Androgenetic alopecia: effects of oral finasteride on hormone profile, reproduction and sexual function
February 2020
in “Endocrine”
TLDR Finasteride safely treats hair loss without harming hormones or reproduction, but may slightly reduce sexual function.
A study from 3 years ago found that oral finasteride is a safe and effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia. It did not affect hormone levels or reproductive function, but some participants experienced a slight decrease in sexual function. Oral finasteride can improve hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia by lowering dihydrotestosterone levels, but it may also have adverse effects on male fertility and sexual function. However, these effects are generally reversible after discontinuing the treatment. Clinicians should screen and counsel patients before prescribing finasteride for androgenetic alopecia.
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