Patient/caregiver was instructed upon mechanism of action of finasteride as follows:
- The male sex hormone, testosterone, is acted upon by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase and is converted into a variant of testosterone called, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
- DHT can act on the prostate and cause the gland to grow in size, resulting in prostatic hyperplasia. Increased DHT is also considered to be a significant factor in causing prostate cancer. Increased DHT concentrations is also considered a contributory factor towards loss of scalp hair and male pattern baldness.
- Finasteride blocks the enzyme 5-alpha reductase and thereby inhibits conversion of testosterone to DHT. Reduced DHT concentrations in the body contributes to reducing the hyperplasia/enlargement of the prostate. This shrinking of prostate will help relieve the symptoms of BPH, thus promoting free flow of urine, better bladder emptying and prevents retention of urine in the bladder. The shrinking of prostate will continue only as long as finasteride intake continues and the prostate will grow back in size, if finasteride is discontinued.
- Promotion of free urine flow can reduce urinary hesitancy and difficulty initiating stream of urine, and consequently relieve the straining. Reduced DHT concentrations with finasteride use can also help reduce risk for prostate cancer.
- Reduced DHT concentrations in the body contribute towards reduced loss and regrowth of scalp hair. The desired effect of scalp hair restoration will continue only as long as finasteride intake continues though.
