Dutasteride and Finasteride for Hair Loss: What to Know

You have noticed your hair thinning and you have already tried supplements, shampoos and over-the-counter treatments without a change. It is a very common frustration: androgenetic alopecia is hormonal, which is why the treatments that actually work act from the inside out.

What they are: finasteride and dutasteride are prescription medicines that block the conversion of testosterone into DHT, the hormone that miniaturises the hair follicle in androgenetic hair loss.

• What they are used for: slowing hair loss and, in part, regaining density in androgenetic alopecia; suitability is assessed case by case, where clinically appropriate following a genuine evaluation.
• Do you need a prescription? Yes: in Spain both require a prescription and a prior assessment, because they are not suitable for everyone.
• Effects to watch for: changes in mood or libido; these are uncommon, but they should be discussed with a doctor if they appear.
• Important around pregnancy: women who are pregnant or could become pregnant must not handle these medicines: they can affect a male foetus.
• When to see a doctor: sudden shedding, round bald patches, itching or scaling on the scalp, or if other causes (thyroid, iron, stress) may be contributing — an assessment and sometimes blood tests are worthwhile.

A video consultation with an English-speaking doctor lets a physician assess the pattern of loss, rule out other causes and explain the available options with their pros and cons, unhurried and in your own language, where clinically appropriate following a genuine evaluation. This service is for urgent, non-emergency care; in an emergency, call 112.