Dutasteride (Avodart), , is a dual 5-α reductase inhibitor that inhibits conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. It increases the risk of erectile dysfunctionand decreased sexual desire.
Mechanism of action
Dutasteride belongs to a class of drugs called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which block the action of the 5-alpha-reductase enzymes that convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Medical uses
Avodart (dutasteride) 500 µg soft capsules.Dutasteride is useful for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); colloquially known as an “enlarged prostate”.
In those who are being regularly screened, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride and dutasteride reduce the overall risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer; however, there is insufficient data to determine if they have an effect on the risk of death and may increase the chance of more serious cases
Dutasteride versus finasteride
Finasteride is also approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. The medications belong to the same class of drugs.
Dutasteride inhibits two of the three isoforms of 5-alpha reductase, I and II, whereas finasteride only inhibits type II, and has a much shorter half-life. Bexlosteride is an isoform I selective inhibitor,albeit with limited commercial availability

Adverse effects
1. Sexual effects This class of medications increases rates of erectile dysfunction (with between 5% and 9% developing problems after starting their use).This is linked to lower quality of life and can cause stress in relationships.There is also an association with lowered sexual desire.It has been reported that these adverse sexual side effects may persist even after discontinuation of the drug.
2. Prostate cancer The FDA has added a warning to dutasteride about an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer.While the potential for positive, negative or neutral changes to the potential risk of developing prostate cancer with dutasteride has not been established, evidence has suggested it may temporarily reduce the growth and prevalence of benign prostate tumors, but could also mask the early detection of prostate cancer. The primary area for concern is for patients who may develop prostate cancer whilst taking dutasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia, which in turn could delay diagnosis and early treatment of the prostate cancer, thereby potentially increasing the risk of these patients developing high-grade prostate cancer.

Contraindications

Children and women who are or may become pregnant, and people with known significant hypersensitivity (e.g., serious skin reactions, angioedema) to dutasteride or finasteride should not take dutasteride. Exposure to dutasteride and other 5-alpha reductase inhibitors during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Since these medications are readily absorbed through the skin, women who are or may become pregnant should not handle them and if they come into contact with leaking capsules, the contact area should be washed immediately in soapy water. People taking dutasteride should not donate blood and, due to its long half-life, should also not donate blood for at least 6 months after the cessation of treatment.

ABOUT LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY (LLLT)

Low-Level Laser Light is one of the most effective therapies to treat hair loss. Currently, over-the-counter laser therapy devices for hair growth are available through convenient hands-free systems, or less convenient hand-held devices. Either product may be used at home, and does not require the supervision of a physician.
LLLT Defined
Lasers are widely used in medicine and also throughout a variety of industries, in a multitude of varying capacities. The laser energy used to stimulate hair growth is visible in the red light spectrum. The laser light used in promoting hair growth is defined as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). LLLT is sometimes included under a broader definition of ‘Phototherapy’ called Low-Level Light Therapy, where the light-emitting device may be a laser and/or light-emitting diode (LED).
Light from a laser in a specific wavelength has an effect on your body when it is applied for a sufficient length of time. It is theorized that when the laser light is absorbed by target tissue molecules, the energy level of the molecules is increased and the molecules respond by ‘working off’ the excess energy with adaptive changes. These changes may be chemical or physical, and they may have biological effects on the target tissue or surrounding tissues.
Because the changes in the molecules are brought about by phototherapy, chemical changes are said to be due to ‘photochemistry’ and physical changes to ‘photophysics.’ As a result, the biological effects on tissue are called photobiomodulation.

Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss via Photobiomodulation.

There are many hypotheses, which address how LLLT photobiomodulation may stimulate new hair growth. It is hypothesized that LLLT initiates the chemical reaction in the cells that make up the follicle’s epithelial matrix causing the proliferative activity.
Much evidence points out that follicular apoptosis (programmed cell death) is reversed via the application of laser energy. Observations of wavelength stimulation of optimal hair growth, has shown precisely what wavelengths, power, and intensity are necessary for optimal effect in stimulating new hair growth.
It is important to note that heat is not associated with the photochemical and photo therapeutic effects of LLLT. LLLT is a low wattage ‘cold light’ laser, and while there are visible red wavelengths, there is no sensation on the skin of persons undergoing treatment. Cold lasers are safe and universally accepted as such by medical authorities, worldwide. Also significant is the fact that there are no side-effects associated with the use of LLLT, as there are with usage of pharmaceuticals, topicals and pills.
Who May Benefit from LLLT?
Medical experts who specialize in treating hair loss agree that treatment should be based on the correct diagnosis of its cause.
Hair loss physicians and medical experts agree that LLLT is a highly viable option for growing hair in those afflicted with androgenetic alopecia-inherited male pattern hair loss. It is not intended to treat hair loss due to other factors.
In treating androgenetic alopecia with LLLT, physicians have found that LLLT is most effective in persons with minimal to moderate hair loss. Individual responses to LLLT differ, and results do vary from person to person.
What is the Duration of Time for LLLT Treatment to be Effective?
Hair growth using LLLT is not a one-time ‘fix’ for hair loss. It must be repeated at intervals to maintain results. Typically 3 to 4 sessions per week for 20 to 25 minutes is the suggested treatment frequency, and results usually take approximately 4 to 6 months. Once hair growth is achieved, an ongoing ‘maintenance’ schedule of 1 to 2 sessions per week is strongly recommended to maintain new growth, and keep the hair looking healthier, fuller, and more vibrant.