Effect of 1 mg/day finasteride on concentrations of serum prostate-specific antigen in men with androgenic alopecia: a randomised controlled trial

In a study from 17 years ago involving 318 men aged 40-60 with androgenic alopecia, taking 1 mg/day finasteride for 48 weeks resulted in a significant median decrease in serum PSA concentrations by 40% in men aged 40-49 and 50% in men aged 50-60. The placebo group showed no change in the younger age group and a 13% increase in the older age group. The study concluded that recommendations for adjusting serum PSA concentration in prostate-cancer screening for men taking finasteride should also apply to those taking 1 mg/day for hair loss. The study highlighted the need for further research to understand the long-term effects of finasteride on PSA levels and prostate cancer detection.