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.

View this study on sciencedirect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

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.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community My Testosterone results before and after Finasteride

in Update 146 upvotes 3 years ago

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.

community Proof that finasteride messes with neurosteroids

in Research/Science 230 upvotes 5 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 Topical Finasteride Doesn't Directly Reduce 5ar Enzyme on Scalp

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 72 upvotes 1 year ago

Topical Finasteride doesn't directly reduce 5ar enzyme on scalp and has the same mechanism as oral, needing to go through the liver. Users debate the accuracy of this information and discuss various studies and experiences.

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 101 upvotes 2 years ago

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

community No, Finasteride as a treatment for MPB was not an "accident"

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 73 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.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

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.