Using finasteride and dutasteride together to stop hair loss. Is it worth it?

Summary

In this video, the creator explains the importance of using a 5-alpha reductase (5 AR) inhibitor, such as finasteride or dutasteride, for treating androgenic alopecia, the most common form of hair loss. The video emphasizes that these inhibitors are the foundational treatments that tackle the hormone DHT, responsible for hair loss. While finasteride is effective for most, dutasteride can offer slightly better results for some users. The video explores how combining both drugs may not always be necessary and suggests adding a weekly dose of dutasteride for enhanced results without increasing risks. Ultimately, the creator advises caution against 'hair greed' and unnecessary overuse of treatments.

Takeaways

• 😀 5 AR inhibitors, like finasteride and dutasteride, are essential for effectively treating androgenic alopecia by lowering DHT levels on the scalp.
• 😀 Finasteride is the foundational treatment for hair loss, and it typically takes up to two years to reach peak effectiveness in clinical trials.
• 😀 Dutasteride is slightly more effective than finasteride, suppressing about 10% more DHT on the scalp, but both drugs are highly effective on their own.
• 😀 Shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle when starting treatment, and it's important to not panic or quit prematurely due to temporary hair loss.
• 😀 People may consider switching from finasteride to dutasteride if they aren't seeing satisfactory results after at least a year of use.
• 😀 Combining finasteride and dutasteride may offer added protection, but it’s not necessarily superior to using just one of them, and there’s limited research on combining them orally.
• 😀 Using finasteride regularly with occasional dutasteride (once or twice a week) may improve DHT suppression with minimal side effects, as dutasteride has a long half-life.
• 😀 Clinical research shows both finasteride and dutasteride are well-tolerated individually, with dutasteride providing slightly stronger DHT suppression.
• 😀 Dr. Rodney Sinclair’s case study showed that combining finasteride with once-weekly dutasteride improved hair density in a patient after 5 months, though it’s unclear if this is better than using dutasteride alone.
• 😀 The potential risks of combining both drugs include an increased chance of side effects, but this combination approach may be a good option for individuals seeking stronger results without fully switching to dutasteride.
• 😀 While some individuals experience 'hair greed'—wanting ever-better results—the reality is that finasteride and minoxidil alone are often enough to treat hair loss, and overcomplicating treatment can lead to unnecessary risks.

Q & A

What is the most important treatment for hair loss due to androgenic alopecia?

The most important treatment for hair loss due to androgenic alopecia is a 5-alpha reductase (5 AR) inhibitor, like finasteride or dutasteride. These inhibitors lower DHT levels on the scalp, which is the hormone responsible for hair loss in people with androgenic alopecia.

Why is finasteride considered foundational for treating hair loss?

Finasteride is considered foundational because it is the most efficient way to lower DHT levels on the scalp, helping to stop the progression of hair loss. It is the primary treatment for androgenic alopecia, and in most cases, it leads to significant hair regrowth and retention.

How does dutasteride compare to finasteride in treating hair loss?

Dutasteride is slightly more effective than finasteride because it suppresses about 10% more DHT on the scalp. It also works on both type 1 and type 2 5 AR enzymes, while finasteride primarily targets type 2. However, both drugs are effective for most individuals in treating hair loss.

What is the role of shedding during hair loss treatment?

Shedding is a normal and often necessary part of the hair regrowth process when using treatments like finasteride. It involves the loss of weaker, miniaturized hairs, which is essential for allowing new, stronger hair to grow in. This process may occur over several cycles.

Why should people give finasteride time before assessing its effectiveness?

Finasteride can take up to two years to reach its peak effect. People who claim it isn't working for them may not have given it enough time, or they may be experiencing normal shedding. Clinical trials show that finasteride continues to work over extended periods, often up to 10 years.

Is it advisable to use both finasteride and dutasteride together?

Using both finasteride and dutasteride together is generally not recommended, as they work similarly. However, some people choose to take dutasteride once or twice a week alongside finasteride to get extra DHT suppression. There is not enough research to confirm that this combination would provide superior results compared to using dutasteride alone.

What are the potential risks of combining finasteride and dutasteride?

The main risk of combining finasteride and dutasteride is the potential for increased side effects. However, clinical research shows that both drugs are well-tolerated when used individually. The concern is that combining them may lead to an unnecessary increase in side effects without providing significantly better results.

What does the research say about combining finasteride and dutasteride topically versus orally?

A small study explored the combination of topical finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil but lacked a control group and did not provide definitive results. The research on combining the oral versions of finasteride and dutasteride is limited, with no randomized controlled studies showing superior outcomes when taken together.

How did Dr. Sinclair use dutasteride alongside finasteride in a case study?

In a case study, Dr. Sinclair treated a patient who had been using finasteride for four years but started losing ground. He added 0.5 mg of dutasteride once per week to the patient's regimen. After five months, the patient saw a significant improvement in hair density, indicating that adding dutasteride once a week helped boost the effects of finasteride.

What is 'hair greed' and how does it affect treatment choices?

Hair greed refers to the desire to keep improving hair regrowth results by adding more treatments, even when a regimen is already effective. This can lead people to overuse treatments or experiment with unnecessary drugs. It is important to focus on effective treatments like finasteride and not get obsessed with constantly seeking better results.