Dutasteride for Hair Loss

Dutasteride is a medication with exceptionally high effectiveness in combating hair loss and is available in both oral and topical forms. For years, it has been marketed under the brand name Avodart for the treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Dutasteride exerts its effect by inhibiting the 5α‑reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for hair‑follicle miniaturization and subsequent hair loss. When taken orally, dutasteride is systemically absorbed, reducing the overall amount of DHT that reaches and affects the hair follicles. Conversely, topical dutasteride directly prevents DHT formation within the follicles, thereby minimizing systemic exposure to potential side effects while effectively lowering local DHT concentration at the site of hair thinning.

First visible results—reduction in hair shedding and early signs of new hair growth—typically appear 3–6 months after starting treatment, although this timeline may vary between individuals. More substantial improvements, with significant increases in hair density and the cessation of further loss, are seen at 6–12 months. Full results, characterized by stabilization of gains and potential additional density increases, become apparent after 12 months and can continue up to 18–24 months of use.

The standard oral dose of dutasteride for hair loss is 0.5 mg once daily. Lower doses, such as 0.1 mg and 0.25 mg, and less frequent dosing (three times a week) can also be effective with fewer side effects. Topical treatments typically range from 0.01% to 0.5% concentration, with instructions often recommending the application of 1 ml of the solution to the affected scalp area once or twice daily.

Dutasteride is generally regarded as safe, although it may cause mild, transient side effects that resolve upon discontinuation of the drug. With oral administration, the most common adverse effects are sexual in nature (decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory disorders), while gynecomastia, testicular pain and allergic reactions are rare; additionally, the reduction in DHT levels can alter PSA test results.

An early hair shedding phase may occur 1–3 months after treatment initiation, reflecting a shift of follicles from the anagen (growth) to the telogen (resting) phase and indicating effective follicular targeting.

With topical application, where systemic absorption is minimal and sexual side effects are nearly non‑existent, the primary adverse reactions are localized scalp irritation, pruritus or burning. Early shedding appears sooner, within the first 2–6 weeks, followed by the regrowth of new, healthier hairs. Rarely, mood changes or depressive symptoms have been reported.

Dutasteride is not administered to women of childbearing potential due to the risk of teratogenicity to a male fetus. Nevertheless, after menopause it is often prescribed off‑label to women with severe androgenetic alopecia when other treatments have failed. In a large retrospective study of 3,500 women who received 0.15 mg oral dutasteride daily for three years, 83.3 % experienced an increase in hair thickness, with the greatest benefit observed in women under 50 years of age.

Dutasteride demonstrates greater efficacy than finasteride, with no significant differences in their side‑effect profiles. Scientific research shows that finasteride selectively inhibits the type II 5α‑reductase isoenzyme. In contrast, dutasteride inhibits both type I and II isoenzymes, reducing DHT levels by 90–95% compared to approximately 70% with finasteride.

Dutasteride and minoxidil target different stages of the hair growth cycle. Dutasteride inhibits the 5α‑reductase enzyme, lowering DHT levels and preventing the follicular miniaturization that leads to androgenetic alopecia, while minoxidil acts as a vasodilator and enhances nutrient delivery to the scalp, prolonging the anagen phase and increasing hair shaft diameter.

Clinical studies indicate that oral dutasteride yields a greater increase in both hair count and thickness compared to minoxidil monotherapy. Minoxidil, on the other hand, has a faster onset of action (2–4 months) and a strong safety profile, with the most common adverse effects being local irritation and pruritus. Combining oral dutasteride with topical minoxidil has been shown to maximize benefits, producing significant gains in hair density and reductions in hair loss.

Dutasteride is an effective option for combating androgenetic alopecia, and the medical team at our clinic possesses the expertise and experience to evaluate the benefits and individual suitability of this medication as a treatment for hair loss.

If you are interested in hair loss treatment, you can schedule a free consultation at one of Advanced Hair Clinics 17 clinics in Greece and Cyprus, where they will determine the appropriate treatment for you. Leave your message below and you will receive a response as soon as possible, or call from Greece at (+30) 210 6980451, and from Cyprus at (+357) 25251040 for Limassol and (+357) 22257490 for Nicosia.

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