The Influence of Low Dose Finasteride, a Type II 5α-Reductase Inhibitor, on Circulating Neuroactive Steroids

September 2009 in “ Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation ”

Michaela Duskova, Martin Hill, Luboslav Stárka

finasteride type II 5α-reductase inhibitor androgenetic alopecia 5α-reduced steroids allopregnanediol dihydrotestosterone pregnenolone Propecia DHT

TLDR Low dose finasteride decreases certain steroids, possibly increasing depression risk.

The study examined the effects of low dose finasteride, a type II 5α-reductase inhibitor, on circulating neuroactive steroids in men with premature androgenetic alopecia. The study found that finasteride treatment decreased 5α-reduced steroids, including allopregnanediol, dihydrotestosterone, and pregnenolone, which could be a factor in the increased occurrence of depression in men treated with finasteride, even at low doses. The study suggests that finasteride should be prescribed with caution for patients with a high risk of depression.

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