Is it possible that dutasteride caused an initial shed? I seem to be slightly thinner throughout.

Question

37yo NW 3-V. Most of my loss is in the crown, although my temples are starting to slightly thin more. I recently switched over from fin to dut. At approx the 6 week point, I started to shed more hair than normal. This went on for about 1.5 to 2 weeks. My shedding has recently slowed at about the 8 week/2 month point. However, I seem to be slightly thinner throughout, especially at the crown. Is this normal, and is it possible that I'm responding to the meds, and it could grow back better?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Dutasteride theoretically has more potency for hair preservation than Finasteride but a higher side effect profile as well.  The use of dutasteride for hair loss is an off-label use according to the FDA.  Typically regrowth of both agents occurs in areas where the hair is miniaturized and not where slick baldness occurs.  Consider the use of regenerative techniques such as PRP and others and the use of nutraceuticals such as Nutrafol which have a much better side effect profile.Best, Dr. Anil Shah

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

sehdding can occur for 3-6 months when you start any treatments.  I sugggest topical treatments with rogaine and injections like PRP and a cell.  A formal evaluation is needed to determine the cause of loss. Best, Dr. Emer.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Dutaasteride works similar to finasteride and finasteride has been reported to sometimes cause an initial shed.so dutastetide doing this would not surprose me. Dutasteride is not FDA approved for hair loss so such documentation has not been clearly documented

Is it possible that dutasteride caused an initial shed? I seem to be slightly thinner throughout.

Answers (3)