5-Alpha Reductase Deficiency

    October 2014 in “ Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity ”
    Ijeoma Okeigwe, Wendy Kuohung
    Image of study
    TLDR 5-alpha reductase deficiency leads to male sexual development issues and treatments like finasteride help with prostate enlargement and hair loss.
    The document summarizes the history and implications of 5-alpha reductase deficiency, an intersex disorder that affects male sexual development due to the enzyme's role in converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Identified in the 1970s, the deficiency has been linked to over 50 mutations in the 5-alpha reductase-2 gene, leading to a better understanding of male sexual differentiation and the development of treatments using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. These inhibitors, such as finasteride and dutasteride, have been effective in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenic alopecia, with finasteride showing a 20% reduction in prostate size and improvements in urinary symptoms and hair loss after 12 months of treatment.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    5 / 5 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Proof that finasteride messes with neurosteroids

      in Research/Science  230 upvotes 8 months ago
      Finasteride can impact neurosteroids, potentially causing depression and other side effects in some users. Despite these concerns, many continue using it for hair loss, with some switching to topical applications to mitigate side effects.

      community 5 months of nuking T, 2 months of minoxidil

      in Transgender  489 upvotes 7 months ago
      The user transitioned from finasteride to Cyproterone and started using Minoxidil, resulting in healthier hair and regrowth. They plan to wean off Minoxidil in a year, depending on regrowth.

      community Why is it that low testosterone causes hair loss as well? How can I be balding?

      in Chat  158 upvotes 11 months ago
      The conversation discusses the confusion over low testosterone potentially causing hair loss, with users sharing personal experiences and knowledge about hair loss treatments like Finasteride. Some users suggest that hair follicle sensitivity to DHT, not testosterone levels, is the key factor in balding, and others discuss the side effects of hair loss medications.

      community Having androgen receptor density and sensitivity at wrong f*ing place

      in Satire  7 upvotes 5 months ago
      The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, focusing on the use of topical minoxidil, microneedling, finasteride, and dutasteride, while debating the role of testosterone and DHT in hair loss. It also touches on the potential liver health impacts of these treatments and the genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens.

      community Why I really believe the tension theory is the cause of MPB

      in Research/Science  70 upvotes 3 years ago
      The conversation discusses the tension theory as a cause of male pattern baldness (MPB), suggesting that scalp tension and reduced subcutaneous fat layer contribute to hair loss. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, microneedling, scalp massages, and Botox.

    Similar Research

    6 / 1000+ results
      Clinical Use of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors

      research Clinical Use of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors

      3 citations, January 2001 in “Cambridge University Press eBooks”
      Finasteride effectively treats hair loss and enlarged prostate in men, with mild side effects.
      Basics of Androgen Synthesis and Action

      research Basics of Androgen Synthesis and Action

      35 citations, May 2022 in “Baillière's best practice and research in clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism”
      Androgens like testosterone are important hormones for both men and women, made differently in each sex and affecting the body by regulating genes and quick interactions with cell components.
      Role of 5α-Reductase in Health and Disease

      research Role of 5α-Reductase in Health and Disease

      101 citations, April 1994 in “Baillière's clinical endocrinology and metabolism”
      5α-reductase is essential for male sexual development and its inhibitors have potential in treating various conditions related to hormone action.
      Hirsutism in Adolescent Females

      research Hirsutism in Adolescent Females

      13 citations, June 1989 in “Pediatric clinics of North America/˜The œPediatric clinics of North America”
      The conclusion is that young women with excessive hair growth should be quickly tested for hormonal issues and treated to improve their social well-being.