Increased efficacy of fin/dut: with or without meal?

Finasteride/Dutasteride 5/11/2026

The conversation discusses whether it's better to start hair loss treatment with finasteride or dutasteride. Opinions vary, but many suggest starting with finasteride due to its shorter half-life and easier management of side effects, while others argue dutasteride is more effective and has fewer side effects.

Switching from finasteride to a generic dutasteride led to unexpectedly high DHT levels, prompting a switch to a reputed brand and consideration of softgel capsules for better absorption. The user plans to retest DHT levels and may return to finasteride if issues persist.

Topical dutasteride is suggested as a low side-effect treatment for hair loss, with a proposed dose of 0.025% 1ml/day. It is considered better than finasteride due to its even inhibition of DHT isoforms and lower systemic absorption.

Dutasteride is often seen as more effective than finasteride for hair regrowth, but it may cause initial shedding and takes longer to work. Combining it with treatments like minoxidil can improve results, though experiences vary.

The conversation discusses the ineffectiveness of tablet forms of dutasteride for hair loss due to poor absorption compared to soft gel capsules. It suggests switching to FDA-approved soft gel capsules for better results, as tablets may not adequately suppress DHT levels.

The user tried Dutasteride, Finasteride, and Minoxidil for hair loss but saw no improvement after nearly two years, feeling frustrated and considering giving up. Other users suggested trying different dosages, oral Minoxidil, RU58841, or considering a hair transplant, while some noted that stabilization without regrowth is common.