[Lotus]

What is 5-alpha-reductase and what does it do?

Two 5-alpha-reductase (5aR) iso-enzymes have been identified: (type 1) 5-alpha-reductase, and (type 2) 5-alpha-reductase.

• Type 1 5aR has been found in various parts of the body including sebaceous glands, the epidermis, sweat glands, nervous system cells and in hair follicles (dermal papilla, outer root sheath, and matrix). In skin, type 1 5aR activity is primarily concentrated in sebaceous glands of the face and scalp. It is also found in the liver, adrenals and kidneys.
  

• Type 2 5aR has been found in hair follicles as well (dermal papilla, the inner and outer sheath, sebaceous ducts and proximal inner root sheath), the prostate, testicles and liver.
  

• Both types of 5aR can combine with testosterone to form the potent male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which has a strong affinity for androgen receptors and is responsible for triggering the miniaturization of hair follicles in the scalp that leads to hair loss. At this time it is not known how much circulating (in the blood) vs. locally produced (in the cells) DHT contribute to hair loss, relative to each other. Propecia is the only FDA approved drug that combats hair loss by attempting to inhibit the formation of DHT by binding with 5aR.
  

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5-alpha-reductase
Testosterone
http://flipper.diff.org/app/pathways/info/1924

Androgen induction of steroid 5 alpha-reductase may be mediated via insulin-like growth factor-I. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8344190

Male breast cancer and 5α-reductase inhibitors finasteride and dutasteride.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23665270

Saw palmetto seems to decrease estrogen levels in the body. Taking saw palmetto along with estrogen pills might decrease the effectiveness of estrogen pills.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/drugi...l/971.html


Progesterone cream can help to reduce the prostate size. Progesterone's inhibitory effect on 5 alpha reductase is far more effective than Proscar which is standard agents used in traditional medicine to cure BPH. All men over age 40 should consider natural progesterone replacement therapy, or even earlier if there is a history of prostate caner or BPH. The amount needed is 8 - 12 mg a day (1/8 tsp -1/4 tsp twice daily). Men should apply directly to their scrotum (testical sac) twice daily. This allows it to get into the prostate receptors.
http://www.bluemountainrx.com/progesterone_men.htm