Dihydrotestosterone And The Role Of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors In Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The document discussed the role of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 5α-reductase inhibitors in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It explained that BPH development was influenced by testicular androgens and aging, with DHT being the key androgen in the prostate. Despite declining plasma testosterone levels in aging men, DHT levels in the prostate remained stable due to the action of the enzyme 5α-reductase, particularly its Type 2 isoenzyme. Finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, was used to treat BPH and male pattern baldness by reducing DHT levels in the serum by about 70% and in the prostate by 85-90%. While clinical studies confirmed finasteride's effectiveness for BPH, the document suggested that a more potent dual 5α-reductase inhibitor could further decrease DHT levels, potentially improving treatment outcomes for BPH and other DHT-related conditions.