This synopsis is broken down into side effects, positive results and negative results reported by posters in the Avodart (Dutasteride) forum from inception through January 9th, 2003.

The following are the most commonly reported side effects of Avodart or Dutasteride. 95% of the posters are on a 0.5mg daily dose. 

  Headaches - A Total of 10 posters.
Those who experienced headaches said it happened relatively early into the treatment, probably within 1-2 weeks after starting Avodart. Symptoms vary from slight dizziness, to sinus headaches, hangover headaches, and pressure all over the scalp. However, nobody has experienced persistent headaches. It appears that the headaches disappeared on its own. 

Increase in libido - A total of 4 reporting increase in libido.
Contrary to what we expect, several actually reported an increase in libido and sex drive.

Trouble sleeping and mood swings - A total of 9 posters.
This is totally unexpected, but a large number reported having trouble sleeping and mood swings. Several reported an unexplainable increase in aggression, crankiness, bad mood swings. 1 poster reported better moods and 1 reported being more alert while on Avodart.

Dry face, scalp and beard - A total 7 posters.
Pleasant news for those with oily face and scalp. Many  reported a very noticeable increase in dryness of the face, scalp and beard in just a matter of weeks. Some said their scalps felt so dry that they have a burning sensation on their scalps feeling like their hair being pulled. The reduction in scalp oiliness is probably the reason why several said their scalp itch completely disappeared.

Slower beard and body hair growth - A total of 2 posters.
Two posters reported slower beard and body hair growth. VAnderloo1978 actually said a very noticeable reduction in as little as 7 days after starting Avodart

Stomach cramps, gastric disorders - A total of 4 posters
Early into the Avodart treatment, several posters complained about stomach cramps. However, this is not a persistent symptom as they all said it went away after a few days.

Overall, we have more positive feedbacks than negative ones. A total of 26 positive reports vs 16 negative reports.

We have received positive feedbacks reporting cessation of hair loss, appearance of vellus hairs on the temples, darkening of existing vellus hairs, regrowth in areas previously bald for years, and vellus hairs evolving into terminal hairs.

Cessation of hair loss - A total of 11 posters.
Many reported a noticeable reduction in hair loss in as little as 2-3 weeks.

Regrowth - A total of 18 posters.
Plenty of people have regrowth already in just about 1 month, particularly in the form of tiny small hairs on the temples. The majority reported vellus hairs growing on the temples, a couple reported  regrowth in areas that have been bald for years, and many said existing vellus hairs are darkening and there are definitely signs that hairs are becoming thicker and switching into terminal hairs. It appears that for the time being, the positive feedbacks are predominantly about regrowth on the temples, only a couple mentioned regrowth on the crown.

Several posters such as WSJ, Chia Pet, Payton, and Chris said they had undeniably "amazing" results in just about 1 month or less.

Shedding, no results - A total of 15 posters.
As far as negative posts, the majority are about shedding while on Avodart and many also said they had no results at all.

For example, AS, Pezcedo, Steve, Peanuts, Jason, Glutton all had massive shedding while on Avodart.

Detailed testimonials from each of the above posters can be found at 
http://www.hairsite4.com/dcforum/DCForumID5/315.html

AVODART / DUTASTERIDE FORUM

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