The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase is present in the prostate, liver, and skin. In childhood and adolescence, it plays a crucial role in prostate and hair growth. Unfortunately, in adulthood, it can lead to an overabundance of dihydrotestosterone which – among other issues – contributes to androgenic alopecia (also known as male pattern baldness).
Around 80 percent of men (and half of women) will deal with pattern baldness during their lifetime. Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase’s ability to create DHT… especially with early intervention.
What Does 5-Alpha-Reductase Do to Hair?
When DHT is created, it binds with androgen receptors throughout the body – including those in the hair follicles on specific areas of the scalp. This process causes affected follicles to shrink. Which leads to thinner, finer hair growth and eventually no growth at all.
In men, this often results in a receding M-shaped hairline, possibly accompanied by a balding spot at the vertex of the scalp. In women, androgenic alopecia creates thinning hair overall, with slightly more at the crown.
What Drugs Are 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors?
There are two primary 5-alpha-reductase inhibiting medications used to address male pattern hair loss. They are finasteride (marketed as Propecia) and dutasteride (Avodart). These drugs suppress 5-alpha-reductase, decreasing the amount of testosterone being converted to follicle-damaging DHT.
Studies indicate that finasteride inhibits the type 2 isoenzyme of 5-alpha-reductase and decreases DHT production by 70 percent. It is currently the only medication approved to treat male pattern baldness. It typically works within three months and must be taken continuously for the effects to persist.
Dutasteride inhibits both type 1 and type 2 5-alpha-reductase isoenzymes, decreasing DHT production by an impressive 93 percent and remaining in the body longer than finasteride. While studies indicate it is more effective than finasteride, dutasteride is not currently FDA approved for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. That said, it is frequently prescribed for off-label use.
These medications should only be used under the care of a physician. Side effects are rare but may include skin reactions, breast disorders in both males and females, or sexual dysfunction. Women of childbearing age should use extreme care, as finasteride may interfere with fetal development.
Do 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors Prevent Hair Loss?
Finasteride and dutasteride are highly effective 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. They successfully block 5-alpha-reductase activity, decrease the concentration of DHT in the blood, and reduce or halt male pattern hair loss.
Between 85-90 percent of participants in finasteride clinical trials experienced slowed progression of hair loss. Around 65 percent of participants saw increased hair regrowth.
RHRLI Offers a Treatment That’s Right for You
At RHRLI, we can determine the cause of your hair loss and help you chart the best course of treatment for your situation. Whether that is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibiting medication, a minimally invasive procedure, or surgical hair replacement with the ARTAS® robotic hair transplant system… our licensed professionals will work with you to obtain the hairline you desire. We offer free consultations at our proven facility. Contact us today for an appointment.