Finasteride (Propecia / Proscar)
Selective type-II 5α-reductase inhibitor. FDA-approved (Proscar 1992 BPH 5 mg, Propecia 1997 AGA 1 mg). In AAS: scalp DHT suppression to slow hair loss in genetically predisposed users. Type-I 5AR not inhibited.
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WHAT IS FINASTERIDE (PROPECIA / PROSCAR)?
Detailed overview
Finasteride (Propecia 1 mg, Proscar 5 mg) is a 4-aza-steroid selective type-II 5α-reductase inhibitor developed by Merck and FDA-approved in 1992 as Proscar 5 mg for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), then in 1997 as Propecia 1 mg for androgenetic alopecia (AGA, male-pattern hair loss). Kaufman 1998 (PMID 9821414) 5-year prospective trial documented that 1 mg/day finasteride slows male-pattern hair loss progression by ~83% and generates regrowth in ~48% (more effective on the vertex than on the frontal hairline). In AAS context, finasteride primarily inhibits the secondary DHT conversion from testosterone elevation (~70% scalp DHT suppression at 1 mg/day) – in genetically predisposed AGA-risk users, hair-loss acceleration can be mitigated. DOES NOT help with trenbolone-driven hair-loss acceleration (Tren is NOT a 5AR substrate) or with Anadrol (also not). Type-I 5AR (skin/sebum DHT) is not inhibited – dutasteride dual-inhibitor is needed for that. WADA listing: under S5 (hormone modulator) – competition-banned but TUE possible in clinical indications. Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) is controversial at ~1-2% incidence (Irwig 2012, PMID 22366892).
Mechanism
Selective type-II 5α-reductase inhibitor, ~70% scalp DHT suppression at 1 mg/day
Dosing (AAS hair-loss prevention)
1 mg/day (Propecia) continuous during cycle
Half-life
~6 h parent, pharmacodynamic effect 24+ h enzyme inhibition
Onset
DHT reduction measurable 24 h, hair stabilization 3-6 months
Legal status
FDA + EMA Rx, HU + PL approved, WADA allowed (not 5AR-banned)
Data console
Lab data
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 7
- Sexual dysfunction: reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased ejaculate volume (about 2–8%, dose-dependent, most common adverse effect).
- Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS): sexual, mood and cognitive symptoms persisting even after discontinuation (about 1–2%, neurosteroid-mediated, controversial but growing evidence).
- Mood disturbance: depression, anxiety, anhedonia, rarely suicidal ideation (FDA label warning).
- Gynecomastia and breast tenderness: due to the testosterone→estrogen shift from DHT blockade (rare but documented; any new breast lump must be evaluated to rule out breast cancer).
- Roughly 50% reduction in PSA level: can mask prostate cancer screening, the PSA value requires correction in clinical interpretation.
- Initial shedding (telogen effluvium): a paradoxical transient increase in hair loss may occur in the first 4–8 weeks of therapy.
- Rare cholestasis / liver enzyme elevation and hypersensitivity reactions (rash, pruritus, angioedema) reported in isolated cases.
Contraindications · 7
- Pregnancy and pregnant (or potentially pregnant) partner: Pregnancy Category X – DHT suppression can cause malformation of the fetal male external genitalia. A pregnant woman must NOT handle the tablets (especially broken/crushed ones).
- Women (of childbearing potential) and children: not indicated; teratogenic risk and no proven benefit.
- History of depression or other mood disorder: relative contraindication due to increased risk of mood side effects and PFS.
- Known hypersensitivity to finasteride or other 5α-reductase inhibitors (e.g. dutasteride).
- Adolescents (<18 years): 5AR blockade during development is not indicated.
- Severe hepatic impairment: finasteride is metabolized in the liver (CYP3A4), caution / monitoring is required with reduced function.
- Family history of androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) or AR mutation: further reduction of androgen signaling should be avoided.
Related Performance Compounds
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
Viable terminal scalp hair follicles constitute a necessary and sufficient biological end-organ that conditions clinical efficacy of finasteride 1mg.
Van Neste D
Persistent Sexual and Psychological Symptoms After Finasteride Discontinuation: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.
Jędrzejczyk P, Ząbkowski T, Ratajski J
5-Alpha reductase inhibitors in androgenetic alopecia: Shifting paradigms, current concepts, comparative efficacy, and safety.
Dhurat R, Sharma A, Rudnicka L, Kanti V, Vañó-Galván S, Pirmez R, Sinclair R, Doolan B, Tosti A
Long-term (5-year) multinational experience with finasteride 1 mg in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia
Kaufman KD, Rotonda J, Shah AK, Meehan AG.
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The information here is for educational and scientific purposes only. Performance-enhancing compounds (AAS, prohormones, stimulants, doping agents) are illegal without prescription in Hungary and most of the EU, and carry serious health and legal risks. WADA bans them in competitive sport. This is NOT a usage guide, and we do not encourage any illegal use. If you do use them, medical supervision and regular bloodwork are ESSENTIAL. Severe endocrine, cardiovascular, hepatic and psychiatric side effects are possible.