Dutasteride Side Effects

Dealing with hair loss can be a difficult experience. Many patients are prescribed dutasteride capsules to promote hair growth. However, this medication may cause certain side effects. Understanding these is key to feeling confident and prepared for your hair restoration journey.

Contact our expert clinic for more information on dutasteride side effects and other hair loss treatment plans.

Reviewed by Dr Epameinondas Bonaros

What Is Dutasteride?

Dutasteride is a medication most commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition results in an enlarged prostate gland, which can block urine flow and create an urgent need to urinate. Abnormal prostate growth is most probably caused by changes in sex hormones as men age.

Besides being used to treat BPH, dutasteride can be used off-label to slow down hair loss and the effects of female and male pattern baldness. It is called a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor and is one of the most effective non-surgical hair loss treatments for men.

5 alpha-reductase inhibitors prevent the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – an androgen hormone that causes hair thinning in adults. In some cases, this medication forms part of combination therapy, which means you may need to take it with other drugs.

What Are The Side Effects of Dutasteride?

As with any medication, taking dutasteride or any 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may lead to various side effects.
The potency of these symptoms will differ from case to case, and some side effects may appear more intensely in certain patients.

Common Side Effects of Dutasteride

Some of the most common side effects of dutasteride tablets include:

Reduced sex drive
Headaches
Dizziness
Runny nose

When taking dutasteride for hair loss, side effects may be intensified by drinking grapefruit juice. This is important to remember if you do not want to risk worsening symptoms.

Serious Side Effects of Dutasteride

Aside from common side effects, taking dutasteride can result in other side effects that are far more dangerous. Certain patients may develop an allergic reaction to dutasteride that could lead to serious side effects if left untreated. Examples of an allergic reaction may include:

Swelling of the face
Itching from any skin rash
Tightness in the throat or trouble swallowing

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop taking dutasteride immediately and seek medical attention. Aside from allergic reactions, these other consequential side effects could occur when using dutasteride.

Nausea
Racing heart
Impotence
Tenderness in the breast area

Dutasteride Side Effects in Males

Dutasteride is often used off-label to treat male pattern baldness — also known as androgenic alopecia. However, this medication may cause some male-specific side effects.

Taking dutasteride may have an effect on the amount and quality of released semen. A study from The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has also revealed that it may cause up to a 28.6% decrease in sperm count, which could affect fertility. Other male-specific side effects include tenderness in the breast area and erectile dysfunction.

Although dutasteride is used to treat the occurrence of an enlarged prostate, it is not recommended in the treatment of prostate cancer. In the REDUCE trial, men taking dutasteride had a 23% lower risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, but there was an increased incidence of high-grade cancers.

Dutasteride Side Effects in Females

Whether it be general hair thinning or patterned balding, many women struggle with hair loss. Dutasteride may be considered in the treatment of female hair loss, but only for post-menopausal women. However, it should be noted that it is not licensed in the UK for the treatment of female-pattern hair loss.

Dutasteride can have teratogenic effects. Therefore, it is not safe for pregnant women and is discouraged for women who may become pregnant after starting the medication.

Dutasteride could cause birth defects in an unborn baby if a pregnant woman is given a blood transfusion with dutasteride-rich blood. For this reason, you cannot donate blood while taking dutasteride. However, you should be able to donate blood six months after your last dose.

If you are not pregnant but are breastfeeding, dutasteride is not recommended. It is unknown if dutasteride has an effect on breast milk and should, therefore, be avoided.

How Common Are Dutasteride Side Effects?

The specific side effects experienced from dutasteride and the intensity of the symptoms will differ from patient to patient. However, while some side effects of dutasteride for hair loss are more common than others, serious side effects occur infrequently.

Here is an overview of the frequency of certain side effects in dutasteride patients.

Sexual dysfunction is experienced at a rate of 1-10% in dutasteride patients.
Dizziness and other impacts on the nervous system are experienced at a rate of 0.1-1%.
Hypertrichosis and cardiac issues are also reported at a low rate of 0.1-1% frequency.

Do Dutasteride Side Effects Go Away?

Oral dutasteride side effects are not permanent, although some side effects could temporarily continue even after you finish your course. However, most side effects will disappear relatively fast after you stop taking dutasteride.

