TLDR Testosterone with finasteride improved muscle and bone health in men with spinal cord injury.
This pilot study examined the effects of high-dose testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) combined with finasteride on men with chronic motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Involving 12 participants, the study found that over 12 months, TRT with finasteride significantly increased lean mass, muscle cross-sectional area, muscle strength, and bone mineral density, while reducing fat mass and minimizing prostate growth compared to placebo. Despite the study's small sample size and early termination due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the results suggest that TRT with finasteride could be a promising approach for improving musculoskeletal health in this population, warranting further research with larger trials.
39 citations,
November 2021 in “Clinical Endocrinology” Testosterone replacement is recommended for men with low testosterone levels and symptoms of hypogonadism.
124 citations,
March 2012 in “JAMA” Testosterone's muscle-building effects do not require its conversion to DHT.
195 citations,
February 2007 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Dutasteride and finasteride may reduce sperm count and volume but don't affect movement or shape; effects are reversible after stopping.
506 citations,
March 2005 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Testosterone therapy improves physical function, strength, and body composition in older men with low testosterone levels.
417 citations,
February 2004 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Testosterone therapy increases bone density in older men with low testosterone levels.
June 2023 in “Clinica Chimica Acta” Finasteride and dutasteride effectively reduce DHT in hair, which may help evaluate their treatment success for hair loss.
65 citations,
October 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride effectively reduces hair loss by decreasing androgen levels.
6 citations,
August 1996 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” MK-386 and finasteride together effectively reduce DHT levels, potentially treating acne and male pattern baldness.
59 citations,
September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Finasteride reduces scalp DHT levels, potentially treating male pattern baldness.
