36 citations
,
June 2014 in “PLOS ONE” This study found that men with persistent sexual side effects after using finasteride for androgenetic alopecia had higher androgen receptor expression in certain tissues compared to those who never used the drug.
73 citations
,
July 2013 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” This study observed that androgenic alopecia patients taking finasteride had altered neuroactive steroid levels and persistent depression symptoms even after stopping the treatment.
71 citations
,
November 2012 in “Expert Opinion on Drug Safety” This article reviews the reported sexual and psychological side effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for benign prostatic hyperplasia, emphasizing the need for further clinical studies.
185 citations
,
March 2011 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” This study found that 94% of healthy men reported low libido and 92% reported erectile dysfunction as persistent sexual side effects after using finasteride for male pattern hair loss, with these effects lasting on average 40 months post-discontinuation.
223 citations
,
December 2010 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” This review discusses persistent adverse effects of 5α‐reductase inhibitors, like diminished libido and erectile dysfunction, in some patients and highlights the need for patient discussions before therapy, especially for androgenetic alopecia.
225 citations
,
July 2007 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” In this study, patients informed about finasteride's potential sexual side effects reported a significantly higher occurrence of these side effects, suggesting a nocebo effect.
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.
408 citations
,
May 2004 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” This study found that dutasteride more effectively reduced serum dihydrotestosterone levels than finasteride in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
1707 citations
,
December 2003 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Combination therapy of doxazosin and finasteride safely and effectively reduces benign prostatic hyperplasia progression risk.
110 citations
,
April 2002 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Dihydrotestosterone gel improved well-being and sexual function in older men without negatively affecting prostate health.
187 citations
,
June 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” This study reported that finasteride 1 mg/day significantly increased hair growth and slowed hair loss in men with frontal scalp hair thinning over one year, and these benefits continued or improved in the second year.
581 citations
,
October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” In male pattern hair loss, this study found that finasteride 1 mg daily significantly slowed hair loss and increased hair growth over two years compared to placebo.
1054 citations
,
February 1998 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” In this study, men with benign prostatic hyperplasia who took finasteride for four years experienced reduced urinary symptoms, fewer surgeries, less acute urinary retention, increased urinary flow rates, and decreased prostate volume.
728 citations
,
August 1996 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Terazosin and finasteride effectively treat BPH, but combining them adds no extra benefit.
93 citations
,
January 1996 in “Clinical Pharmacokinectics” Finasteride helps regrow hair and shrink prostate by reducing DHT, with some sexual side effects.
26 citations
,
July 1995 in “Neurobiology of Aging” Finasteride affects prostate weights and pituitary activity differently with age.
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.