I am looking at different hair regrowth options and see the names Avodart and dutasteride quite a bit. Could you give me more information about Avodart / dutasteride?

The substance dihydrotestosterone (DHT) circulating in your body is generally recognized as one of the causes of hair thinning or baldness although its exact mechanism is unknown. Avodart whose generic name is dutasteride work in hair restoration by blocking the production of DHT.

Avodart and dutasteride are not currently approved by the FDA for use as a treatment for hair loss, although there is currently a phase III clinical trial underway by GlaxoSmithKline to test the efficacy and tolerance of oral Avodart / dutasteride for treatment of male pattern baldness. This study was started in December 2006. Dutasteride is currently only officially approved by the FDA to treat prostate enlargement.

It is hypothesized and speculated that Avodar and dutasteride would have similar hair restoration treatment properties as Propecia (generic name finasteride). Propecia and finasteride are currently approved by the FDA to treat hair loss. Previous study data have indicated that Avodart / dutasteride might even be more effective than Propecia / finasteride in generating hair regrowth and improving hair coverage.

What are some brandnames of dutasteride? what about generic versions of dutasteride?

Currently, dutasteride is only available as a brandname under the name Avodart for treatment of hair balding or thinning. There are currently no generic versions of dutasteride for hair restoration solution.

What are side effects of Avodart and dutasteride that I should be aware of?

The most commonly reported side effects of Avodart and dutasteride (reported as reason for study withdrawal in 4% of subjects and 3% of placebo patients):

• impotence or erectile dysfunction
• decreased libido
• breat disorders
• gynecomastia
• ejaculation dysfunction

It is important to note that dutasteride in its effect of blocking the synthesis of DHT has severe teratogenic and birth defect effects in male children, with symptoms similar to those children with a 5-alpha-reductase deficiency. For this reason, women who are pregnant or planning to get preganant should to even handle Avodart to avoid this birth defect risk.

Besides Avodart and dutasteride, what are some other solutions for hair loss and baldness that I should consider?

There are many solutions to baldness, hair loss, thinning hair, or male pattern baldness that should be investigated and considered for each person:

• Hair transplantation which is a surgical option but also the most effective and expensive option for treating hair loss or hair baldness. The most well known companies with hair transplantation surgeries and technologies are Bosley and Hair Club For Men. It is generally recognized that the newest and most naturally looking method of hair transplantation is the microscopic hair transplantation with older methods being minigrafts, micrografts, plugs, skin flaps, and scalp reductions.
• Oral prescription medicine is finasteride (brand name Propecia) which works as an anti-DHT and indicated for androgenetic alopecia.
• Topical medicines which are applied to the scalp such as minoxidil (brand name Rogaine and Regaine)
• Herbal solutions and remedies for hair loss and baldness usually include some combination of caffeine, black cohosh, or saw palmetto.
• Hair replacement solutions also known as toupees, wigs, hairpieces, units, or hair systems. The toupees are usually matched for the user’s original hair color, can be secured via using a hair weave method, and is generally passed over for a hair transplantation solution for those that can afford it.
• Low level laser therapy using a laser phototherapy device which has been approved in Australia but not so far in by the FDA in the United States.
• Dietary and lifestyle changes such as daily and vigorous aerobic exercise and a diet moderate and adequate in fat and total calories. Stress reduction can also be helping in slowing hair thinning or hair loss.

What are some general tips for hair regrowth?

• Use only brushes with soft bristles
• Allow your hair to dry naturally after washing and showering. Avoid using hairdryers on hot and do not rub your hair vigorously to dry.
• Use a conditioner or detangler, and avoid pulling your hair with a comb.
• Wash daily with a mild shampoo since dirty hair looks flatter and sparser.

How do I make the right choice regarding solutions for thinning hair or baldness?

The first step is to understand all your options. Talk to your doctor about your options as a doctor will probably be the best person to answer any technical or medical questions you may have especially regarding the surgical and presciption options. Also, speaking to friends and family who may have some experience with baldness and hair loss treatments may yield you some important information and experiences. There is a lot of information on the internet regarding all the treatment options, so do your research, read the information, and get educated.

When choosing the treatment solution in the end, you will want to consider factors such as cost, comfort with the treatment, length of downtime, and invasiveness of the treatment. Cost is not always paramount as effectiveness and personal comfort are important factors as well. Once you have all the information you want and feel comfortable in making an educated choice, go ahead and choose the best baldness and thinning hair treatment option for yourself.