TLDR A man's low testosterone and related symptoms improved after he stopped taking hair loss drugs.
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.
20 citations,
June 2017 in “Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation” Long-term use of dutasteride for enlarged prostate may worsen blood sugar, cholesterol, and erectile dysfunction.
20 citations,
June 2015 in “Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation” Finasteride worsens erectile dysfunction and lowers testosterone in men with enlarged prostates, unlike tamsulosin.
195 citations,
February 2007 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Dutasteride and finasteride may reduce sperm count and volume but don't affect movement or shape; effects are reversible after stopping.
1040 citations,
October 1992 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride effectively treats BPH but may increase sexual dysfunction risk.
147 citations,
April 1990 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Finasteride safely lowers DHT levels without affecting testosterone.
November 2023 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” Saw palmetto extract reduced hair loss and improved hair growth in people with hair thinning.
3 citations,
January 2017 in “Journal of cosmetology & trichology” The nutritional supplement improved hair quality and reduced hair loss.
24 citations,
June 2011 in “Andrologia” Ganoderma lucidum may help treat enlarged prostate in rats.
16 citations,
September 2018 in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” Plant-based remedies may treat hair loss by reducing inflammation and improving insulin resistance.
24 citations,
January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” Hormonal treatment is effective for women with acne not helped by usual treatments, especially if they have hormonal imbalances.