Dutasteride against hair loss: an expert review

What is Dutasteride?

Dutasteride is a medication that was originally developed to treat benign prostate enlargement. It belongs to the group of 5α-reductase inhibitors and has a special property: it blocks both type 1 and type 2 of the enzyme 5α-reductase. This enzyme plays a major role in the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair follicles to become thinner in men with hereditary baldness. Ultimately, this leads to permanent hair loss.

Because dutasteride inhibits both types of the enzyme, the DHT level in the body decreases more strongly and for longer than, for example, finasteride, which blocks type 2 only. As a result, dutasteride may have a more powerful effect in slowing down or even reversing the process of hair loss in some men.

Does Dutasteride really work against hair loss?

Much research has been done into the effectiveness of dutasteride in androgenic alopecia, or hereditary baldness. Out of several clinical studies it appears that the drug can significantly reduce hair loss and, in many cases, also increase hair density. In some studies, dutasteride even showed up better than finasteride, especially in men who saw little improvement with finasteride alone.

Many users notice that the daily loss of hair is declining after just a few months. After six months to a year, they often see that thin hair thickens again and that the scalp is less visible. However, it's important to note that these effects will only last as long as you keep taking the medicine. When you stop, hair loss can return to its previous level within 6-12 months. However, your hair loss will never accelerate or be more severe compared to if you had never used dutasteride.

Possible side effects of Dutasteride

Like any other medication, dutasteride can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Although very rare (< 1% of users), the most common complaints are related to changes in libido, such as decreased sex drive or problems getting or maintaining an erection. Tenderness or a slight swelling of the breast tissue also sometimes occurs. In rare cases, users report changes in mood, such as gloom, or skin reactions such as itching or rash. From recent research it appears that dutasteride has less effect and the chance of changing your mood compared to finasteride.

It is good to know that side effects are often mild and almost always disappear on their own. However, it is wise to only use dutasteride under the guidance of a doctor. Especially if you are taking other medications or have a medical condition, professional advice is essential to ensure safety. For more information, please refer to the leaflet.

Is Dutasteride available in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, dutasteride is only available by prescription. So you can't just order it in-store or via any webshop. Most often, the remedy is prescribed by a general practitioner or dermatologist. More and more men are opting for an online process via a specialized provider such as Fellos.

At Fellos, you start with an online intake, where you answer questions about your health and situation. A BIG-registered doctor will then assess whether you are suitable for treatment with dutasteride. If this is the case, the prescription will be issued and the medication will be discreetly delivered to your home by a Dutch pharmacy. This way, you can be sure that you are receiving reliable and safe medication. It is strongly discouraged to buy dutasteride via unknown foreign web shops, as you will not be sure about the quality and composition of the product.

Tips for best results (and how long it takes to work)

The use of dutasteride requires patience and consistency. The first noticeable improvement often occurs after three to six months. Clearly visible new hair growth is often only seen after six to twelve months. That is why it is important to take the drug at the same time daily and not to interrupt treatment in the meantime.

Some men combine dutasteride with minoxidil, a lotion or foam that can stimulate hair growth. In addition, your lifestyle plays a role: a healthy diet, adequate sleep and reducing stress help your hair stay in optimal condition.

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