Dutasteride in mesotherapy. Hair loss, especially in the case of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), is a problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Traditional treatment methods, such as minoxidil or finasteride, although effective, do not always deliver the expected results and may be associated with side effects. In recent years, increasing attention has been drawn to dutasteride – a drug originally used to treat prostate enlargement – applied in mesotherapy as a promising alternative in combating hair loss.
In the article, we will examine scientific studies regarding the use of dutasteride in mesotherapy for hair growth, its mechanism of action, and the potential benefits and limitations of this method.
What is dutasteride and how does it work in the context of hair loss?
Dutasteride is an inhibitor of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which blocks the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – a hormone responsible for the miniaturization of hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia. Unlike finasteride, which inhibits only the type II isoenzyme of 5-alpha-reductase, dutasteride targets both types (I and II), allowing for a reduction of DHT levels in the body by up to 90%. In mesotherapy, dutasteride is administered directly into the scalp, enabling localized action of the drug with minimal systemic impact.
Dutasteride in mesotherapy. A review of studies
Although oral dutasteride is well-studied, its use in mesotherapy is a relatively new method that has gained popularity due to its promise of effectiveness and limited side effects. Here is a review of the research on this technique:
1. A 2009 study (Sobhy et al.). One of the first clinical studies on the efficacy of intradermal dutasteride injections was published in 2009. The study involved 28 patients with AGA, 14 of whom received a series of seven injections of 2 ml of dutasteride solution (0.05% strength) every week, and the remaining group received placebo. The results showed an increase in hair density in 92.9% of patients in the dutasteride group, compared to only 7.1% in the placebo group. The study suggests that topical dutasteride can effectively stimulate hair growth.
2. Study from 2013 (Sobhy et al.). Another study conducted by the same group compared the effectiveness of mesotherapy with different preparations: dutasteride at a concentration of 0.005%, dutasteride 0.05% with added dexpanthenol, biotin and pyridoxine, and saline as a control. The experiment involved 90 patients, each receiving nine injections. The best results were noted in the group receiving dutasteride 0.05% with vitamins – a significant increase in the number of hair follicles in the anagen (growth) phase was observed, indicating the potential for synergy between dutasteride and nutrients.
3. Saceda-Corralo study from 2017. Spanish dermatologist D. Saceda-Corralo conducted a study on six patients with AGA (five men and one woman), using mesotherapy with 1 ml of dutasteride at a concentration of 0.01% every three months for nine months. All participants noted an increase in hair density without noticeable side effects. Importantly, blood tests did not show changes in hormonal levels, confirming the safety of topical use of the drug.
4. Comparison with finasteride. Studies indicate that dutasteride may be superior to finasteride in the treatment of AGA due to its more potent 5-alpha-reductase inhibition. In the context of mesotherapy, local administration of dutasteride allows for high scalp concentrations, which may enhance its efficacy compared to oral finasteride, while minimizing systemic side effects such as decreased libido or erectile dysfunction.
Dutasteride in mesotherapy, advantages:
- Local action: administration of the drug directly into the scalp allows for concentrated action in the area of the hair follicles, which reduces the risk of side effects associated with oral use.
- Long half-life: Dutasteride has a longer half-life in the body (around 4-5 weeks), which means treatments can be performed less frequently – usually every 1-3 months.
- No need for daily use: unlike oral medications, mesotherapy eliminates the need to take pills regularly, which increases patient convenience.
- Synergy with other substances: dutasteride mesotherapy is often combined with vitamins (e.g. biotin), which can additionally support hair growth.
Limitations and challenges
Despite promising results, dutasteride in mesotherapy has its limitations:
Small number of participants: most studies to date have been conducted on small groups of patients, making it difficult to generalize the results.
Lack of standardization: Different concentrations (from 0.005% to 0.05%) and treatment schedules used in studies indicate the need for further optimization of protocols.
Practical application and future Dutasteride mesotherapy is currently used “off-label” in many dermatological and aesthetic medicine clinics around the world. Patients report visible effects after 3-6 months of regular treatments, including inhibition of hair loss and improvement of hair density. This method is especially recommended for people who do not tolerate oral 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors or are looking for an alternative to traditional therapies. The future of dutasteride in mesotherapy seems promising, but requires further clinical trials on a larger scale to confirm efficacy, establish optimal doses and assess long-term effects.
The development of technologies such as lipid nanoparticles may further increase the efficiency of drug delivery to hair follicles.
Summary
Dutasteride in mesotherapy for hair growth is an innovative approach that combines the effectiveness of DHT inhibition with minimal risk of side effects. Studies indicate its potential in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, especially in combination with nutrients. Although the method requires further treatment regimen and standardization, it is already a valuable option for people struggling with hair loss.
If you are considering this therapy, it is worth consulting a dermatologist to tailor the treatment to your individual needs. Dutasteride in mesotherapy is a safe and modern method of hair restoration.
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