What is Dutasteride?

Dutasteride is a medication that inhibits a pathway known as five alpha reductase, which in turn reduces dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone closely linked to hair loss. It is more potent than similar medications like Finasteride because it inhibits all three isoforms of the five alpha reductase enzyme. Dutasteride typically comes in dosages ranging from 0.5 mg to 2.5 mg taken orally, and is known to work two to five times faster than Finasteride in promoting hair regrowth, reducing DHT by up to 95%.

However, the potency of Dutasteride also leads to several side effects related to the DHT pathway, including reduced sex drive and other hormonal impacts such as increased estrogen and prolactin levels. This can sometimes lead to gynecomastia (growth of male breast tissue). Due to these significant side effects, some alternatives like topical treatments (e.g., ketoconazole, caffeine) or other mild DHT inhibitors are recommended for those seeking less aggressive approaches to hair growth or maintenance 1.