Age-Related Changes in Brain and Pituitary 5α-Reductase with Finasteride (Proscar) Treatment

July 1995 in “ Neurobiology of Aging ”

Edwin D. Lephart

finasteride Proscar 5α-reductase DHT 5α-dihydrotestosterone ventral prostate pituitary central nervous system Propecia DHT

TLDR Finasteride affects prostate weights and pituitary activity differently with age.

This document is a scientific study from 27 years ago that investigated the effects of finasteride (Proscar) on brain and pituitary 5α-reductase activity in male rats of different ages. The study found that finasteride treatment significantly decreased ventral prostate weights, while finasteride plus 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment increased them. Additionally, finasteride plus DHT treatment significantly decreased pituitary, but not brain, 5α-reductase activity. The study suggests that a different mechanism may regulate 5α-reductase with the aging of the central nervous system and pituitary.

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Altered Brain And Pituitary Androgen Metabolism By Prenatal, Perinatal Or Pre- And Postnatal Finasteride, Flutamide Or Dihydrotestosterone Treatment In Juvenile Male Rats

research Altered Brain And Pituitary Androgen Metabolism By Prenatal, Perinatal Or Pre- And Postnatal Finasteride, Flutamide Or Dihydrotestosterone Treatment In Juvenile Male Rats

26 citations, November 1993 in “Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry”

Treatment during development affects hormone balance and sexual behavior in male rats.

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.

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community My Testosterone results before and after Finasteride

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Finasteride significantly increased testosterone levels for the user, with no major side effects except watery semen, which was resolved with zinc supplements. The user's hairline stopped receding and slightly improved.

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community A meta analysis of 18 popular hair loss treatments. An 2022 guide on efficacy. From finasteride and minoxidil to caffeine shampoo, saw palmetto and biotin. 96 Scientific References included.

in Research/Science 102 upvotes 2 years ago

Most hair loss treatments are ineffective; only finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil show effectiveness.

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in Research/Science 105 upvotes 3 years ago

Finasteride was intentionally developed to treat BPH and later approved for male pattern baldness (MPB) due to its 5AR inhibition effects. The delay in MPB approval was due to concerns about off-label use for female hirsutism and the prioritization of treating a more debilitating condition.

community Trying to understand finasteride side effects and post finasteride syndrome

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 74 upvotes 4 years ago

The conversation discusses the side effects of finasteride, including low libido and erectile dysfunction, and the possibility of these effects being permanent, known as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Some users report personal experiences with PFS and debate whether the condition is real, with varying opinions on the reversibility of side effects and the role of individual biology.

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research Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Serum Gonadotropins in Normal Men

30 citations, August 1992 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride doesn't affect hormone levels in normal men.