Effects of Long Term Treatment With Finasteride (MK-906), a 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor, on Circulating LH, FSH, Prolactin and Estradiol

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of prolonged (1 year) use of 1 and 5 mg Finasteride in a double blind placebo controlled study, on circulating luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL) and estradiol. The study found that Finasteride significantly decreased serum DHT without a decline in serum T. The drug may be useful in several androgen (DHT rather than T) mediated conditions such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), facial acne, female hirsutism and male pattern baldness. The drug does not cause any changes in the serum levels of the hormones studied, even after 12 months of treatment. It is an effective drug reducing serum DHT levels significantly, and is well tolerated and safe in man.