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Considering Dutasteride

E

Elliot

member
I recently saw a local hair restoration specialist and he recommended that I start on Dutasteride. He prefaced his recommendation by asking me if I plan on having children. I told him I already have two and I don't plan on having any more. Anyway, I'm sterile due to an undescended testicle at birth. My kids are the result of IVF. He then told me that Dutasteride could lead to impotency – which obviously isn't a problem for me. However, after I left his office, I did some research and I learned of other potential side effects – the most concerning being the elevated risk of prostate cancer.

Can anyone share their experience taking Dutasteride? From what I understand, it's slightly more effective than Finasteride but it has more harmful side effects.
 
Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
I personally would start on Finasteride. I`ve been using it since 2005 with only slight Gynaecomastia (sometimes referred to as "man boobs") but it`s not an issue.
What is your hair loss situation?
 
E

Elliot

member
My hair loss isn't extensive, maybe a Norwood 2. But I'm keen to keep what I've got. If Dutasteride works better than Finasteride (if even only slight), it seems like Dutasteride is the way to go. The thought of starting a medication that I'll theoretically have to take for the rest of my life is daunting. But the alternative seems worse.
 
Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
The decision has to be yours. Doctors and members of the public will have different opinions on the subject. I could recite what I know through attending various conferences and talks but I think it`s best you read clinical trials such as this one which will help you.

 
E

Elliot

member
Cool, thanks for the info. Do mind if I ask you why you choose to use Finasteride over Dutasteride?
 
Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
Back in 2005 you only really had a choice of Propecia or Proscar, I chose Proscar, then switched to Finasteride as it was cheaper and easier to obtain. It has continued working for me, so no need to change. There is a lesser risk of sides too. Dut/Avodart is not FDA approved for hair loss although quite a few doctors do recommend it.
 
bullitnut

bullitnut

4 awesome repairs with SMG
Most people tend to use Finasteride first until it starts to loose its efficiency a little which is generally years down the line, then they switch to Dut.....I think the main reason being the less chance of sides on Fin tbh. If you do start on Dut please let us know how you get on.....personally if you've such minimal loss then I'd use Finasteride as it will likely keep you in good stead for years anyway.... but obviously the choice is yours and It will be interesting to hear how you get on with the dut dude.
 
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