Dutasteride for Women
Can women take dutasteride for hair loss? Dutasteride is commonly used off-label for
male pattern hair loss but may be considered for women in certain cases.
Typically, prescribing dutasteride for women occurs under close medical
supervision and is reserved for cases with particular indications.
Read on for insights from the Dr Bonaros clinic on the use of dutasteride for female pattern hair loss and other hair loss conditions.
We also explore the medication’s efficiency and possible side effects.
Reviewed by Dr Epameinondas Bonaros
Table of Contents
Overview of Dutasteride
Dutasteride, the generic version of Avodart®, is FDA-approved for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with an enlarged prostate. Pronounced as (doo tas’ teer ide), the medication is available in both topical and oral forms.
How Dutasteride Works
Dutasteride belongs to the class of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Its mechanism of action involves blocking the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement.
By inhibiting this process, dutasteride reduces prostate size in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. In addition to its benefits for prostate health, Dutasteride can also be used to address hair loss.
The DHT hormone disrupts the hair growth cycle by causing hair follicles to miniaturise, which leads to shorter, thinner hair that ultimately falls out. By blocking this process, Dutasteride can help effectively reduce further hair loss.
Efficacy of Dutasteride for Hair Loss
Dutasteride is considered one of the most effective non-surgical treatment plans for androgenetic alopecia in male patients. Clinical trials have demonstrated the effects of dutasteride for men with mild to moderate male pattern hair loss.
Dutasteride for Women’s Hair Loss
Research on dutasteride use for women remains limited, though select findings show promise for treating women with androgenetic alopecia (also called female pattern hair loss).
However, the medication’s long half-life raises concerns about potential extended adverse effects. This is particularly important for women who are pregnant, planning to conceive, or have a predisposition to breast cancer.
Due to its pregnancy-related risks, postmenopausal women, or those who have undergone a hysterectomy, are considered better candidates for dutasteride treatment.
Here is an overview of the results and potential side effects of dutasteride when used for female hair loss.
Using Dutasteride For Hair Loss In Women
An expansive study conducted in The Netherlands evaluated the effectiveness of finasteride and dutasteride in women with female pattern hair loss.
In the study, dutasteride showed statistically superior results compared to finasteride for women under 50. particularly in the central and vertex areas of the scalp.
Overall, 83.3% of female patients showed an increase in hair density from dutasteride use over three years. In addition to this, the dutasteride treatment effectively halted the progression of female androgenic alopecia in study participants.
In another clinical study of dutasteride used for women, a patient with decreased hair density showed significant improvement on the medication after nine months. This outcome is noteworthy, as the patient had previously failed to respond to a combination treatment of minoxidil and finasteride.
Oral Dutasteride Vs Topical Treatments for Women
Only a prescribing doctor can determine the appropriate off-label dutasteride dosage for female hair loss. Treatment options of this medication include both oral and topical forms.
Oral dutasteride: These tablets are generally taken once per day, with the recommended dosage ranging between 0.5 mg and 0.15 mg.
Topical dutasteride: The topical application can be an effective treatment for female hair loss as it is formulated to minimise side effects by focusing treatment directly on the scalp.
Dutasteride Side Effects for Women
Before considering dutasteride as a treatment for hair loss, women should be fully informed about its potential side effects.
This comprehensive overview helps you understand the important safety considerations and possible side effects of dutasteride for women’s hair loss.
Critical Pregnancy Considerations
Dutasteride is classified as a pregnancy category X medication due to its teratogenic effects. By blocking DHT, the medication may disrupt the natural development of male sex organs in foetuses.
Therefore, premenopausal women must use effective birth control alongside dutasteride treatment. Pregnant women may not handle the medication at all, as it can be absorbed into the bloodstream through skin exposure.
Due to the long half-life of dutasteride, female patients are advised not to donate blood between six to 12 months after taking the medication. This is due to the risk of the donated blood being given to a pregnant woman.
Hormonal Impact and Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Dutasteride can disrupt the delicate balance between oestrogen and testosterone in women. This could potentially increase the risk of malignancy for those with a family history of specific oestrogen-sensitive breast cancers.
However, there is currently minimal clinical evidence to substantiate this, as studies on treating women’s hair loss with dutasteride are lacking. The treatment of breast cancer survivors with the medication remains a controversial topic.
It is crucial to be informed about the potential benefits and side effects of any medication. Breast cancer survivors and patients with a predisposition to cancer are advised to discuss their hair loss treatment plans with their healthcare provider.
During dutasteride treatment, symptoms such as breast tenderness, the presence of lumps, alterations in breast skin, or discharge from the nipple should be promptly reported to a doctor.
Common Side Effects of Dutasteride Used for Women
Women also experience many of the same side effects taking dutasteride for hair loss as men.
For the oral medication, potential side effects include:
- Allergic reaction symptoms like a skin rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Changes in breast tissue
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
- Change in libido or sexual performance (e.g., low orgasm)
- Mood changes
- Muscle soreness
- Weight gain
Topical dutasteride has fewer and milder side effects than its oral counterpart, as it is applied directly to the scalp. Potential side effects include:
- Mild headaches
- Redness or irritation of the scalp
- Itching
- A burning sensation
- In rare cases, contact dermatitis
Dr Bonaros offers cutting-edge solutions for treating hair loss, including dutasteride therapy for women.
Contact us to discover if this advanced treatment is right for you.
Dr Bonaros: Complete Female Hair Loss Care
The Dr Bonaros hair transplant clinic in Glasgow specialises in a scientific approach to hair loss. We utilise evidence-based protocols ranging from surgical hair procedures to non-surgical treatments and hair loss medications.
Throughout your hair restoration journey, you’ll be guided by Dr Bonaros’ expertise. This is supported by his British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS) membership. He is also in the unique position of being Scotland’s sole full International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) member.
We remain committed to providing honest, ethical advice with achievable results. Whether your goal is to restore hair thickness or manage hair loss, our caring and professional team is here to guide you toward an informed decision.
You deserve answers for your hair loss concerns. Dr Bonaros provides specialised hair loss treatments, including dutasteride for women. Schedule your private consultation now to explore this option.
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