Finasteride

January 2024

finasteride 5α-reductase dihydrotestosterone DHT androgenic alopecia type II 5α-reductase Propecia

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.

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community Dutasteride SAVES your hair follicles: MAJOR BS on people who say it destroyed their hair permanently.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 156 upvotes 11 months ago

The conversation discusses the effectiveness of hair loss treatments, specifically finasteride and dutasteride. The conclusion is that dutasteride significantly reduces DHT levels and may be more effective than finasteride for long-term hair retention, with some users reporting personal experiences and side effects.

community Having androgen receptor density and sensitivity at wrong f*ing place

in Satire 7 upvotes 1 month ago

The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, focusing on the use of topical minoxidil, microneedling, finasteride, and dutasteride, while debating the role of testosterone and DHT in hair loss. It also touches on the potential liver health impacts of these treatments and the genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens.

community A meta analysis of 18 popular hair loss treatments. An 2022 guide on efficacy. From finasteride and minoxidil to caffeine shampoo, saw palmetto and biotin. 96 Scientific References included.

in Research/Science 101 upvotes 2 years ago

Most hair loss treatments are ineffective; only finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil show effectiveness.

community Does finasteride/dutasteride reverse aging?

in Chat 45 upvotes 1 month 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 Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 3 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

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

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 72 upvotes 1 year 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.

Related Research

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research Use of Finasteride in the Treatment of Men With Androgenetic Alopecia

38 citations, June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Finasteride effectively improves hair growth and slows hair loss in men with male pattern baldness.