Dramatic hair loss after finasteride medication change. Should I try dutasteride?

Question

On Finasteride 1 mg for 5 years with success. Very slow decrease of success at 5 1/2 years. Spot at hairline became slightly less dense over a 6 month period. Prescribed 1/3 of a 5 mg pill of finasteride. However, after this change, I have been met with dramatic hair loss over a 6 month period. Went from stability to nothing since the change. What is next for me (medication wise)? Is dutasteride worth the side effects, truly?

Marco Barusco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Dutasteride has shown to be more effective than finasteride and they both carry the same side effects. It will be within your best interest to meet with a doctor who specializes in hair restoration to discuss whether this option will be best for you. I have found that patients who do a layered treatment plan do best as Finasteride really shows the most improvement in the crown area and does not do too much for the frontal hair line. Feel free to reach out to our office and schedule a virtual appointment and I will be glad to discuss these options with you .

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Dutesteride has been shown to be more effective than finasteride, and both have a similar side effect profile. Other medical modalities potentially worth trying include red light therapy and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections. I hope that helps, and all the best.
-Dr. P

Robert Nettles, MD · Answer

The current FDA approved hair loss treatments were approved over 40 years ago.
New medical technologies enable us to see what is causing symptoms in our bodies. It is no longer necessary to try multiple treatments one after the other in the hope of treating a symptom. 
Now with "science" we have the technology via precision medicine and x-ray crystallography to see individual molecules within our blood to accurately diagnose the underlying causes of symptoms such as hair fall or lack of hair growth. We can then also see the exact molecules and dosages needed to effectively treat the problem, reverse hair loss and regrow hair.

Why then would we want to guess what is happening rather than find the true real cause and treat that with 100% effectiveness? 
My recommendation: find a doctor who can perform a biochemical report card lab tests panel. The BRC will provide a very comprehensive view of your overall health and well being as well as all the biomarkers which lead to hair loss. t also provides guidance to a biomolecular medical specialist as to which ingredients and which doses are needed.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

I would advise you see an expert for proper review to ensure other causes of hair loss are fully excluded. Androgenetic alopecia is roughtly symmetrical more or less so spots in the hairline in the manner described are not typical. A full review of the story and proper trichoscopic examination are what is critically needed here.

Dramatic hair loss after finasteride medication change. Should I try dutasteride?

Answers (4)

Answer: Options

Answer: Options

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Dramatic hair loss after finasteride medication change. Should I try dutasteride?

Answers (4)

Answer: Options

Answer: Options

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.