Finasteride
is a specific inhibitor of 5a-reductase, which is the enzyme
responsible for converting testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
This drug can efficiently reduce the serum concentration of DHT,
therefore minimizing the unwanted androgenic effects that result
from its presence. The effect of this drug is quite rapid,
suppressing serum DHT concentrations as much as 65% within 24
hours after taking a single 1 mg tablet. Medically, this drug has
been marketed to treat two specific conditions. The first release
of finasteride in the U.S. was under the brand name of Proscar,
made for use by patients with benign prostate hyperplasia
(prostate enlargement). More recently (December 1997), finasteride
was approved for use as an anti-balding medication. We now have
the additional brand name Propecia, which is the same drug but the
tablet contains only 20% of the Proscar dosage. Scientists have
long believed that DHT was the main culprit in many cases of male
hair loss (along with genetic factors), so there was little doubt
after the release of Proscar that finasteride would eventually be
used for this purpose. It has provided what many feel is a
breakthrough for men with hair-loss problems.
Due
to the very specific nature of finasteride, it has little effect
on the other hormones in the body. It has no affinity for the
androgen receptor, and does not exhibit any androgenic,
antiandrogenic, estrogenic or antiestrogenic properties. It should
have no impact on circulating levels of cortisol,
thyroid-stimulating hormone, or thyroxine, nor should it alter HDL/LDL
cholesterol levels. Changes in luteinizing hormone (LH) or
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are also not notable, and it is
not shown to have an effect on the
hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. In a small percentage of
cases the decreased DHT level did produce symptoms of sexual
disinterest/dysfunction. Although this is not a common complaint,
this problem can usually be resolved quickly by discontinuing the
drug. It is also interesting that finasteride has been shown to
increase the circulating levels of testosterone by roughly 15%,
since a greater amount of the androgen is being left unaltered by
the reductase enzyme.
Proscar
shows great potential for the steroid using athlete. And as you
know, the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) metabolite is responsible for
many of the unwanted androgenic side effects associated with
testosterone use. The high levels of DHT that form in certain
tissues produce oily skin, acne, facial/body hair growth and
accelerated male pattern baldness. By minimizing the production of
DHT, we should greatly reduce many of these harsh side effects and
make our testosterone cycles more comfortable. In many instances,
Proscar can allow the athlete the use of steroid compounds
such as
Testosterone enanthate,
Sustanon
etc. Of
course we must not forget that all steroids activate the androgen
receptor, so while this item offers help by means of reduced
androgenic activity, not drug exists that can completely block
androgenic side effects from appearing with steroid use.
One
other thing to note is that finasteride specifically blocks the
type II 5a reductase enzyme. There are actually two "isozymes"
in the human body, labeled as type I and type II. Type I
5a-reductase is predominant in the sebaceous glands of most
regions of skin. The Type II 5a-reductase isozyme is primarily
found in prostate and hair follicles (among others). So although
the type II enzyme is responsible for about two-thirds of the
circulating DHT, a small amount of DHT may still be produced in
the body by the type I enzyme. Finasteride may therefore have a
more pronounced effect when preventing hair loss, and be somewhat
of a lesser benefit when dealing with acne and body/facial hair
growth (tissues where the type I enzyme is still active). Of
course the drop in serum DHT will still have some beneficial
effect on all related side effects. This is not a major concern in
any event, as hair loss is really the primary worry amongst most
male steroid users who would use this drug. A little oily skin or
new hair growth on the back/shoulders can be dealt with by other
means or simply endured. The user knows these problems will only
be temporary. But the advancement of a balding condition can be
very difficult, if not impossible to reverse.
There
is no research to site on exactly what dosage would be the most
appropriate for a steroid user. Logic would dictate that the
typically prescribed amount of Propecia, a single 1 mg tablet per
day, would most likely be sufficient. In clinical trials the
effect of just a single tablet is clearly dramatic. But if after a
while the androgenic content of the cycle is still perceived as
too high, increasing the number of tablets per day or perhaps
switching to the stronger Proscar (5mg tablet) may be necessary.
Proscar is also a relatively expensive compound, so it can become
quite costly as the dosage increases. It is probably best to keep
the dosage at the lowest effective amount. Cost may not be the
only basis for such a decision, as DHT is believed to affect the
nervous & reproductive system in many beneficial ways. By
minimizing this conversion we not only face the possibility of
interference with sexual functioning, but might also be
inadvertently lessening the level of strength gained during
testosterone therapy (this being tied to the actions of DHT on the
neuromuscular system). A "use only when necessary"
position should likewise be taken in regard to this drug.
It
is also important to note that while Women may receive some small
benefit from the drug (although testosterone is really not a
steroid for females), they must be very careful with it. Those who
are, or might become pregnant, should never take or even handle a
finasteride tablet. The DHT blocking action can cause severe
developmental problems to an unborn fetus, even in very small
amounts. Since the drug can be absorbed through the skin, handling
a broken tablet may be all that is needed for such an occurrence.
Since women generally stay away from testosterone, and the design
of Proscar has been strictly for men, as of yet there is little to
report on the effectiveness of this compound for combating
virilization symptoms.
