The Impact of 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Use for Male Pattern Hair Loss on Men's Health

    June 2018 in “ Current Urology Reports ”
    Mohammed Yahya Said, Akanksha Mehta
    Image of study
    TLDR Hair loss drugs may cause sexual issues and infertility in men.
    The use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for male pattern hair loss can have negative effects on men's sexual and reproductive health, including erectile dysfunction, decreased ejaculate volume, decreased libido, and infertility. While some studies have shown no evidence of increased risk of sexual dysfunction with finasteride use, recent studies have reported serious and persistent sexual and spermatogenic side effects among young men using these drugs. Physicians prescribing 5-alpha reductase inhibitors should discuss the potential adverse side effects with their patients.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    38 / 38 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Post Finasteride Syndrome, A dangerous lie.

      in Chat  142 upvotes 2 years ago
      A user initially had side effects from finasteride, attributed them to anxiety and the nocebo effect, and after resuming the drug, experienced positive effects and now warns against misinformation about Post Finasteride Syndrome.

      community Wtf have we been doing for the last 30 years

      in Treatment  548 upvotes 1 year ago
      Hair loss treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride work but have side effects. A permanent cure is still not available due to the complexity of hair loss and limited investment.

      community It's not just about your hair, it's also about YOU!

      in Chat  73 upvotes 2 years ago
      The user has been on Finasteride and oral Minoxidil for hair loss and experienced minimal side effects. They suggest that a healthy lifestyle, including good sleep, exercise, diet, skincare, and mental health care, may help reduce the perceived side effects of Finasteride, although another user disagrees, emphasizing that side effects can vary and may not be mitigated by lifestyle alone.

      community Is this broscience? From More Plates, More Dates

      in Research/Science  21 upvotes 2 years 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 It's crazy how it's 2018 and the only hair loss treatments we have feature undesirable side effects and/or aren't even effective for many people.

       131 upvotes 7 years ago
      Hair loss treatments, including minoxidil, dermarolling, finasteride, dutasteride, hair transplants, hair systems, and shaving the head. The conversation covers various opinions on these treatments and mentions possible side effects as well as alternatives like wigs, vitamins, and lifestyle changes. The post expresses disappointment that there has been no major breakthrough in the field of hair loss treatments despite decades of research.

    Related Research

    9 / 9 results