Outcome of Dutasteride 0.5mg in Androgenic Alopecia

Abstract

Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is an androgen-mediated condition that is characterized by a progressive decline in visible scalp hair density. Genetically predisposed hair follicles are the target of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which leads to the progressive miniaturization of hair follicles and hair thinning. Dutasteride inhibits conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which significantly improves hair growth. Objective: To assess the outcome of dutasteride in androgenic alopecia. Methods: This study was carried out at Dermatology and Venereology Department, Enam Medical College Hospital, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January2022 to July 2022. From the outpatient clinic fifty (50) patients were recruited who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Dermatologist observe every patients hair changes before, during &after treatment with dutasteride for 24 week. Results: Out Of the 50 patients, 60% patients were female. 40% patients noticed hair loss first at the age of 16-25 years of their lifetime. 44% patients had this disease from 1 to 6 months duration. After 6 months of therapy with dutasteride 0.5mg 20% patients were improved markedly, followed by 24% improved moderately, 16% improved mild. Besides that, six months after dutasteride treatment, there was significant improvement in both hair density and thickness. And during treatment libido decreased in 24% cases and ejaculatory disorder seen in 14% cases. After 6 months therapy in patients where 20% improved markedly, followed by 24% improved moderately, 16% improved mild. Conclusion: It is concluded that dutasteride at a dosage of 0.5 mg/d clinically improve hair growth after six months of therapy in patients with AGA but there was a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction. Large number of studies are required to recommend dutasteride 0.5 mg/d as the alternative therapeutic option for AGA.