Finasteride is an inhibitor of 5-and redaktazy, which is the enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. This drug is able to significantly reduce the serum dht concentration, thereby reducing unwanted androgenic effects caused by his presence. Acts quickly, one tablet a mg reduces the concentration of dht by 65% ​​for 24 hours. In the medical purposes this drug is used for the treatment of the two diseases. First finasteride was manufactured in the USA under the name of Proscar and used in patients with benign hyperplasia of the prostate (enlarged prostate).
Recently (in December 1997) finasteride was approved for the treatment of baldness. Now there is another trade name of the medicinal product Propecia, which is the same product, but only one tablet contains one-fifth of the dose of Proscar. For a long time, scientists believed that the cause of male pattern baldness has been only dihydrotestosterone (along with genetic factors, so after the issue of Proscar practically do not doubt that finasteride will be used for this purpose. This was a breakthrough for men suffering from hair loss.
Thanks to its specific nature of finasteride does not have much influence on other hormones in the body. It is not connected with androgenic receptor and it has no androgenic, antiandrogenic, estrogennami or anti-estrogenic properties. He should not affect the level of cortisol, a hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland, or thyroxine, and should not change the level of cholesterol alpha-lipoprotein high or low density. Changes of luteinizing or follicle stimulating hormone insignificant, this drug does not affect the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicles.
In a small number of cases, reduction in the level of dht cause sexual disorders. Although the complaints were not frequent, this problem can be resolved rapidly, ceasing the drug. It is interesting that finasteride increases the level of testosterone on 15%, as more androgen does not change the enzyme redaktaza.
Proscar / Propecia has great potential for athletes who use steroids. As you know, a metabolite of dihydrotestosterone is the cause of unwanted androgenic phenomena, caused by the intake of testosterone. The high level of dht, accumulated in some tissues, causing phenomena such as oily skin, acne, hair growth on the body and face and hair loss. Minimizing the production of dihydrotestosterone, we reduce the many side effects and stabilize the level of testosterone.
In many cases Proscar / Propecia can be combined with other steroids (such esters of testosterone, as cypionate and enanthate, Sustanon, etc.), Halotestin and methyltestosterone, with less androgenic ability. Of course, we must not forget that all steroids activate the androgen receptor. Although this drug reduces the androgenic activities, there is no preparation, capable to completely eliminate the appearance of side effects with steroids.
It should also be noted that finasteride blocks the enzyme of the 2-nd type 5a redaktazy. In the human body there are two izofermenta, 1-st type and 2nd. 5-a redaktaza 1-st type is predominant in the sebaceous glands of the skin. The enzyme 5-a of the redaktazy 2-nd type is mainly in the prostate and hair follicle (including). Although the enzyme of the 2-nd type is responsible for two thirds of circulating dht in the body, a small amount of dht can be produced in the body enzyme 1-st type.
So finasteride effective for hair loss, and with acne and hair growth on the body and face struggling worse (it departments, where there is a digestive enzyme 1-st type). Of course, decrease in serum dht will have a favourable impact on side effects. In any case, it is not the main problem, as the men taking the drug, mainly concerned about hair loss. From oily skin or hair growth on the back / shoulders can get rid of other means or that simply have to accept. Those, who use drugs, know that these problems are temporary.
And hair loss can be a serious problem, often irreversible. We also have to remember that testosterone, Halotestin and methyltestosterone - the only hormone, which is converted to a more powerful steroids with a 5-alpha redaktazy. I believe that Boldenone and methandrostenolone, too, but only slightly. Perhaps, there are other steroids transformed into stronger metabolites through 5a reductase, but now they are not popular.
There is no evidence, what dose would be the most optimal for steroids. Logically, one tablet a mg Propecia a day is enough. In clinical practice one single tablet has a strong impact. But if after some time the androgenic action is too large, you can increase the number of pills per day, or go to Proscar tablet (5 mg). Proscar / Propecia - quite expensive drugs, in increasing the dose of their use expensive. Probably better to keep the dosage to the minimum effective level.
And it is not in the price, and in that, in many cases, dht has a positive effect on the nervous and reproductive systems. At decrease of its concentration are possible not only sexual disorders, but also the decrease of accumulated during the time of testosterone therapy (it is connected with the action of dht on the neuromuscular system). In any case, when using this product, we must be guided by the board "used only when necessary".
It is important to note that women, this medication is not will bring great benefit (although testosterone is not a steroid for women), and they should be very careful with him. Pregnant women and those who might become pregnant, you should never take the tablets of finasteride. Blocking dht may cause serious violations of the development of the fetus, even when receiving a small amount of the drug.
As the substance is absorbed through the skin, hold the broken pill may be sufficient. Since women usually refrain from testosterone, and Proscar / Propecia have been specifically designed for men, is not worth talking about the effectiveness of this substance in the fight against the symptoms of virilization symptoms.