5-alpha reductase inhibitors don’t hinder anabolic effects caused due to testosterone use

According to a trial, treatment with dutasteride (Avodart), a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, doesn’t influence negatively on muscle mass in healthy males who apply testosterone.
A research linked with this issue was performed. While fat-free mass was increased by 0,6-7,1 kg during 20 weeks in men who took dutasteride and Testosterone Enanthate, fat-free mass was enhanced by 0,8-8,1 kg in those who were given placebo and testosterone. As for muscle power, sexual functions and volume of prostate, they didn’t differ in males of these 2 groups.
5-alpha reductase inhibitors are used clinically for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenic alopecia. These are dysfunctions that usually trouble middle-aged and elderly males.
DHT represents the main metabolite of testosterone. But the role of this metabolite in human development is not is not understood. It is supposed that DHT plays vital role in development of prostate and phallus.
Middle-aged and elder males with reduced testosterone levels who take testosterone drugs have risks linked with decreased muscle mass and sexual problems.
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, muscle power and sexual activity. It is also doubted whether DHT has any role for androgen’s effects on hematocrit, hemoglobin, lipids and some 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 muscle mass. Moreover, the specialists evaluated role of 5?-reduction on sexual activity, hematocrit and levels of lipid.
The research conducted by Bhasin and his colleagues involved healthy men that were 18- 50 years old and had normal levels of testosterone. They took Testosterone Enanthate and dutasteride or placebo. Doses of Testosterone Enanthate ranged from 50 to 600 mg weekly.
Since 5 ?-reductase inhibitors increase testosterone levels, all men 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 usage of testosterone. It didn’t differ essentially in males of these two groups. Muscle strength that was also increased due to testosterone use didn’t differ between the two groups too. Sexual functions, prostate volume, sebum production, hemoglobin, acne, hematocrit didn’t differ substantially between those who used placebo and dutasteride.
The experts affirm that effectiveness of 5?-reductase inhibitors can be limited in men that have normal or high testosterone levels. That’s why it is necessary to check testosterone levels in order to determine how bodies will respond to 5 ?-reductase inhibitors.
So, the research has manifested that muscle mass is not affected by 5?-reductase inhibitors.  Men have to know that if they have enhanced levels of testosterone or introduce exogenous testosterone in their bodies, 5?-reductase inhibitors will not cause shrunken prostate.