Hormonal Prevention of Prostate Cancer

January 2003 in “ Urologic oncology ”

Otis W. Brawley

dihydrotestosterone DHT androgenic influence 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride Propecia

TLDR Suppressing certain hormones might help prevent prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer mortality rates varied significantly among populations, suggesting environmental factors played a role. The prostate was hormonally influenced, with evidence indicating that prolonged androgenic influence, particularly by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), encouraged prostate carcinogenesis. Suppressing DHT synthesis might inhibit this transformation. Preclinical and clinical observations supported this hypothesis, and a placebo-controlled randomized trial using finasteride, a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, was ongoing to test if it could reduce prostate cancer incidence.

View this study on sciencedirect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 126 results

community The Real Cause Of Androgenetic Alopecia

in Research/Science 667 upvotes 1 month ago

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by DHT affecting hair growth. Finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss by blocking DHT and promoting hair growth.

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 Study shows further evidence that finasteride and dutasteride take 12-18 months or more to show significant results. Do NOT give up early

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 247 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation discusses the effectiveness of finasteride and dutasteride in treating hair loss, emphasizing that significant results often take 12-18 months or more. Dutasteride is generally considered superior, with similar or fewer side effects than finasteride, but patience is required for noticeable improvement.

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 Proof that finasteride messes with neurosteroids

in Research/Science 230 upvotes 4 months ago

Finasteride can impact neurosteroids, potentially causing depression and other side effects in some users. Despite these concerns, many continue using it for hair loss, with some switching to topical applications to mitigate side effects.

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

3 / 3 results

research Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effects of AGA Drugs by Measuring Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Dihydrotestosterone in Hair

June 2023 in “Clinica Chimica Acta”

Finasteride and dutasteride effectively reduce DHT in hair, which may help evaluate their treatment success for hair loss.

research The Effects of Finasteride on Scalp Skin and Serum Androgen Levels in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

65 citations, October 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride effectively reduces hair loss by decreasing androgen levels.

The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

59 citations, September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride reduces scalp DHT levels, potentially treating male pattern baldness.