Dutasteride is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate, and also to increase hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
AGA is a form of hair loss that is caused by a sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that is converted from testosterone. Dutasteride works by inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. By reducing the levels of DHT in the scalp, dutasteride can help to slow down or stop hair loss and promote new hair growth.
It is important to note that Dutasteride is only available by prescription and it is not FDA approved for treatment of hair loss. It should be used under the guidance of a physician, and it can have side effects such as impotence, decreased libido, and breast tenderness. It is also not recommended for women because of the risk of birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.
Dutasteride treatment can take several months to see results, and it’s not guaranteed that it will work for everyone, so it is recommended to have realistic expectations. Additionally, dutasteride should not be used in combination with other medications for hair loss such as finasteride.