Finasteride

April 2017 in “ Reactions Weekly ”

finasteride androgenic alopecia dihydrotestosterone estradiol gynaecomastia vitiligo sexual dysfunction depressive symptoms neuroendocrine circuits Propecia DHT

TLDR Man experienced sexual dysfunction, depression, breast growth, and skin discoloration after taking finasteride for hair loss.

A 52-year-old man experienced sexual dysfunction, depressive symptoms, gynaecomastia, and vitiligo after taking finasteride for androgenic alopecia. His dihydrotestosterone levels decreased by 70% and estradiol levels slightly increased after treatment. He showed a slight improvement in hair density/thickness after the 4 months finasteride treatment, but vitiligo appeared 2 months later. The author notes that depression and sexual dysfunction are the most often described persistent adverse effects after finasteride administration and suggests a possible direct action of finasteride on some general or cutaneous neuroendocrine circuits/systems related to vitiligo.

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Research cited in this study

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research Post-Finasteride Adverse Effects in Male Androgenic Alopecia: A Case Report of Vitiligo

10 citations, January 2017 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

Finasteride may cause vitiligo, sexual issues, and depression; better treatments and predicting side effects needed.

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community Is this broscience? From More Plates, More Dates

in Research/Science 22 upvotes 8 months ago

The conversation discusses whether finasteride's reduction of DHT and increase in scalp testosterone contribute to hair follicle miniaturization. Some participants argue testosterone does not cause miniaturization, while others suggest that even with reduced DHT, other androgens like testosterone may still contribute to hair loss.

community 2022 Official beginner guide for "I'm losing my hair, what can I do?"

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Hair loss treatments include Finasteride, Minoxidil, Ketoconazole shampoo, and Microneedling. Additional options are Dutasteride, oral Minoxidil, and hair transplants.

community A meta analysis of 18 popular hair loss treatments. An 2022 guide on efficacy. From finasteride and minoxidil to caffeine shampoo, saw palmetto and biotin. 96 Scientific References included.

in Research/Science 101 upvotes 2 years ago

Most hair loss treatments are ineffective; only finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil show effectiveness.

community Is it possible for androgenic alopecia to begin at early adolescent years?

in Chat 70 upvotes 1 year ago

Hair loss can begin in early adolescence and cause mental anguish. Treatments mentioned include eating cruciferous vegetables, engaging in physical activity, and maintaining scalp hygiene.

community Spironolactone for 11 years, finasteride for almost 5 years, started oral minoxidil in November 😢 ended oral contraceptive in Dec.

in Progress Pictures 224 upvotes 7 months ago

A user shared their 11-year experience with spironolactone and nearly 5 years with finasteride for hair loss, recently adding oral minoxidil and stopping birth control. Various treatments were discussed, including organic options, checking for underlying health issues, considering dutasteride, and the potential role of progesterone in hair loss.

community 2024 guide for male pattern baldness: 10 take home messages from Dr. Moreno-Arrones

in Research/Science 243 upvotes 1 month ago

Effective treatments for male pattern baldness include finasteride, dutasteride, and oral minoxidil. Non-effective approaches include oils, shampoos, serums, laser therapies, massages, vitamins, and microneedling.

Related Research

2 / 2 results

research Influence of Finasteride Treatment on Metabolic Profile of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

April 2009 in “11th European Congress of Endocrinology”

Taking 1 mg finasteride for a year reduces dihydrotestosterone levels in men with early hair loss, but doesn't change their metabolic state.

research Finasteride for Hirsutism: A Dose Finding Study

8 citations, January 1998 in “PubMed”