Effect of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor (Finasteride) on Microvascular Density, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, and 5-Alpha Reductase Expression in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

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.

Potential side effects of 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. Users debate risks, benefits, and personal experiences with these hair loss treatments.

Dutasteride is associated with increased blood glucose, HbA1c, LDL cholesterol, and liver enzyme activity, potentially leading to diabetes, NAFLD, and liver metabolism changes. The conversation highlights concerns about these adverse effects and calls for more studies, including on finasteride.

Finasteride can reduce DHT in the genitalia, potentially causing side effects like reduced erections and penile fibrosis. Using PDE5 inhibitors like Tadalafil or Sildenafil may help maintain penile health and prevent fibrosis.

The user has been using oral finasteride and topical minoxidil for 5 years, which stopped diffuse thinning but did not improve the hairline. They are considering a hair transplant and possibly starting dutasteride.

Dutasteride may affect semen parameters but not significantly enough to impact fertility unless baseline fertility is already low. Finasteride and minoxidil are used for hair regrowth, with no side effects reported by one user.