How Hair Growth Drug Propecia Can Affect PSA Test

If you are a man 50 or over you might be experiencing hair loss. Many men who have hair loss have chosen to take Propecia. Propecia overcomes part of the male hormone reaction associated with hormonal hair loss.

But in addition to decreasing hair loss, Propecia can also affect the levels tested by PSA. PSA is a medical screening test used to detect prostate cancer. PSA (prostate specific antigen) test measures the enzyme levels of the prostate. Prostate cancer can often be found early by testing the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. In the body the prostate enzyme helps keep semen liquid so sperm can be released.

Normally PSA is found only in very small levels in the blood. But if the prostate has any abnormal cells more than the usual amount of PSA can be found in the blood. This higher level of PSA can be a sign of problems in the prostate gland.

One of the more worrisome problems associated with an elevated PSA level is prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is found in one out of six men. In men between the ages of 60-79 years old prostate cancer is the leading cause of death.

Propecia is the lower dose form of the drug Proscar. Proscar is a drug made to control the enlargement of the prostate gland. Benign prostatic hypertrophy is the medical term for an enlarged prostate (BPH).

Doctors have known for many years that Proscar cuts the PSA level almost in half. To compensate doctors have just adjusted the PSA levels by multiplying the end result by two. But the effect of Propecia has not been studied until recently.

In a recent study published in Lancet Oncology men were studied for the effects of PSA levels. The men were divided into groups. Some men took only a placebo and the rest took Propecia. The men aged 50-60 who took the Propecia had their PSA levels decline by 50%.

Why is this a concern? Even though a man may have prostate cancer the PSA test may not show an accurate reading. So when prostate cancer is easily detected and treated, Propecia may effect the test and give a low reading. A false low level PSA says there is no problem inside the prostate when in reality there is a problem.

If you are a man who is using Propecia to decrease your hair loss, you may need to let your family doctor know especially if you are scheduled for a PSA level test as part of your labwork and physical exam.