TLDR Finasteride reduces hair loss and treats BPH without major hormone changes, but may cause sexual dysfunction.
Finasteride is a drug used to treat hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It reduces dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels without significantly affecting other hormone levels. However, it may cause sexual dysfunction in some patients. Studies have shown that finasteride is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss and BPH, but clinicians should monitor hormone levels and sexual function in patients taking the drug. Further research is needed to fully understand the clinical significance of its effects on hormone levels.
14 citations,
June 1995 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” 
86 citations,
July 1993 in “Drugs” Finasteride treats enlarged prostate, shrinks it, improves urination, but may cause sexual dysfunction and isn't for women or children.
1040 citations,
October 1992 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride effectively treats BPH but may increase sexual dysfunction risk.
29 citations,
July 2009 in “BJU international” Blocking DHT production more strongly may help control advanced prostate cancer and improve quality of life.
124 citations,
January 1993 in “The Prostate” Finasteride effectively inhibits 5α reductase, while plant extracts like Permixon and Bazoton don't show significant results.
11 citations,
February 2016 in “Current Medicinal Chemistry” New treatments for prostate cancer and BPH show promise, including novel compounds that target hormone synthesis and response.
1 citations,
July 2017 in “The Journal of Urology” Low-dose finasteride and dutasteride reduce PSA levels by 27.8% in men with male androgenetic alopecia.
408 citations,
May 2004 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Dutasteride more effectively lowers DHT levels in men with enlarged prostates than finasteride.
