Scalp Testosterone Increase with Dutasteride

According to Phase II FDA trials of Dutasteride as a treatment for hair loss, inhibition of scalp DHT was superior to that of finasteride, but it also caused levels of scalp testosterone to skyrocket. To quote:

“Scalp Testosterone rose 24% for Finasteride, 46% for 0.05mg Dutasteride, 44% for 0.1mg Dutasteride, 104% for 0.5mg Dutasteride, and 154% for 2.5mg Dutasteride.”

What are the implications, if any, for this huge increase in scalp testosterone? Is testosterone injurious to hair in the same way that DHT is? Does it affect it in some other way?

The offending hormone is DHT, not testosterone. I do not know the implications, but from a practical level, dutasteride seems to work better by the experience of some doctors who have been using it for years. In reality, however, until the FDA study is complete, we really will not know (scientifically) for sure.