TLDR Testosterone can build muscle and bone without enlarging the prostate when a specific enzyme is blocked.
The study investigated the effects of high-dose testosterone combined with the 5α-reductase inhibitor MK-434 on muscle, bone, and prostate in 40 rats over 56 days. Testosterone increased muscle mass, strength, and bone density but also caused prostate enlargement. MK-434 effectively blocked prostate enlargement without hindering the anabolic effects of testosterone on muscle and bone. The study concluded that the anabolic benefits of testosterone could be preserved while mitigating prostate-related side effects by using a 5α-reductase inhibitor, suggesting potential applications for older hypogonadal men.
52 citations,
February 2006 in “Current pharmaceutical design” 5α-reductase inhibitors and alpha-1 adrenergic antagonists together effectively treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, with long-term benefits.
98 citations,
April 1997 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Finasteride effectively blocks rat enzymes, but with varying methods and strength.
June 2023 in “Clinica Chimica Acta” Finasteride and dutasteride effectively reduce DHT in hair, which may help evaluate their treatment success for hair loss.
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.
65 citations,
October 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride effectively reduces hair loss by decreasing androgen levels.
6 citations,
August 1996 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” MK-386 and finasteride together effectively reduce DHT levels, potentially treating acne and male pattern baldness.
59 citations,
September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Finasteride reduces scalp DHT levels, potentially treating male pattern baldness.
