Tag: 5 alpha reductase

Over the last two decades, regulatory bodies and researchers have noted a link between the use of finasteride for hair loss and psychiatric side effects, including depression. This raises a critical question among patients and clinicians: **Does finasteride affect serotonin levels?**.

About 50% of men aged 51 to 60 have an enlarged prostate, or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) [1.9.1]. A common question is: **does 1 mg finasteride shrink the prostate**, or is it only for hair loss?

Finasteride can reduce serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels by over 70% [1.5.1]. A common question is: do DHT levels go back to normal after stopping finasteride, and what is the timeline for this hormonal reversion?

While many mistakenly believe finasteride lowers testosterone, this medication's main function is to block the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By doing so, it causes a significant reduction in DHT levels, the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Finasteride inhibits the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, a process that significantly affects neurosteroid production within the brain. This critical biochemical alteration can impact brain function, raising the question: What does finasteride do to your brain?

Approximately 50% of men over 50 experience prostate issues, with symptoms that can significantly impact their quality of life. So, **how does Prostavor work** as a dietary supplement to naturally support prostate health and urinary function?

Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that primarily functions by blocking the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This targeted action on hormone levels is the key to understanding **what finasteride does in the body** and how it effectively addresses conditions like male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

According to a 2020 pilot study involving patients with Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS), the drug can significantly alter the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota. This groundbreaking finding helps explain how **does finasteride affect the gut** and points to a complex connection with broader systemic health issues.

Affecting around 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States, androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) is a widespread concern [1.5.6]. This has led many to question lifestyle factors, asking: **does caffeine increase DHT**, the primary hormone linked to this condition?

While originally lauded for its effectiveness against hair loss and enlarged prostate, finasteride has been linked to psychiatric adverse events, including depression and anxiety, in some users. Understanding the complex relationship between the medication and mental health is critical for both patients and healthcare providers.