5-alpha reductase inhibitors

5-alpha reductase inhibitors (pronunciation: five-al-fa re-dukt-ase in-hib-it-ors) are a class of medications that inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is involved in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Etymology

The term "5-alpha reductase inhibitors" is derived from the enzyme they inhibit, 5-alpha reductase. The term "inhibitor" is used in pharmacology to denote substances that can prevent or slow down a chemical reaction.

Usage

5-alpha reductase inhibitors are primarily used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). They can also be used in hormone therapy for transgender women.

Types

There are two types of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: Type I and Type II. Type I is primarily found in the skin and liver, while Type II is the predominant form in prostate tissue. The most commonly used 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are finasteride and dutasteride.

Side Effects

Potential side effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors include sexual dysfunction, such as decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, and psychological effects, such as depression and anxiety.

Related Terms

Androgen: A type of hormone that plays a role in male traits and reproductive activity.
Enzyme: Proteins that act as catalysts in the body, speeding up chemical reactions.
Hormone: Chemical messengers that are secreted directly into the blood, which carries them to organs and tissues of the body to exert their functions.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on 5-alpha reductase inhibitors
Wikipedia's article - 5-alpha reductase inhibitors

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5-alpha reductase inhibitors