Clinical Application of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors
March 2001
in “
Journal of endocrinological investigation
”
TLDR 5α-reductase inhibitors, like finasteride and dutasteride, effectively treat BPH, male baldness, and hirsutism, with potential for acne and prostate cancer prevention.
The review article discussed the clinical applications of 5α-reductase inhibitors, particularly finasteride, which had been extensively used for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male baldness, showing a 50% objective response in baldness treatment. In women, finasteride was used in controlled trials for hirsutism with favorable outcomes. The article suggested that dual inhibitors, like dutasteride, might be more effective for BPH and baldness and potentially for preventing prostate cancer. Pure type 1 5α-reductase inhibitors were considered ideal for treating acne and hirsutism. The study highlighted the importance of enzyme selectivity and the potential for combining treatments, such as vitamin D3 analogues, to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
