Tag: 5 alpha reductase

In a 2014 randomized, placebo-controlled trial, men with androgenetic alopecia taking pumpkin seed oil supplements showed a 40% average increase in hair count after 24 weeks. This promising finding often leads people to question, 'Can I take pumpkin seed oil with finasteride?' for potentially synergistic effects on hair loss.

In 1992, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved finasteride, not for hair loss, but as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that causes an enlarged prostate. It was marketed under the brand name Proscar. This initial use established the foundation for its later, more widely known application.

Finasteride reduces serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels by approximately 70% by selectively inhibiting the type II 5-alpha reductase enzyme. However, the question remains: is finasteride just a DHT blocker, or does its impact on the body's hormonal landscape run deeper?

Finasteride is a medication known to reduce dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. Clinical studies have shown that it can significantly decrease both serum and scalp DHT. This article explores **how much DHT does finasteride block?** in detail and what this means for treating androgenetic alopecia.

Affecting up to 80% of men over age 70, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition often treated with medications like finasteride [1.10.2, 1.10.4]. This article explores why can't you take saw palmetto with finasteride, a common question for those seeking alternative remedies.

According to the FDA, pregnant women and those who may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets due to the potential for absorption and subsequent risk to a male fetus. This severe risk is the primary reason why females should exercise extreme caution around this medication.

Inhibition of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase by finasteride has been linked to potential neuropsychiatric effects. While known for its effects on hair loss and prostate issues, this medication's impact on the brain’s delicate neurochemical balance—including its role in mood regulation and cognition—is a subject of ongoing investigation and concern.

Clinical studies have shown that finasteride can reduce serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels by up to 70%. But how exactly does this mechanism work, and more importantly, is finasteride a DHT blocker?

Many people mistakenly believe minoxidil blocks the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to combat hair loss, but this is a common misconception about how the drug works. In reality, the mechanism of minoxidil differs fundamentally from that of a DHT blocker.

While anecdotal reports and online forums debate the impact of finasteride on muscle, a 2012 study showed that inhibiting 5-alpha reductase did not adversely affect muscle mass or strength gains when used alongside testosterone supplementation. The question, 'Can finasteride make you stronger?' is often misunderstood, with the drug's mechanism of action focusing on hormone regulation rather than direct anabolic effects.