Any verdict on Beta-Sitosterol for hair?

[87david]

I searched through some of the archives but didn't find too much info about it. I seen this website and its list of supplements http://www.virileplex.com/prostate-health.htm (scroll all the way down) and was thinking of trying Soy Isoflavones in addition to Beta-Sitosterol. Thanks for any info.

 

[87david]

I found this info relating to the effectiveness of beta-sitosterol, which mentions that it is used to curtail the unwanted side effects of anabolic steroids http://www.nicemuscle.com/testabolan-80457.htm. Of course, I couldn't care less about steroids, but would beta-sitosterol be useful for a person taking Propecia/Proscar since some of their side effects are similar (see below)?

The addition of Beta Sitosterol to this exclusive androgenic complex helps prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Beta Sitosterol is a powerful substance that inhibits enzyme 5-alpha reductase, thereby decreasing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Because this chemical activity involves different enzymes for activation, Beta Sitosterol does not interfere with the effectiveness of Masteroid and its conversion process. Instead Beta Sitosterol prevents testosterone from being converted to DHT, essentially keeping testosterone levels high and the testosterone-to-DHT conversion process in check. This is significant because Beta Sitosterol also helps inhibit DHT from binding to cytosolic androgen receptors in prostatic cells. This important activity helps prevent complications related to elevated DHT levels such as an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP).

Equally important, Beta Sitosterol also exerts a powerful anti-estrogen effect, lowering cytosol and nuclear receptor values for estrogen. This helps prevent the unwanted effects of estrogen levels including the development of gynecomastia, water retention, and increased body fat. All androgens have the potential for aromatization, including testosterone. Elevated levels of testosterone are down regulated in the body by the potential conversion to dihydrotestosterone and (estrodiol) estrogen. Beta Sitosterol inhibits this down regulation and the potential associated side effects.

Beta Sitosterol inhibits enzyme 5-alpha reductase, decreasing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

 

[SE-freak]

...and was thinking of trying Soy Isoflavones in addition to Beta-Sitosterol. Thanks for any info.

Soy isoflavones are phytoestrogens. If you are on finasteride or planning to get on it, do not take this supplement.


(did you remember to give your dog my compliments? )

 

[87david]

did you remember to give your dog my compliments?

LOL. SE-Freak, I did one better. I gave him one of his chew toys with your best wishes...

 

[SE-freak]

 

[jsmith19]

why shouldnt you take these supplements when on finasteride? What will it do?

 

[SE-freak]

I would advise against any supplement with estrogenic action while on finasteride.
It could increase the possibility of side effects.

 

[perpetrate]

soma - http://www.bestrxpills.com

 

[zackb]

I just started taking beta sisterol and am on finasteride. Any reports of problems?

 

[sublime]

None to report from me. It's been just around 3 months.

 

[87david]

Hey guys,

Just to give an update, it's been a little over four months since I started beta sitosterol and Proscar. The brand of beta sitosterol I started with, and still use today, was Source Naturals (regular strength 113mg). I originally started taking 2 tablets daily of beta sitosterol along with the .625 mg of Proscar. Soon after, however, I did experience some side effects. Sexual side effects appeared in just a few days. And a few weeks after that I started having some mild pain in my lower pecs. I subsequently lowered my dosage of Proscar to .5mg and beta sitosterol to just 1 tablet daily. It did help lower the pain in my pecs.

To make a long story short, I currently take 1/2 tablet of beta sitosterol at night time and .625 mg of Proscar in the morning. All the pain in my chest and sexual side effects are gone. I did go through a fairly moderate amount of shedding about a month or so after I started Proscar and beta sitosterol. It now has subsided and my hair is definitely starting to look better than when I started. I also began taking Dr. Lee's 5% PPG free minoxidil about a month ago. It works well.

 

[goingoinbutnotgone]

I read something weird about men taking soy isoflavones. It said that it causes hormone imbalances and can cause raging (violent outbursts) in men.

 

[peter_]

I would advise against any supplement with estrogenic action while on finasteride.
It could increase the possibility of side effects.

Phytoestrogens are similar to human estrogen but less powerful. If you take of lot of phytoestrogens the estrogen receptors in the human body get blocked by them and less human estrogen can connect. Therefore it is a good idea to take phytoestrogens or even better to avoid the production of estrogen in the body (beta sis). To much estrogen could be one reason for the side effects of finasteride, which inhibits the coverstion from free testosterone to DHT but not the conversion to estrogen.

 

[peter_]

I read something weird about men taking soy isoflavones. It said that it causes hormone imbalances and can cause raging (violent outbursts) in men.

I read exactly the opposite about finasterid. Men taking finasteride where calmer in discussions. The reasons could be that finasteride raises estrogon levels while isoflavones block estron receptors and therefore make human estrogen in blood less effective.