An ancient medication that is now referred to as a "magic pill" improves heart health, cures the prostate, and grows hair.

There appears to be another important health benefit to a prescription drug that has been on the market in the United States since 1992 and is well-known for treating enlarged prostates and hair loss.

Finasteride is a medication that may cut cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease, according to recent studies. For a medicine that has been around for decades, that is an unexpected turn of events.

Dr. Jaume Amengual, an assistant professor in the University of Illinois' Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, investigated this surprising relationship out of curiosity.

He made the decision to look further after spotting something strange in a nationwide survey. The average cholesterol readings of males taking finasteride in the survey were 30 points lower than those of individuals not taking the medication. Dr. Amengual said, "I thought we'd see the opposite pattern, so it was very interesting."

Using finasteride to lower cholesterol?

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which was carried out between 2009 and 2016, provided the first hint.

Thousands of Americans provide their health information for this poll.

According to this research, males who took finasteride to treat hair loss had far lower cholesterol than those who did not. The researchers were interested in a 30-point difference because it is significant. However, observational studies are not without limits. Finasteride-using men over 50 made up a small sample.

Amengual pointed out, "This was not a clinical study in which you can control everything perfectly." It was more of an observation that made us realize that we had witnessed this in human beings. Let's observe what occurs in mice.

From observation to testing

The group used lab mice to gain a better understanding. Donald Molina Chaves, a doctoral student, used mice that were at risk for atherosclerosis, a disorder in which plaque accumulation causes arteries to shrink.According to this research, males who took finasteride to treat hair loss had far lower cholesterol than those who did not.

The researchers were interested in a 30-point difference because it is significant. However, observational studies are not without limits. Finasteride-using men over 50 made up a small sample.

Amengual pointed out, "This was not a clinical study in which you can control everything perfectly." It was more of an observation that made us realize that we had witnessed this in human beings. Let's observe what occurs in mice.

The group used lab mice to gain a better understanding. Donald Molina Chaves, a doctoral student, used mice that were at risk for atherosclerosis, a disorder in which plaque accumulation causes arteries to shrink. The mice were given a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet in addition to varying doses of finasteride.

According to Molina Chaves, "mice that received a high dose of finasteride showed lower cholesterol levels within the plasma as well as in the arteries." "The liver also had lower levels of inflammatory markers and lipids."

According to these results, finasteride may help lessen artery inflammation and plaque formation in addition to lowering blood cholesterol. Even if the maximum dose produced noticeable effects, people wouldn't take it.

"The amount of the substance is really high. However, Amengual clarified, "We use mice as a model, and they are extremely resistant to things that would kill any of us." "So, when you consider it that way, it is not that wild."

Future research on humans can be guided by the findings in mice.

Heart disease, testosterone, and finasterid. Why would a medication for hair loss impact cholesterol readings, then? It all boils down to hormones.

Finasteride reduces levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by inhibiting a protein that activates testosterone. DHT has been associated with prostate enlargement, hair loss, and, it turns out, heart disease.

"One day, I was reading about this drug, ... I began to see that there weren't many long-term research on the drug's effects," Amengual remarked.

"At first, I was just curious because hormone levels are known to affect prostate problems, hair loss, and atherosclerosis. We therefore made the decision to investigate it.

Atherosclerosis can be influenced by testosterone and its derivatives. Finasteride may indirectly affect inflammation and cholesterol metabolism by modifying these hormone levels, improving heart health.

Additional finasteride surprises

It's interesting to note that not just males with prostate problems or hair loss may benefit from these findings. Due to hormonal changes, transgender people on hormone therapy frequently have an increased risk of heart disease.

Finasteride is occasionally used to address hair loss brought on by hormone therapies during gender changes. In the last ten years, physicians have begun to prescribe this medication to those who are changing from male to female or from female to male. Hair loss can be caused by hormonal shifts in both situations, according to Amengual.

It's interesting to note that transgender individuals have an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. Therefore, this medication may help prevent cardiovascular disease in both transgender people and cis guys.

This suggests that finasteride may aid transgender persons with both hair loss and heart disease prevention.

What's the catch? Recognizing the dangers of finasteride

Naturally, there are hazards associated with any medications. It's crucial to take into account the potential negative effects of finasteride.

Reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and decreased ejaculate volume are among the sexual adverse effects that some users encounter. Finasteride causes these effects by lowering DHT, which is involved in sexual function.

Psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, and mood swings have also been reported. Even though not everyone experiences these, it's crucial to keep an eye on them.

Rashes, swelling in the hands or feet, and breast discomfort or enlargement are examples of physical adverse effects. Regular medical examinations are advised because finasteride seldom affects liver enzymes.

Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) is a syndrome where a tiny number of users experience ongoing side effects even after quitting the medication.

Psychological problems and persistent sexual dysfunction are examples of symptoms. To comprehend and resolve these issues, research is still being conducted.

What finasteride's future holds

These findings imply that finasteride may play a part in heart health outside of its present applications. However, more study is required. Determining whether the cholesterol-lowering effects observed in mice also occur in humans at realistic levels might be aided by human clinical studies.

Amengual underlined, "This was not a clinical study in which you can control everything perfectly." It was more of an observation that made us realize that we had witnessed this in human beings. Let's observe what occurs in mice.

Finasteride may be included in a plan to prevent heart disease, particularly in populations at higher risk, if further research confirms these advantages.

Keep your eyes wide open as you proceed.

For many years, finasteride has been used to treat prostate problems and hair loss. It may now play a new part in heart health promotion. This may be important not only for men but also for the transgender population and other people who are susceptible to heart disease.

Before making any adjustments, it's important to speak with healthcare professionals, just like with any medical treatment. The possible advantages of finasteride must be weighed against its drawbacks. However, this research creates intriguing opportunities.