Finasteride in Modern Medicine: Therapeutic Applications and Systemic Health Implications

March 2026 in “ RS Global journals (RS Global Sp. z O.O.) ”

Aleksandra Kutaj, Wiktor Łapa, Tatyana Savitskaya, Maria Sobolewska, Olga Magdalena Tuleja, Dawid Wiczkowski

finasteride 5α-reductase inhibitor androgenetic alopecia benign prostatic hyperplasia dihydrotestosterone DHT Propecia

Finasteride is a 5α-reductase inhibitor commonly used to treat androgenetic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia by reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels and promoting hair growth. While its efficacy is well-documented, there are increasing reports of persistent adverse effects on sexual, psychological, and metabolic health, necessitating further investigation. This review highlights the importance of comprehensive risk assessment, patient education, informed consent, and individualized therapy. Despite these concerns, finasteride remains a valuable medication, but further studies are needed to understand and manage its adverse effects better.

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community Finasteride affects both 5a reductase and 5b reductase

6 upvotes 6 years ago

Finasteride not only inactivates the 5a reductase enzyme but also affects the 5b reductase enzyme in a dose-dependent manner, which can impact sexual behavior and brain activity. The user experienced significant hair regrowth and side effects on 1mg of finasteride, which diminished after reducing the dose to 0.5mg, leading to no side effects and further hair improvement.

community From the research study: "Dihydrotestosterone and the concept of 5a-reductase inhibition in human benign prostatic hyperplasia" - G. Bartsch, R.S. Rittmaster, H. Klocker (2002) in the "World Journal of Urology".

in Research/Science 23 upvotes 3 years ago

Dutasteride is a stronger 5AR inhibitor than finasteride and can significantly lower DHT levels. Reduced doses of dutasteride may lower side effects.

community Allopregnanolone deficiency by 5-ari inhibition (fin/dut users)

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 11 upvotes 2 years ago

The conversation is about managing allopregnanolone deficiency caused by 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors like finasteride or dutasteride. Specific treatments discussed for hair loss include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.

community Testosterone and Estradiol levels on 1 mg/day dutasteride

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 47 upvotes 6 months ago

A 30-year-old man experienced significant hair regrowth and improved libido after using finasteride and dutasteride for androgenetic alopecia, with no adverse effects. He plans to reduce dutasteride dosage when trying to conceive and has been using topical minoxidil since 2015.

community High DHT with finasteride. Help!

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 7 upvotes 2 years ago

Despite using 5% minoxidil, 0.1% finasteride, and other treatments like microneedling, MK-677, and Cialis, hair loss continues with high testosterone and DHT levels. Considering oral dutasteride but concerned about further increasing testosterone levels.

community FCE 28260: A Forgotten 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

in Research 330 upvotes 1 year ago

FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.

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Medicines called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, like finasteride and dutasteride, are useful for treating enlarged prostate and male pattern hair loss.