November 2023 in “Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology” This study suggests that post-finasteride syndrome and post-SSRI sexual dysfunction share potential etiopathogenetic mechanisms involving brain modulators, neurotransmitters, and gut microbiota, although more research is needed to understand these conditions fully.
2 citations
,
March 2023 in “Experimental neurology” In this study, pregnenolone was found to dose-dependently reduce L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias in a rat model of Parkinson's disease, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for these dyskinesias.
October 2022 in “Biomolecules” This study found that in male rats, chronic finasteride treatment reduced allopregnanolone levels, which, upon drug withdrawal, correlated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and altered neurotransmitter levels.
11 citations
,
November 2021 in “International journal of molecular sciences” In this study, germ-free male mice showed altered levels of certain neuroactive steroids in the brain and periphery, suggesting microbiota may influence neuroendocrine pathways that support brain functioning.
17 citations
,
September 2020 in “Journal of Endocrinological Investigation” This study found that the gut microbiota composition in patients with post-finasteride syndrome differs significantly from healthy controls, with reduced diversity and specific microbial changes, suggesting a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target.
26 citations
,
December 2019 in “Neurobiology of Stress” This review discusses adverse effects of 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, particularly persistent side effects such as post-finasteride syndrome, and highlights the need for further investigation.
37 citations
,
September 2018 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology” This study found that finasteride treatment in male rats led to enduring effects on depressive-like behavior, hippocampal neurogenesis and neuroinflammation, and gut microbiota composition after withdrawal.
58 citations
,
April 2017 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” This study found that patients with post-finasteride syndrome exhibited major depressive disorder, severe erectile dysfunction, and neuropathy, alongside altered neuroactive steroid levels in cerebrospinal fluid.
33 citations
,
December 2015 in “Neuroendocrinology” This study found that subchronic finasteride treatment in male rats altered neuroactive steroid levels and steroid receptor expression in the brain, with some changes persisting after drug withdrawal.
289 citations
,
May 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” This study demonstrates that human skin is capable of steroid hormone synthesis, but its role in androgenic skin disorders like acne and alopecia is yet to be clarified.