Tag Archive for: Oral Dutasteride

The Benefits of Dutasteride for Hair Growth In Men & Women

Chemical makeup of hair growth ingredient and DHT blocker, Dutasteride.

 

The Benefits of Dutasteride for Hair Growth In Men & Women

Hair loss is more common than you think, affecting millions worldwide, men and women alike. With many treatments claiming to regrow hair, one ingredient’s results stand out from the rest: Dutasteride. 

Most people are familiar with Finasteride as a primary ingredient in hair growth medication, but Dutasteride is considered superior in performance as it targets two of the enzymes responsible for converting Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). According to a study done on 600 patients, Dutasteride reduced DHT by 98% compared to 71% with Finasteride. (1)  

This article explores the benefits of using Dutasteride for hair growth and how it can help those struggling with hair loss. Our prescription-grade Dutasteride is available online at the highest concentrations and in multiple forms. Learn how and why Dutasteride may be the key to your hair growth. 

 

Dutasteride Explained

Dutasteride is used primarily in the treatment of enlarged prostate glands in men and is FDA-approved for such use. Dutasteride blocks two enzymes 5-alpha reductase type I and II (responsible for converting Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone or DHT), an androgen hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement but also hair loss. Clinical studies have found that men who took Dutasteride saw thicker, fuller hair as a result. (2) Because of these results, the powerful DHT blocker is used off-label for hair loss.

How Can Dutasteride Promote Hair Growth?

DHT contributes to hair loss by attacking hair follicles, causing them to shrink and shortening their growth cycle. When hair follicles shrink, they lose access to vital growth nutrients as they separate from blood vessels at the follicle’s base. Without nutrients, hair follicles continue to shrink until they eventually fall out. By blocking this conversion of the hormone Testosterone to DHT, Dutasteride prevents hair loss and promotes growth, especially in combination with stimulating Minoxidil. 

Dutasteride also can reverse the miniaturization in hair follicles that causes them to shrink and eventually fall out, leading to thicker and fuller hair overall. It can also extend the anagen or growth phase of hair follicles, so hair is much longer before it enters the resting or telogen phase in the growth cycle. 

Benefits of Dutasteride for Hair Growth

Is Dutasteride Effective for Male Pattern Hair Loss?

Male pattern hair loss commonly known as androgenetic alopecia, is men’s most common form of hair loss. A combination of genetics and the effects of DHT on hair follicles causes it.

Studies have shown that Dutasteride can be more effective in promoting hair growth than finasteride, another medication used to treat male pattern hair loss. In a study of 416 men with male pattern baldness, those who took Dutasteride experienced a 23% increase in hair count after 24 weeks, compared to a 17% increase in those who took finasteride. (1)

Can Women Use Dutasteride?

While Dutasteride is primarily used to treat hair loss in men, it has also been effective for women. (2) In a study of 87 women with female pattern hair loss, those who took Dutasteride experienced a 10% increase in hair count after 24 weeks, compared to a 7% increase in those who took a placebo.

Dutasteride is often prescribed to women over 50 who cannot become pregnant and have yet to see results with other hair loss treatments, such as hair growth stimulant Minoxidil and/or Spironolactone. However, it should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, typically women under 50, as it may be harmful to the developing fetus. Dutasteride for women can expand treatment options when others have failed. 

Can I Combine Dutasteride With Other Hair Growth Treatments?

Dutasteride can be combined with other hair growth treatments, such as Minoxidil, to enhance its effectiveness. Minoxidil stimulates blood flow in the scalp, providing nutrients that hair follicles need to grow. By combining Dutasteride and Minoxidil, we can block the effects of DHT and stimulate hair growth more effectively.

How to Use Dutasteride for Hair Growth

At Happy Head, Dutasteride is available in oral capsules and as a custom topical that should be taken once a day or applied topically twice daily. It’s essential to follow the dosage and application instructions provided by your Happy Head dermatologist. 

With consistent use, it may take 3 to 6 months to see results from Dutasteride. If you were to stop taking Dutasteride consistently, any hair growth progress will be lost in about 12 months. We make it easy to incorporate your custom Dutasteride prescriptions into your daily routine so you can see results and keep them. 

