5alpha-Reductase: History and Clinical Importance

January 2004 in “ PubMed ”

Leonard S. Marks

5alpha-reductase 5AR inhibitors finasteride dutasteride dihydrotestosterone DHT male pattern baldness androgen-deprivation therapy Propecia Avodart

TLDR 5alpha-reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride effectively treat BPH by reducing DHT, offering symptom relief and potential future uses.

The document discussed the clinical importance of 5alpha-reductase (5AR) inhibitors, such as finasteride and dutasteride, in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by inhibiting dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is crucial for prostatic growth and male pattern baldness. These inhibitors led to prostatic shrinkage and symptom relief without the side effects of traditional therapies and potentially altered BPH progression. The document also noted the potential of dutasteride in reducing prostate cancer incidence, as shown by a clinical trial. Additionally, the enzyme 5AR was significant in understanding conditions like male pseudohermaphroditism and androgenic alopecia, providing insights into its genetic and physiological impact on male health.

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Research cited in this study

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research The Long-Term Effect of Doxazosin, Finasteride, and Combination Therapy on the Clinical Progression of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1707 citations , December 2003 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Combination therapy of doxazosin and finasteride safely and effectively reduces benign prostatic hyperplasia progression risk.

The Effect of Finasteride on the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Microvessel Density: A Possible Mechanism for Decreased Prostatic Bleeding in Treated Patients

research The Effect of Finasteride on the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Microvessel Density: A Possible Mechanism for Decreased Prostatic Bleeding in Treated Patients

90 citations , January 2003 in “The Journal of Urology”

Finasteride may reduce prostate bleeding by lowering blood vessel growth factor levels and blood vessel density in certain prostate areas.

A Model for the Turnover of Dihydrotestosterone in the Presence of the Irreversible 5α-Reductase Inhibitors GI198745 and Finasteride

research A Model for the Turnover of Dihydrotestosterone in the Presence of the Irreversible 5α-Reductase Inhibitors GI198745 and Finasteride

60 citations , December 1998 in “Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics”

Both drugs lower DHT levels, with GI198745 being more effective.

research The Effect of Finasteride in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1040 citations , October 1992 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Finasteride effectively treats BPH but may increase sexual dysfunction risk.

research The Clinical Development of a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor, Finasteride

211 citations , November 1990 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology”

Finasteride effectively treats BPH, but needs more trials to understand potential.

research Effects of Finasteride (MK-906), a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor, on Circulating Androgens in Male Volunteers

147 citations , April 1990 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride safely lowers DHT levels without affecting testosterone.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 407 results

community Can I still save my hairline at age of 15?

in General 499 upvotes 1 month ago

A 15-year-old is concerned about hair loss, possibly at Norwood 2 or 3, and is using shampoos and conditioners recommended by a trichologist. Suggestions include considering topical minoxidil and consulting a doctor about topical anti-DHT treatments like finasteride or RU58841, but avoiding 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors at this age.

community Research Backed Dutasteride Simulator (Serum/Scalp DHT included for all doses)

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 113 upvotes 1 year ago

A dutasteride simulator predicts that daily 0.5 mg dosing results in higher DHT suppression compared to less frequent dosing. Twice-weekly dutasteride may be as effective as finasteride 5 mg, providing a balance between efficacy and ease of use.

community Why some people experience problems on Finasteride/Dutasteride (my theory)

in Research/Science 18 upvotes 2 weeks ago

Some people have side effects from finasteride and dutasteride due to hormonal predisposition, especially if DHT dominant. Alternatives like RU58841, Pyrilutamide, and Breezula are suggested to target scalp androgen receptors without altering overall hormones.

community Does finasteride/dutasteride reverse aging?

in Chat 45 upvotes 1 year ago

Finasteride and dutasteride can improve skin texture and reduce acne by lowering DHT but do not reverse aging. They may enhance skin and hair health for some, but can also cause side effects like dry skin and sexual dysfunction.

community Research Backed Dutasteride Simulator (Serum/scalp DHT included for all doses)

in Research 489 upvotes 1 year ago

A Dutasteride Simulator predicts serum dutasteride, serum DHT, and scalp DHT levels using models from research papers. It simulates various dosing schedules to determine steady-state effects and visualizes outcomes, including hair growth-related scalp DHT suppression.

community risks with finasteride and dutasteride

in Research/Science 140 upvotes 5 months ago

Finasteride and dutasteride have potential risks, including post-finasteride syndrome, but are commonly used for hair loss. RU58841, minoxidil, and needling are suggested as alternatives, though all treatments carry risks.

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research Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effects of AGA Drugs by Measuring Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Dihydrotestosterone in Hair

June 2023 in “Clinica Chimica Acta”

Finasteride and dutasteride effectively reduce DHT in hair, which may help evaluate their treatment success for hair loss.

research Untargeted Metabolomics and Steroid Signatures in Urine of Male Pattern Baldness Patients After Finasteride Treatment for a Year

August 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride treatment changes hormone levels in male pattern baldness patients.

research 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors in Androgenetic Alopecia: Shifting Paradigms, Current Concepts, Comparative Efficacy, and Safety

19 citations , April 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Dutasteride works better than finasteride for hair loss, with both being safe to use.

research Luncheon Symposium: Update on the Efficacy and Safety of Dutasteride in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia

January 2015 in “프로그램북(구 초록집)”

Dutasteride is effective and safe for treating common hair loss, and it's more potent than finasteride, leading to better hair growth and thickness.

research An Overview on 5α-Reductase Inhibitors

219 citations , October 2009 in “Steroids”

5α-reductase inhibitors, like Finasteride and Dutasteride, help manage benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

research The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

215 citations , November 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Dutasteride more effective for hair growth, but has more side effects than finasteride.

Effective Treatment of Female Androgenic Alopecia with Dutasteride

research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients With Male Pattern Baldness

61 citations , September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”