Is Dutasteride equally effective? I have read reports of it causing thinning along hairline due to increase in testosterone.

Question

I have recently switched from Finasteride 1mg to Dutasteride .5mg. I made the switch because I felt like the Finasteride was losing effectiveness. Is Dutasteride equally effective? I have read reports of Dutasteride causing thinning along hairline due to increase in testosterone. Is this true? Will my results improve or diminish with the switch from Finasteride to Dutasteride? A solid answer would be greatly appreciated!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

This will need an evaluation to answer effectively. I suggest a consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist with experience in hair restoration and maintenance. There are some great options for hair restoration and maintenance like prp injections which can stimulate hair growth. Hope this helps.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This needs an in-person evaluation. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. 
See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

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

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

Dutasteride is more effective than finasteride at suppressing DHT. Dutasteride 
is not FDA approved for hair loss. Dutasteride is dose dependent and higher doses such as 2.5 mg are more effective than standard dosing at .5 mg. Dutasteride blocks more parts of the enzyme Alpha reductase then finasteride.. The half-life of dutasteride is significantly longer than the half-life of finasteride. The increase in serum testosterone should not affect the hairline when using dutasteride. It is the scalp levels that are important.. Find a hair loss expert.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Dutasteride is not equally effective. No. It’s better. There is no well conducted medical study published in a medical journal that shows it worsens hairline like you have described. It improves it in many users.

Is Dutasteride equally effective? I have read reports of it causing thinning along hairline due to increase in testosterone.

Answers (9)

Answer: Finasteride vs Dutasteride? Englewood Cliffs New Jersey

Answer: Finasteride vs Dutasteride? Englewood Cliffs New Jersey

Answer: Dutasteride

Answer: Dutasteride

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Is Dutasteride equally effective? I have read reports of it causing thinning along hairline due to increase in testosterone.

Answers (9)

Answer: Finasteride vs Dutasteride? Englewood Cliffs New Jersey

Answer: Finasteride vs Dutasteride? Englewood Cliffs New Jersey

Answer: Dutasteride

Answer: Dutasteride

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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.