Will I notice changes in my body if I start taking dutasteride?

Yes, when you start taking dutasteride, you may notice certain changes in your body due to its mechanism of action. This medication works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which significantly reduces the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a key hormone in prostate growth and hair loss. Also, since it is a medication that requires daily consistency, it is normal to be concerned about the direct and indirect effects it can have.

Therefore, it is important to separate the direct ones, such as those we can expect, and the indirect ones that are triggered by constant consumption.

Expected changes

Dutasteride is primarily used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). By reducing DHT levels, a gradual decrease in prostate size occurs, which can relieve symptoms such as difficulty urinating, weak urinary flow, and frequent need to go to the bathroom, especially at night. Studies have shown that these effects may take between 3 and 6 months to manifest, improving the quality of life of patients with BPH.

On the other hand, in people with androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness), reducing DHT helps slow hair loss. Some studies suggest that dutasteride may be more effective than finasteride in treating baldness, promoting hair regeneration in certain areas of the scalp. However, this effect is not immediate and usually requires several months to become evident.

Possible side effects

When starting treatment with dutasteride, it is essential to understand the possible associated side effects, especially those related to sexual function and mental health.

Effects on sexual function

5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, such as dutasteride, have been associated with adverse effects on the sexual sphere. Among the most common are decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders. Studies indicate that erectile dysfunction may affect between 5% and 8% of patients, while decreased libido occurs in approximately 2% to 6% of cases. These effects are usually reversible upon discontinuation of the medication or may decrease with prolonged use of the drug. However, in exceptional cases, symptoms may persist even after discontinuation of treatment.

Impact on mental health

Recently, attention has been paid to the possible effects of dutasteride on mental health. A study conducted in Sweden looked at over two million men and found an association between the use of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors and an increased risk of depression. Specifically, a 68% increase in the risk of depression was seen among dutasteride users compared to those who did not use dutasteride. Although no significant relationship with suicide risk was found, these findings suggest the need for close monitoring of depressive symptoms in patients on this treatment.

Note: The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has initiated a review of finasteride and dutasteride-containing medicines due to concerns about possible suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients. Although suicidal ideation has been added as a possible side effect of unknown frequency in some finasteride-containing products, additional research is being conducted to clarify this relationship and determine appropriate preventive measures.

Community Feedback:

Users have reported various changes after starting dutasteride. Among the positive effects, some have experienced significant hair growth in as little as three months on a daily dose of 0.5 mg. An increase in hair thickness and density has also been observed, even in cases where finasteride had not been effective. Furthermore, since dutasteride blocks DHT, some users have noticed an increase in testosterone levels.

On the other hand, negative effects have also been reported. One mentioned a reduction in semen production and a feeling of numbness after switching from finasteride to dutasteride, which led him to stop treatment. It is common to experience an initial phase of hair loss, although many indicate that this will later lead to better results. Cases of decreased libido and mild pelvic pain have been reported, although these symptoms tend to disappear over time.

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