Seeking early treatment is advised when experiencing hair loss. It is necessary to learn the basic things about how medication could affect you not only today but also in the long run. Among these treatments is called Dutasteride.
What is Dutasteride?
Dutasteride is a type of medicine called anti-androgen. It is a drug used to treat BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia), also known as an enlarged prostate. It is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, which prevents testosterone from being converted to dihydrotestosterone by the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme (DHT). The hormone DHT influences the growth and development of the prostate gland. Dutasteride can help shrink the prostate and alleviate BPH symptoms like frequent urination, frequent incontinence, and weak urine flow by reducing the production of DHT. The usual dosage of Dutasteride is one oral dose per day. Dutasteride frequently causes impotence, decreased ejaculate volume, and decreased sex drive as side effects. It is crucial to consult your doctor for guidance regarding the possible hazards and long-term impact of Dutasteride.
Can it be used as a hair loss treatment?
Some studies have suggested that Dutasteride may effectively treat androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness), a common cause of hair loss. Dutasteride works by inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone plays a role in hair loss though Dutasteride is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating hair loss. By reducing the levels of DHT in the scalp, Dutasteride may help prevent further hair loss and promote new hair growth. It is important to note that the use of Dutasteride for the treatment of hair loss is considered off-label, which means it is being used for a purpose that originally designed for and approved by the FDA. Before starting the process, it is necessary to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of using Dutasteride for the treatment of hair loss. Your doctor can help you determine if Dutasteride is a suitable treatment option and help you develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
What are the complications of using Dutasteride for a long time?
This drug's most common side effect is that it may cause hair loss. Other possible side effects include:
- Stomach pain or irritation, including heartburn and indigestion
- Headache and dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Sleep problems, such as restless leg syndrome
- Decreased libido
It is necessary to double-check the available treatments/medications before choosing any medication or hair loss treatment. It is difficult to revert the process, especially when it causes you damage in the long run. Many valuable sources are available online to guide you through, such as Hair Loss and Beard Growth courses by Tudor Tanase ( Follicle Booster and Follixil Founder and CEO) and FREE instructional videos on Youtube. Catch up with the latest trend in hair regrowth tips with @thehairlossdude IG.