Finasteride - anabolic on its own?

[Crags]

I recently learned that Finasteride is used to pvt. prostate cancer (b/c it blocks T --(5-a-reduct.)--> DHT and DHT overall stimulates prostate cell growth). In taking Finasteride and blocking the 5% 10% whatever % of test that is converted to DHT, you're in effect raising test (while simultaneously decreasing androgen DHT) levels, right?

My question is, does this tilt the scales noticeably on its own (i.e., for muscle gains)? Do the testes increase test production even more, in efforts (to no avail) to get DHT back up, resulting in even higher circulating Test? Or do they make less b/c test is elevated? Or no real change?

I know ppl use it w/other anabolics to fight hair loss, etc., but has anybody tried using Finasteride as a moderate anabolic (w/no ill side effects!)? If so, how was it?

Is it a controlled substance Schedule I/II/III (i.e., jailtime)?

 

[johnny tougharms]

its a prescription drug....ask your doc and he'll prolly give it to you

 

[Crags]

Can anybody answer my questions (above) re. what the net anabolic effects are?

 

[justwannagetsum]

DHT is more anabolic then testosterone and more adrogenic. so if anything it is counter productive to growth

 

[Slopain]

DHT is more anabolic then testosterone and more adrogenic. so if anything it is counter productive to growth

Where did you get this info from? Please cite something that backs that up - second time Ive heard it in two days and never before - would be interested in getting to the bottom of this. Where did you learn this 'fact' from??

btw finasteride isnt anabolic.

 

[justwannagetsum]

slopain, it is true, do a little searching around

 

[Slopain]

slopain, it is true, do a little searching around

lol I will, but if you KNOW its true where from? Where did you read it?

 

[justwannagetsum]

I honestly cant remember. saeveral places. I think one may have been meso-rx.

 

[nandi12]

If you consider a 15% increase in T levels anabolic, then yes, finasteride is anabolic on its own:

Steroids 1998 Apr;63(4):208-13

Effects of the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride on serum levels of gonadal, adrenal, and hypophyseal hormones and its clinical significance: a prospective clinical study.

Uygur MC, Arik AI, Altug U, Erol D.

Urology Clinic of the Ministry of Health, Ankara Hospital, Turkey.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of a steroid 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, finasteride, when given orally (5 mg/day), on the serum levels of gonadal, hypophyseal, and adrenal hormones and the clinical significance of these effects. Forty-eight patients with a mean age of 63 (range 49-81) were included in the study. All patients had symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Serum levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, aldosterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone were determined before the study. The degree of symptoms in each patient and serum prostate specific antigen levels were determined together with uroflowmetric studies. Sexual status of the patients was also assessed with a self-administered questionnaire. All patients received finasteride, 5 mg/day, for 6 weeks. All of the above mentioned studies were repeated at month 3 and month 6. All of the patients had baseline hormonal values within the normal range. At month 3, the dihydrotestosterone level decreased by 60%, while the testosterone level increased by 15%. FSH and LH levels decreased by 24% and 16%, respectively. The changes in the serum levels of these hormones were further evident at month 6. No significant changes were noted in the serum levels of prolactin, aldosterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Thirty-six patients (75%) were judged to be potent before the treatment. Finasteride caused erectile dysfunction in 8 patients (22%) by month 3 and in 12 (33%) by month 6. A substantial improvement was noted in symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in all patients. The serum prostate specific antigen level decreased by 42% and 50% at month 3 and at month 6, respectively. Continued administration of finasteride, 5 mg/day alters the serum levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, FSH, and LH significantly. Finasteride also causes sexual dysfunction in a substantial number of patients and should be offered with caution to patients who have an active sexual life

 

[Slopain]

If you consider a 15% increase in T levels anabolic, then yes, finasteride is anabolic on its own:

Steroids 1998 Apr;63(4):208-13

Effects of the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride on serum levels of gonadal, adrenal, and hypophyseal hormones and its clinical significance: a prospective clinical study.

Uygur MC, Arik AI, Altug U, Erol D.

Urology Clinic of the Ministry of Health, Ankara Hospital, Turkey.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of a steroid 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, finasteride, when given orally (5 mg/day), on the serum levels of gonadal, hypophyseal, and adrenal hormones and the clinical significance of these effects. Forty-eight patients with a mean age of 63 (range 49-81) were included in the study. All patients had symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Serum levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, aldosterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone were determined before the study. The degree of symptoms in each patient and serum prostate specific antigen levels were determined together with uroflowmetric studies. Sexual status of the patients was also assessed with a self-administered questionnaire. All patients received finasteride, 5 mg/day, for 6 weeks. All of the above mentioned studies were repeated at month 3 and month 6. All of the patients had baseline hormonal values within the normal range. At month 3, the dihydrotestosterone level decreased by 60%, while the testosterone level increased by 15%. FSH and LH levels decreased by 24% and 16%, respectively. The changes in the serum levels of these hormones were further evident at month 6. No significant changes were noted in the serum levels of prolactin, aldosterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Thirty-six patients (75%) were judged to be potent before the treatment. Finasteride caused erectile dysfunction in 8 patients (22%) by month 3 and in 12 (33%) by month 6. A substantial improvement was noted in symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in all patients. The serum prostate specific antigen level decreased by 42% and 50% at month 3 and at month 6, respectively. Continued administration of finasteride, 5 mg/day alters the serum levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, FSH, and LH significantly. Finasteride also causes sexual dysfunction in a substantial number of patients and should be offered with caution to patients who have an active sexual life

Good info - and I agree with the sex sides - its a dick kill, which is why test/finasteride compliment each other oh so well..