TLDR 5-Alpha reductase inhibitors help treat enlarged prostate but may cause sexual side effects.
5-Alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs), including finasteride and dutasteride, were established treatments for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), demonstrating long-term efficacy and tolerability. They improved symptoms, urinary flow, and reduced prostate volume, with effects typically observed 3-6 months after starting treatment. These drugs were particularly effective in men with larger prostates and higher PSA levels. However, they were associated with sexual dysfunction side effects, such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation dysfunction. The chapter also reviewed the development, efficacy, tolerability, and impact of 5ARIs on prostate cancer.
218 citations
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December 2011 in “Advances in Urology” The document concludes that the 5 alpha-reductase enzymes are important in steroid metabolism and related to various human diseases, with inhibitors used to treat conditions like male pattern baldness and prostate issues.
147 citations
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June 2011 in “New England journal of medicine/The New England journal of medicine” 5α-reductase inhibitors may prevent prostate cancer but could also raise the risk of more severe cancers.
223 citations
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December 2010 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Some patients taking finasteride or dutasteride may have ongoing sexual problems and depression even after stopping the medication.
62 citations
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January 2004 in “PubMed” 5alpha-reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride effectively treat BPH by reducing DHT, offering symptom relief and potential future uses.
60 citations
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December 1998 in “Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics” Both drugs lower DHT levels, with GI198745 being more effective.
1054 citations
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February 1998 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride reduces urinary issues and surgery need in men with enlarged prostates by over 50%.
1040 citations
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October 1992 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride effectively treats BPH but may increase sexual dysfunction risk.
211 citations
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November 1990 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Finasteride effectively treats BPH, but needs more trials to understand potential.
January 2024 in “Brazilian Journal of Hair Health” Some plant-based products might treat hair loss with fewer side effects than current medications.
19 citations
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April 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Dutasteride works better than finasteride for hair loss, with both being safe to use.
January 2018 in “Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride are effective for treating enlarged prostate and male pattern hair loss.
8 citations
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January 2016 in “Indian Journal of Pharmacology” Finasteride and dutasteride can cause severe, lasting side effects.
1 citations
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January 2012 in “Daehan namseong gwahag hoeji” Dutasteride is more effective than Finasteride in reducing prostate size and PSA levels, but both drugs have similar side effects.
47 citations
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January 2003 in “Current opinion in urology” A new drug, dutasteride, is at least as effective as the older drug, finasteride, for treating enlarged prostate and may have additional uses.
