Finasteride

October 2008

finasteride type II 5-alpha reductase dihydrotestosterone DHT antiandrogen Propecia Proscar

TLDR Finasteride reduces DHT to treat prostate issues and hair loss.

Finasteride was an antiandrogen that inhibited type II 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It was used in low doses to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and in higher doses for prostate cancer. It was marketed under various names, including Proscar and Propecia.

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community Topical Finasteride Doesn't Directly Reduce 5ar Enzyme on Scalp

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 72 upvotes 2 years ago

Topical Finasteride doesn't directly reduce 5ar enzyme on scalp and has the same mechanism as oral, needing to go through the liver. Users debate the accuracy of this information and discuss various studies and experiences.

community 28M experiencing thinning - first timer here, please help

in Treatments 370 upvotes 1 week ago

A 28-year-old male experiencing hair thinning is considering minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil helps regrow hair, while finasteride prevents further loss; both are usually lifelong treatments.

community Can I still save my hairline at age of 15?

in General 476 upvotes 2 weeks ago

A 15-year-old is concerned about hair loss, possibly at Norwood 2 or 3, and is using shampoos and conditioners recommended by a trichologist. Suggestions include considering topical minoxidil and consulting a doctor about topical anti-DHT treatments like finasteride or RU58841, but avoiding 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors at this age.

community My Theory Regarding a Cause and Cure for Androgenetic Alopecia

in Treatment 100 upvotes 5 years ago

Hair loss theory suggests imbalance between Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) and Androgen Receptor (AR) activation. Proposed treatment includes upregulating VDR, downregulating AR, and improving mitochondrial health.

community Please can someone explain all the Dutasteride horror stories on here

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 114 upvotes 10 months ago

Switching from finasteride to dutasteride for hair loss yields mixed results, with some users experiencing improvements and others facing worsening conditions or side effects like shedding. Patience is advised as dutasteride may take longer to show results, and combining treatments is suggested by some users.

community watch out, here comes the hair

in Research/Science 564 upvotes 3 years ago

A user's journey with hair loss and their use of topical finasteride, minoxidil and pyri/minoxidil ratio treatments to attempt hair regrowth. Replies focused on offering support and advice while sharing personal experiences with different treatments.

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research Advances in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Brief Review of Finasteride Studies

10 citations , June 2001 in “PubMed”

Finasteride is effective in growing hair and stopping hair loss in men with mild to moderate alopecia.