18 citations,
March 2020 in “Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology” The enzymes 5α-reductase and 3α/β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase help create brain-active substances from progesterone and testosterone, which could be used for treatment, but more research is needed to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
26 citations,
December 2019 in “Neurobiology of Stress” Post-finasteride syndrome causes lasting sexual, neurological, and physical side effects in some people after taking finasteride.
35 citations,
November 2019 in “Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology” Men and women have different levels and production of brain steroids, which may affect their risk for certain brain disorders.
37 citations,
September 2018 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology” Finasteride treatment in male rats causes long-lasting effects on depression-like behavior, brain cell growth, inflammation, and gut bacteria composition.
40 citations,
April 2018 in “Endocrine” PFS and PSSD are similar conditions with persistent sexual dysfunction after stopping medication.
58 citations,
April 2017 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Post-finasteride patients show changed neuroactive steroid levels, possibly causing erectile dysfunction and depression.
50 citations,
March 2017 in “PeerJ” Using finasteride or dutasteride may cause long-lasting erectile dysfunction.
50 citations,
September 2016 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Finasteride for hair loss may cause persistent sexual symptoms, depression, anxiety, and lower quality of life.
19 citations,
September 2016 in “Pharmacotherapy” Finasteride for hair loss increases risk of long-lasting sexual dysfunction.
43 citations,
January 2016 in “International Journal of Andrology” Finasteride caused long-term sexual and non-sexual side effects in young men with hair loss.
33 citations,
January 2016 in “Skin appendage disorders” The document concludes that sexual and psychiatric side effects from 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are reported, but more high-quality research is needed to understand how often they occur.
33 citations,
December 2015 in “Neuroendocrinology” Finasteride treatment changes brain steroid levels and receptors, affecting brain function even after stopping treatment.
69 citations,
July 2015 in “Pharmacotherapy” Low-dose finasteride may cause lasting sexual dysfunction and suicidal thoughts in young men.
81 citations,
June 2014 in “American Journal of Men's Health” Finasteride can cause lasting sexual, emotional, and cognitive issues, with varying severity.
61 citations,
April 2014 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Finasteride affects brain and blood steroids, causing lasting sexual and emotional side effects.
73 citations,
July 2013 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Finasteride use changes brain chemicals, causing lasting sexual issues and anxiety/depression.
71 citations,
November 2012 in “Expert Opinion on Drug Safety” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can cause sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction and reduced sexual desire, sometimes lasting after stopping the drug.
13 citations,
November 2012 in “PubMed” 5α-reductase inhibitors may worsen sexual drive and spontaneous erections but don't worsen existing erectile or ejaculatory problems.
134 citations,
August 2012 in “The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry” Former finasteride users with persistent sexual side effects have higher rates of depression and suicidal thoughts.
112 citations,
July 2012 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Finasteride may cause long-lasting sexual side effects.
185 citations,
March 2011 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Finasteride for hair loss can cause long-lasting sexual side effects like low libido and erectile dysfunction.
223 citations,
December 2010 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Some patients taking finasteride or dutasteride may have ongoing sexual problems and depression even after stopping the medication.
99 citations,
October 2006 in “BMC clinical pharmacology” Finasteride may cause slight depression and anxiety.
88 citations,
October 2002 in “Journal of Dermatology” Finasteride for hair loss may cause depression, affecting sleep and relationships.
