The user has been using dutasteride for 8 months, oral minoxidil for 3 years, and topical minoxidil on temples, with recent microneedling. They experienced thinning after switching from finasteride to dutasteride and are hoping for improvement by the 12-month mark.
Dutasteride tablets are less effective than softgel capsules because they require a fat-based environment for proper absorption. Softgel capsules, like Avodart, are designed to maximize bioavailability, while powdered tablets may result in significantly lower DHT suppression.
Switching to Dutasteride worsened hair condition, causing shedding and inflammation. The user will continue Dutasteride until 18 months before possibly switching back to Finasteride, while using oral Minoxidil.
Dutasteride can cause hair shedding, which may start around the fourth month of treatment. The user is concerned about whether this shedding is due to the medication or the progression of hair loss.
Dutasteride and oral minoxidil significantly improved hair growth for the user, with no reported side effects. The user previously used finasteride before switching to dutasteride and minoxidil.