The Impact of the 5α-Reductase Inhibitors on Male Sexual Function and Psychological Well-Being

    August 2015 in “ Current Sexual Health Reports ”
    Abdulmaged M. Traish
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    TLDR 5α-reductase inhibitors can cause serious and possibly lasting sexual and psychological side effects.
    The 2015 document reviewed the adverse effects of 5α-reductase inhibitors (5α-RIs) like finasteride and dutasteride on male sexual function and psychological well-being. It reported that these drugs, used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA), are linked to serious sexual side effects such as loss of libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), and ejaculatory dysfunction, which may be persistent or irreversible. The document also highlighted the potential for these drugs to interfere with neurosteroid biosynthesis, possibly leading to depression. Clinical studies have shown a significant incidence of sexual dysfunction in patients treated with 5α-RIs, and preclinical studies suggest that the molecular mechanisms involved could have lasting effects. The document concluded that the safety of 5α-RIs is questionable and that physicians have an ethical responsibility to inform patients about these risks before prescribing the medication.
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      in Research  330 upvotes 3 months ago
      FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.

      community NW5 at 19. How many grafts do I need?

      in Transplants  140 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 19-year-old with rapid hair loss since 16 is considering a hair transplant but refuses to take finasteride or any 5α-Reductase inhibitors. They are currently using minoxidil, tretinoin, and microneedling with a Derminator 2, and only want hair until age 27.

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