Finasteride Blocks Progesterone Synthesis in MA-10 Leydig Tumor Cells

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.

The conversation discusses a last-resort hair loss treatment combining topical finasteride, minoxidil, melatonin, and progesterone, with claims that topical finasteride can inhibit up to 52% of scalp DHT. One reply clarifies that progesterone is not an anti-androgen but has anti-androgenic properties because it competes with androgens for receptors.

The user is asking if using a 10% fluridil formulation would be effective for blocking scalp androgens in addition to their current treatment of oral dutasteride.

A peptide-based delivery system for finasteride shows promise in reducing systemic side effects while maintaining hair growth effectiveness. Combining this with other treatments like minoxidil and RU58841 could enhance results with lower systemic absorption.

Finasteride can reduce DHT in the genitalia, potentially causing side effects like reduced erections and penile fibrosis. Using PDE5 inhibitors like Tadalafil or Sildenafil may help maintain penile health and prevent fibrosis.

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.