January 2022 in “Skin appendage disorders” Finasteride is effective for male hair loss, but it may cause fertility issues, mental health problems, and rarely, breast growth. Regular health checks can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Patient understanding and involvement in treatment is important.
1 citations,
January 2021 in “Skin appendage disorders” 
14 citations,
January 2019 in “Skin appendage disorders” PFS might be a delusional disorder with potential to become mass psychogenic illness.
37 citations,
September 2018 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology” Finasteride treatment in male rats causes long-lasting effects on depression-like behavior, brain cell growth, inflammation, and gut bacteria composition.
3 citations,
June 2018 in “International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy” Baby born healthy despite mom taking finasteride, but more research needed.
50 citations,
September 2016 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Finasteride for hair loss may cause persistent sexual symptoms, depression, anxiety, and lower quality of life.
33 citations,
January 2016 in “Skin appendage disorders” The document concludes that sexual and psychiatric side effects from 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are reported, but more high-quality research is needed to understand how often they occur.
69 citations,
July 2015 in “Pharmacotherapy” Low-dose finasteride may cause lasting sexual dysfunction and suicidal thoughts in young men.
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.
36 citations,
June 2014 in “PLOS ONE” Finasteride, a hair loss drug, may cause long-term sexual side effects due to changes in hormone receptor levels.
81 citations,
June 2014 in “American Journal of Men's Health” Finasteride can cause lasting sexual, emotional, and cognitive issues, with varying severity.
134 citations,
August 2012 in “The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry” Former finasteride users with persistent sexual side effects have higher rates of depression and suicidal thoughts.
112 citations,
July 2012 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Finasteride may cause long-lasting sexual side effects.
41 citations,
October 2011 in “Journal of Dermatology” Finasteride 1 mg effectively and safely increases hair growth in Japanese men with hair loss.
23 citations,
August 2011 in “Journal of Dermatology” Finasteride helps hair loss patients' quality of life.
185 citations,
March 2011 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Finasteride for hair loss can cause long-lasting sexual side effects like low libido and erectile dysfunction.
223 citations,
December 2010 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Some patients taking finasteride or dutasteride may have ongoing sexual problems and depression even after stopping the medication.
152 citations,
October 2010 in “Archives of Dermatology” Finasteride helps hair growth but may cause sexual side effects.
88 citations,
October 2002 in “Journal of Dermatology” Finasteride for hair loss may cause depression, affecting sleep and relationships.
180 citations,
September 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Hair loss affects self-esteem and quality of life; treatments can help.
581 citations,
October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.
143 citations,
October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Too much androgen can cause hair loss; finasteride may help.
43 citations,
July 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology” People with androgenetic alopecia have more personality disorders and mental health symptoms; treatment may help.
1040 citations,
October 1992 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride effectively treats BPH but may increase sexual dysfunction risk.
