Effect of Low-Dose Finasteride on Serum PSA Concentrations

February 2007 in “ Journal watch ”

Robert Dreicer, FACP. FACP.

finasteride type II 5α-reductase inhibitor PSA prostate-specific antigen Propecia

TLDR Low-dose finasteride lowers PSA levels, which can make prostate cancer harder to detect.

The study investigated the effect of low-dose finasteride, a type II 5α-reductase inhibitor, on serum PSA concentrations. Finasteride was known to lower PSA levels, which are used as a marker for prostate cancer. The research aimed to understand the implications of this reduction in PSA levels for prostate cancer screening and diagnosis. The findings suggested that while finasteride effectively reduced PSA levels, this could potentially complicate the interpretation of PSA tests in patients taking the drug, as it might mask the presence of prostate cancer.

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Research cited in this study

1 / 1 results

Effect of 1 mg/Day Finasteride on Concentrations of Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen in Men With Androgenic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

research Effect of 1 mg/Day Finasteride on Concentrations of Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen in Men With Androgenic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

89 citations , December 2006 in “Lancet Oncology”

Taking 1 mg/day finasteride for hair loss significantly lowers PSA levels in men, which may affect prostate cancer screening.

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community FCE 28260: A Forgotten 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

in Research 330 upvotes 1 year ago

FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.

community Is finasteride better than dutasteride?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 31 upvotes 3 months ago

Dutasteride reduces DHT more effectively than finasteride, but finasteride is more commonly used and approved for hair loss. Users have mixed opinions on dutasteride's effectiveness, with some experiencing better results and others facing side effects or no improvement.

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

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 72 upvotes 2 years 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.

community Dutasteride thins eyebrows and facial hair but doesn't stop scalp loss.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 37 upvotes 4 months ago

Dutasteride may not effectively stop scalp hair loss and can cause thinning of facial and body hair, including eyebrows. Users suggest considering other causes like autoimmune conditions or vitamin deficiencies and exploring treatments like finasteride or minoxidil.

community Can I still save my hairline at age of 15?

in General 478 upvotes 3 weeks ago

A 15-year-old is concerned about hair loss, possibly at Norwood 2 or 3, and is using shampoos and conditioners recommended by a trichologist. Suggestions include considering topical minoxidil and consulting a doctor about topical anti-DHT treatments like finasteride or RU58841, but avoiding 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors at this age.

community Proof that finasteride messes with neurosteroids

in Research/Science 230 upvotes 1 year 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.

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Change in Prostate-Specific Antigen Concentration in Men with Prostate-Specific Antigen Less Than 2.5 ng/mL Taking Low-Dose Finasteride or Dutasteride for Male Androgenetic Alopecia

research Change in Prostate-Specific Antigen Concentration in Men with Prostate-Specific Antigen Less Than 2.5 ng/mL Taking Low-Dose Finasteride or Dutasteride for Male Androgenetic Alopecia

1 citations , July 2017 in “The Journal of Urology”

Low-dose finasteride and dutasteride reduce PSA levels by 27.8% in men with male androgenetic alopecia.

research Comparative Effect of Finasteride and Dutasteride on Chromogranin A Levels

1 citations , November 2010 in “Anticancer Research”

Finasteride and dutasteride both increase chromogranin A levels similarly.

research PSA Test Sensitized by Finasteride

1 citations , October 2006 in “Oncology times”

Finasteride improves prostate cancer detection in PSA test.