Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Serum Gonadotropins in Normal Men

Finasteride not only inactivates the 5a reductase enzyme but also affects the 5b reductase enzyme in a dose-dependent manner, which can impact sexual behavior and brain activity. The user experienced significant hair regrowth and side effects on 1mg of finasteride, which diminished after reducing the dose to 0.5mg, leading to no side effects and further hair improvement.

A 30-year-old man experienced significant hair regrowth and improved libido after using finasteride and dutasteride for androgenetic alopecia, with no adverse effects. He plans to reduce dutasteride dosage when trying to conceive and has been using topical minoxidil since 2015.

1mg finasteride increases serum and scalp skin testosterone more than 5mg, potentially leading to gynecomastia due to increased estrogen. The conversation discusses the effects of different finasteride dosages on testosterone and DHT levels.

A person considering finasteride for hair loss checked their hormone levels before starting treatment. They are concerned about the potential increase in estradiol and its effects, as well as the impact on their sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and free testosterone levels.