Side Effects of Dutasteride When Used for Hair Growth

As with any medication, Dutasteride may cause side effects in some patients. The most common side effects of oral Dutasteride in men include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), and reduced semen volume. For women over 50 (to whom this ingredient may be prescribed, those not within childbearing years) common side effects include changes in mood, weight gain, reduced libido, breast tenderness, and muscle soreness. Dutasteride also has a 6-month half-life, meaning that it can stay within your system for up to 6 months, so anyone looking to donate blood for example must wait until 6 months have passed to do so. A complete list of side effects of Dutasteride can be found here on our drug safety and information page. These side effects are usually mild and may improve with continued use. In rare cases, it’s possible to experience allergic reactions, breast tenderness or breast enlargement, and depression. If you experience any of these side effects with Dutasteride, talk to your dermatologist immediately and stop using the medication.

For patients looking to reduce their chance of experiencing side effects, especially sexual side effects, we recommend our custom topical Dutasteride. While experiencing side effects can occur with oral medication, topically applied solutions can help significantly reduce this chance of developing side effects because they’re not ingested and don’t travel through the body. 

Dutasteride is a powerful DHT blocker used to treat hair loss in men and women. By blocking the conversion of the male sex hormone Testosterone to DHT, Dutasteride helps prevent hair loss and promote growth.

Dutasteride SuperCapsule exclusive to Happy Head Inc. This is the only 3-in-1 daily capsule to include three hair growth ingredients plus one essential vitamin.

Happy Head Solutions Formulated With Dutasteride

Our Dutasteride solutions are formulated at the highest available strengths and are made fresh for you every month. Once you have a consultation with your Happy Head board-certified dermatologist and they’ve looked at your hair, they’ll prescribe and send it off to our pharmacy to formulate. The best part is you don’t have to wait in a doctor’s office or in line at the pharmacy because we’ll ship it free to your door. Here are our most popular Dutasteride solutions to try: 

  1. Custom Topical Dutasteride & Minoxidil 
  2. Oral Dutasteride
  3. HH EXCLUSIVE! 3-in-1 daily SuperCapsule™ Dutasteride, Minoxidil & Vitamin D3
  4. A combination of our custom Topical + SuperCapsule™ Dutasteride formula here

If you are considering Dutasteride for hair growth, it is essential to consult your doctor first to determine if it is the proper treatment for you. Dutasteride can help you achieve thicker, fuller hair and boost your confidence with daily applications. It’s the ingredient of the year for hair growth, so get it made custom for 60% off your first order when you take the quiz and use code HAIR60 at checkout. 

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9561294/#:~:text=Dutasteride%20inhibits%20type%20II%205,Taiwan11%2C12%2C13. 
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962206012874 
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6388756/#:~:text=One%20study%20discovered%20that%20dutasteride,in%20inhibiting%20type%201%205AR.&text=After%20studying%20the%20mechanism%20of,than%20finasteride%20in%20treating%20AGA  
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10334345/ 
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6388756/ 
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1472914/ 

Your Comprehensive Guide to Oral Dutasteride

Happy Head's dermatologists formulate prescription-grade hair loss treatments with Dutasteride as an active ingredient, made to block hair loss. Learn more about this active ingredient and how it tackles hair loss and prevents future loss while promoting hair growth.

If you’re experiencing male or female pattern baldness, your dermatologist probably recommended a Dihydrotestosterone or DHT blocker. There are a few different types that you may have heard about. Finasteride was the first DHT blocker on the market and the oral version is FDA approved for male pattern hair loss. Dutasteride is a newer medication that’s often used off-label to treat hair loss. If you’re unfamiliar with Dutasteride as a primary ingredient in hair loss treatments then you’re in the right place. We’re going to share everything you need to know about oral Dutasteride in this comprehensive guide and how it can help you achieve successful hair growth. 

Dutasteride is a DHT Blocker

Let’s start with the basics. Both men and women have an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase in their liver and skin. It can also be found in men’s prostates. The enzyme is responsible for converting Testosterone produced into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Healthy levels of DHT are needed to support sexual development in both men and women. When a person’s DHT level gets too high during adulthood, however, it can cause prostate enlargement in men and hair loss in both men and women. High levels of DHT shrink the hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle resulting in hair loss.   

Dutasteride is Designed to Prevent Hair Loss 

DHT blockers like Dutasteride prevent Testosterone from converting into DHT in th

e first place. When production is inhibited, the amount of DHT that can attach to your hair follicles is significantly reduced, limiting the effects on your scalp. 

