Patients treated for male pattern hair with finasteride show, after discontinuation of the drug, altered levels of neuroactive steroids in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma
February 2015
in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology”
TLDR Finasteride affects brain and blood steroids, causing lasting sexual and emotional side effects.
The study found that patients treated for male pattern hair loss with finasteride showed altered levels of neuroactive steroids in their cerebrospinal fluid and plasma after discontinuing the drug. These changes were associated with persistent sexual side effects and anxious/depressive symptomatology. The study suggests that finasteride may have long-lasting effects on the nervous system and highlights the importance of monitoring patients for potential adverse effects.
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