Starting treatment is a big step towards taking control of hair loss, and taking a few minutes to read this guide will help you get the most out of it. Understanding how your treatment works, what to expect and how to use it properly will help you get the best results. Rest assured, you’re not alone on this journey - our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Hair restoration is a process that takes time and consistency. For most men, this is at least a 12-month commitment, but it’s worth it. Most patients see significant improvements with patience, whether it’s slowing hair loss, keeping the hair they have or regrowing some of what was lost.

Stay the course, and if you have any questions or concerns, just reach out - we’re here for you.

Is it possible to treat hair loss?

It’s a common myth that nothing can be done about hair loss, but the truth is, science disagrees! In fact, around 90% of men with male pattern baldness (MPB) respond positively to treatment. Dutasteride should stop the progression of hair loss entirely for most men, as well as promoting significant regrowth and better density.

How does Dutasteride work?

Male pattern baldness is caused by a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which gradually shrinks hair follicles. Over time, this leads to thinner hair, a shorter growth cycle, and eventually, hair loss.

Dutasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT, reducing its levels in the scalp. This protects hair follicles from damage, slows down hair loss, and helps more hairs stay in the growth phase for longer.

Will Dutasteride work for me?

Dutasteride is the most effective medication for treating the root cause of hair loss, since it can reduce DHT levels by around 90%. The vast majority of men will see noticeable improvement in hair density from using Dutasteride, as well as stopping the progression of hair loss long term.

Results may be more limited when treating more advanced stages of hair loss, especially in areas of the scalp that are completely smooth where there is very limited potential for regrowth.

When and how is it taken?

For the best results, it is important to take your medication consistently according to the following instructions:

• Take ONE capsule each day with or without food.
• If you forget a dose - do not take a double dose to compensate for it.

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must not use or handle this medication. For oral use only. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the label.

How long should I take it for?

You’ll need to take your medication continuously to maintain the results. Here’s what you should know:

• Timeline: Some men notice stabilisation of hair loss within 3–6 months, but the best results typically appear after 12–24 months.
• Ongoing use: This treatment works for as long as you take it. If you stop, DHT levels will rise again, and hair loss will typically resume.

Think of this as a long-term plan to stabilise and manage hair loss, with the added potential for regrowth.

What are the side effects?

Side effects are a possibility with any medication, so it's crucial to be mindful of them. Dutasteride is a highly effective treatment with a strong safety profile. In clinical trials, the vast majority of men were able to use Dutasteride without side effects getting in the way of results.

However, all medications have potential side effects. Stop taking the medication and consult a clinician if you experience any of the following:

Side EffectsPotential side effects include:

Decreased libido

A small number of men experience a reduction in sex drive during treatment - the increased risk is around 2%.

• This most commonly occurs early in treatment
• Importantly, studies show it often resolves on its own even with continued use of dutasteride
• If the medication is stopped then sexual symptoms will return to normal in the vast majority of people, but in rare cases these have been reported to persist
• If you notice any changes to your sex drive, let us know and we can discuss your options

Erectile Dysfunction

Some men may experience difficulty getting or maintaining an erection during treatment. The increased risk is generally less than 4%.

• As with other sexual side effects, this usually occurs early in treatment and studies show it often resolves with time when dutasteride is continued.
• However, in some cases, this has been reported to persist even when the medication is stopped.

Testicular Pain

Some men experience testicular pain or discomfort during treatment. This is uncommon and isn't usually associated with any physical abnormality within the testicles, but do let us know if you experience it so we can advise you.

Sudden or severe testicular pain that doesn't improve is a different matter — this can indicate an urgent serious condition and requires immediate medical attention. Call 999 or go to A&E.

Ejaculation disorders

This is usually noticed as a reduction in ejaculate volume during treatment. As with other sexual side effects, this tends to occur early in treatment and often resolves with continued use. If you have any concerns, get in touch and we can advise you accordingly.

Depression

An increased risk of depressive symptoms such as low mood has been observed in some dutasteride users, but it isn't clear exactly how often this happens.

It's important to let someone close to you know you're taking dutasteride, as changes in mood can sometimes be difficult to notice yourself. If you experience low mood, loss of interest in things you normally enjoy, or any thoughts of self-harm, stop taking your medication and contact your doctor or us promptly.

In an emergency, call 999 or contact the Samaritans on 116 123.

Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal thoughts have been reported by some people taking this class of medication. Although this is rare, we take it seriously and want you to be aware of it.

Let someone close to you know you're taking dutasteride, as changes in mood can be difficult to recognise in yourself. If you experience any thoughts of self-harm or suicide, stop taking your medication and seek help immediately.

