In a nutshell
This study looked at the effect dutasteride (Avodart) had on testosterone levels, bladder symptoms and testicle size in men with enlarged prostates. The study found that dutasteride increased testosterone which may help with these age-related male symptoms.
Some background
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlarged prostate with age that can cause bladder and urinary symptoms. Hypogonadism (small testicles) may occur when testosterone (a male hormone) levels reduce with age. BPH is usually treated with dutasteride which may increase testosterone levels in the blood. It is necessary to research the effect of dutasteride on hormone levels.
Methods & findings
110 patients with BPH and bladder symptoms were treated with low-dose dutasteride over 3 years.
Male hormones such as testosterone and leutinising hormone (LH – which helps sperm production) were increased after 3 months. This increase of male hormones was also found in a subgroup of 26 patients with hypogonadism. There was also an improvement in bladder and prostate symptoms in this subgroup.
The bottom line
The study concluded that daily administration of dutasteride resulted in an increase in male hormones which may relieve age-related male symptoms.
The fine print
The study had a small sample size and results were mainly only shown in a subgroup of patients.
What’s next?
Talk to your doctor about dutasteride treatment for bladder and prostate symptoms.
Published By :
International journal of urology : official journal of the Japanese Urological Association
Date :
Oct 03, 2017
