Tag: Dihydrotestosterone

For men taking finasteride (Proscar) for an enlarged prostate, discontinuing the medication will typically cause the prostate to grow back to its pre-treatment size within a few months. It is crucial to understand these effects before you stop taking finasteride for your prostate, as symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) will likely return.

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?

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.

While the vast majority of finasteride users do not experience severe side effects, some men report fatigue and weakness. This raises the important question: **does finasteride make you feel weak?**

Studies show that finasteride can reduce prostate volume by a significant percentage, confirming that **finasteride actually shrinks the prostate**. This effect is a key component of its use in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), where an enlarged prostate can cause uncomfortable urinary issues.

According to numerous clinical studies, finasteride has not been shown to have a direct negative impact on muscle mass or strength. While finasteride alters hormone levels, particularly by inhibiting dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the primary driver for muscle anabolism—testosterone—remains sufficient for growth.

According to reports from the Japan Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), a small number of thrombosis and stroke cases have been linked to finasteride use in post-marketing surveillance. However, it is crucial to understand the context and overall evidence when asking, 'can finasteride cause a stroke?', as these reports are extremely rare compared to the large number of men using the medication worldwide.

Clinical studies have shown that finasteride can effectively reduce prostate volume by 20-25% within six months of consistent use for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This highlights that when considering how long does it take for finasteride to shrink the prostate, patience is key.