Effects of Long-Term Treatment With Finasteride (MK-906), a 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor, on Circulating LH, FSH, Prolactin, and Estradiol

    October 1992 in “ Hormone and Metabolic Research ”
    Haim Matzkin, J. C. Chen, O. Lewyshon, Daniel Ayalon, Z. Braf
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    TLDR Finasteride safely lowers DHT levels without affecting hormone levels, helping with conditions like enlarged prostate, acne, and hair loss.
    The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of prolonged (1 year) use of 1 and 5 mg Finasteride in a double blind placebo controlled study, on circulating luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL) and estradiol. The study found that Finasteride significantly decreased serum DHT without a decline in serum T. The drug may be useful in several androgen (DHT rather than T) mediated conditions such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), facial acne, female hirsutism and male pattern baldness. The drug does not cause any changes in the serum levels of the hormones studied, even after 12 months of treatment. It is an effective drug reducing serum DHT levels significantly, and is well tolerated and safe in man.
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      community Why use Finasteride instead of Dutasteride?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  39 upvotes 2 years ago
      People are discussing why some choose finasteride over dutasteride for hair loss, noting that while dutasteride is more effective, it's also more expensive, less researched, and potentially has more side effects. Some users shared personal experiences with side effects from both drugs, and others mentioned that finasteride is FDA approved for hair loss, while dutasteride is not, except in Japan.

      community A hill on which I will die: The DHT itch absolutely exists

      in Research/Science  210 upvotes 1 year ago
      The DHT itch is linked to hair loss and persists despite finasteride use; switching to dutasteride helped alleviate the itch and promoted regrowth. Some users suggest seborrheic dermatitis as a cause and recommend treatments like medicated shampoos, vitamin D, and minoxidil.

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      in Research/Science  6 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation discusses the mechanism of action of alfatradiol (17 alpha estradiol) in treating hair loss. It explores theories that it either inhibits 5 alpha reductase to prevent T->DHT conversion or aromatizes scalp T into 17-alpha-estradiol to save hair.

      community Experience with only Minoxidil and Nizoral

      in Minoxidil  6 upvotes 5 months ago
      Minoxidil and Nizoral alone are unlikely to stop hair loss effectively, as they do not address the root cause, which is often DHT. Many users suggest incorporating a 5AR inhibitor like finasteride or dutasteride for better results, despite concerns about potential side effects.

      community New and Interesting HairLoss Studies/Papers/Reviews

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