Finasteride vs Dutasteride: Which medication is best for hair growth?

Finasteride vs Dutasteride: Which medication is best for hair growth?
Alex Perry Published : Feb 04, 2024 Last Updated : Feb 06, 2024

If you have ever searched for hair loss medicines then you must have come across finasteride and dutasteride. No one likes to lose their hair but gratefully some medicines help people suffering from male pattern baldness search for treatments that can stop or sometimes reverse hair loss.

Though, various therapies are available nowadays, but the most commonly used medicines to treat male pattern baldness include Finasteride and Dutasteride. When your hair begins to thin and fall out, you automatically start trying different things that can stop your hair fall or hair loss. 

But one necessary step is to meet the doctor for your male pattern baldness diagnosis and get started with the treatment. Once you start the treatment, make sure to continue with it as directed by the doctor to attain maximum benefits.

Finasteride and Dutasteride work in your body by preventing 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that is responsible for transforming testosterone into DHT.  

By stopping this conversion, both medicines aid in preventing your hair from falling out or becoming weak in order to hold its follicles. Although both the drugs come with different side effects but most people find that Finasteride is effective in preventing hair loss and Dutasteride has fewer side effects.

If you are confused about which medicine to choose then make sure to weigh the benefit of each drug along with their side effects.

Though both medications are effective in treating male pattern baldness but Finasteride prevents hair loss further. On the other hand, Dutasteride is helpful in preserving your existing hair follicles.

So, the decision of using Finasteride or Dutasteride is going to depend upon your particular requirements.

What are Finasteride and Dutasteride?

Finasteride and Dutasteride are medicines prescribed by the doctor to treat the condition of male hair loss. Both medicines are 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, meaning they work in your body by stopping the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

DHT is a hormone that makes your hair follicles contract and leads to hair loss problems.

By blocking DHT, Finasteride and Dutasteride prevent further hair loss and stimulate the growth of new hair. It is important to know that both medicines are taken orally and need a prescription from the doctor.

What is the mechanism of action of Finasteride and Dutasteride?

Finasteride and Dutasteride are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that prevent your body from converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

You need to know that DHT is a hormone that is responsible for the reduction of hair follicles in people suffering from androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness.   

Both medicines decrease the activity of the enzyme that leads to hair loss by obstructing the production of DHT.

However, Dutasteride inhibits both type of 5-alpha-reductase enzymes and Finasteride obstruct only one. Due to this, dutasteride is considered more effective than finasteride.

Finasteride and Dutasteride: Which is Better for hair growth?

Finasteride blocks almost 70% of DHT, while Dutasteride blocks only 90% or more. This means that Dutasteride medication is more effective when compared to Finasteride in obstructing the production of DHT. Also, Dutasteride is more effective in reversing the problem of hair loss.   

Although both medicines are considered safe and effective in treating your problem of hair loss. Before you decide which medication is better for you, consult the doctor once.

Side effects and effectiveness of Finasteride and Dutasteride

Keep one thing in your mind, both medicines come with some potential side effects but can be tolerated. Some of the common side effects of these medications include decreased ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and decreased libido.

There are very few people who experience less common side effects like rash, breast tenderness & enlargement, and allergic reactions.

Finasteride and Dutasteride are considered effective in treating the problem of hair loss. You might find results of Dutasteride more effective when compared to Finasteride.

Dutasteride promotes more hair growth as well as density when compared to finasteride. But remember Dutasteride pill comes with a high risk of side effects when compared to Finasteride.

Depending upon your condition like the seriousness of hair loss, medical history, and personal choice, the doctor will decide which medicine should be prescribed.

In order to choose the most effective medication for your hair loss problem, you need to consult the doctor once.

What factors do you need to consider before selecting a hair loss treatment?

When it comes to selecting a hair loss treatment, there are several factors to consider. But below-stated are the most essential ones:

Know the type of hair loss

Different types of hair loss demand different treatments. For instance, if you are suffering from male pattern baldness then your body will respond to medicines like Finasteride. While alopecia areata condition might require steroid injections or immunotherapy.

The seriousness of hair loss

The degree of your hair loss will decide which treatment strategy will be best for you. In some cases, a hair transplant might be an effective solution. On the other hand, topical treatments might serve effectively in other conditions.  

Possible side effects

All hair loss treatments come with some possible side effects but it is vital to consider all the risks and benefits before you start a treatment. Some people are more capable of tolerating the side effects than others. 

Convenience

Some hair loss treatments need to be used on a regular basis or too frequently. On the other hand, some medicines are used only once or twice a week. Consider your lifestyle and schedule in mind when choosing a treatment for yourself.

Cost

In the long run, hair loss treatments can be costly. Before deciding on any treatment, make sure to consider its cost and whether it is within your budget or not.

Thus, Dutasteride is good at blocking DHT and Finasteride is helpful in averting hair loss in the long term. Both medicines are safe and effective in treating the condition of male pattern baldness. So, before starting the treatment, consult the doctor once.

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