There have been patients reporting long-term sexual side effects after using dutasteride, though further studies need to be conducted in order to understand the accuracy and extent of this issue.

It is thought to take five to six months for dutasteride to filter out of your system, whether you’ve been taking it for hair loss or benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, it can take up to one year to completely recover from the side effects of long-term dutasteride use.

Choose Dr Bonaros for premium hair restoration services in Scotland with patient-centric treatment plans that will support you on your hair restoration journey.

FAQs

What should I tell my healthcare provider before starting dutasteride?

It is always important to communicate openly and honestly with your doctor or healthcare professional during any consultations. Before being prescribed dutasteride, you should inform your healthcare provider of any prescription drugs you may already be taking or medical conditions you have.

If you are taking other medications along with dutasteride for hair loss, there may be side effects from the drug interactions between certain medications.

Aside from this, you should communicate with your doctor if you have or are at risk of developing health conditions like liver disease.

What should I do about a missed dose of dutasteride?

It is important to take prescribed medication consistently to help achieve the best results possible. However, it is not uncommon for people to miss or forget about their next dose of medication.

If you do happen to miss a dose of dutasteride, you can follow these steps to ensure that you stay on course.

If you realise within a few hours that you have a missed dose of dutasteride, take the oral capsule as soon as possible.
If you only realise the next day, skip the dose and move on to the next one. Do not take double or extra doses.

Note: You should always check with your healthcare provider if you are unsure of what to do or find yourself in an emergency situation.

How is oral dutasteride administered?

Dutasteride is prescribed in the form of an oral capsule, usually at an adult dosage of 0.5 mg per day. Dutasteride capsules should be stored at room temperature to avoid changes in colour and leaking.

Using dutasteride 0.5 mg for hair loss can have side effects. Be sure to carefully read the prescription label in case you are allergic to any of the active ingredients.

What is the difference between dutasteride and finasteride?

Dutasteride and finasteride are often compared due to the similarity of the drugs’ uses in certain treatments.

An important difference is that finasteride is an approved treatment for androgenetic alopecia, while dutasteride is used off-label for this purpose. Additionally, dutasteride is more potent.

Feature	Finasteride	Dutasteride
Approval status	FDA-approved for androgenetic alopecia	Used off-label for androgenetic alopecia
Mechanism of action	5α-reductase inhibitor (blocks type 2 enzyme only)	5α-reductase inhibitor (blocks both type 1 and type 2 enzymes)
DHT reduction	Reduces serum DHT by ~70%	Reduces serum DHT by >90%
Effectiveness for hair loss	Effective, but generally less potent	Often more effective due to stronger DHT suppression
Dosage	Commonly prescribed at 1 mg daily (up to 5 mg in some cases); available in oral and liquid forms	Usually prescribed at 0.5 mg daily, available in oral medication
Side effects	Hormonal side effects possible; incidence somewhat higher	Hormonal side effects are possible; the incidence tends to be lower

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At the Dr Bonaros hair transplant clinic, we provide our patients with personalised services that are tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. We prioritise your well-being and are committed to giving you results that will boost your confidence and overall quality of life.

Dr Bonaros is part of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS) and Scotland’s only full member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS).

This means that you can rest assured knowing that you are in good hands that will help you regain your confidence with premium hair restoration services.

We believe that honesty and integrity are of the utmost importance, and we aim to approach each service with our core values at the centre of our work. When you work with us, you are not just getting hair restoration surgery but are partnering with experts who genuinely invest in your personal hair restoration journey.

Whether you’re curious about dutasteride side effects or are looking for high-quality hair transplant services in Scotland, we are here to help. Contact Dr Bonaros to begin your hair restoration journey with a team that prioritises your well-being.

