TLDR Finasteride for hair loss can cause long-lasting sexual side effects like low libido and erectile dysfunction.
The study investigated the persistent sexual side effects of finasteride, a medication used for male pattern hair loss. The study found that a subset of men taking finasteride developed persistent sexual side effects, including low libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased arousal, and problems with orgasm. The mean duration of these side effects was at least 40 months, with some subjects reporting durations of over 6 years. The study suggests that healthcare providers should inform patients of the potential for these side effects before prescribing finasteride.
Cited in this study
6 / 6 results
223 citations
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March 2011 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Some patients taking finasteride or dutasteride may have ongoing sexual problems and depression even after stopping the medication.
31 citations
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April 2008 in “International Journal of Andrology” 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may cause a low incidence of erectile dysfunction that decreases over time.
215 citations
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December 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Dutasteride more effective for hair growth, but has more side effects than finasteride.
110 citations
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April 2002 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Dihydrotestosterone gel improved well-being and sexual function in older men without negatively affecting prostate health.
125 citations
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January 1999 in “Drugs” Finasteride effectively treats baldness but may cause sexual side effects.
581 citations
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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.
March 2023 in “International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology” Various medicinal plants like Polygonum multiflorum, Red ginseng extract, and Zizyphus jujuba can potentially treat hair loss, offering benefits like low cost and multiple ways of working. Other effective natural substances include Pygeum africanum, Seneroa, Urtica dioica, and more.
October 2022 in “Journal of Drugs in Dermatology”
January 2022 in “Cosmoderma” Using oral minoxidil and dutasteride together can quickly increase hair growth and volume with minimal side effects.
3 citations
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May 2020 in “Journal of The Korean Medical Association”
September 2016 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”
November 2014 in “PharmaTutor” Finasteride may help postmenopausal women with hair loss but is not effective for all and should be used cautiously in premenopausal women.
185 citations
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June 2011 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Finasteride for hair loss can cause long-lasting sexual side effects like low libido and erectile dysfunction.
3 citations
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November 2005 in “Journal of Research in Medical Sciences” 10 citations
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June 2001 in “PubMed” Finasteride is effective in growing hair and stopping hair loss in men with mild to moderate alopecia.