Co-administration of 5α-reductase Inhibitors Worsens the Adverse Metabolic Effects of Prescribed Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly prescribed, but their use is associated with adverse metabolic effects. 5α-reductase inhibitors (5α-RI) are also frequently prescribed, mainly to inhibit testosterone conversion to dihydrotestosterone. However, they also prevent the inactivation of GCs.We hypothesized that 5α-RI may worsen the adverse effects of GCs.Prospective, randomized study.A total of 19 healthy male volunteers (age 45 ± 2 years; body mass...