Role of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors in Benign Prostatic Diseases

February 2012 in “ Prostate cancer and prostatic diseases ”

Faris Azzouni, James L. Mohler

TLDR 5α-reductase inhibitors help shrink the prostate, improve urinary symptoms, and may reduce prostate cancer risk.

The document reviewed the role of 5α-reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride and dutasteride, in treating benign prostatic diseases. These inhibitors effectively reduced dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, leading to decreased prostate size and improved urinary symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). They also lowered prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, aiding in prostate health monitoring. Clinical trials showed that these medications could reduce the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgical intervention. Additionally, finasteride and dutasteride reduced prostatic vascularity, with finasteride significantly decreasing perioperative blood loss during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and managing hematuria associated with BPH. Dutasteride also showed potential in reducing prostate cancer risk.

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