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Hair Loss Study Abstract: Inhibition of steroid 5 alpha-reductase with finasteride: sleep-related erections, potency, and libido in healthy men.
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Title
Inhibition of steroid 5 alpha-reductase with finasteride: sleep-related erections,
potency, and libido in healthy men.
Author
Cunningham GR; Hirshkowitz M
Address
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Source
J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 80: 6, 1995 Jun, 1934-40
Abstract
To objectively measure the effects of a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor on erectile
function, we studied 20 sexually active men (aged 41-64 yr) during double blind,
randomized administration of 5 mg/day finasteride (F) or placebo (P). Serum testosterone
and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were measured every 4 weeks. Sleep-related erections were
assessed with comprehensive polysomnography for 2 nights before randomization (session 1)
and at week 12 (session 2). Sexual function questionnaires were administered weekly. Serum
DHT levels at week 0 were 1.47 +/- 0.11 and 1.16 +/- 0.27 nmol/L (P > 0.05) in the P
and F groups, respectively. F group levels fell to 31% and 28% of control values at week 4
and 12. Penile tip peak tumescence time increased on second nights more in the P than the
F group at 12 weeks, producing a session main effect (P < 0.02) and a group X session
interaction (P < 0.05). No significant group X session interactions were found for any
sleep erection measures in a best night analysis or for self-reported sexual activity.
Thus, F did not consistently suppress sleep-related erections compared to P. F primarily
inhibits type 2 5 alpha-reductase activity; however, type 1 5 alpha-reductase is the major
enzyme in the central nervous system. Therefore, DHT involvement in the maintenance of
libido and potency is not excluded. Nonetheless, these data support the feasibility of
using a type 2 inhibitor to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia without impairing erectile
function.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
95294227
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