Understanding the Ban on Finasteride in Sports

Discover why finasteride is banned in sports and its legitimate medical uses in treating hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

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Finasteride is banned in certain sports because it's considered a performance-enhancing drug. It can mask the use of anabolic steroids by reducing their traces in the body. This violates fair play principles in competitive sports. However, it's commonly used for legitimate medical reasons like treating hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is finasteride used for? Finasteride is primarily used to treat hair loss in men and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate.
  2. Why is finasteride considered a banned substance in sports? Finasteride is considered a banned substance in certain sports because it can mask the use of anabolic steroids by reducing detectable traces in the body, which is against fair play regulations.
  3. Are there any side effects of finasteride? Yes, finasteride can have side effects, including sexual dysfunction, depression, and an increased risk of prostate cancer in some users.
  4. Can finasteride be used for women? Finasteride is not typically recommended for women, especially in childbearing age, due to potential risks to a developing fetus. Consultation with a healthcare professional is essential.