Neuroactive Steroid Levels Are Modified in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma of Post-Finasteride Patients Showing Persistent Sexual Side Effects and Anxious/Depressive Symptomatology

    July 2013 in “ The Journal of Sexual Medicine ”
    Roberto Cosimo Melcangi, Donatella Caruso, Federico Abbiati, Silvia Giatti, Donato Calabrese, Fabrizio Piazza, Guido Cavaletti
    Image of study
    TLDR Finasteride use changes brain chemicals, causing lasting sexual issues and anxiety/depression.
    This study found that neuroactive steroid levels were altered in the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of male patients who had taken finasteride for hair loss and were experiencing long-term sexual side effects and anxious/depressive symptoms after discontinuing the drug. The study suggests that these changes in neuroactive steroid levels may be related to the development of these symptoms. The study involved 16 patients and 24 controls.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    11 / 11 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Proof that finasteride messes with neurosteroids

      in Research/Science  230 upvotes 11 months ago
      Finasteride can impact neurosteroids, potentially causing depression and other side effects in some users. Despite these concerns, many continue using it for hair loss, with some switching to topical applications to mitigate side effects.

      community Why is Kevin Mann (Haircafe) Hated?

      in Chat  62 upvotes 2 years ago
      Hair loss treatments, including microneedling, minoxidil, finasteride and RU58841; the efficacy of these treatments; criticisms of Kevin Mann's content related to his selective data presentation and biases towards certain treatments; and other topics such as DHT being labeled a "trash hormone" and critiques of other hairloss YouTubers.

      community risks with finasteride and dutasteride

      in Research/Science  93 upvotes 1 day ago
      Finasteride and dutasteride have potential risks, including post-finasteride syndrome, but are commonly used for hair loss. RU58841, minoxidil, and needling are suggested as alternatives, though all treatments carry risks.

    Related Research

    3 / 3 results