Evaluation of Sex Hormone Levels in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients Treated with 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor (Finasteride) in Amara City, Iraq

The study evaluated the effects of finasteride, a 5-α reductase inhibitor, on sex hormone levels in 40 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) patients from Amara city, Iraq, aged 40-59, over 3 months. Results indicated that testosterone levels were significantly lower in pre-treated patients compared to post-treated and control groups, with no significant difference between the latter two. Estradiol (E2) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels were significantly reduced in post-treated patients compared to pre-treated ones, aligning with control group levels, while pre-treated patients had higher levels than controls. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) levels showed no significant changes, and prolactin (PRL) levels were insignificantly higher in pre-treated patients compared to post-treated ones but significantly higher than in controls. The study concluded that finasteride effectively decreased DHT and E2 levels, which are crucial in prostate enlargement.