Avodart (Dutasteride)

Detailed Overview

Dutasteride is an inhibitor of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. Reductase inhibitors are designed to prevent the conversion of testosterone to its more androgenic counterpart DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is implicated in a number of disorders in men including male pattern hair loss and benign prostate enlargement. Dutasteride is specifically approved for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). While dutasteride is similar in structure and action to finasteride, it differs from the first generation reductase inhibitor in its tissue selectivity. Finasteride inhibits the type-2 isozyme of the 5alpha reductase enzyme, found prominently in the scalp and prostate. Dutasteride is non-specific for isotype, and inhibits both type-1 and type-2 reductase. As such, it inhibits DHT conversion in all tissues including the scalp, liver, prostate, and skin. Because of this it also lowers systemic levels of DHT much more effectively than finasteride.The DHT inhibiting effects of dutasteride make this drug of some interest to bodybuilders and athletes, particularly those concerned with the androgenic component of testosterone-based steroids. Dutasteride is capable of reducing the androgenic side effects produced by DHT conversion, changing the profile of testosterone drugs measurably. Provided moderate doses of testosterone are being used, the result can be a substantial reduction in the occurrence of oily skin and acne. For those prone to male pattern hair loss, dutasteride may also reduce the harsh impact of testosterone on the hairline. Note that as a selective type-2 inhibitor, finasteride is also effective at lowering DHT levels in the scalp (and reducing hairline impact of testosterone use), but does not work as well for reducing oily skin and acne.