
Originally Posted by
GearHeaded
Finasteride acts more like an AI then it does a SERM (but in regards to DHT, not Estrogen). in regards to estrogen , an AI blocks the conversion of test into estrogen, thus lowering blood leaves of estrogen, but does NOT block estrogen at the receptor itself (this is the job of a SERM, which does not stop the conversion process of test into estrogen but does block estrogen at certain receptor sites).
fina acts more like an AI , yet instead of blocking the aromatase enzyme, it works on the DHT enzyme (5 alpha reductase) . the result is less conversion of androgens, like test, into DHT . however , the DHT that is in the blood stream will still be able to bind to receptors (again its not like a SERM in regards to DHT).
I think where the confusion is , is that 5 alpha reductase (the enzyme that turns androgens into DHT) is generally found at the site itself (like the prostate and scalp). because of this, guys think that Finasteride blocks DHT at the receptor site itself as well. but it does not. it only stops the conversion process of androgens into DHT.