Dutasteride for hereditary hair loss

Dutasteride inhibits the enzyme 5α-reductase. This enzyme is found in various organs of the human body. Its function is to convert the sex hormone testosterone into its more biologically active form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). On the scalp, DHT promotes hair loss in cases of hereditary hair loss. Dutasteride prevents this process. and thus prevents thinning of the hair on the head..

Dutasteride is a newer generation 5α-reductase inhibitor and is more effective than the already known finasteride; the systemic side effects of dutasteride are lower because it is injected directly into the scalp and not taken systemically in tablet form.

Various studies show that Dutasteride therapy improves the number, length, and growth of hairs. is.

In Germany, dutasteride has not yet been approved for this indication due to a lack of comprehensive studies and can therefore only be prescribed by doctors in Germany for off-label use. In some European countries, dutasteride is already approved for the treatment of hereditary hair loss.

After local anesthesia, dutasteride is manually injected into the scalp by a doctor in numerous injections approximately 4-5 mm deep, spaced 1-1,5 mm apart. A feeling of pressure on the scalp and headaches may occur after the treatment.