Effect of Finasteride on Lipid Profile in Individuals with Androgenetic Alopecia

February 2013 in “ African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ”

Seied Reza Seied Mohammad Doulabi, Hossein Kavoussi, D. Isapour, Amir Hossein Hashemian, Ali Taheriniya

finasteride androgenetic alopecia HDL triglyceride LDL total cholesterol atherosclerosis Propecia

Studysummary This study found that in patients with androgenetic hair loss, taking 1 mg of finasteride daily significantly raised triglyceride levels and decreased HDL levels after 3 and 6 months.

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The study investigated the effect of finasteride on the lipid profile of 25 individuals with androgenetic alopecia. The results showed a significant decrease in HDL plasma level after 6 months of therapy and a significant increase in triglyceride plasma level after 3 months of therapy. No significant changes were observed in LDL and total cholesterol levels. The study suggests that the use of finasteride may increase the risk of atherosclerosis, and high-risk patients should be identified to avoid the use of 1 mg finasteride tablets. Lifestyle modifications and avoiding high-fat food may help counter the adverse effects of the drug. Further studies are needed to corroborate the findings.

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Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Changes of Metabolic Profile in Men Treated for Androgenetic Alopecia with 1 mg Finasteride

24 citations , January 2010 in “Endocrine Regulations”

In this study, men taking 1 mg/day of finasteride for 12 months showed minor metabolic changes and slight improvements in glucose metabolism.

research Is Androgenetic Alopecia a Risk for Atherosclerosis?

38 citations , February 2009 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that patients with severe vertex pattern androgenetic alopecia had significantly higher carotid intima-media thickness, suggesting an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis compared to other alopecia patterns and healthy controls.

The Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibition With Dutasteride and Finasteride on Bone Mineral Density, Serum Lipoproteins, Hemoglobin, Prostate Specific Antigen, and Sexual Function in Healthy Young Men

research The Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibition With Dutasteride and Finasteride on Bone Mineral Density, Serum Lipoproteins, Hemoglobin, Prostate Specific Antigen, and Sexual Function in Healthy Young Men

72 citations , April 2008 in “The Journal of urology/The journal of urology”

This study found that 1-year use of 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, dutasteride or finasteride, significantly lowered dihydrotestosterone levels without adversely affecting bone density, lipids, or hemoglobin in normal men.