Dutasteride is a Newer DHT Blocker

Finasteride was the first DHT blocker on the market in 1992. Dutasteride was developed a few years later and patented in 1996. The medication was marketed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, another name for enlarged prostates, under the brand name Avodart. In 2015, Dutasteride’s patent expired, making the medication more widely available. Although Dutasteride is not FDA approved for treatment of male or female pattern hair loss and is used off-label in the United States, it has been approved in South Korea since 2009 and Japan since 2015. At Happy Head, every formula we create is thoroughly tested and found to have effective results by our board-certified dermatologists. 

Finasteride and Dutasteride Both Treat Androgenetic Alopecia, but Work Differently

Like Finasteride, Dutasteride inhibits 5a-reductase (5AR). The difference is the number and types of enzymes inhibited. Finasteride selectively inhibits the Type 2 isoenzyme, and Dutastride inhibits both Type 1 and 2. A research study published in the National Library of Medicine on 576 men confirmed that Dutasteride is an effective option for men who don’t respond well to Finasteride. So if you’ve tried Finasteride before without success, just let your Happy Head dermatologist know and they’ll find an effective solution for you or craft one from prescription-grade ingredients just for you. 

Is Dutasteride Stronger 

Than Finasteride?

According to research findings, Dutasteride is a stronger ingredient. In one study on men with Androgenetic Alopecia (male pattern baldness), Dutasteride improved hair growth by over twelve percent after 24 weeks, compared to just seven and a half percent in the group that took Finasteride. However, anecdotally, some dermatologists find that while some patients respond better to Dutasteride, other patients achieve better results with Finasteride. It’s difficult to predict which medication will work better without trying each. 

Dutasteride Has Long-Lasting Effects

Dutasteride remains in your system for a long time after the medication is stopped. It can be detected for up to four to six months after your last dose. In comparison, Finasteride only lasts in your system for five to eight hours. 

Why Not Try Dutasteride First?

When prescribing medications for genetic and other types of hair loss, dermatologists often start with lower strengths and dosages and bump up to higher ones as needed. The system gives you the most effective formulas at the lowest possible dosages to help avoid side effects. After all, Finasteride, which is usually used as a first-line treatment, effectively treats many patients experiencing male and female pattern baldness. Some people never need another DHT blocker. There are times, however, when Finasteride doesn’t do the trick. In those cases, Dutasteride is often prescribed next. 

Are Side Effects Common with Dutasteride?

DHT blockers can cause sexual side effects, such as decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, so some people, especially men, may be hesitant to try them. The truth is that side effects due to Dutasteride are not typical, and most people do not experience them.  According to a study from the National Library of Medicine, eighty-five percent of men who use DHT blockers don’t experience any side effects. Side effects usually dissipate over time after the medication is discontinued.  

What Conditions Does Oral Dutasteride Treat

Dutasteride is most often prescribed to treat male and female pattern hair loss, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia. The condition is genetic and occurs when an overproduction of DHT attacks the hair follicles. Dutasteride stops the flow of DHT to prevent further hair loss and allow new hair to grow. Oral Dutasteride is also prescribed for conditions such as frontal fibrosing alopecia and as appropriate for other forms of alopecia. 

How Long Will It Take to See Results?

Oral Dutasteride may start working immediately, but it will take approximately six months to a year to see a noticeable difference. 

Oral Hair Growth treatments formulated by dermatologists and delivered to your door using Dutasteride, Finasteride, Minoxidil, and more.

Can Oral Dutasteride Be Combined With Minoxidil and Other Hair Loss Treatments?

Not only can Dutasteride be combined with Minoxidil, but it is also recommended. The two medications work differently and together can maximize your hair growth. Here’s how. When people experience androgenetic alopecia, the hair follicles shrink, resulting in shorter and thinner hair. Over time, the hair follicles can completely close, so that hair will no longer grow. Dutasteride blocks DHT from shrinking the follicles, and Minoxidil enlarges the hair follicles, allowing thicker, healthier hair to emerge.  

How to Get Oral Dutasteride

Oral Dutasteride is only available by prescription and should be taken under the supervision of a licensed dermatologist. Be sure to follow-up as recommended by your doctor. As with any medication, Dutasteride should be monitored regularly. 

