, weight gain, reduced libido, breast tenderness, and muscle soreness.
Dutasteride also has a 6-month half-life, meaning it can stay within your system for up to 6 months. So, anyone looking to donate blood, for example, must wait until 6 months have passed to do so.
A complete list of side effects of Dutasteride can be found on our drug safety and information page.
These side effects are usually mild and may improve with continued use. In rare cases, it’s possible to experience allergic reactions, breast tenderness or breast enlargement, and depression. If you experience any of these side effects with Dutasteride, talk to your dermatologist immediately and stop using the medication.
We recommend our custom topical Dutasteride to reduce the chances of experiencing side effects. While side effects can occur with oral medication, topically applied solutions can help significantly reduce this chance of developing side effects because they are not ingested and don’t travel through the body.
Dutasteride is a powerful DHT blocker used to treat hair loss in men and women. It blocks the conversion of Testosterone to DHT. As a result, it helps prevent hair loss and promote growth.
Happy Head Solutions Formulated With Dutasteride
Our Dutasteride solutions are formulated with the highest available strengths every month. After a consultation with your Happy Head board-certified dermatologist, they’ll prescribe it and send it to us for formulation.
The best part is you don’t have to wait in line at a doctor’s office or the pharmacy because we’ll ship it free to your door. Here are our most popular Dutasteride solutions to try:
- Custom Topical Dutasteride & Minoxidil
- Oral Dutasteride
- HH EXCLUSIVE! 3-in-1 daily SuperCapsule™ Dutasteride, Minoxidil & Vitamin D3
- A combination of our custom Topical + SuperCapsule™ Dutasteride formula here
If you are considering Dutasteride for hair growth, consult your doctor. They will determine if it is the proper hair loss treatment. With daily applications, dutasteride can help you achieve thicker, fuller hair follicle growth.
Get a customized formulation for 60% off on your first order when you take the quiz, and use code SAVE60 at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What precautions should I follow when using Dutasteride?
Dutasteride is not suitable for women under 50. It can harm the fetus if they are pregnant or could become pregnant. If a woman touches a leaking capsule or topical dutasteride, wash the area and contact her doctor.
What happens when you skip a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember if it is on the same day. If you forget until the next day, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. You should not attempt to double your dose to compensate for the missed day.
Is it safe to take Dutasteride to treat hair loss?
Studies show that dutasteride is safe and well-tolerated. It works even at the high doses used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and symptoms of prostate cancer. Dutasteride can have some side effects. This includes low sex drive, problems with ejaculation, and breast tenderness in women.
Is Dustasteride more effective than finasteride for hair loss treatment?
While both are commonly used to treat hair loss, studies have shown that Dutasteride is more effective at treating hair loss. Evidence suggests that dutasteride is the better option for regrowing your hair.
At what stage does Dutasteride have the most impact?
Dutasteride cannot regrow hair follicles that have gone completely dormant. For that, you need a hair transplant. It is an effective early-stage medication. It can be useful for those who see signs of imminent hair loss. Taking preventative steps is better than costlier alternatives like a hair transplant.
If you are considering Dutasteride for hair growth, it is essential to consult your doctor first to determine if it is the proper treatment for you. Dutasteride can help you achieve thicker, fuller hair and boost your confidence with daily applications. It’s the ingredient of the year for hair growth, so get it made custom for 60% off your first order when you take the quiz and use code SAVE60 at checkout.
