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Glossary Alpha-blockers

medications that relax blood vessels by blocking norepinephrine

Alpha-blockers, also known as alpha-adrenergic antagonists, are medications that relax certain muscles and help small blood vessels remain open. They work by blocking the action of norepinephrine, a hormone that tightens the muscles in the walls of smaller arteries and veins. This can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, making them useful in treating conditions like hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

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Research

5 / 1000+ results

research A Comparison of Varying alpha-Blockers and Other Pharmacotherapy Options for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

52 citations , January 2005 in “PubMed”

This study concluded that alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists are more effective than finasteride in the short term for reducing symptoms of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

research Prostate cancer incidence among finasteride and alpha-blocker users in the Finnish Prostate Cancer Screening Trial

49 citations , August 2009 in “British Journal of Cancer”

This study observed that finasteride use among men with benign prostatic hyperplasia was associated with a decreased incidence of low-grade prostate cancer but not high-grade tumors.

research Impact of Alpha Blockers, 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors and Combination Therapy on Sexual Function

11 citations , August 2014 in “Current Urology Reports”

This review discusses the known effects of medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia on sexual function and mechanisms of dysfunction but reports no new clinical results.

research COMPARISON OF FINASTERIDE AND ALPHA‐BLOCKERS AS INDEPENDENT RISK FACTORS FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

9 citations , July 2003 in “International Journal of Clinical Practice”

This study found no significant difference between alpha-blockers and finasteride in contributing to erectile dysfunction among men with other risk factors, with age and other underlying conditions being stronger influences.

research Comparison of Different Alpha-blocker Combinations in Male Hypertensives with Refractory Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

8 citations , January 2011 in “Korean Journal of Andrology”

This study found that combining 4 mg doxazosin with 0.2 mg tamsulosin improved urinary symptoms with fewer vasodilatory side effects compared to a higher dose of doxazosin in hypertensive males with LUTS.

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learn Fluridil

How is Fluridil different from other DHT blockers like finasteride? Fluridil is a topical androgen-receptor blocker applied to the scalp, while finasteride is an oral 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that lowers DHT throughout the body. Finasteride is FDA-approved and far better studied; Fluridil rests on one 43-man trial and is not licensed as a hair-loss medicine, so its long-term safety and effect size are unknown.

learn tamsulosin

What is tamsulosin and how is it used in treatments related to hair loss? Tamsulosin is a prescription alpha-1 blocker approved for benign prostatic hyperplasia; no human trial has tested it for hair loss, and there are no dosing protocols or safety data for that use. Its connection to hair is a receptor-biology hypothesis, not a treatment.

learn Metformin

Does metformin help control DHT levels that trigger androgenic alopecia? Metformin has been shown to lower circulating androgens in women with PCOS, but no published study has measured scalp DHT, 5-alpha reductase activity in the follicle, or hair density in anyone taking it — so its effect on pattern hair loss is untested, and it is not a DHT blocker.

learn Overview

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learn Alpha Keratin

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learn L- Arginine Alpha- Ketoglutarate

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community What About Phytosterol Alternatives - Rice Bran Oil - Natural DHT Blockers

3 upvotes 2 years ago

The conversation discusses natural DHT blockers like rice bran oil, which may reduce 5α-reductase activity similarly to Minoxidil and Dutasteride. One user argues that finasteride is more reliable and effective than natural alternatives.

community 5 alpha reductase type 1 is in brain tissue producing the main endogenous gabaergic allopregnanolone, not 2. How can finasteride as a 5ar2 lower that?

27 upvotes 1 year ago

Finasteride and dutasteride are discussed for hair loss, with concerns about their effects on neurosteroids and potential side effects like depression. Alternatives like topical estrogen and lifestyle changes are considered, with varying opinions on mental health and hair regrowth.

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