Finasteride-Induced Gynecomastia: Case Reports and Review
January 2009
in “
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
”
TLDR Finasteride can cause rare breast growth side effect, with varying recovery after stopping.
The article reports two cases of gynecomastia, a rare side effect of finasteride, a drug used to treat male androgenetic alopecia. One patient experienced complete resolution of gynecomastia after stopping treatment, while the other had partial resolution. Reduction in serum dihydrotestosterone is a theoretical cause of gynecomastia induced by finasteride. The article suggests that continued surveillance and close follow-up of cases on long-term treatments with finasteride are needed for better knowledge of the real incidence of gynecomastia.