Why Would Men Use Finasteride in 2005?

In 2005, men used finasteride primarily for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland. The development of finasteride was based on the understanding that dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more active form of testosterone, plays a significant role in prostatic cell proliferation. Finasteride, a type-2 5α-reductase inhibitor, was effective in reducing DHT levels, thereby alleviating symptoms of BPH. It was considered a preferable option compared to earlier treatments like estrogens and aromatase inhibitors, which had limited efficacy and significant side effects. Dutasteride, another drug that inhibits both type-1 and type-2 5α-reductase, was also available for similar purposes.