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Does Finasteride Affect Testosterone Levels?

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When it comes to hair loss, Finasteride is often one of the most effective treatments to improve hair growth. However, users may wonder about how it affects aspects of the body. One such aspect that users might be concerned about is testosterone levels, given that Finasteride works by altering hormones. Understanding how medications affect your body is crucial, especially when dealing with hormonal treatments.

Continue reading as we explain how Finasteride works, its side effects, the importance of testosterone, the difference between testosterone and DHT and the long-term effects of testosterone.

 

Understanding Testosterone

Testosterone is one of the sex hormones found in humans. In men, it is produced in the testicles. In women, it is produced in the ovaries but in smaller amounts. Testosterone is the primary sex hormone or androgen in men and plays many roles in the body including:

  • Development of male sex organs
  • Production of red blood cells
  • Production of sperm
  • Bone mass and density
  • Sex drive (libido)
  • Erectile function
  • Mood and energy levels 

Testosterone is also responsible for giving men their male characteristics such as body hair, facial hair, deeper voice, muscle mass and strength. [1]

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor commonly known as a DHT blocker, is primarily used to treat male pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia. It combats hair loss by inhibiting the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Lower DHT levels can hinder natural hair growth.

The standard dosage for addressing hair loss is 1mg of Finasteride, which requires a private prescription. Additionally, a 5mg dosage is typically prescribed daily for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as benign prostate enlargement.

How Does Finasteride Work?

Finasteride 1mg is prescribed to treat a common genetic hair loss condition called male androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). It falls under a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Finasteride works by blocking an enzyme in the body called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

High levels of DHT in the body can cause hair follicles to shrink and stop growing. By inhibiting the production of DHT, Finasteride can prevent or slow down hair loss. The usual dosage of Finasteride is one 1mg tablet daily at the same time.

What Is The Difference Between Testosterone and DHT?

Testosterone and DHT are both male sex hormones. Some of the main differences between them include:

  • Production - Testosterone is mainly produced in the testicles in men, whereas DHT is converted from testosterone in the skin, liver and prostate tissues by the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme.
  • Potency - DHT is more potent than testosterone. Its affinity for androgen receptors is about 2 to 3 times higher than testosterone. This means that DHT tends to bind more easily and effectively to these receptors, exerting a stronger influence on the body.
  • Function - As mentioned earlier, testosterone plays a key role in many functions including the development of male sex organs and erectile function. On the other hand, DHT has specific roles. It is involved in the differentiation of male external genitalia, the growth of the prostate gland and sebaceous gland activity.
  • Quantity - Testosterone levels in the male body are generally higher than DHT. Around 10% of testosterone produced each day is converted to DHT. [2]

Does Finasteride Have an Effect on Testosterone Levels?

When Finasteride inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT, it increases the levels of testosterone. This is because less testosterone is being converted into DHT, so it remains in the body in its original state.

In a clinical study, it was found that taking Finasteride 5mg tablets daily led to a decrease of 60 to 93% in DHT levels and an increase of 15 to 25% in testosterone levels. [3]

Despite this increase, the clinical significance is nuanced. Elevated testosterone levels resulting from Finasteride use do not typically translate into increased androgenic effects, because the androgenic activity is primarily driven by DHT, not testosterone. The reduction in DHT, which is a more active form in terms of androgenic effects, could potentially counterbalance or negate the implications of increased testosterone. Thus, while testosterone levels rise, the overall androgenic activity might decrease or remain unchanged.

It’s crucial to consider individual variability when discussing the impacts of Finasteride on testosterone. Some users may process and react to the drug differently based on genetic factors, age and overall health. For example, older men or those with certain genetic predispositions might experience different shifts in hormone levels or different symptomatic responses compared to younger individuals or those without such predispositions.

Finasteride and Erectile Dysfunction

Aside from increased testosterone, men taking Finasteride may experience some sexual side effects such as:

To see a full list of Finasteride side effects, read the patient information leaflet carefully. It is worth noting that side effects may not affect everyone. Some male users might report mood changes or decreased libido, while others might experience no noticeable changes.

Long-Term Effects of Finasteride on Testosterone

Long-term Finasteride treatment is relatively safe. After the first few months of starting Finasteride, testosterone levels significantly increase by 10% to 20%. However, research shows that after one year of taking Finasteride consistently, testosterone levels return to a similar level prior to starting the medication and remain stable with continued use.

If you are concerned about the long-term effects of Finasteride or the impact it may have on your testosterone levels, consult your doctor or consider looking at other hair loss treatments. Alternatively, you can start a free online consultation with Chemist Click. Our qualified pharmacists use a tailored approach to determine the best hair loss treatment according to your individual circumstances and needs.

Natural Alternatives to Finasteride 

While medications are common for tackling hair loss, incorporating specific vitamins and minerals might offer a natural edge in maintaining hair health. Here are essential nutrients that can support hair strength and growth:

  • Vitamin D: Essential for hair cycling, especially in individuals with limited sun exposure, and may prevent seasonal hair loss.
  • Biotin (Vitamin B7): Aids in keratin production, boosting hair follicle growth and improving overall hair health.
  • Zinc: Strengthens hair shaft structure and enhances cell reproduction, helping curb hair loss.
  • Iron: Crucial for preventing hair loss related to iron deficiency, commonly seen in women.
  • Vitamin A: Supports all cellular growth, including hair, but requires moderation to avoid adverse effects.

Always check with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement to ensure it fits your health profile.

Stress can also significantly affect hair condition, leading to thinning and loss. Employing stress management practices such as mindfulness meditation, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, yoga, and deep breathing exercises may help preserve hair health.

Common Questions About Finasteride and Testosterone

Does Blocking DHT Lower Testosterone Levels?

Blocking DHT does not lower testosterone levels. In fact, it might lead to a slight rise in testosterone levels. This happens because when the conversion of testosterone to DHT is inhibited, more testosterone remains unconverted in the bloodstream. As a result, overall testosterone levels can rise marginally since less of it is being converted into DHT.

Does Finasteride Make You Less Manly?

Using Finasteride does not inherently make a person less manly. While Finasteride can lead to some changes such as decreased sexual desire or erectile dysfunction, these are not direct measures of manhood or masculinity. Any side effects are reversible once the medication is stopped.

Can You Build Muscle While Taking Finasteride?

It is possible to build muscle while taking Finasteride, as the primary mechanism of the drug does not directly interfere with muscle mass or growth. However, it can vary from person to person, depending on how a user reacts to the drug. Some users may find it difficult to gain muscle or maintain muscle growth. Read our article on “Finasteride and Bodybuilding” to find out more information.

Sources

  1. Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Testosterone. Retrieved 25th October 2024, from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24101-testosterone
  2. You and Your Hormones. (2021). Dihydrotestosterone. Retrieved 25th October 2024, from: https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/dihydrotestosterone
  3. Anitha B, Inamadar AC, Ragunatha S. (2009). Finasteride - Its Impact on Sexual Function and Prostate Cancer. Retrieved 25th October 2024, from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2840927/
  4. NHS. (2023). Side Effects of Finasteride. Retrieved 25th October 2024, from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/finasteride/side-effects-of-finasteride/

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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