Type 1/ Type 3 5α-reductase inhibitors?

[Dord]

Are there any supplements that have been shown to act as type 1 or type 3 5α-reductase inhibitors? I believe saw palmetto has been shown to work on both type 1 and 2, but some sources do not recommend taking it with Finasteride. However, if there are any natural type 1/3 inhibitors these can be taken in combination with the drug.

 

The studies I have found usually show only the type 2 inhibition of the herb.

 

Thank you.

[Dord]

Anyone?

[Dr Blake Bloxham]

Dord,

 

Technically, finasteride does have some type III inhibition. But, like you said, it mainly affects type II. Dutasteride works on type I and type II, but I haven't really seen anything conclusively demonstrating that you obtain more control/maintenance with inhibition of anything besides type II.

 

I think all of this data would be even harder to find with natural supplements -- which is what I believe you're referring to above. Saw Palmetto likely works mostly on type II (like finasteride). If you took it with finasteride, it seems like you may get more type I inhibition. But, like I said above, I'm not sure inhibition of anything above type II really makes too big of a difference.