Controversies in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: The History of Finasteride

This article discusses the history and controversies surrounding the use of finasteride for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Finasteride has been shown to be effective in arresting hair loss in more than 80% of patients following 12 months of treatment, but concerns about potential adverse sexual side effects have negatively affected public perception of the drug. The article cites studies that show sexual adverse events from finasteride are rare and that men who discontinue therapy have no further sexual adverse events. The authors recommend that physicians adequately educate patients and thoroughly assess their current sexual and psychological well-being before prescribing finasteride.