5-alpha reductase inhibitor

Definition / meaning of 5-alpha reductase inhibitor

A substance that blocks an enzyme needed by the body to make dihydrotestosterone (a male sex hormone made from testosterone). Dihydrotestosterone can cause the prostate to grow. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are used to shrink an enlarged prostate gland and to improve the flow of urine in a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A 5-alpha reductase inhibitor is a type of enzyme inhibitor.

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Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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