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Jackie Lambert

Dr Bonaros is an incredibly talent doctor in his field and has provided me with a wonderful hair transplant result. Finding information and pictures for female hair transplants was really hard. Hair is such a defining part of us all that is not realised until you start to lose your hair.
I suffered female pattern balding and hair thinning due to menopause and became very self conscious. I was worried about the treatment (as many on line photos looked so horrific), pain, recovery time, would it work, results etc. I also didn't want to lose more hair over the coming years, but also didn't want to have my head shaved at the back for the transplant.
Dr Bonaros answered all my questions and was such a knowledgeable and calming person that I knew he was the doctor for me and I was in safe hands.
On the day of the transplant, he and his team were amazing and so very kind and took great care of me. The aftercare and regular check ups were great.
I have just celebrated by first hair transplant birthday and the result are fantastic. I have consented for Dr Bonaros to share all of my journey photos with any other women out there contemplating this treatment. I cannot recommend highly enough. My hair is thicker and fuller and I even have a full fringe now.

Peter Walker

Can't thank the Dr and the team enough for such great work on my hair. It's been a year and I'm delighted with the results of my 4000 graft procedure.

The team were kind, professional and patient during the consultation stage. They answered all my questions and made me feel at ease.

During the operation every step was explained and the experience was made as comfortable as possible over the two days of my 4000 graft procedure. It's a morning of extractions from the donor area and an afternoon of inserting them into the recipient area with lunch provided. I brought some in-ear headphones for a podcast to pass the time and it does fly by. Dr Bonaros was present at all times performing the extractions and graft placement. They worked non-stop during this time.

The post operation care package you get home and the follow up emails and appointments to ask questions really made the whole post care process easy at what is a sensitive time.

Fully recovered and seeing the results, it's gave me a lot of confidence and looking back at old photographs I really do not regret having it done, I wish I did it sooner.

Really appreciate what the clinic has done for me. Thank you Dr Bonaros and Team!

graham jardine

Can’t thank dr Bonaros and the team enough,

I found them to be extremely professional, reassuring and kind.

I work an operating theatre environment so I guess I was a bit of a tough customer however I was very impressed with my hair transplant from first consultation to the operation itself.

I’m now 4 months out and have loads of hair growth, my confidence has been renewed massively and my only regret is not having the treatment sooner!

Thanks again

Kind regards

Graham

Response from the owner:Dear Graham, Thank you for your wonderful review of Dr Bonaros hair transplant clinic in Glasgow. We're delighted to hear that you found our team professional, reassuring, and kind throughout your experience. It means a lot coming from someone with your background in an operating theatre environment. We're thrilled that you're already seeing significant hair growth and that your confidence has been renewed. It's always rewarding to know our efforts have had such a positive impact. We appreciate your kind words and for entrusting us with your care. Kind regards, Dr Bonaros' Team

Cayden

I had a 2000 graft hair transplant with Dr Bonaros just over a year ago. It was painless, very easy on my part (I just had to lie in different positions and amuse myself) and Dr Bonaros and his team were super informative and happily answered all of my questions both during our initial consult and the procedure itself.

I was seen at 8:50am and we finished up I believe around 4pm, with an hour lunch break (the surgery provided a hot lunch, and were very accommodating with my dietary needs)

Aftercare was very well explained and I was given all the necessary equipment and care instructions for my recovery.

I had no complications during or after the transplant, and healing with a lot easier than I expected. Patience and time are the main factors for the months after your transplant.

I am over the moon with my results, I am so much more confident and my self-esteem has come on in leaps and bounds.

Thank you so much for giving me a new lease on life!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at our hair transplant clinic in Glasgow. We're thrilled to hear that you had a painless and smooth procedure with Dr. Bonaros and his team. It's wonderful to know that you felt well-informed and cared for throughout your journey with us. We're delighted that you're happy with your results and that they have positively impacted your confidence and self-esteem. Thank you for choosing our clinic, and for your kind words. We're here for you if you need any further assistance. Warm regards, Dr Bonaros' Team

Brucr Petrie

Just reached the 1 year point of my transplant. I have to say i'm more than delighted with the results.Had a 2 day proceedure which went very smoothly.i was made to feel relaxed and reassured from start to finish.Dr benaros and Kat are so down to earth and totally proffesional. I am so happy to have chosen them and definitely made the right decision.i wouldnt hesitate to reccomend them .if your contemplating taking the plunge,go for it!you wont regret it.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you are more than satisfied with the results of your hair transplant at our Glasgow hair transplant clinic. At Dr Bonaros' Clinic, we aim to foster a welcoming and professional environment for all our patients, and your kind words genuinely affirm our dedication. We’re thrilled that you chose us for your hair restoration journey and that you feel you made the right decision. Thank you for your recommendation, and for those contemplating addressing their hair loss, we are here to help you take that step with confidence. Best regards, The Team at Dr. Bonaros' Clinic

