Epitestosterone: Regulatory Roles in Androgen-Dependent Processes

Androsterone may help with sexual and affective dysfunction from finasteride by replacing disrupted neurosteroids without increasing androgenic side effects. Controlled testing is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.

A user on Finasteride for 7-8 years reported unexpectedly high testosterone levels despite expecting lower levels due to age, with discussions on the impact of SHBG and suggestions to use boron to lower SHBG. Another user noted that Dutasteride significantly increased their testosterone and free testosterone levels.

Finasteride has no effect on the user's estradiol levels, and body fat may influence aromatization. The user is on testosterone replacement therapy and uses everyday injections to manage high RBC count, with plans to measure DHT, DHEA-S, and pregnenolone levels.

Dutasteride may inhibit androgen receptors in addition to reducing DHT, potentially explaining its effectiveness over finasteride for hair loss. Concerns about its impact on muscle growth are debated, with some suggesting no significant effects.

Pyrilutamide and RU58841 are androgen receptor antagonists that block receptors without significantly reducing testosterone or DHT levels. Any indirect effect on androgen levels is likely negligible.

A user experienced initial side effects from finasteride, including erectile dysfunction and emotional changes, but later noticed increased muscle mass and assertiveness. Hormonal tests showed elevated estrogen and prolactin levels, which slightly decreased over time; the user plans lifestyle changes to see if they help.