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

finasteride neuroactive steroids cerebrospinal fluid plasma sexual side effects anxious symptoms depressive symptoms Propecia

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.

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Research cited in this study

11 / 11 results

research Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Thoughts Among Former Users of Finasteride With Persistent Sexual Side Effects

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research Adverse Side Effects of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Therapy: Persistent Diminished Libido, Erectile Dysfunction, and Depression in a Subset of Patients

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The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

research The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

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Dutasteride more effective for hair growth, but has more side effects than finasteride.

research Finasteride Induced Depression: A Prospective Study

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Finasteride may cause slight depression and anxiety.

research A New Look at the 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride

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research Depression Related to Finasteride Administration for Androgenetic Alopecia

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Finasteride for hair loss may cause depression, affecting sleep and relationships.

research Finasteride

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research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

581 citations, October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

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

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