These medications for BPH have known risks and may have new side effects.
October 2022 in “Revista Eletrônica Acervo Médico” 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors can cause negative side effects.
108 citations
,
February 2008 in “The Journal of urology/The journal of urology” Inhibiting 5α-reductase can help reduce prostate cancer risk and improve treatment.
February 2025 in “Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research”
45 citations
,
February 2005 in “Steroids” Four new compounds were more effective than finasteride in treating prostate issues and hair loss, with one being 100 times more active and safe for use.
6 citations
,
January 2018 in “Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety” Starting 5-alpha reductase inhibitors does not significantly increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis in older men, but is linked to a higher risk of muscle conditions.
Blocking 5α-reductase can reduce sleep deprivation-related behavioral issues in rats.
18 citations
,
December 2005 in “Journal of Medicinal Chemistry” A brominated phenoxy compound effectively inhibits a human enzyme and shows potential for clinical use.
March 2020 in “StatPearls” Medicines called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, like finasteride and dutasteride, are useful for treating enlarged prostate and male pattern hair loss.
Finasteride and dutasteride are not recommended for feminizing therapy due to limited effectiveness and potential risks.
19 citations
,
October 2018 in “PLOS ONE” 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors can slightly improve symptoms of enlarged prostate but have a high risk of sexual side effects.
66 citations
,
April 2017 in “International Journal of Andrology” Men taking 5α-reductase inhibitors for enlarged prostate have a higher chance of experiencing reduced sexual desire and erectile dysfunction.
42 citations
,
May 2003 in “Mini-reviews in Medicinal Chemistry” New steroidal compounds could be effective for treating conditions related to 5α-reductase enzyme activity.
29 citations
,
September 2014 in “Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity” Finasteride and dutasteride effectively treat hair loss in men and women, but may cause side effects like low libido and depression.
26 citations
,
September 2018 in “Neurobiology of Disease” Finasteride and dutasteride reduce unwanted movements from Parkinson's disease treatment by normalizing certain brain signals.
5-ARI therapy may help prevent prostate cancer progression.
October 2010 in “Journal of Men's Health” Some patients may experience lasting sexual dysfunction, depression, and other side effects from 5α-reductase inhibitor therapy.
January 2019 in “Urology Practice” Urologists prescribe newer medications more often than primary care physicians, who could benefit from more education on treatment options.
5α-reductase inhibitors effectively treat enlarged prostate and hair loss but require careful use due to possible side effects.
September 2024 in “Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may help protect the brain and gut in Parkinson's disease.
5 citations
,
January 2001 in “Advances in protein chemistry” 5α-reductase inhibitors help treat disorders caused by DHT and have potential for future therapies.
3 citations
,
July 2021 in “Drug Testing and Analysis” 5α-reductase inhibitors can interfere with doping tests by masking banned substances.
July 2025 in “Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health” 5α-reductase inhibitors effectively treat enlarged prostate and hair loss but require careful use due to possible side effects.
February 2026 in “Toxicology Letters” MK-0773 is a moderate inhibitor of the SRD5A2 enzyme.
186 citations
,
December 2011 in “Molecules” Three specific 4-azasteroid-2-oximes showed strong enzyme inhibition, but less than finasteride.
21 citations
,
March 2018 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may help stabilize or slow down hair loss in some frontal fibrosing alopecia patients, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety.
33 citations
,
April 2015 in “Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity” 5α reductase inhibitors treat hair loss but may cause sexual side effects and risks.
31 citations
,
September 2008 in “International Journal of Andrology” 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may cause a low incidence of erectile dysfunction that decreases over time.
37 citations
,
April 2008 in “The Cochrane library” 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can lower prostate cancer risk but may increase high-grade tumors and cause sexual side effects.
December 2025 in “International Neurourology Journal” Alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors don't significantly increase dementia risk.