This page describes pharmacological agents that may have legal restrictions, side effects, and drug interactions in your jurisdiction. Information is for educational research only — consult a clinician before considering any compound.

High-risk compound

Surface here is educational only; do not use without medical supervision. Our editorial verdict is SKIP-FOR-NOW — current cost / risk / redundancy puts it below the line.

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Dutasteride

Emerging

Dual 5α-reductase inhibitor — knocks DHT down ~95%.

Aliases (4)

Avodart · Jalyn · GG745 · Duagen

TYPICAL DOSE

BPH (FDA-approved): 0.5 mg/day PO

Daily

ROUTE

Oral (tablet)

Oral

CYCLE

Continuous use (BPH), continuous or 2-3×/wk (MPB)

As prescribed

STORAGE

Room temp; original container

Room temp

Overview

What is Dutasteride?

Dutasteride (Avodart) is a dual 5-alpha-reductase (type 1 and type 2) inhibitor FDA-approved for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Off-label uses include male pattern hair loss and as an antiandrogen in transgender care.

Key Benefits

Reduces prostate volume, improves urinary symptoms in BPH, and treats male pattern baldness with greater DHT suppression than finasteride. Long half-life (~5 weeks) allows weekly dosing.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits both type 1 and type 2 isoforms of 5-alpha-reductase, blocking conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Reduces serum DHT by >90% vs ~70% with finasteride (type 2 only).

▸Brand options4 known

AvodartJalynGG745Duagen

StatusRx (US, prescription only)

Research Indications

Most Effective

Type 1 5α-reductase

skin (sebaceous glands), liver, scalp, brain

Effective

Type 2 5α-reductase

prostate, hair follicles, genitals, brain

Research Protocols

Disclaimer: These are commonly discussed research protocols and not medical advice.

Goal

Dose

Frequency

Solo Use

Cycle

Goal:BPH (FDA-approved)

Dose:0.5 mg/day PO

Frequency:—

Solo:—

Cycle:—

Goal:MPB (off-label, full dose)

Dose:0.5 mg/day — same as BPH dose

Frequency:—

Solo:—

Cycle:—

Goal:MPB (off-label, reduced frequency)

Dose:0.5 mg 2-3×/week — leverages 5-week half-life to maintain DHT suppression with lower cumulative exposure

Frequency:—

Solo:—

Cycle:—

Goal:For the user

Dose:—

Frequency:—

Solo:—

Cycle:—

Peptide Interactions

minoxidil

Synergistic

Standard MPB combo — minoxidil acts on follicle vascularization/growth phase; dutasteride suppresses the upstream DHT signal. Different mechanisms, additive …

anastrozole

Synergistic

(low-dose): Some users add to manage E2 elevation from T → E2 shunting when DHT is suppressed. Use only with bloodwork confirmation; otherwise avoid.

finasteride

Avoid

Redundant — dutasteride already covers Type 2 inhibition and goes further. No additive benefit, additive risk.

TRT / anabolic steroids

Avoid

Suppressing DHT while pushing T creates abnormal androgen ratios. T → E2 conversion increases without DHT to shunt to. Gyno risk amplified.

enclomiphene / SERMs

Avoid

Mixed signals — enclomiphene raises endogenous T (some of which routes through 5αR); blocking that conversion changes the SERM's downstream profile in ways n…

Quality Indicators

✓

Pharmacy-dispensed, intact packaging

Prescription tablets in original sealed packaging from a licensed pharmacy.

Generic vs branded

Generics are usually fine but bioavailability can vary slightly; track if you switch.

✗

Unbranded blister or counterfeit risk

Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a known issue; verify pharmacy and lot if buying internationally.

What to Expect

Day 1
PK-driven acute peak per administration. Verify dose tolerated.
Week 1
Steady-state reached for most daily-dosed pharma.
Week 2-4
Therapeutic effect established; titration window if needed.
Long-term
Periodic monitoring per drug class (labs, BP, ECG as applicable).

Side Effects & Safety

Common (>10% in BPH trials, lower in younger MPB users):
- Decreased libido (3-7% on-drug)
- Erectile dysfunction (4-9% on-drug)
- Decreased ejaculate volume (1-3%)
- Gynecomastia / breast tenderness (1-3%)
Less common (1-10%):
- Depression / depressed mood
- Dizziness
- Hot flashes
- Headache
Rare-serious (<1% but worth knowing):
- Post-Dutasteride Syndrome (PDS): persistent sexual/neurological/physical symptoms after stopping. Reversibility unknown. Higher stakes with dutasteride than finasteride due to long half-life and dual inhibition.
- High-grade prostate cancer risk paradox: REDUCE trial showed reduction in low-grade PCa but slight increase in Gleason 8-10. Clinical significance debated; PSA interpretation altered (multiply by ~2 on dutasteride).
- Severe depression / suicidal ideation — rare but documented.
- Male breast cancer — rare association; FDA label includes warning.
- Birth defects in male fetuses — pregnant women and women of childbearing age should not handle crushed/leaking capsules; teratogenic in offspring exposed in utero. Donor sperm/blood deferral 6 months after last dose.
Specific watch periods:
- First 3 months: peak window for sexual side effects to manifest. Stop immediately if onset.
- First 6 months: any depression/cognitive change → discontinue and seek workup.
- Ongoing: PSA monitoring (×2 multiplier), breast self-exam, mood tracking.