Dutasteride worked at 3x/week, then paradoxically got worse after upping to 5x/week — DHT went UP, not down
    9/5/2026

    From the encyclopedia
    Dutasteride →

    5-alpha reductase inhibitor that blocks both enzyme types, a stronger DHT blocker than finasteride

    Minoxidil →

    Vasodilator used on the scalp and, at low doses, as a tablet

    At a glance
    In this treatment experience post, the primary subjects mentioned are
    💊 Dutasteride (oral) 3x/week 8 months
    💊 Dutasteride (oral) 5x/week 8 months
    💧 Minoxidil (topical)
    💊 Methylfolate (oral)
    the tone is 😞 negative with initially effective, then worsened results.

    Other terms

    Increasing dutasteride from 3x to 5x a week led to worse hair loss and higher DHT levels, prompting a return to the original dosing. The user also uses topical minoxidil and is addressing a folic acid deficiency.
    View this post in the Community →

    Similar Community Posts Join

    5 / 5 results

      community Vitamins Deficiency and blood works result

      in Treatment  2 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation is about a user planning to start minoxidil treatment and considering increasing zinc intake to improve testosterone and libido. They are concerned about potential hair loss due to increased testosterone and are advised to consider magnesium supplementation and the effects of DHT if not on finasteride or dutasteride.

      community No results, still more hairloss

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  16 upvotes 11 months ago
      The user experienced severe hair loss despite using Minoxidil and Finasteride and is considering switching to Dutasteride. Others recommend consulting a dermatologist, checking for health issues, and trying Dutasteride and oral Minoxidil.

      community M19 shed after 1yr on dutasteride

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  23 upvotes 2 years ago
      A 19-year-old male experienced hair shedding after one year on dutasteride and is considering adding topical minoxidil despite scalp itching. Users suggest continuing dutasteride, maintaining a consistent hair routine, and possibly increasing minoxidil dosage.

    Related Research

    6 / 6 results

      research Female pattern alopecia: current perspectives

      42 citations , August 2013 in “International Journal of Women's Health”
      This review discusses the current therapeutic options for female pattern hair loss and emphasizes the need for managing patient expectations of permanent regrowth, reporting no new clinical results.

      research Hair Loss in Men and Women

      April 2019 in “Advances in Cosmetic Surgery”
      The document concludes that ongoing medical therapy is crucial for preventing hair loss, and surgical options can restore hair, with future treatments for hair loss being promising.

      research Novel agents for the treatment of alopecia

      29 citations , December 1998 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”
      This review examines recent approvals and emerging treatments for androgenetic alopecia, discussing newly approved drugs like Propecia and Rogaine Extra Strength 5%, but without presenting new clinical results.

      research A Review on Herbal Drugs Used For Hair Growth Promotion

      May 2026 in “International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology”
      This source describes how androgenic alopecia, or pattern hair loss, affects about 70% of men and is linked to factors like stress, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle issues, which can also impact psychological well-being and potentially contribute to severe health conditions such as heart disease.

      research Androgenetic Alopecia: Overview

      3 citations , November 1999 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”
      AGA is a genetic, hormonal hair loss treated with finasteride, minoxidil, and supplements, but new compounds are being developed.