Monthly Archives: March 2021

Dutasteride, Minoxidil

Dutasteride and Minoxidil Before and After Photos

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When I originally wrote this post, I focused on topical Minoxidil and oral Dutasteride combination hair loss treatments. Nowadays, it seems like oral Minoxidil plus oral Dutasteride has become the gold standard combination treatment among some doctors. Some also add injection Dutasteride into the mix.

Make sure to also read my post on before and after hair growth photos from Finasteride and Minoxidil.

Oral Dutasteride plus Oral Minoxidil

In March 2021, Dr. Sergio Vano (Spain) and Dr. Bevin Bhoyrul (Australia) posted interesting before and after success story photos on Twitter. Both doctors made use of oral Minoxidil and oral Dutasteride (aka Avodart).

Dr. Vano tends to offer both oral and injection Dutasteride in the beginning, with the patient deciding on one or both after a year.

Oral Dutasteride and Oral Minoxidil Hair Growth
Oral Dutasteride and Oral Minoxidil Hair Growth Results. Dr. Bhoyrul and Dr. Vano.

Jan 3, 2019

In my previous post on Dutasteride injections for hair loss, I showed an incredible before and after photo. That male patient was taking taking Dutasteride (oral and injection) in combination with oral Minoxidil. This person was treated by Dr. Sergio Vañó-Galván from Spain. The doctor later sent me a number of other before and after photos of his hair loss patients. All of them saw significant hair growth while on some variation of this Dutasteride (oral and/or injection) and Minoxidil (topical or oral) combination treatment.

I was debating on whether these new photos were worthy of a new post, and concluded in the affirmative. Sometimes people forget about the excellent existing hair loss treatment medications out there that have been proven to work really well for many patients.

Of course one must be willing to risk potential side effects of these medications. Most published studies suggest very few people get major permanent side effects from Dutasteride, but it is up to you to do your own research and reach your own conclusions. Note that Dutasteride is only approved in several countries to treat hair loss as of 2019. However, it is approved as an enlarged prostate treatment all across the world.

Dr. Sergio Vañó-Galván was on the organizing committee of the 11th World Congress for Hair Research that took place in Barcelona in 2019. He is also on the Board of Directors of the EHRS.

Oral Dutasteride plus Topical Minoxidil Hair Growth

For those getting side effects from oral Minoxidil or fearful of taking it, topical Minoxidil is always a good alternative. Below are some great hair regrowth results of men who took topical Minoxidil 5% and Dutasteride.

Patient 1: Dutasteride injections plus oral Dutasteride plus 5%  topical Minoxidil at 12-months.

Dutasteride and Topical Minoxidil -- 12 Month Hair Growth

Patient 2: Dutasteride injections plus oral Dutasteride plus 5% topical Minoxidil at 12-months.

Dutasteride plus Topical Minoxidil Hair Growth at 12 Months

Patient 3: Dutasteride injections plus oral Dutasteride plus 5% topical Minoxidil at 12-months.

Dutasteride and Topical Minoxidil Hair Growth Before After

Oral and Injection Dutasteride

One can also ignore Minoxidil entirely and just focus on Dutasteride (oral and injection combination treatment) if desired. Note that Dutasteride injections are sometimes termed as mesotherapy.

Patient 4: Oral Dutasteride plus mesotherapy with Dutasteride 0.05% once every three months.

Dutasteride Mesotherapy Before and After

Female Hair Loss Treated with Oral Minoxidil

Women are not given Dutasteride if trying to get pregnant. However, females are allowed to take oral Minoxidil at any time if healthy. However, women should note that oral Minoxidil can cause excessive body hair (hirsutism) as a side effect.

Patient 5: Oral Minoxidil 1 mg/day at 12-Months in a female.

Oral Minoxidil Hair Growth in a Female: Before and After

Ralf Paus

Ralf Paus is the Ultimate Hair Geek

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Update: Dr. Paus answered some questions in the comments. Also make sure to see his new company called Cutaneon.

Dr. Ralf Paus might be the most interesting and prolific hair loss researcher in world. I have covered his past work (and his Monasterium Lab) many times on this blog. However, it is only in 2021 that I have become a true fan.

Make sure to listen to Dr. Paus’ two latest Dermasphere podcast interviews below:

An interesting March 2021 video with Dr. Paus in the second half:

Dr. Ralf Paus
Dr. Ralf Paus presenting in 2018.

The problem I have with covering Dr. Paus is the fact that his work is way too extensive and wide ranging. This is probably due to the fact that he collaborates with numerous co-author scientists and researchers.

Moreover, besides via his own Monasterium Lab (Germany), Dr. Paus is affiliated with:

Dr. Paus and his team’s most discussed recent work was in relation to the olfactory receptor OR2AT4 and its impact on hair growth. In particular, via the synthetic sandalwood odorant (perfume) Sandalore. Also see this 2020 update on its use for telogen effluvium.

It seems like Dr. Paus and his Monasterium team are especially focused on developing topical cosmeceutical and nutraceutical type hair loss products. They also offer pre-clinical and clinical research facilities, including for pharmaceuticals. Their principal scientist is Dr. Marta Bertolini.

Dr. Ralf Paus Interview

Dr. Paus has offered to answer reader questions in relation to any of his hair loss research. It might take him a while to respond since he is so busy. Please post your suggestions in the comments to this post.

As I noted previously, Dr. Paus’ copious work covers a wide scope (and extends for two decades). Moreover, in 2021, he has already co-authored six new papers per PubMed. All related to hair.

On the Monasterium Laboratory site, they list their clients to include Allergan, Follicum, Giuliani Pharma, L’Oreal and Shiseido. I have covered all these companies many times on this blog.