If you are in crisis, call 999 or go to A&E. You can also contact the Samaritans any time on 116 123.

Breast tenderness/enlarged breast tissue

A small number of men report breast tenderness or enlargement of breast tissue (gynaecomastia) during dutasteride treatment. This is uncommon - occurring in less than 1% of users, and can affect one or both sides.

If you notice any breast tenderness, pain, or changes in breast tissue, let us know. In some cases your doctor may need to rule out other causes.

More information about potential side effects

Allergies

If you are allergic to dutasteride or any other ingredient in the capsule, do not take this medication.

Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or feeling faint.

In severe cases this can progress to anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking your medication, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

If you feel seriously unwell or experience severe or persistent side effects, please seek immediate medical attention by going to your local Accident & Emergency department or calling 999 in an emergency.

We want the best for you and your health. It is important that you don’t feel alone, so please voice your concerns and get in touch with one of our team members for more help if you need it. You can message a clinician via the live messaging function on your patient account.

If you’d like to speak with a clinician, please call our side effects support line on 020 4538 8411 (Mon-Fri, 09:00–17:00), and you’ll be able to connect with a clinician within minutes. A clinician can make small adjustments to your treatment plan to help you resolve your symptoms.

You can also report side effects through the government’s Yellow Card scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/. This helps to improve medication safety for everyone.

When will I see results?

It's natural to be eager for results, but it's crucial to understand that success takes time.

Dutasteride gets to work as soon as you start taking it, but visible results might not appear immediately. While some early signs can surface within six months, we recommend committing to the treatment plan for at least a year to fully appreciate its effects.

Keep in mind, restoring hair isn't a quick fix — it's a journey that requires patience and persistence.

NOTE: Temporary hair shedding may occur in the first few weeks of treatment. This is a normal part of the process - treatment shifts hair follicles into a new growth cycle, causing older hairs to shed before new ones come through. It typically resolves within 2–8 weeks.

Who should not take it?

Dutasteride is not suitable for women, or for men under 18 years of age. These capsules must not be directly handled by females who could be pregnant or breastfeeding. This is due to the potential harm it may cause to a developing baby.

Dutasteride is not suitable for patients who:

• Currently take a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor for benign prostate enlargement (such as finasteride 5mg or dutasteride)
• Have or have previously had male breast cancer or prostate cancer
• Have galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption
• Have chronic liver disease
• Have a partner that is pregnant or trying to conceive within the next six months
• Have an allergy to Dutasteride

Do not use this treatment if you have an allergy to Dutasteride or any other components within the capsules. Additionally, our treatments are not suitable for men experiencing total hair loss.

Fertility and pregnancy information

Pregnancy:

Small traces of dutasteride may be present in semen. While the amount is very small and there are no confirmed cases of birth defects in humans, we cannot rule out a theoretical risk to a developing baby. As a precaution, we advise using a condom during intercourse with a woman who is pregnant while taking dutasteride.

Fertility:

Some studies have shown dutasteride can affect sperm parameters. This is reversible on discontinuing the medication, and sperm quality often improves even with continued use.

If you are actively trying to conceive, we would advise pausing dutasteride during this period. Even if the impact on fertility is likely to be small, introducing an additional variable during what can already be a complex process is best avoided. If you are undergoing fertility treatment or have a known low sperm count, this advice is even more important.

Mood alterations and depression

Mood alterations such as depressed mood, depression and, less frequently, suicidal thoughts have been reported in patients treated with medications in the same class as dutasteride.

If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking dutasteride and contact a clinician for further medical advice as soon as possible.

Impact on other medications and tests

Dutasteride can interact with some medications. If you take any of the medications in this list, please notify a clinician as we may consider adjusting your dose of dutasteride:

Antiviral medications - Atazanavir, Cobicistat, Darunavir, Fosamprenavir, Letermovir, Lopinavir, Ritonavir

Antifungal medications - Fluconazole, Isavuconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Posaconazole, Voriconazole

Antibiotics - Clarithromycin, Erythromycin

Heart medications - Diltiazem, Dronedarone, Verapamil

Other medications - Aprepitant, Berotralstat, Ceritinib, Crizotinib, Fedratinib, Idelalisib, Imatinib, Netupitant, Nilotinib, Tucatinib

Dutasteride can also affect the results of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing, used to screen for prostate issues - if you are having this test, let your doctor know you are taking dutasteride so they can interpret the results correctly.

If you start any new medications, or have any changes in your medical history, please let us know. You can also download a letter from your account page to share with your GP, ensuring they have all the relevant details about your treatment.

The Men's Manual Podcast

Episode 02: Demystifying Hair Loss