Diagnosis/Treatment
Does Proscar Reduce Prostate Size?From: Kent Ellwin <wkell@pixi.com> Hopkins Ask the Doc: Does Proscar Reduce Prostate Size? A weekly column presenting answers to your health questions by experts at America's foremost health institution. November 19, 1997, Baltimore The question: Has recent research indicated that Proscar is not as effective in reducing prostate gland size as originally thought? Jonathan P. Jarow, M.D. responds: The normal growth and development of the prostate is dependent upon male hormones. The principal male hormone present in the blood stream is testosterone, which is produced in the testes. This hormone is converted into a more potent male hormone called dihydrotestosterone within the prostate gland. Proscar blocks the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, thus lowering both blood and prostate concentrations of this potent hormone. In controlled studies Proscar has a significant effect upon the size of the prostate gland, with a consistent reduction of approximately 20 percent in all studies. However, the average improvement in urinary flow rates and reduction of symptoms in symptomatic patients receiving this drug is much less dramatic. This suggests that the reduction of urinary stream and symptoms in men with enlarged prostates may not be specifically related to prostate size but potentially, to prostate tone. This would explain why other oral medications that relax the prostate--alpha-blockers--produce a much more dramatic improvement in patients, as compared to Proscar. Current evidence suggests that Proscar is most effective in men with very large prostate glands. However, neither form of oral medical therapy is as effective as surgery. Jonathan P. Jarow, M.D., is associate professor of urology at the Brady Urological Institute at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. He has a special interest in male reproductive and sexual function. To ask a question of our team of experts, just visit the InteliHealth Web page at www.intelihealth.com. |
