Description
Finasteride Proscar is a medicine that inhibits the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, thereby inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Both testosterone and DHT have androgenic or masculine effects. With the latter, however, the androgenic effect is many times stronger. Decreased conversion of testosterone to DHT will therefore reduce the androgenic effects.
Finasteride Proscar has been internationally marketed since 1992. It is available by prescription under the brand names Proscar and Propecia. It is used for prostate complaints (without DHT, the prostate becomes somewhat smaller) and in a lower dose (1/5 to 1/15) for male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia. In both conditions, finasteride is administered to obtain a lower concentration of DHT in the prostate and scalp, respectively.
Male-type baldness is thought to be caused by a combination of hereditary factors and DHT. Under the influence of DHT, the growth phase of the hair becomes shorter and the hair becomes thinner. Finasteride masks the use of anabolic steroids; it is therefore a substance that is on the list of prohibited substances in sport. For example, in November 2007 Brazilian footballer Romario was caught using it. In December 2007, Spanish cyclist José Antonio Pecharroman was also found positive at a doping test.
