Finasteride
January 2024
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TLDR Finasteride treats hair loss and prostate issues by lowering certain hormone levels.
Finasteride is a synthetic polycyclic steroid used to treat male benign prostatic hyperplasia, hair loss, and as hormone therapy for transsexual women. It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5α-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By reducing DHT levels in the blood and scalp, finasteride slows the progression of androgenic alopecia. The drug specifically targets type II 5α-reductase, which is expressed in the prostate and hair follicles.