New findings related to dutasteride

According to a trial, treatment with dutasteride (Avodart), a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, doesn’t affect muscle mass in healthy males that take testosterone.
A research linked with this issue was performed. While fat-free mass was enhanced by 0,6-7,1 kg during 20 weeks in males who applied dutasteride and Testosterone Enanthate, fat-free mass was increased by 0,8-8,1 kg in those that were given placebo and testosterone. As for muscle strength, sexual functions and volume of prostate, they didn’t differ in males of these two groups.
5-alpha reductase inhibitors are used clinically to cure benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenic alopecia. These are dysfunctions that usually trouble middle-aged and old men.
DHT represents the chief metabolite of testosterone. But the function of this metabolite in human development is not clearly understood. It is supposed that DHT has vital role in development of prostate and phallus.
Middle-aged and elder males with decreased testosterone levels who use testosterone drugs have risks connected with reduced muscle mass and sexual disorders.
Scientists also study and develop nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). It is confirmed that SARMs and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are safe because DHT is probably not necessary for effects on muscle mass, strength and sexual life. It is also doubted whether DHT plays any role for androgen’s effects on hematocrit, hemoglobin, lipids and several other factors.
Shalender Bhasin and his colleagues at the Boston University have performed a clinical trial in order to define whether 5?-reduction to DHT is needed in order to mediate androgen’s effects on fat-free mass. Furthermore, the experts evaluated role of 5?-reduction on sexual activity, hematocrit and levels of lipid.
The study conducted by Bhasin and his colleagues involved healthy men who were 18- 50 years old and had normal testosterone levels. They administered Testosterone Enanthate and dutasteride or placebo. Dosages of Testosterone Enanthate ranged from 50 to 600 mg weekly.
Since 5 ?-reductase inhibitors enhance testosterone levels, all males were given also gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in order to block natural testosterone.
The results of the research displayed that fat-free mass was enhanced due to intake of testosterone. It didn’t differ significantly in males of these two groups. Muscle power which was also increased due to application of testosterone didn’t differ between the two groups too. Sexual activity, prostate volume, sebum production, hemoglobin, acne, hematocrit didn’t differ significantly between those who used placebo and dutasteride.
The specialists affirm that effectiveness of 5?-reductase inhibitors can be limited in men that have normal or high levels of testosterone. That’s why it is necessary to check levels of testosterone in order to set how bodies will respond to 5 ?-reductase inhibitors.
So, the research has displayed that muscle mass is not affected by 5?-reductase inhibitors.  Males should know that if they have enhanced testosterone levels or introduce exogenous testosterone in their bodies, 5?-reductase inhibitors will not lead to shrunken prostate.