Proscar (finasteride)

Proscar and Propecia are forms of Finasteride

Finasteride that is a specific inhibitor of 5a-reductase. Proscar is the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). The substance can efficiently reduce the serum concentration of DHT, therefore Proscar minimizes the unwanted androgenic effects that result from its presence. The effect of finasteride is quite rapid, suppressing serum DHT concentrations as much as 65% within 24 hours after taking a single 1mg tablet. Medically, Finasteride has been marketed to treat two specific conditions. The first release of Finasteride in the U.S. was under the brand name of Proscar. It was made for use by patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (prostate enlargement). More recently (December 1997), Finasteride was approved for use as an anti-balding medication. We now have the additional brand name Propecia. Propecia is the same drug but the tablet contains only 115 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.

Proscar Optimal dosage

There is no research to site on exactly what dosage would be the most appropriate for a steroid user. Logic woul dictate that the typically prescribed amount of Proscar / Propecia, a single 1mg 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 of Propecia per day or perhaps switching to the stronger Proscar (5mg tablet) may be necessary. This is also a relatively expensive compound, so it can become quite costly as the dosage of Proscar / Propecia increases, it is probably best to keep the dosage of Proscar 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 Proscar.

Women use

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 Proscar / Propecia 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/Propecia has been strictly for men, as of yet there is little to report on the effectiveness of this compound for combating virilization symptoms.