Discriminating in Favor of or Against Men with Increased Risk of Finasteride-Related Side Effects?

August 2016 in “ Experimental Dermatology ”

Ralph M. Trüeb

Studysummary This review discusses the efficacy and safety of oral finasteride for treating male pattern baldness and the potential persistent side effects, but no new results are reported. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This article discusses the use of finasteride for the treatment of male pattern baldness (MPB) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Finasteride is a competitive inhibitor of type 2 5a-reductase which prevents conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) resulting in decreased DHT levels in the scalp. Several studies have demonstrated that 1mg oral finasteride daily is effective in prevention and treatment of MPB. However, there have been reports on sexual side effects that may persist despite discontinuation of medication. The post-finasteride syndrome has been claimed to occur in men who have taken oral finasteride to treat either MPB or BPH. Reported symptoms include: loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, reduction in penis size, penile curvature or reduced sensation, gynecomastia, muscle atrophy, cognitive impairment, severely dry skin, and depression. There are no predictive factors for the risk of development of post-finasteride syndrome, and no known treatment for the condition.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

Are Hand Preference And Sexual Orientation Possible Predicting Factors For Finasteride Adverse Effects In Male Androgenic Alopecia?

research Are Hand Preference And Sexual Orientation Possible Predicting Factors For Finasteride Adverse Effects In Male Androgenic Alopecia?

12 citations , March 2016 in “Experimental Dermatology”

This review discusses the potential for hand preference and sexual orientation to predict sexual side effects of finasteride in men with androgenic alopecia, but reports no new clinical results.

research Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride: Could They Be Permanent?

112 citations , July 2012 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

In this study, 96% of men with persistent sexual side effects from finasteride reported continued dysfunction after discontinuation, suggesting these effects may endure long-term.

research Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Finasteride 1 mg in 3177 Japanese Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

41 citations , October 2011 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This study observed that long-term use of finasteride in Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia was associated with progressive hair regrowth in 87.1% of participants without significant safety concerns.

Adverse Side Effects of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Therapy: Persistent Diminished Libido, Erectile Dysfunction, and Depression in a Subset of Patients

research Adverse Side Effects of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Therapy: Persistent Diminished Libido, Erectile Dysfunction, and Depression in a Subset of Patients

223 citations , December 2010 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

This review discusses persistent adverse effects of 5α‐reductase inhibitors, like diminished libido and erectile dysfunction, in some patients and highlights the need for patient discussions before therapy, especially for androgenetic alopecia.