Finasteride 5mg

Finasteride Dragon Pharma

Finasteride is a medication primarily used to treat male pattern baldness, known as androgenetic alopecia, and an enlarged prostate gland, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It belongs to a class of drugs called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which work by blocking the body's production of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a byproduct of testosterone and is responsible for both the growth of the prostate gland and hair loss in men.

Finasteride is available in two different forms: Finasteride 1mg, which is used for hair loss, and Finasteride 5mg, which is used for BPH. It is commercially sold under the brand names Propecia for hair loss and Proscar for BPH treatment.

Finasteride in bodybuilding

In bodybuilding, Finasteride is sometimes used off-label as an anti-estrogenic substance due to its ability to inhibit the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT and also plays a role in converting some other hormones into more potent androgenic forms. By inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, Finasteride can reduce the amount of DHT in the body, which can be beneficial for several reasons:

1. DHT Reduction: Many anabolic steroids convert to DHT, which can cause a variety of side effects such as increased risk of prostate issues, acne, and hair loss. By taking Finasteride, bodybuilders can reduce the conversion of testosterone into DHT, potentially mitigating these side effects.
2. Estrogen Control: Finasteride can also reduce the amount of estrogen in the body by preventing the aromatization of testosterone into estradiol. This occurs because when DHT levels are lowered, the body compensates by increasing the production of luteinizing hormone (LH), which can stimulate the testes to produce more testosterone. This additional testosterone can then be converted into estrogen via the aromatase enzyme.
3. Anti-Estrogenic Effects: Finasteride can have an anti-estrogenic effect by reducing the amount of DHT available to interact with estrogen receptors. This can help in reducing the risk of developing gynecomastia, which is the abnormal growth of breast tissue in men, often caused by an imbalance in the ratio of estrogen to androgen hormones.

Bodybuilders may use Finasteride alongside anabolic steroids to manage the side effects associated with DHT, such as hair loss and prostate enlargement, and to control estrogen levels. However, it is important to note that the use of Finasteride for these purposes is not FDA-approved and can lead to potential health risks.

Finasteride can be taken orally in the form of a pill, typically once a day. The medication can take several months to show effects, and its benefits are usually maintained as long as it is used continuously. It is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication, especially when using it for off-label purposes such as bodybuilding.

Finasteride side-effects

Common side effects of Finasteride include:

- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased volume of ejaculate
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Runny nose

More serious side effects include:

- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, throat)
- Painful or difficulty in urinating
- Breast lumps
- Changes in breast tissue
- Depression

Finasteride can also affect PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels, which are used in the screening for prostate cancer. It can cause a decrease in PSA levels, which may affect the interpretation of PSA tests.

Before using Finasteride, individuals should inform their doctor about any medical conditions, allergies, or other medications they are currently taking. It is also essential to consider the potential risks and side effects, especially since long-term use can have unforeseen consequences. Some bodybuilders have reported experiencing persistent sexual dysfunction, even after discontinuing the medication, a condition known as post-finasteride syndrome.