Hair Loss Treatment: Dutasteride's Benefits and Risks Explained

New York City-based hair surgeon Dr. Gary Linkov recently released a short video discussing the effects of dutasteride, a medication used to treat male pattern baldness. In the video, Dr. Linkov explains that dutasteride is more potent than finasteride because it blocks all three types of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair loss. While it's effective, he cautions about potential side effects such as liver problems, nervous system issues, and mood changes. "Dutasteride can also affect the liver, though that's not too common. Also, the nervous system can be affected," Dr. Linkov states. He emphasizes that while the medication is generally well-tolerated at a 0.5mg dose, patients should be aware of the potential risks. The video concludes with a promotion of Dr. Linkov's own brand of finasteride, highlighting the importance of informed choices when selecting hair loss treatments.