Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss

March 2011 in “ The Journal of Sexual Medicine ”

Michael S. Irwig, Swapna Kolukula

finasteride male pattern hair loss low libido erectile dysfunction decreased arousal problems with orgasm Propecia

Studysummary This study found that 94% of healthy men reported low libido and 92% reported erectile dysfunction as persistent sexual side effects after using finasteride for male pattern hair loss, with these effects lasting on average 40 months post-discontinuation.

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

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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This review discusses persistent adverse effects of 5α‐reductase inhibitors, like diminished libido and erectile dysfunction, in some patients and highlights the need for patient discussions before therapy, especially for androgenetic alopecia.

research The Effect of 5-Reductase Inhibitors on Erectile Function

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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

215 citations , November 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that dutasteride increased scalp hair growth in men with male pattern hair loss, particularly at a 2.5 mg dose, and was more effective than finasteride over 24 weeks.

research The Effects of Transdermal Dihydrotestosterone in the Aging Male: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Study

110 citations , 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.

research Finasteride

125 citations , January 1999 in “Drugs”

This study found that oral finasteride 1 mg/day promotes hair growth and prevents further hair loss in a significant proportion of men with male pattern hair loss over two years.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

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

In male pattern hair loss, this study found that finasteride 1 mg daily significantly slowed hair loss and increased hair growth over two years compared to placebo.