Testosterone Alters Iron Metabolism and Stimulates Red Blood Cell Production Independently of Dihydrotestosterone

July 2014 in “ American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism ”

Luke A. Beggs, Joshua F. Yarrow, Christine F. Conover, John R. Meuleman, Darren T. Beck, Matthew P. Morrow, Baiming Zou, Jonathan J. Shuster, Stephen E. Borst

testosterone dihydrotestosterone type II 5α-reductase testosterone-enanthate finasteride red blood cell production iron metabolism hypogonadal erythropoiesis hepcidin ferritin DHT TE Propecia

TLDR Testosterone boosts red blood cell production and changes iron metabolism without needing dihydrotestosterone.

The study investigated the effects of testosterone-enanthate (TE) on red blood cell production and iron metabolism in 60 older hypogonadal men over 12 months. TE increased red blood cell count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin while significantly reducing serum hepcidin, indicating enhanced iron utilization for erythropoiesis. The use of finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, did not alter these effects, demonstrating that TE stimulated erythropoiesis and altered iron homeostasis independently of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The findings suggested that elevated DHT was not necessary for these androgen-mediated effects, supporting the potential of TE in treating anemia in hypogonadal men without requiring DHT conversion.

View this study on doi.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

Effect of Testosterone Supplementation With and Without a Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibitor on Fat-Free Mass in Men With Suppressed Testosterone Production

research Effect of Testosterone Supplementation With and Without a Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibitor on Fat-Free Mass in Men With Suppressed Testosterone Production

124 citations , March 2012 in “JAMA”

Testosterone's muscle-building effects do not require its conversion to DHT.

research Intracrine and Myotrophic Roles of 5α-Reductase and Androgens

35 citations , October 2011 in “Medicine and science in sports and exercise”

Muscles can make their own androgens, which may help muscle growth.

research Anabolic Effects of Testosterone Are Preserved During Inhibition of 5α-Reductase

42 citations , May 2007 in “Endocrinology and metabolism/American journal of physiology: endocrinology and metabolism”

Testosterone can build muscle and bone without enlarging the prostate when a specific enzyme is blocked.

Exogenous Testosterone Alone or with Finasteride Increases Physical Performance, Grip Strength, and Lean Body Mass in Older Men with Low Serum Testosterone

research Exogenous Testosterone Alone or with Finasteride Increases Physical Performance, Grip Strength, and Lean Body Mass in Older Men with Low Serum Testosterone

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.

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

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

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

research Steroid 5α-Reductases and 3α-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases: Key Enzymes in Androgen Metabolism

115 citations , March 2001 in “Baillière's best practice and research in clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

Key enzymes control androgen levels, affecting hormone activity and potential treatments.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

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

in General 471 upvotes 2 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 risks with finasteride and dutasteride

in Research/Science 143 upvotes 4 months ago

Finasteride and dutasteride have potential risks, including post-finasteride syndrome, but are commonly used for hair loss. RU58841, minoxidil, and needling are suggested as alternatives, though all treatments carry risks.

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 Please can someone explain all the Dutasteride horror stories on here

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 114 upvotes 10 months ago

Switching from finasteride to dutasteride for hair loss yields mixed results, with some users experiencing improvements and others facing worsening conditions or side effects like shedding. Patience is advised as dutasteride may take longer to show results, and combining treatments is suggested by some users.

community 30-Min Dermatology Visit – Best Questions to Ask About Balding? ( 175$ )

in Treatment 6 upvotes 8 months ago

The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, focusing on finasteride, minoxidil, and other options like PRP and ketoconazole. It highlights the importance of asking specific questions during a dermatology visit to determine the cause of hair loss and appropriate treatments.

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.

Related Research

3 / 3 results

research Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effects of AGA Drugs by Measuring Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Dihydrotestosterone in Hair

June 2023 in “Clinica Chimica Acta”

Finasteride and dutasteride effectively reduce DHT in hair, which may help evaluate their treatment success for hair loss.

research The Effects of Finasteride on Scalp Skin and Serum Androgen Levels in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

65 citations , October 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride effectively reduces hair loss by decreasing androgen levels.

The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with 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.