If you have been diagnosed with male or female pattern baldness and are interested in learning more about Dutasteride, Happy Head can help. Not diagnosed for hair loss but feel like you’re losing hair? You can get a FREE consultation with our board-certified dermatologists and get prescribed the treatment you need online by taking our quick questionnaire here and telling us about your hair. We have licensed dermatologists available in every state to answer your questions and determine whether Dutasteride is right for you. We also help make Dutasteride affordable, whether or not you have insurance. Use code GOHAIR for 50 percent off of your first order. 

Resources:

(01) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6388756/

(02) Khandpur, S., & Suman, M. (2014). Dutasteride improves male pattern hair loss in a randomized study in identical twins. Indian journal of dermatology, 59(6), 630-633. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.143571

(03) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5023004/#:~:text=Sexual%20adverse%20effects%2C%20such%20as,the%20symptoms%20improve%20over%20time.

 

Your Guide to the Top Hair Loss Treatments for 2023 (Yes, They Really Work!)

2022 was a big year for advancements in the medical field.  Scientists learned how to track rapidly changing Covid variants, promising medications for prostate cancer were identified, and breakthroughs were made in diabetes management.  JAK inhibitors were found to be successful in helping patients with severe alopecia areata regrow their hair. (01)

We’ve been busy too.  In addition to seeing patients throughout the year, Dr. Ben Behnam and Dr. Sean Behnam, board-certified dermatologists and hair specialists, were behind the scenes developing, testing, and marketing stronger treatments for male and female pattern hair loss based on scientific data and their clinical experience.  

If bald spots, thinning hair, or hairballs in the shower are stressing you out, now is the time to stop the shedding and start regrowing your hair.  Here’s our guide to the Top Hair Loss Treatments for 2023.  We’ll also share the science behind the formulas so you can make smart decisions about the products you use.  

Top Oral Medications for Hair Loss

The most effective hair loss medications are prescription drugs discovered by accident.  During testing for high blood pressure and benign prostatic hyperplasia, researchers found that the medicines had a peculiar side effect.  Balding men suddenly started to regrow their hair.  Further research was conducted, and sure enough, the findings were confirmed.  Finasteride is now FDA approved to use by men with male pattern hair loss.  Although all the other medications listed below have been tested for efficacy, they are currently prescribed off-label at low doses.  Oral hair loss medications are easy to take and are relatively inexpensive.    

Oral Minoxidil

Oral Minoxidil was recently touted in the New York Times as a “cheap treatment” that “restores hair in many patients.” (02)  Minoxidil works by opening the blood vessels.  More oxygen flows to the scalp, expanding the blood vessels and enlarging the hair follicles.   Topical liquid or foam works for many people, but it does not work for some.  People who do not respond to the topical formula may have better luck with the pill.  A specific enzyme must be present in the skin and hair roots to convert topical Minoxidil to an active form.  Oral Minoxidil does not need to be converted. 

Oral Finasteride

Low-dose oral Finasteride is a first-line DHT blocker that can be used by both men and women who are not pregnant or planning to become pregnant.  DHT blockers prevent testosterone from converting to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  DHT binds to your hair follicles, makes them shrink during a process called miniaturization, and makes your hair fall out.  When DHT production is blocked, your hair follicles remain healthy.  Oral Finasteride has minimal side effects on women who qualify to take the medication.  Although  not  common, some men report sexual side effects from the pills.  Switching to topical Finasteride is a good solution for men who are concerned.       

Oral Dutasteride

Oral Dutasteride is similar to Finasteride. The main difference is the number of isoenzymes inhibited.  Finasteride inhibits Type 2 isoenzyme of 5a-reductase (5AR).  Dutasteride inhibits Type 1 and Type 2.  5AR is the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  Research indicates that Dutasteride reduces more serum DHT than Finasteride. (03)  Should you skip the Finasteride and go straight to Dutasteride?  Not necessarily.  Finasteride is effective for many users and can be taken at a lower dose.  It’s typically recommended to step up to stronger medications as needed.  Of course, there are always exceptions, so your dermatologist should guide you.  

Oral Spironolactone

Oral Spironolactone, a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, is used off-label at low doses to treat hair loss.  Spironolactone falls into the category of mineralocorticoid receptors (MRAs).  The medication slows the production of androgen to block DHT production.  It’s usually only prescribed to women because it can cause side effects such as enlarged breasts in men.  

