What are the side effects of Dutasteride in women?

Question

Most studies that I have seen about dutasteride seem to have focused on side effects on men. Can you share more information about its side effects from studies or your experience prescribing Dutasteride for your female patients? Specifically interested to know impact on decreasing libido and depression. Thanks!

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Dutasteride is an antiandrogen which is somewhat similar to finasteride. Side effects need to be carefully reviewed with the prescribing physician. The medication may be appropriate for some post menopausal women with androgenetic alopecia and frontal fibrosing alopecia and fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution.

We don’t have alot of good data on dutasteride side effects. Side effects overall are somewhat similar to finasteride although not completely.  Depression and mood changes occur in 1-2 % of our patients and changes in libido in 10%. Weight gain, breast tenderness, breast enlargement, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, joint pain, rashes can occur. The medication must never be used during pregnancy and ideally should not be used by any woman planning pregnancy within the next 12-18 months. It is not a suitable medication for women planning a family anytime soon due to the drug’s long half life.  We have no evidence the drug causes cancer but caution is needed in women with a family history of breast, ovarian and gynaecological cancers and not typically used in women with prior breast cancer.

Overall, to reiterate the answer to your question. Mood changes occur in about 1-2 % and changes in libido in 1 in 10 users.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Dutasteride should not be prescribed for women who could potentially become pregnant as it would cause fetal birth defects.

What are the side effects of Dutasteride in women?

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What are the side effects of Dutasteride in women?

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