Long-Term Experience With 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors

January 2003 in “ PubMed ”

Jr E. Darracott Vaughan

TLDR Finasteride reduces prostate size and symptoms with few side effects.

Finasteride, a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, was found to significantly reduce dihydrotestosterone production, making it a focus for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Clinical trials showed that while finasteride modestly decreased BPH symptoms compared to invasive treatments, it effectively reduced prostatic volume and PSA levels with minimal side effects. Its use also led to fewer BPH surgeries and a lower incidence of acute urinary retention. Further research was needed to enhance the effectiveness of medical therapy for BPH.

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