Combination Oral Medications

Over time, dermatologists have discovered that treating male or female pattern hair loss requires multiple approaches working simultaneously.  Many people need a cocktail of medications to stop their hair loss and to grow new hair.  However, taking numerous medications usually isn’t convenient.  That’s where SuperCapsules play a role.  These medications combine a Minoxidil (a vasodilator), Finasteride or Dutasteride (a DHT blocker), and vitamin D. 

Why Vitamin D?  Because the number of people with Vitamin D deficiencies is more significant than you would imagine. Vitamin D deficiency affects about 40 percent of the people who live in the U.S. (04)   Vitamin D is metabolized in the skin by cells that process keratin, the protein found in your hair, nails, and skin.  When your body has a Vitamin D deficiency, your body has trouble regulating hair growth and shedding.

Top Topical Medications for Hair Loss

Oral medications are effective, but they’re not ideal for everyone.  Although rare, oral hair loss medicines can sometimes cause side effects such as low blood pressure or decreased libido.  That doesn’t mean you have to forgo hair loss treatment, though.  Topical treatments can penetrate the scalp and have been found equally effective, without the same risk of side effects. (05) 

All of our oral medications are available in topicals.  For your convenience, topicals are also available in combinations.  After all, it’s much easier to apply one medication than two, three, or four.  Combined topicals also allow ingredients to be added, such as retinoic acid and cortisone.  Retinoic acid improves the absorption of the formula.  Sometimes, topicals that include higher percentages of Minoxidil can cause irritation.  Cortisone proactively alleviates the issue.  If you don’t see the exact formula you need, it’s not a problem.  We can customize a formula for you.  

Can you get topicals over the counter without a prescription?  Minoxidil, yes.  The only catch is that the foam and liquid available at the store is a lower dosage.  Percentages higher than five are only available by prescription.  Topical Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Spironolactone are only available by prescription.  

Here are the topical formulas available:

Thickening Shampoos & Conditioners

Shopping for the right shampoo and conditioner can be overwhelming.  Store shelves are packed with different options for every hair type.  There are shampoos and conditioners for dry hair, greasy hair, curly hair, straight hair, dandruff, and more.  What do you use if your hair is thinning or falling out?  Well, there’s a plethora of options for that too.  When developing their shampoo and conditioner, Dr. Ben Behnam and Dr. Sean Behnam were very particular about the ingredients they chose.  Here are some of the natural ingredients they selected and why:  

Argan oil 

Research indicates that aragan oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Aragan oil can protect your hair against elements and make it look shinier.  

Biotin

Biotin, vitamin B7, is known for stimulating keratin production and increasing follicle growth rate.  It was added to help make your hair stronger.  

Collagen

Collagen is used to increase your hair’s ability to build protein.  It can help make your hair longer and thicker.  If you have gray hair, collagen may help improve your hair’s appearance by supporting the hair follicle where your hair’s pigment is produced.  

Keratin

Want smoother, shinier hair?  Keratin will help.  The  hair cuticle absorbs keratin, a structural and protective protein which helps keep your hair under control.  

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a member of the palm family.  The powder is made from the shrub’s berries.  Saw palmetto not only has anti-inflammatory properties, but it also acts as a DHT blocker.  

Remember that no shampoo or conditioner alone will prevent hair loss or regrow your hair.  The right ones will, however, help keep your hair and scalp healthy and healthy looking. 

Hair Supplements

Nutritional deficiencies, hormonal issues, and stress all contribute to hair loss.  Daily hair supplements with Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Ashwagandha, probiotics, and other natural ingredients included in our hair supplements help offset the effects to give you stronger, healthier hair.  

Researched and Tested Prescription Hair Loss Treatments 

Most people are upset when they realize that they’re losing their hair.  If that’s you, it’s time to usher in the new year with a fresh approach to managing your hair loss.  Thanks to telemedicine, you can quickly, easily, discreetly access the prescription hair loss treatment you need.  Our caring, licensed dermatologists are available to help you along the way.  There’s even a special edition holiday pack to help you get started.  

Remember, it can take six to twelve months to see the full results, so make sure to celebrate your milestones along the way.  You may not think that you’re making much progress.  After all, you see yourself every day.  However, taking photos monthly will make it easier to see new growth.  Cheers to new beginnings!

Resources:

(01) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31930807/

(02) https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/18/health/minoxidil-hair-loss-pills.html

(03) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1472914/

(04) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6075634/

(05) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34634163/