Finasteride vs Masteron
FDA Approved vs Moderate Research
avoid Researched · 95% Finasteride inhibits 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT. Since Masteron is already a DHT derivative, finasteride does not reduce its androgenic potency in any tissue. Furthermore, using finasteride while on Masteron is counterproductive: it will not protect against Masteron-induced hair loss (the primary reason for taking finasteride) and may worsen the overall androgenic side effect profile by altering the androgen balance. Individuals concerned about hair loss should avoid Masteron entirely rather than attempting to mitigate it with finasteride.
Molecular Data
Finasteride Masteron
Weight 372.54 Da 304.47 Da (base)
Half-life 6-8 hours (DHT suppression persists ~24 hours) ~2 days (propionate), ~10 days (enanthate)
Type Synthetic 4-azasteroid compound DHT-derived anabolic steroid (C20H32O2)
Key Benefits
Finasteride
01 Reduces scalp DHT by approximately 66% at 1mg daily
02 Slows or stops hair loss progression in roughly 90% of men
03 Produces visible hair regrowth in approximately 48% of men within 1-2 years
04 FDA-approved with over 25 years of clinical use and long-term safety data
05 Convenient once-daily oral dosing with no injections required
06 Well-characterized side effect profile with low incidence of adverse events
07 Can be combined with minoxidil for enhanced efficacy
Masteron
01 Produces a hard, dry, and grainy appearance by eliminating subcutaneous water retention
02 Mild anti-estrogenic properties that can reduce or replace the need for aromatase inhibitors on cycle
03 Does not aromatize, eliminating estrogen-mediated side effects from the compound itself
04 Enhances the visual effects of other steroids in a stack by reducing water retention and bloat
05 Modest increases in strength without significant weight gain, useful for weight-class athletes
06 Improves muscle density and vascularity at low body fat percentages
07 Well-tolerated with a relatively mild side effect profile compared to other anabolic steroids
08 Short detection window with propionate ester compared to many other injectable steroids
Dosing Protocols
Finasteride
1mg/day (hair loss) or 5mg/day (BPH) / Once daily
Masteron
300-500 mg/week / Every other day (propionate) or 2x per week (enanthate)
Cutting / Aesthetic Enhancement 300-400 mg/week Every other day (propionate) or 2x per week (enanthate)
Contest Preparation 400-500 mg/week Every other day or daily (propionate)
AI Replacement / Estrogen Management 200-300 mg/week Every other day (propionate) or 2x per week (enanthate)
Side Effects
Finasteride
Decreased libido (reported in 1.8% of men in clinical trials vs 1.3% placebo)
Erectile dysfunction (reported in 1.3% vs 0.7% placebo)
Decreased ejaculate volume (reported in 0.8% vs 0.4% placebo)
Masteron
Hair loss and accelerated male pattern baldness (significant risk as a DHT derivative - the most commonly reported side effect)
Acne and increased skin oiliness, particularly on the back and shoulders
Suppression of natural testosterone production (requires PCT or ongoing TRT)
Injection site pain or discomfort (more common with propionate ester)
Mild aggression or irritability from elevated androgenic activity
HDL cholesterol suppression and adverse lipid profile changes
Contraindications
Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant (finasteride is teratogenic and can cause abnormalities of external genitalia in a male fetus; even handling crushed tablets poses a risk)
Women who are breastfeeding
Known hypersensitivity to finasteride or any component of the formulation
Severe hepatic impairment (finasteride is metabolized by the liver)
Pediatric patients (not indicated for use in children)
Prostate cancer (active or history of hormone-sensitive prostate cancer)
Breast cancer in males
Pregnancy or potential for pregnancy (causes virilization of female fetus)
Known hypersensitivity to drostanolone or any formulation components
Severe hepatic impairment
Pre-existing significant hair loss where further androgenic exposure is unacceptable
Polycythemia (hematocrit above 54% at baseline)
Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease or severe dyslipidemia
Research Evidence
Finasteride Masteron
Status FDA Approved Moderate Research
References 5 studies 5 studies
Latest — March 2020
FDA Approved Yes No
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.