Exogenous Testosterone or Testosterone with Finasteride Increases Bone Mineral Density in Older Men with Low Serum Testosterone

February 2004 in “ The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism ”

John K. Amory, Nelson B. Watts, Kirk A. Easley, Paul C. Sutton, Bradley D. Anawalt, Alvin M. Matsumoto, William J. Bremner, J. Lisa Tenover

testosterone therapy bone mineral density BMD low serum testosterone finasteride testosterone replacement therapy osteoporosis prostate health Propecia

TLDR Testosterone therapy increases bone density in older men with low testosterone levels.

This study from 19 years ago investigated the effects of testosterone therapy on bone mineral density (BMD) in older men with low serum testosterone levels. The study involved 70 men aged 65 years and older who were randomized into three groups: testosterone-only, testosterone with finasteride, and placebo. The results showed that testosterone therapy, with or without finasteride, significantly increased BMD in older men with low serum testosterone levels. The addition of finasteride did not affect the increase in BMD but minimized the potential for adverse effects on prostate health. The study suggests that testosterone replacement therapy may be beneficial for older men with low testosterone levels who are at risk for osteoporosis.

View this study on academic.oup.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research The Long-Term Effect of Specific Type II 5alpha-Reductase Inhibition with Finasteride on Bone Mineral Density in Men: Results of a 4-Year Placebo Controlled Trial

37 citations, May 2002 in “PubMed”

The Effect of Finasteride on the Risk of Acute Urinary Retention and the Need for Surgical Treatment Among Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

research The Effect of Finasteride on the Risk of Acute Urinary Retention and the Need for Surgical Treatment Among Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1054 citations, February 1998 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Finasteride reduces urinary issues and surgery need in men with enlarged prostates by over 50%.

research Prolonged Treatment with Finasteride (a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor) Does Not Affect Bone Density and Metabolism

48 citations, November 1992 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

Long-term finasteride use doesn't change bone density or metabolism.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Can finasteride affect on your muscle and other things?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 1 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation discusses using finasteride topically for hair loss and concerns about potential side effects like feminization and impact on muscle growth. One person shared their experience with finasteride, indicating it increased testosterone and did not prevent them from gaining muscle or strength.

community This is the best time in human history to be fighting hair loss

in Treatment 193 upvotes 2 years ago

This conversation discusses the advancements in treatments for hair loss, including finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil and new promising treatments such as pyrilutamide and verteporfin. Other treatments discussed were taking minoxidil orally, tretinoin to turn non-responders into responders and microneedling to further boost growth.

community Giving up on ever feeling comfortable in my body

in Update 82 upvotes 3 years ago

The user has been using finasteride, dutasteride, and RU58841 for hair loss without success and feels extremely uncomfortable with their appearance, including being bald and short. They express deep unhappiness and social isolation. Suggestions from others include adopting stoicism, focusing on personal development, considering a hair system, improving fashion, working out, and seeking therapy for mental health.

community I find it funny a bunch of us on here are on drugs for hairloss and maintain clean/healthy lives and then there’s these mf’s in the 90’s juiced to the gills with steroids and have better hair than all of us lol

in Satire 353 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation is about the effects of steroids on hair loss. Some users believe that steroids can cause hair loss, while others argue that it depends on individual sensitivity to DHT. There is also discussion about the appearance of balding individuals who use steroids.

community Just popped my first fin, excited as hell!

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 154 upvotes 5 months ago

A user shared their excitement about starting finasteride for hair loss after trying various ineffective methods. Other users discussed their experiences with finasteride, including shedding phases and side effects, with one mentioning using topical finasteride and minoxidil.

community Diagnosed with female pattern hair loss as a male with recent aggressive loss. Preemptively mourning the only part of myself I’ve ever come close to loving. Lost all motivation to do anything with my life.

in Progress Pictures 271 upvotes 1 year ago

The conclusion of the conversation is that the user should consider using treatments such as finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841 to potentially reverse their hair loss. Other suggestions include using hair loss concealers and maintaining a healthy diet.

Related Research

2 / 2 results

research The Long-Term Effect of Specific Type II 5alpha-Reductase Inhibition with Finasteride on Bone Mineral Density in Men: Results of a 4-Year Placebo Controlled Trial

37 citations, May 2002 in “PubMed”

research Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Serum Gonadotropins in Normal Men

30 citations, August 1992 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride doesn't affect hormone levels in normal men.