Dutasteride Micro-Injections
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent androgen and the primary metabolite of testosterone in the prostate, skin
and hair follicle. Testosterone is converted to DHT by 5α-reductase, which exists in two
isoenzyme forms (types 1 and 2). During male foetal development and puberty, DHT is essential
for normal masculinization of the external genitalia and normal development of the
prostate gland.
In later life, DHT shortens the.anagen (growth) phase and lengthens the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle, and promotes hair follicle miniaturisation. Together, these changes result in the development of male pattern hair loss.
Dutasteride inhibits the type 1 and 2 isoenzymes, with the oral formulation resulting in a 90% reduction in serum DHT and a 50% reduction in scalp DHT. The technique of micro-injections with dutasteride, also known as mesotherapy with dutasteride, involves the administration of small amounts of the drug into the skin. Dutasteride micro-injections on the scalp allow delivery of high concentrations of the drug to the hair follicle. Although the optimal regimen is yet to be determined, injections performed every 1-3 months have demonstrated efficacy in men with male pattern hair loss and women with female pattern hair loss.
Injections may be associated with mild discomfort, but no systemic adverse effects have been reported.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the primary metabolite of testosterone in the prostate, skin and hair follicle. Testosterone is converted to DHT by 5α- reductase, which exists in two isoenzyme forms (types 1 and 2). In male foetal development and puberty, DHT is essential for normal masculinization of the external genitalia and normal development of the prostate gland. In later life, DHT is associated with the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgenetic alopecia.
Dutasteride inhibits the type 1 and 2 isoenzymes, with the oral formulation resulting in a 90% reduction in serum DHT and a 50% reduction in scalp DHT. The technique of micro- injections with dutasteride, also known as mesotherapy with dutasteride, involve the administration of small amounts of the drug into the skin.
