I’m in My 60s and Losing Transplanted Hair — Would Avodart Stabilize That?

Hello Dr. Rassman,
In your opinion, would avodart as a substitute for propecia in my situation be ok to take & would the avodart dosage be more effective in stabilizing hair loss? I’m in my 60’s & the avodart sterility side effects don’t concern me. I have been taking propecia for approx. 8 years, & have been experiencing substantial hair loss in the last few years of even previously transplanted hairs from two HT’s as I was a Norwood 6-7, & had very thin, fine hair in my donor site, & quite bald on top.

I’m out of state now, but my surgeon is very well known & extremely skilled & I respect him & was enormously happy with my HT’s I had 7-8 years ago. I’m assuming my donor hair is one of the few cases where it wasn’t destined to last a lifetime. I still some have hairs on top, but quite thin & sparse.

I realize you won’t give specific suggestions concerning Avodart, but any direction would be appreciated. I don’ want to go back to wearing a hairpiece (over 30 years)! Thank you!

Taking Avodart (dutasteride) for a man over 55 years old and not concerned about fathering more children is a reasonable approach. I have heard from the transplant physician community that when hair loss is not stopped with Propecia, the use of Avodart may help.

I am curious about the loss of your transplanted hair, however. This should not typically occur and should be discussed with your surgeon. Don’t just assume! Talk to your doctor!