Finasteride Induced Gynecomastia: Case Report and Review of the Literature

January 2009 in “ International Journal of Trichology ”

Yuval Ramot, Tali Czarnowicki, Abraham Zlotogorski

finasteride gynecomastia hair loss dutasteride Propecia

From the encyclopedia

Finasteride →

Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

Dutasteride →

Heavy duty finasteride that comes with higher risks

Studysummary This report describes two cases of gynecomastia linked to the use of Finasteride (Propecia®) for treating androgenetic alopecia, highlighting a rare but important side effect.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This paper reports two cases of gynecomastia caused by finasteride, a drug commonly used to treat hair loss. The cases highlight a potential side effect of the drug that may be more common than previously reported. The paper suggests that physicians should be aware of this side effect and inform their patients when prescribing finasteride. The paper also provides a review of the literature on gynecomastia prevalence after treatment with finasteride and dutasteride.

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Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

research Medical Treatments for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

212 citations , September 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses the various treatment options for male and female pattern hair loss and provides no new clinical results; the authors outline the most effective strategies based on existing evidence.

The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

research The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

215 citations , November 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that dutasteride increased scalp hair growth in men with male pattern hair loss, particularly at a 2.5 mg dose, and was more effective than finasteride over 24 weeks.

research Unilateral Gynecomastia Induced by Treatment with 1 mg of Oral Finasteride

26 citations , April 2002 in “Archives of Dermatology”

research Cytologic Atypia in a 53-Year-Old Man with Finasteride-Induced Gynecomastia

7 citations , April 2000 in “Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine”

This case report describes the first observed cytologic changes in gynecomastia associated with finasteride therapy, emphasizing that cytoplasmic vacuolization should not be mistaken for malignancy.

research Finasteride

125 citations , January 1999 in “Drugs”

This study found that oral finasteride 1 mg/day promotes hair growth and prevents further hair loss in a significant proportion of men with male pattern hair loss over two years.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

581 citations , October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In male pattern hair loss, this study found that finasteride 1 mg daily significantly slowed hair loss and increased hair growth over two years compared to placebo.