Symptoms of Hypogonadism Caused by 5α-Reductase Inhibitors

November 2017 in “ International journal of family & community medicine ”

Hiroki Maita, Tadashi Kobayashi, Hiroshi Osawa, Takahiro Hirano, Hiroyuki Kato

5α-reductase inhibitors finasteride saw palmetto alopecia total testosterone follicle-stimulating hormone luteinizing hormone 5-ARIs Propecia hair loss TT FSH LH

From the encyclopedia

Finasteride →

Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

Saw Palmetto →

a natural and far less effective alternative to Finasteride

Studysummary This case report observed that hypogonadism and cold sensation resolved in a patient after discontinuing 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, suggesting these medications may contribute to such symptoms.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

In 2017, a case study reported on a 28-year-old man who developed symptoms of hypogonadism, such as fatigue and cold sensation and paresthesia of lower extremities, after taking two types of 5α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs): finasteride and saw palmetto. These drugs, often used in hair growth-promoting agents, were taken orally for alopecia prevention. Lab tests showed low levels of total testosterone (TT), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). After stopping both drugs, the patient's hormone levels improved and his symptoms completely resolved within a month. The study concluded that 5-ARIs can cause symptoms of hypogonadism and suggested that physicians should consider 5-ARIs as a potential cause of such symptoms, and carefully review all ingested drugs, including imported and over-the-counter medications.

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Research cited in this study

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Long-Term Dutasteride Therapy in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Alters Glucose and Lipid Profiles and Increases Severity of Erectile Dysfunction

research Long-Term Dutasteride Therapy in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Alters Glucose and Lipid Profiles and Increases Severity of Erectile Dysfunction

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Finasteride, Not Tamsulosin, Increases Severity of Erectile Dysfunction and Decreases Testosterone Levels in Men With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

research Finasteride, Not Tamsulosin, Increases Severity of Erectile Dysfunction and Decreases Testosterone Levels in Men With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

20 citations , June 2015 in “Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation”

This study found that long-term finasteride therapy in men with BPH worsened erectile dysfunction and reduced testosterone levels, while these effects were not observed with tamsulosin.

research The Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibition with Dutasteride and Finasteride on Semen Parameters and Serum Hormones in Healthy Men

195 citations , February 2007 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

In this study, administering 5alpha-reductase inhibitors reduced dihydrotestosterone levels and was associated with mild, reversible decreases in semen parameters in healthy men.

research The Effect of Finasteride in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1040 citations , October 1992 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

In this study, 5 mg of finasteride per day significantly improved urinary symptoms and reduced prostate volume in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, but increased the risk of sexual dysfunction.

research Effects of Finasteride (MK-906), a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor, on Circulating Androgens in Male Volunteers

147 citations , April 1990 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study found that finasteride significantly suppresses serum dihydrotestosterone levels at all tested doses in normal male volunteers without significant adverse effects.