Finasteride vs Dutasteride: what should you choose for hair loss?

‍How do finasteride and dutasteride work against hair loss?

In the vast majority of cases hair loss caused by androgenic alopecia. This is also known as male hereditary baldness. Here, hair loss is caused by the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). This hormone causes hair follicles to shrink, causing them to produce thinner hair and eventually die. Both finasteride and dutasteride inhibit the production of DHT, thereby addressing the cause of hair loss.

They do this by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. Finasteride mainly inhibits the type II enzyme, which is particularly active in the scalp. Dutasteride targets both type I and type II.

Another difference lies in the dosage. With finasteride, the usual dose for hair loss is 1 mg per day; for dutasteride, a dose of 0.5 mg per day is used. Dutasteride may be slightly more effective, but also potentially more sensitive to side effects and stays in the body longer.

Is finasteride or dutasteride more effective against hair loss?

From scientific research it appears that dutasteride is slightly more effective than finasteride in some cases. It lowers DHT levels more strongly and over a larger part of the body, and some men experience more or faster hair growth as a result. However, the difference in effectiveness is often limited, especially among men with beginning or average hair loss. In practice, finasteride is already highly effective for most men.

In addition, the stronger the effect, the more important it is to pay close attention to possible side effects. Dutasteride stays active in the body longer and has a more powerful effect, so that some men may be more sensitive to, for example, a decreased libido or mood swings. Not everyone experiences this, but it is something to take into account when making your choice.

Whichever you choose, when you receive treatment with Fellos, you check in regularly with your doctor. For example, we will discuss your progress, see if you are responding properly to the drug and you can always ask for advice. This ensures a safe and personal approach — completely online, but with medical guidance.

Why finasteride is more commonly used for hair loss

Although dutasteride is slightly more potent, finasteride is in practice much more often prescribed for hair loss. This has everything to do with approval, safety and availability:

• Finasteride has been officially approved by the MEB (Medicines Evaluation Board) and the EMA (European Medicines Agency) for the treatment of hair loss.
• Dutasteride is only approved for benign prostate enlargement, not for hair loss. If you use it against hair loss, it is therefore off-label.
• Much more research has been done into finasteride for hair loss, so that the long-term effect and safety are better known. Both in terms of side effects and the effect on hair growth.

That's why we start with finasteride in most cases at Fellos. It's reliable, proven effective, and most men respond well to it. If finasteride does not give the desired effect or cause side effects in your case, dutasteride may be considered — always in consultation with one of our doctors.

What's the best choice for you?

Every situation is different. Perhaps you have beginning hair loss and you are looking for a solution that works without being too drastic. Whatever your situation, at Fellos, we'll watch with you. Our doctors assess your hair loss based on a short online intake and create a treatment plan that suits your needs, health and goals.

You don't have to leave the house. Everything is online, from intake to delivery, and your medication is discreetly delivered to your home. During treatment, you will stay in touch with your doctor so that you can ask questions, adjust your dosage, and your progress is closely monitored.

Do you want to know what is the right step for you? Then start today an intake via Fellos and take the first step towards controlling your hair loss.

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