TLDR Finasteride slightly improves prostate symptoms but has minimal difference from placebo.
This document analyzes data on the safety and efficacy of finasteride in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. The study found that while the drug led to a reduction in prostate volume and improvement in symptom scores, the difference between the placebo and finasteride groups was almost negligible. The paper suggests the need for publishing correlation studies of both the benefits and side-effects to allow for informed physician and patient decisions.
1040 citations,
October 1992 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride effectively treats BPH but may increase sexual dysfunction risk.
11 citations,
February 2004 in “Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology” Taking Propecia might lead to the development of cataracts.
June 2024 in “Georgetown medical review” Finasteride treats hair loss but may cause low libido, erectile issues, and depression.
June 2017 in “Reactions Weekly” Finasteride (Propecia) may cause depression and suicidal thoughts; stop use and inform a healthcare professional if symptoms develop.
3 citations,
June 2004 in “Annales De Dermatologie Et De Venereologie” Four new cases of gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) linked to finasteride (Propecia) have been found.
Finasteride is popular for treating male hair loss but may increase the risk of serious prostate cancer and has other potential side effects.
2 citations,
January 2003 in “Journal of Clinical Dermatology”
