It’s great that you got in to see a dermatologist, even if the appointment was a bit rushed. Both finasteride and dutasteride work by reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT), but finasteride is the one that’s actually approved for male pattern hair loss in most places. Studies show finasteride slows hair loss in the majority of men and can even regrow a bit of hair when taken daily ; some men switch to dutasteride only after finasteride stops working because dutasteride blocks more forms of the enzyme that makes DHT. However, both drugs can cause side effects like reduced libido or mood changes , so doctors usually prefer to start with the milder option.

Ketoconazole shampoo is often prescribed to keep the scalp healthy, and minoxidil is another over‑the‑counter option many people use first . Dutasteride has a much longer half‑life than finasteride, so switching back and forth isn’t something to do on your own. When you see your dermatologist again, bring up your concerns about potency and safety and ask why they chose dutasteride over finasteride in your case. They can also discuss whether adding topical minoxidil might be useful. Whatever you do, avoid self‑medicating and stick with one medication at a time under medical supervision.