Dutasteride vs Finasteride for Pattern Hair Loss: Zhou 2019 Research Summary
This is a plain-language summary of the original published research. We do not add conclusions or opinions of our own. This is not medical advice — consult a certified healthcare practitioner before making any decision.
Original research published in Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2019
Dutasteride vs Finasteride for Pattern Hair Loss: Zhou 2019 Research Summary
Study conclusion
Dutasteride produced significantly more hair growth than finasteride across 3 controlled trials involving 576 men, according to this 2019 meta-analysis. Dutasteride outperformed finasteride on every measured outcome including total hair count, investigator photo assessments, and patients' own assessments. Sexual side effects occurred at similar rates in both groups.
Strength of evidence
Who it applies to
Who was studied
Men with pattern hair loss caused by genetics and hormones. 576 men across 3 randomised controlled trials. 24-week treatment periods. Dutasteride 0.5mg compared directly to finasteride 1mg.
Who was NOT studied
Women with pattern hair loss. People with other types of hair loss. People using doses other than dutasteride 0.5mg vs finasteride 1mg.
What to look for when shopping
Dutasteride is not FDA-approved for hair loss. It is prescribed off-label by doctors. Finasteride 1mg is FDA-approved for male pattern hair loss. Both are prescription medications. Both carry sexual side effect risks.
What research cannot help you decide
Whether dutasteride's greater DHT suppression will increase or decrease sexual side effects for you compared to finasteride. How either drug performs beyond 24 weeks. Whether either drug is right for your situation — this requires a doctor.
Key findings
- Dutasteride produced significantly greater total hair count increase than finasteride (28.57 more hairs on average).
- Investigator-rated global photo assessments at both vertex and frontal views favoured dutasteride, both statistically significant.
- Panel-rated global photo assessments at vertex and frontal views also favoured dutasteride significantly.
- Patients' own assessment of improvement also favoured dutasteride significantly.
- Sexual side effects (altered libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders) did not differ significantly between dutasteride and finasteride.
- Dutasteride is not FDA-approved for hair loss in the United States. It is approved for hair loss in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
What this study does not show
- 1.How either drug performs beyond 24 weeks in a head-to-head comparison.
- 2.Whether dutasteride works for women. This review studied men only.
- 3.Whether the greater DHT suppression from dutasteride translates to meaningfully different sexual side effects in the long term.
- 4.How either drug compares to non-hormonal treatments like minoxidil or red light therapy in a head-to-head trial.
Limitations
- 1.Only 3 trials were available. Conclusions are based on a limited evidence base.
- 2.All trials ran only 24 weeks. Long-term comparative data is unknown.
- 3.Dutasteride is not FDA-approved for hair loss. Its use for this purpose is off-label.
- 4.The review was published in 2019. More recent trials may affect conclusions.
Used in these articles
Links added as fact-checks and articles citing this study are published.