Bone Density Is Normal in Male Rats Treated with Finasteride

April 1995 in “ Endocrinology ”

Harold N. Rosen, S. Tollin, R. Balena, V. L. Middlebrooks, Alan C. Moses, Masayuki Yamamoto, A. J. Zeind, Susan L. Greenspan

finasteride DHT testosterone Propecia

Studysummary In this study, finasteride treatment did not negatively impact bone development or density in male rats, suggesting that DHT deficiency is not harmful to the male rat skeleton.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study investigated the effect of finasteride on bone density in male rats. The results showed that bone density was normal in male rats treated with finasteride, and there were no significant differences in bone mineral density between the finasteride-treated rats and the control group. The study suggests that testosterone alone may be sufficient to promote normal bone development and density in male rats even when DHT synthesis is blocked. The study lasted for 11 weeks and was conducted on 32 rats.

View this study on academic.oup.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

research Prolonged Treatment with Finasteride (a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor) Does Not Affect Bone Density and Metabolism

48 citations , November 1992 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

Long-term finasteride use doesn't change bone density or metabolism.

research The Effect of Finasteride in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

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

In this study, 5 mg of finasteride per day significantly improved urinary symptoms and reduced prostate volume in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, but increased the risk of sexual dysfunction.

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”

This study found that finasteride significantly suppresses serum dihydrotestosterone levels at all tested doses in normal male volunteers without significant adverse effects.

C19 and C21 5β/5α Metabolite Ratios in Subjects Treated with the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride: Comparison of Male Pseudohermaphrodites with Inherited 5α-Reductase Deficiency

research C19 and C21 5β/5α Metabolite Ratios in Subjects Treated with the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride: Comparison of Male Pseudohermaphrodites with Inherited 5α-Reductase Deficiency

55 citations , March 1990 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study found that finasteride decreased plasma dihydrotestosterone levels and altered steroid metabolism, similar to the profile of male pseudohermaphrodites with inherited 5a-reductase deficiency.