5alpha-Reductase: History and Clinical Importance

January 2004 in “ PubMed ”

Leonard S. Marks

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 shift in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) from surgery to drug therapy, highlighting the role of 5alpha-reductase (5AR) inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. These drugs worked by inhibiting dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which was responsible for prostatic growth and male pattern baldness, among other effects. Inhibiting DHT led to prostatic shrinkage and symptom relief without the side effects of traditional androgen-deprivation therapy. The document also suggested potential future uses for 5AR inhibitors, including prostate cancer chemoprevention and treatment of BPH-related complications.

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Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

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research The Effect of Finasteride in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

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Finasteride effectively treats BPH but may increase sexual dysfunction risk.

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

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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.

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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

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

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