Association of Hair Loss With Suicidality and Psychological Adverse Events vs Finasteride Use—Reply

May 2021 in “ JAMA Dermatology ”

David-Dan Nguyen, Eugene B. Cone, Quoc-Dien Trinh

hair loss suicidality psychological adverse events finasteride depression anxiety adverse effects confounding by indication sensitivity analyses Propecia

TLDR Finasteride use may be linked to hair loss, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

The document discussed the association between hair loss, suicidality, and psychological adverse events in patients treated with finasteride. The authors acknowledged the interest in their work and highlighted two main investigative avenues: the mediation of depression, anxiety, and suicidality by adverse effects, and the potential confounding by stimulated reporting. They addressed concerns about confounding by indication through comprehensive sensitivity analyses.

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Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research Investigation of Suicidality and Psychological Adverse Events in Patients Treated With Finasteride

40 citations, November 2020 in “JAMA Dermatology”

Finasteride may cause suicidal thoughts and mental side effects, especially in young people with hair loss.

research Sexual Dysfunction in Men Taking Systemic Dermatologic Medication: A Systematic Review

11 citations, March 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Some men taking finasteride for hair loss may experience sexual problems like erectile dysfunction and decreased sex drive, which can persist even after stopping the medication.

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User shared 1-year progress using finasteride 1mg and minoxidil, regaining hair density. Others praised the improvement and asked about side effects and additional treatments.

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The release of a study on 5a-reductase inhibitors (finasteride and dutasteride) which showed an increased risk of depression, dementia, decreased libido, and reduced semen load as potential side effects; discussion around other forms of hair loss treatments such as topical minoxidil, RU58841, or opting to accept baldness; and advice to consider professional help for deeper issues related to hair loss.

community EU Shouldn't Ban Fin & Dut: PFS is NOT REAL.

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Finasteride and Dutasteride do not cause depression or "Post Finasteride Syndrome," with concerns often linked to the nocebo effect and preexisting mental health issues. The EU is unlikely to ban these drugs, but access may become more restricted due to ongoing debates.

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A user shared a 60-day progress update on hair regrowth using only 5% Minoxidil foam once daily. Others suggested adding finasteride to address the underlying cause of hair loss and maintain long-term results.

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The conversation discusses personal experiences with hair loss treatments, specifically Minoxidil and Finasteride, with some users regretting not starting treatment earlier and others experiencing side effects. Some users are considering or have switched to topical formulations due to side effects from oral medications.

community How finasteride lowers brain's happiness steroid allopregnanolone and causes depression: systemic dihydroprogesterone crosses blood brain barrier, you don't even need finasteride and brain 5ar for that

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Finasteride may lower allopregnanolone levels, potentially affecting mood, but many users report improved mental health due to reduced hair loss. Experiences with finasteride and dutasteride vary, with some experiencing side effects and others finding them beneficial for hair retention and overall happiness.

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research A Case of Hair Loss Induced by Carbamazepine

2 citations, June 2004 in “PubMed”

Carbamazepine caused hair loss in a man, which stopped after he stopped taking the drug.

Outcome of Long-Term Treatment with the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism: Clinical and Hormonal Effects During a 1-Year Course of Therapy and 1-Year Follow-Up

research Outcome of Long-Term Treatment with the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism: Clinical and Hormonal Effects During a 1-Year Course of Therapy and 1-Year Follow-Up

75 citations, November 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Finasteride effectively reduces hair growth in women with idiopathic hirsutism, but requires careful contraception during treatment.