Dutasteride is a medication primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate gland. It works by inhibiting the action of enzymes that convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate growth. By reducing DHT levels, dutasteride helps shrink the prostate and alleviate symptoms such as difficulty urinating. In addition to BPH, dutasteride is sometimes prescribed for androgenetic alopecia, a form of hair loss in men. It is taken orally, usually in capsule form, and may take several months to show noticeable effects. Common side effects can include decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.