Knowra Finasteride Finasteride Finasteride is a medication that inhibits type II 5α-reductase, reducing conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. It is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and pattern hair loss.
5α-Reductase : An enzyme family that converts testosterone into the more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone. Finasteride targets one isozyme in this family to reduce dihydrotestosterone production.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia : Noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that can obstruct urine flow and cause lower urinary tract symptoms. Finasteride can shrink the prostate over time by lowering intraprostatic dihydrotestosterone.
Sexual dysfunction : Difficulty with sexual desire, arousal, erection, or ejaculation. Reduced libido, erectile difficulty, and ejaculatory changes are reported adverse effects of finasteride.
Dutasteride : A medication that inhibits both type I and type II 5α-reductase to reduce dihydrotestosterone. Unlike finasteride, dutasteride inhibits both major 5α-reductase isozymes.
Dihydrotestosterone : An androgen formed from testosterone that drives development of male external genitalia and influences prostate and hair-follicle biology. Its reduced concentration mediates finasteride’s effects on prostate tissue and scalp hair.
Androgenetic alopecia : A patterned form of hair loss caused by inherited sensitivity of follicles to androgens. Finasteride can slow scalp hair loss by reducing dihydrotestosterone exposure in susceptible follicles.
Post-finasteride syndrome : A proposed condition involving persistent sexual, neurological, or physical symptoms after finasteride discontinuation. Some former users report persistent symptoms, while the syndrome’s mechanisms and frequency remain disputed.
Minoxidil : A medication used topically or orally to promote hair growth through mechanisms not fully established. Minoxidil treats pattern hair loss without inhibiting 5α-reductase.
Type II 5α-reductase : An isozyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, especially in the prostate and hair follicles. Finasteride inhibits this isozyme more strongly than type I 5α-reductase.
Lower urinary tract symptoms : Urinary symptoms such as weak stream, urgency, and incomplete bladder emptying, often associated with prostate enlargement. Finasteride may improve these symptoms gradually as prostate volume decreases.
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