Effect of Epristeride and Finasteride on Spermatogenesis in Male Rats

Epristeride is a selective 5 alpha reductase type 2 inhibitor that may reduce scalp DHT similarly to finasteride, with potentially fewer side effects. It is suggested that combining epristeride with finasteride or dutasteride could enhance hair loss treatment effectiveness.

A 30-year-old man experienced significant hair regrowth and improved libido after using finasteride and dutasteride for androgenetic alopecia, with no adverse effects. He plans to reduce dutasteride dosage when trying to conceive and has been using topical minoxidil since 2015.

Dutasteride may cause chronic infertility by reducing semen volume and motility, with concerns about irreversible prostate fibrosis. Users consider switching to finasteride or using treatments like minoxidil and microneedling, weighing hair preservation against fertility.

Saw palmetto, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, caused unexpected side effects like breast changes and altered semen consistency, which resolved after stopping its use. Concerns about similar side effects with finasteride or dutasteride were expressed, and another user reported low libido and depression from saw palmetto.

Dutasteride may affect semen parameters but not significantly enough to impact fertility unless baseline fertility is already low. Finasteride and minoxidil are used for hair regrowth, with no side effects reported by one user.

Androsterone may help with sexual and affective dysfunction from finasteride by replacing disrupted neurosteroids without increasing androgenic side effects. Controlled testing is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.