What drugs are 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors?
Emma Martin
Published Feb 25, 2026
What drugs are 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors?
Drugs in the 5-ARI class are finasteride and dutasteride. These drugs are marketed under the brand-names Proscar, Propecia, Avodart, and Jalyn. Finasteride is available in two different strengths: Proscar 5 mg tablets and Propecia 1 mg tablets.
Is there a treatment for 5-alpha-reductase deficiency?
In patients with 5-alpha-reductase deficiency who are raised female, estrogen replacement therapy should be initiated at a bone age of 12 years or once an increase in gonadotropins is observed. The dose is tailored to reach adult replacement levels over a 3-4 year range.
How do you stop DHT from acne?
A specific anti-androgen that can inhibit 5a-reductase without blocking the androgen receptor is the ideal approach to treating DHT-mediated acne. DHT-mediated acne. Therapists often recommend that Diane 35, Aldactone or Androcur to offer some relief to adult female sufferers of hormonal acne.
What happens when you block 5-alpha reductase?
This enzyme converts some of the testosterone you produce into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT plays a role in prostate growth, acne, growth of facial hair, and male pattern baldness. The 5ARIs work by suppressing the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. This decreases the amount of DHT your body produces.
How do you naturally reduce 5-alpha reductase?
Edamame beans are young soybeans typically enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. In addition to being packed with protein and fiber, edamame beans contain isoflavones, which are beneficial plant compounds that may lower DHT levels by blocking the action of 5-alpha reductase.
Can you increase 5-alpha reductase?
In addition DHT added to a medium of pubic skin fibroblasts is capable of increasing 5 alpha-reductase activity. This increase is not observed when cyproterone acetate is added to the medium and in patients with testicular feminization syndrome without receptors.
How do I reduce androgens in my acne?
What else can I do to clear hormonal acne?
- Wash your face in the morning and again in the evening.
- Apply no more than a pea-size amount of any acne product. Applying too much can dry out your skin and increase irritation.
- Wear sunscreen every day.
- Use only noncomedogenic products to reduce your risk of clogged pores.
Does DHT cause acne?
“High DHT leads to high levels of androgens, which contribute to acne in men,” Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and hair loss expert in South Florida tells WebMD Connect to Care. While it’s less common in adults, high hormone levels can increase oil production and clog pores that cause acne.
Does zinc stop DHT?
It is a common fear that too much zinc in the body can raise levels of DHT ( Dihydro testosterone). Using zinc as a DHT blocker is not effective. Zinc helps to keep hormone levels regulated, which is one of the reasons why it is so effective in preventing and treating hair loss.
How do I get rid of DHT?
Practicing a healthy lifestyle can help reduce DHT levels naturally. This includes regular exercise, quit smoking, reduce stress, take time to rest, and do scalp exercises like massages to reduce tension and increase blood flow. The herbal route is also an effective natural way to reduce DHT in the body.
How can I lower my 5 alpha reductase naturally?
How many 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are available?
Currently, two 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are available, finasteride and dutasteride. The 5-alpha-reductase enzyme exists in two forms: type 1 and type 2.
What are the possible side effects of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors for prostate cancer?
Rates of side effects such as impotence, decreased libido, ejaculation disorder, and gynecomastia are similar. 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may be used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia ( enlarged prostate gland) and male-pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia ). They are not approved for the prevention of prostate cancer.
Do women with acne or alopecia have an excess of 5alpha-reductase?
Background: In some women with acne or alopecia who have normal serum levels of free testosterone, no clinical improvement can be reached by the classical treatment with antiandrogens, isotretinoids or corticosteroids. Our hypothesis is that some of these women have an excessive activity of the enzyme 5alpha-reductase.
How do you treat 5A reductase?
As well as treating 5a reductase activity internally, you can also approach the situation topically too. Sea Buckthorn berry oil contains two anti-androgen compounds, beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol, which help reduce oil production in the skin.