Investigation of the Plausibility of 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor Syndrome

    January 2016 in “ Skin appendage disorders ”
    Raymond Fertig, Jerry Shapiro, Wilma F. Bergfeld, Antonella Tosti
    Image of study
    TLDR The document concludes that sexual and psychiatric side effects from 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are reported, but more high-quality research is needed to understand how often they occur.
    The document from January 1, 2016, reviews the evidence for persistent sexual dysfunction and mood changes associated with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5aRIs) like finasteride and dutasteride. It reports that sexual side effects are well-documented, with one high-quality trial and two low-quality studies indicating that these effects can persist, with one study showing a mean duration of 40 months. Psychological effects such as depression and anxiety were also reported, with one study showing a significant increase in depression scores and another finding that 75% of users reported depression and 44% had suicidal thoughts after discontinuation. Physical side effects like gynecomastia and male breast cancer were less consistently reported. The document concludes that while sexual and psychiatric side effects are reported, high-quality studies are lacking, and more research is needed to establish the true incidence and frequency of these problems. It also notes that finasteride's labeling includes warnings about possible adverse effects.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    25 / 25 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community DHT and 5AR respect post, it's importance within the brain

      in Research/Science  111 upvotes 9 months ago
      The conversation discusses whether to use finasteride for hair loss, considering its role in inhibiting DHT and 5AR, which can affect brain function and mood. Some users report anxiety and depression from finasteride, while others do not experience these side effects and emphasize the importance of DHT for brain and prostate health.

      community Finasteride is one of the best decisions I ever made

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  306 upvotes 1 year ago
      This conversation is about the effectiveness of Finasteride and Minoxidil as treatments for hair loss, with SnooBooks5080 claiming positive results from using both medications. However, other participants in the conversation caution that there are potential side effects to be aware of when taking Finasteride and advise people to do their research before making a decision.

      community Is this broscience? From More Plates, More Dates

      in Research/Science  21 upvotes 9 months ago
      The conversation discusses whether finasteride's reduction of DHT and increase in scalp testosterone contribute to hair follicle miniaturization. Some participants argue testosterone does not cause miniaturization, while others suggest that even with reduced DHT, other androgens like testosterone may still contribute to hair loss.

      community Why I deleted my YouTube channel Part I

      in Update  118 upvotes 3 years ago
      A YouTuber named Kevin, also known as Rider_Of_Roach, who deleted his YouTube channel due to personal attacks and controversy surrounding his views on hair loss treatments. He advocated for FDA-approved treatments like finasteride and minoxidil but faced backlash from those who disagreed with him. The conversation also discusses his past trolling behavior and a lawsuit he filed against a website that published false information about him. Despite some disagreements, many viewers appreciated his research-based content and hope to see him return in the future.

      community Fin raised my estrogen but also testosterone?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  17 upvotes 10 months ago
      A user experienced initial side effects from finasteride, including erectile dysfunction and emotional changes, but later noticed increased muscle mass and assertiveness. Hormonal tests showed elevated estrogen and prolactin levels, which slightly decreased over time; the user plans lifestyle changes to see if they help.

    Related Research

    8 / 8 results