Finasteride Inhibits Epinephrine Synthesis in Humans: Implications for Sexual Dysfunction

    May 2022 in “ Endocrine Abstracts
    Silvia Giatti, Silvia Diviccaro, Domizio Alessandro Di, Lucia Cioffi, Eva Falvo, Donatella Caruso, Alessandro Contini, Melcangi Roberto Cosimo
    TLDR Finasteride may cause sexual dysfunction by reducing epinephrine levels.
    Finasteride, a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor used for conditions like androgenetic alopecia, has been linked to sexual dysfunction, but the mechanisms were unclear. This study used in silico and in vitro methods to show that finasteride inhibits phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), reducing epinephrine synthesis. In vivo experiments on rats treated with finasteride showed decreased epinephrine and increased norepinephrine levels in adrenal glands, along with decreased estrogen receptor beta and dopamine in corpora cavernosa, suggesting impaired erectile function. These findings provide a potential explanation for finasteride-induced sexual dysfunction in humans.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results
      FCE 28260: A Forgotten 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

      community FCE 28260: A Forgotten 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

      in Research  330 upvotes 3 months ago
      FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.

      community Natural Remedies: Polyphenols and Hair Loss

       19 upvotes 5 years ago
      Natural remedies to treat hair loss, such as polyphenols, apple peel extract, grape seed extract, green tea extract, peppermint oil, pumpkin seed oil, apigenin, Ginkgo biloba, red clover extract, olive leaf extract, Ecklonia Cava and Grateloupia elliptica. In addition, terpenes, carotenoids, and tocopherols were discussed as potential treatments.

      community Does finasteride/dutasteride reverse aging?

      in Chat  45 upvotes 2 months ago
      Finasteride and dutasteride can improve skin texture and reduce acne by lowering DHT but do not reverse aging. They may enhance skin and hair health for some, but can also cause side effects like dry skin and sexual dysfunction.

      community New and Interesting HairLoss Studies/Papers/Reviews

      in Treatment  42 upvotes 4 years ago
      Hair loss treatments discussed include Dutasteride with Ketoconazole, tissue engineering strategies, and androgenetic alopecia therapies. Massage doubles follicular retention, improving treatment effectiveness.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results