Finasteride Inhibits Epinephrine Synthesis in Humans: Implications for Sexual Dysfunction

    May 2022 in “ Endocrine Abstracts
    Silvia Giatti, Silvia Diviccaro, Domizio Alessandro Di, Lucia Cioffi, Eva Falvo, Donatella Caruso, Alessandro Contini, Melcangi Roberto Cosimo
    TLDR Finasteride may cause sexual dysfunction by reducing epinephrine levels.
    Finasteride, a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor used for conditions like androgenetic alopecia, has been linked to sexual dysfunction, but the mechanisms were unclear. This study used in silico and in vitro methods to show that finasteride inhibits phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), reducing epinephrine synthesis. In vivo experiments on rats treated with finasteride showed decreased epinephrine and increased norepinephrine levels in adrenal glands, along with decreased estrogen receptor beta and dopamine in corpora cavernosa, suggesting impaired erectile function. These findings provide a potential explanation for finasteride-induced sexual dysfunction in humans.
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