Theodora Kotorou

I can’t recommend Dr Bonaros enough! After struggling with hair loss for years, I finally found a doctor who provided me with an efficient and cost-effective solution that truly worked. From the first consultation, he took the time to understand my concerns, explain all my options, and tailor a treatment plan that suited my needs.

The results have been incredible, and I feel more confident with my current hair situation. He is professional, welcoming, and always available for any follow-up questions. If you’re looking for a trustworthy and knowledgeable hair loss specialist, look no further than Dr Bonaros.

Would highly recommend to anyone dealing with hair loss. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Thank you very much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience at our Glasgow hair transplant and hair treatments clinic. Our aim is to provide efficient and affordable solutions for hair loss, and we’re pleased to know you’ve found a treatment plan that suits you. Your increased confidence is exactly why we do what we do. Dr. Bonaros and the entire team are dedicated to understanding each patient’s unique needs and making them feel welcome and supported throughout their hair restoration journey. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you again for your kind words and recommendation. We're here to help anyone dealing with hair loss, and we appreciate your trust in us! Best wishes, The Team at Dr Bonaros' Clinic

carlo celindano

I had a hair transplant over 4 years ago with him and I'm still happy today he truly is amazing 🥳 if you are thinking of getting one please use him 🙏 he does the whole procedure from start to finish. If you do your research it has amazing reviews and the great profile. 3 of my friends have used him as well and they're very happy with the results 😁 please don't choose the cheapest price to get the procedure 🤦 just pay once and get it done properly. You really do get what you pay for with hair transplants. Thank you again for a life changing experience 😁

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review! We're thrilled to hear that you're still happy with your results and that your experience was life-changing. It's fantastic to know that you and your friends have had positive experiences with Dr Bonaros. At Dr Bonaros hair transplant clinic in Glasgow, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive care from start to finish, ensuring that each procedure meets the highest standards of quality and patient satisfaction. If you ever have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you once again for your kind words and support.

Connor T

From the very beginning, the entire experience was fantastic. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and explained every step of the process in great detail

The procedure was surprisingly comfortable, with minimal discomfort during and after the surgery. The recovery went well, and I was provided with clear instructions and a goody bag to take away to aid my recovery.

I highly recommend that everyone consult with Dr. Bonaro and his staff before making a final decision. You won't regret it!

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review! We’re delighted to hear about your good experience at our hair transplant clinic in Glasgow. It’s great that you found the procedure comfortable and our staff informative. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated. If you need further assistance, we’re here to help!

susan taylor

Visited Dr Bonaros regarding hair thinning. Found him to be very professional and had my best interests at heart. No hard sell or trying to sell unneeded products. If anyone needs advice regarding hair loss or hair thinning I cannot recommend this doctor enough.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that Dr. Bonaros provided professional care with your best interests in mind. At our hair transplant clinic in Glasgow, we pride ourselves on offering honest advice without any pressure. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated!

Nathan Ryde

Dr Bonaros is a true professional putting the customers needs first. His patient centred approach and knowledge gives you the best results possible from the procedure with a keen attention to prevention and maintenance as hair loss is ongoing. I travelled up to his clinic for my 12 month review to personally thank him and his partner at the clinic. Both wonderful people who truly want the best for you. The results I have had are outstanding and exceeded my expectations. If you are looking for a hair transplant with fine precision and a doctor who is certified with a great reputation in this field I urge you to look no further as he delivers spectacular results !

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience and for your kind words. We're thrilled to know that you are delighted with the results and had a positive experience at our Glasgow hair transplant clinic. Our team, including Dr. Bonaros, is committed to providing patient-centered care with a focus on prevention and maintenance. We are proud to have exceeded your expectations and appreciate your trust in us. Thank you for recommending our clinic!

Dutasteride Side Effects

Table of Contents

What Is Dutasteride?