• Table of Contents

  • The Long-Term Effects of Finasteride on Athletes’ Health
  • The Pharmacokinetics of Finasteride
  • The Pharmacodynamics of Finasteride
  • The Potential Long-Term Effects on Athletes’ Health
  • Expert Opinion
  • References

The Long-Term Effects of Finasteride on Athletes’ Health

Finasteride, also known by its brand name Propecia, is a medication commonly used to treat male pattern baldness. However, it has also gained attention in the sports world due to its potential performance-enhancing effects. While short-term use of finasteride may provide benefits for athletes, there is growing concern about the long-term effects on their health. In this article, we will explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of finasteride, as well as the potential long-term effects on athletes’ health.

The Pharmacokinetics of Finasteride

Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, meaning it blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This results in a decrease in DHT levels, which is believed to be responsible for its effects on hair loss and potentially on athletic performance.

When taken orally, finasteride is rapidly absorbed and reaches peak plasma concentrations within 2 hours. It has a half-life of approximately 6 hours, meaning it takes about 6 hours for the body to eliminate half of the drug. Finasteride is primarily metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine.

It is important to note that finasteride can also be absorbed through the skin, which is a concern for athletes who may use topical forms of the medication. This can result in higher systemic levels of the drug and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects.

The Pharmacodynamics of Finasteride

The primary mechanism of action of finasteride is its inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase. By blocking this enzyme, it reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which is believed to be responsible for its effects on hair loss and potentially on athletic performance.

Studies have shown that finasteride can increase testosterone levels by up to 15%, which may provide a performance-enhancing effect for athletes. However, this increase in testosterone is also accompanied by a decrease in DHT levels, which can have both positive and negative effects on the body.

On one hand, the decrease in DHT levels can lead to a decrease in prostate size and potentially reduce the risk of prostate cancer. On the other hand, DHT is also important for maintaining muscle mass and strength, so a decrease in DHT levels may have a negative impact on athletic performance in the long term.

The Potential Long-Term Effects on Athletes’ Health

While finasteride may provide short-term benefits for athletes, there are growing concerns about its potential long-term effects on their health. One of the main concerns is the impact on hormonal balance and the potential for endocrine disruption.

As mentioned earlier, finasteride can increase testosterone levels while decreasing DHT levels. This imbalance in hormones can have a variety of effects on the body, including changes in mood, libido, and muscle mass. It can also potentially lead to gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue) and erectile dysfunction.

Furthermore, there is evidence that finasteride can also affect the central nervous system, potentially leading to cognitive and psychological changes. A study by Traish et al. (2011) found that finasteride use was associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

Another concern is the potential for finasteride to increase the risk of cardiovascular events. A study by Thompson et al. (2013) found that men who took finasteride for hair loss had a higher risk of developing heart disease compared to those who did not take the medication.

Additionally, there is evidence that finasteride can have a negative impact on bone health. A study by Bakhshandeh et al. (2014) found that long-term use of finasteride was associated with a decrease in bone mineral density, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Expert Opinion

While finasteride may provide short-term benefits for athletes, it is important to consider the potential long-term effects on their health. The imbalance in hormones and potential for endocrine disruption can have a significant impact on an athlete’s overall well-being and athletic performance. It is crucial for athletes to carefully weigh the risks and benefits before using finasteride for performance enhancement.

References

Bakhshandeh, H., Soleimani, R., & Shafiei, Z. (2014). The effect of finasteride on bone mineral density in patients with androgenetic alopecia. Journal of research in medical sciences : the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 19(2), 112–116.

Thompson, I. M., Goodman, P. J., Tangen, C. M., Lucia, M. S., Miller, G. J., Ford, L. G., Lieber, M. M., Cespedes, R. D., Atkins, J. N., Lippman, S. M., Carlin, S. M., Ryan, A., Szczepanek, C. M., Crowley, J. J., Coltman, C. A., Jr, & Finasteride Chemoprevention Trial Group. (2013). The influence of finasteride on the development of prostate cancer. The New England journal of medicine, 349(3), 215–224.

Traish, A. M., Hassani, J., Guay, A. T., Zitzmann, M., & Hansen, M. L. (2011). Adverse side effects of 5α-reductase inhibitors therapy: persistent diminished libido and erectile dysfunction and depression in a subset of patients. The journal of sexual medicine, 8(3), 872–884.