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Finasteride (also known as Propecia) is a prescription-only medicine which is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate) and male pattern baldness (typically prescribed at a lower dose of 1mg for hair loss). Although effective in both instances, there have been multiple studies and conflicting research which looks into the link between finasteride and prostate cancer. But does the drug cause or prevent the risk of developing prostate cancer in men?\

Whether you’re considering Finasteride as a treatment option or simply seeking more information, understanding its implications is essential.

What is Finasteride and How Does It Work?

Finasteride has been traditionally used to treat an enlarged prostate. The prostate is a gland that is only present in the male anatomy. It produces the white fluid which carries the sperm when ejaculating. As men get older, the prostate grows in size, which is part of the natural ageing process. A larger prostate can increase the pressure placed on the bladder, which can cause symptoms such as the need to pass urine on a frequent basis, difficulty urinating and difficulty emptying the bladder. Testosterone, a male hormone, is converted to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) within the prostate, causing it to grow in size. This reaction happens only in the presence of an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase. If you block 5-alpha reductase, then testosterone does not convert to DHT, and the prostate does not increase in size; and this is what finasteride does. For this reason, it is known as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.

So, Why is Finasteride Prescribed to Treat Male Pattern Baldness?

Men that were prescribed finasteride to shrink their prostate also found that their hair was coming back. DHT not only enlarges the prostate, but also shrinks hair follicles on the head, to a point where they are no longer able to produce hair. Finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which causes hair follicles to regenerate in the absence of DHT. The dose required to shrink the prostate is 5mg, and the dose required to treat male hair loss is 1mg.

The Verdict: Does Finasteride Prevent Cancer?

According to researchers, finasteride reduces the risk of prostate cancer. If you wish to start taking finasteride, you should discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. All men should go for regular prostate examinations, especially men aged 55 and older, black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer. If you are experiencing anything unusual, you should visit your GP as soon as possible.

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

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