Dutasteride is a medication used primarily for the treatment of such male-specific condition as benign prostatic hyperplasia. This preparation works by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme called 5alpha-reductase types 1 and 2 responsible for the conversion of testosterone into 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone and thus inhibiting the production of the latter. Dihydrotestosterone is one of the main androgens that helps regulate many processes in the male body – blood cell production, the growth of the prostate gland, heavy muscle growth, neurological health, the formation of the secondary characteristics of male puberty, etc. However, as important as dihydrotestosterone is for the body to function properly, it can also provoke such disorders as prostate enlargement. More information on how Dutasteride works can be found on Drugs-med.com.

Positive effects of the treatment with Dutasteride include reduction of the size of the enlarged prostate gland, improvement of urination and reduction of the risk of acute urinary retention. This mediation can also reduce the need for surgery as one of the methods to treat enlarged prostate and relieves such benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms as frequent and urgent need to urinate, weak urine stream, difficulty in starting the urine flow, etc.

Dutasteride is marketed under various brand names including generic Avodart. Although, it’s mainly used for the treatment of prostate enlargement, in some countries this medication has been approved for the therapy of androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness in men. The thing is that dihydro testosterone has negative impact on the hair follicles in men who are genetically predisposed to baldness. Therefore, by reducing the production of this androgen Dutasteride prevents hair loss in men and even promotes new hair growth.

However, like any other medication, Dutasteride should not be taken without discussing its use with a doctor. Only medical specialist can decide on the proper dosage of Dutasteride in every particular case. This preparation has certain contraindications and can provoke a number of adverse reactions such as decreased sex drive, decrease in the amount of sperm, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, allergic reactions, painful breasts, etc. Dutasteride drug description usually contains the full list of its contraindications and side effects.