Post-Finasteride Syndrome: Between Myth and Reality

June 2014 in “ L Endocrinologo ”

Alessandro Pizzocaro, Giovanna Motta, L Negri, Cinzia Iotti

finasteride Post-Finasteride Syndrome DHT 5AR metabolites Propecia

Studysummary Finasteride can cause lasting sexual and mood issues even after stopping the drug.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Numerous studies demonstrated an association between the use of finasteride and the onset of sexual dysfunctions and depressive syndrome, which could persist after discontinuation of the drug, known as Post-Finasteride Syndrome. The reduced levels of DHT and neuroactive 5AR metabolites in key areas of the central nervous system for sexual activity and mood regulation were suggested to be responsible for the syndrome. This work aimed to characterize the syndrome to improve its management.

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research Effects of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors on Erectile Function, Sexual Desire, and Ejaculation

71 citations , November 2012 in “Expert Opinion on Drug Safety”

This article reviews the reported sexual and psychological side effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for benign prostatic hyperplasia, emphasizing the need for further clinical studies.

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

134 citations , August 2012 in “The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry”

This study found that former finasteride users with persistent sexual side effects reported significantly higher rates of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts compared to controls.

research Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride: Could They Be Permanent?

112 citations , July 2012 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

In this study, 96% of men with persistent sexual side effects from finasteride reported continued dysfunction after discontinuation, suggesting these effects may endure long-term.

research Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss

185 citations , March 2011 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

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.

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

223 citations , December 2010 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

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 Efficacy and Safety of Finasteride Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia

152 citations , October 2010 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that daily oral finasteride may increase hair count and improve hair appearance assessments in men with androgenetic alopecia, but it also appears to raise the risk of sexual dysfunction.

research 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors and Erectile Dysfunction: The Connection

78 citations , December 2008 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

This review highlights that sexual dysfunction associated with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors is recognized in clinical literature, with erectile dysfunction being the most common adverse effect, followed by ejaculatory dysfunction and decreased libido.

research Finasteride 5mg and Sexual Side Effects: How Many Are Related to a Nocebo Phenomenon?

225 citations , July 2007 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

In this study, patients informed about finasteride's potential sexual side effects reported a significantly higher occurrence of these side effects, suggesting a nocebo effect.