For men trying to regulate an enlarged prostate, Avodart is the medication that many doctors recommend. Not only can it slow down benign prostate growth, but Avodart also combats hair loss and greatly improves urinary flow. In recent studies, Avodart has even shown potential for reducing risks of prostate cancer in patients and reducing the need for prostate surgery later on.
So How Does Avodart Work?
The chemical makeup of Avodart is unique compared to other prostate and hair loss drugs. Since it is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, Avodart lowers the amount of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate, shrinking the prostate and improving symptoms associated with BPH. DHT is the main molecule responsible for androgenic alopecia or hair loss, so the DHT inhibitors in Avodart also work to reduce hair loss and restore hair growth.
High levels of DHT have also been associated with the development of cancerous cells in the prostate, making Avodart effective at reducing prostate cancer risks or shrinking cancer cells altogether.
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| Avodart can help combat hair loss and even prostate cancer. |
The Research
Although Avodart has not been approved by the FDA for use as a treatment for prostate cancer, recent research has shown that Avodart is, in fact, effective at reducing cancer cells. In a study of 302 men, those taking Avodart were less likely to experience worsening of their prostate cancer. Men treated with Avodart were also more likely to receive a cancer-free biopsy after completing treatment, with 38% of men taking Avodart having cancer-free reports as compared to only 23% in the placebo group.
With the proven benefits Avodart has provided in helping decrease benign prostate growth and reducing hair loss, it is worth considering if you or a loved one is suffering from one of these conditions. More research needs to be done in solidifying the benefits Avodart provides for those with prostate cancer. However, with the results of recent studies, many doctors are advocating for Avodart to be used as a less invasive cancer treatment.
As with any drug, Avodart does come with a list of potential side effects, one of which is reduced libido. Make sure to talk with your doctor to see if this medication is right for you.
