|
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 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
(testosterone esters such as enanthate, Sustanon
etc.), Halotestin and
Methyltestosterone with much less
androgenic side activity. 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. We must also remember that testosterone, Halotestin
and Methyltestosterone are really the
only hormones that converts to stronger steroids via 5-alpha reductase.
Boldenone and methandrostenolone do also I
guess, but to such a low degree that one would think Proscar would be of
little significance. Perhaps we will come to find that some other steroids
are broken down into stronger metabolites via 5a-reductase, but needless
to say for now the uses of this drug are not great in number.
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.
::
Buy Proscar :: |
