TLDR Finasteride use for hair loss may cause depression and suicidal thoughts, requiring careful monitoring.
This study analyzed 40 cases of depressive disorders and suicidality in men using finasteride 1 mg/day for androgenetic alopecia, without associated sexual dysfunction. The median age was 31, and 62.5% of cases were serious. Symptoms typically appeared within 9 months of starting treatment, with suicidality present in 40% of cases. Discontinuation led to symptom improvement in 45.2% of cases, but unresolved symptoms persisted for a median of 20.2 months post-withdrawal. Only 22.5% had a psychiatric history, and 17.5% experienced significant quality of life impacts. The study emphasizes the need for psychiatric evaluation and suicide risk assessment during treatment, given the potential for severe depressive effects and prolonged symptom persistence.
August 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride treatment changes hormone levels in male pattern baldness patients.
March 2020 in “Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)” February 2020 in “Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)” 
33 citations
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January 2016 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” Taking 1 mg of finasteride daily can increase hair count and improve hair appearance, but it may have side effects on sexual function and a potential risk of prostate cancer. It may not be effective for postmenopausal women unless taken in higher doses.
November 2014 in “PharmaTutor” Finasteride may help postmenopausal women with hair loss but is not effective for all and should be used cautiously in premenopausal women.
January 2007 in “Inpharma Weekly” Dutasteride is more effective for male pattern baldness than finasteride, and black cohosh extract BNO 1055 is as effective as conjugated estrogens in treating postmenopausal symptoms, with added benefits in reducing sweating and mental symptoms.
6 citations
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April 2004 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Finasteride showed limited hair growth and low patient compliance in treating male pattern baldness.
5 citations
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January 1995 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” A trial found that using finasteride, a hair growth drug, can be effectively measured by comparing before and after photos.
