Prostates, pates, and pimples. The potential medical uses of steroid 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors.

The steroid 5 alpha-reductase enzyme is responsible for the formation of DHT from testosterone. DHT has been the major androgen implicated in the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia, male pattern baldness, acne, and idiopathic female hirsutism. Although specific inhibitors of 5 alpha-reductase are not yet generally available for human use, it is expected that they will become available within the next several years. Based on biochemical, histologic, and anatomic information from animals given 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, preliminary data on their use in humans, and knowledge gained from men with the inherited 5 alpha-reductase deficiency, it is expected that these 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors may have a major role in the medical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In addition, it is possible that these compounds will hold promise for the prevention of male pattern baldness and for the treatment of resistant acne and idiopathic hirsutism.