The Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibition with Dutasteride and Finasteride on Semen Parameters and Serum Hormones in Healthy Men

    John K. Amory, Christina Wang, Ronald S. Swerdloff, Bradley D. Anawalt, Alvin M. Matsumoto, William J. Bremner, Susan P. Walker, Lynda J. Haberer, Richard F. Clark
    Image of study
    TLDR Dutasteride and finasteride may reduce sperm count and volume but don't affect movement or shape; effects are reversible after stopping.
    A study from 16 years ago found that dutasteride and finasteride, two drugs used for hair loss treatment, can decrease semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count in healthy men, but do not affect sperm motility or morphology. The drugs also lower serum levels of DHT and PSA, but the changes in semen parameters are reversible after stopping the drugs. The study suggests that these drugs should be used with caution in men who desire fertility.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    9 / 9 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Fresh off the press: Dutasteride may cause chronic infertility

      in Research/Science  615 upvotes 4 days ago
      Dutasteride may cause chronic infertility by reducing semen volume and motility, with concerns about irreversible prostate fibrosis. Users consider switching to finasteride or using treatments like minoxidil and microneedling, weighing hair preservation against fertility.

      community Why does it seem everyone favors finasteride over dutasteride?

      in Female  62 upvotes 11 months ago
      The conversation discusses preferences for hair loss treatments, specifically finasteride over dutasteride. Users share personal experiences, cost considerations, FDA approval status, and potential side effects, with some switching between treatments to find what works best for them.

      community Having androgen receptor density and sensitivity at wrong f*ing place

      in Satire  7 upvotes 5 months ago
      The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, focusing on the use of topical minoxidil, microneedling, finasteride, and dutasteride, while debating the role of testosterone and DHT in hair loss. It also touches on the potential liver health impacts of these treatments and the genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens.
      FCE 28260: A Forgotten 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

      community FCE 28260: A Forgotten 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

      in Research  330 upvotes 7 months ago
      FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.

      community Trying to understand finasteride side effects and post finasteride syndrome

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  72 upvotes 4 years ago
      The conversation discusses the side effects of finasteride, including low libido and erectile dysfunction, and the possibility of these effects being permanent, known as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Some users report personal experiences with PFS and debate whether the condition is real, with varying opinions on the reversibility of side effects and the role of individual biology.

    Related Research

    4 / 4 results