Safety Concerns Regarding 5α Reductase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

June 2015 in “ Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity ”

Michael S. Irwig

TLDR 5α reductase inhibitors treat hair loss but may cause sexual side effects and risks.

This document from 7 years ago discusses safety concerns regarding the use of 5α reductase inhibitors, specifically finasteride, for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. The paper highlights potential adverse sexual effects, changes to reproductive organs, altered sperm concentration and motility, and altered levels of neuroactive steroids. The study concludes that while 5α reductase inhibitors can be effective in treating androgenetic alopecia, patients and physicians should be aware of potential side effects and risks.

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19 / 19 results

research Patients Treated for Male Pattern Hair Loss with Finasteride Show Altered Levels of Neuroactive Steroids in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma After Discontinuation

61 citations , February 2015 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology”

Finasteride affects brain and blood steroids, causing lasting sexual and emotional side effects.

research A Pharmacogenetic Survey of Androgen Receptor (CAG)N and (GGN)N Polymorphisms in Patients Experiencing Long-Term Side Effects After Finasteride Discontinuation

16 citations , December 2014 in “International Journal of Biological Markers”

Longer CAG and GGN repeats increase alopecia risk, but no significant link to post-finasteride syndrome found.

research Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Androgen Receptor and Nerve Structure Density in Human Prepuce from Patients with Persistent Sexual Side Effects after Finasteride Use for Androgenetic Alopecia

36 citations , June 2014 in “PLOS ONE”

Finasteride, a hair loss drug, may cause long-term sexual side effects due to changes in hormone receptor levels.

research Finasteride Use in the Male Infertility Population: Effects on Semen and Hormone Parameters

54 citations , December 2013 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Finasteride can reduce fertility in some men, but stopping it increases sperm count.

research Decreased Alcohol Consumption Among Former Male Users of Finasteride with Persistent Sexual Side Effects: A Preliminary Report

27 citations , November 2013 in “Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research”

Finasteride use may lead to less alcohol consumption in men with lasting sexual side effects.

research Long-Term Oral Administration of 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Attenuates Erectile Function by Inhibiting Autophagy and Promoting Apoptosis of Smooth Muscle Cells in Corpus Cavernosum of Aged Rats

34 citations , September 2013 in “Urology”

Long-term use of a certain medication can worsen erectile function in aged rats by damaging penile muscle cells.

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”

Former finasteride users with persistent sexual side effects have higher rates of depression and suicidal thoughts.

research Incomplete Recovery of Erectile Function in Rats After Discontinuation of Dual 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Therapy

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

Rats had lasting erectile problems after stopping a certain medication.

research Effects of Oral Finasteride on Erectile Function in a Rat Model

25 citations , May 2012 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

Finasteride reduces corpus cavernosum weight but doesn't affect erectile response in rats.

research Alteration of Ethanol Drinking in Mice via Modulation of the GABAA Receptor with Ganaxolone, Finasteride, and Gaboxadol

34 citations , November 2011 in “Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research”

Three drugs change mice's alcohol drinking patterns by affecting GABAA receptors.

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

185 citations , 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.

research Finasteride-Induced Secondary Infertility Associated with Sperm DNA Damage

36 citations , May 2011 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Finasteride use may cause sperm damage and infertility, stopping it can improve sperm health.

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

223 citations , 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.

research Spermatozoa and Chronic Treatment with Finasteride: A TEM and FISH Study

23 citations , July 2007 in “Archives of Andrology”

Finasteride may negatively affect male fertility.

research The Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibition with Dutasteride and Finasteride on Semen Parameters and Serum Hormones in Healthy Men

195 citations , May 2007 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Dutasteride and finasteride may reduce sperm count and volume but don't affect movement or shape; effects are reversible after stopping.

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 , December 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Dutasteride more effective for hair growth, but has more side effects than finasteride.

research Finasteride-Associated Male Infertility

34 citations , January 2004 in “Revista do Hospital das Clínicas”

Finasteride may worsen infertility in men with existing issues, but stopping it can improve sperm health.

research Chronic Treatment with Finasteride Daily Does Not Affect Spermatogenesis or Semen Production in Young Men

104 citations , October 2000 in “The Journal of Urology”

Finasteride doesn't harm male fertility or sperm quality, but may slightly reduce ejaculate volume.

research Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia

581 citations , 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.

1 / 1 results

research Effect of finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, on serum gonadotropins in normal men.

30 citations , August 1992 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride doesn't affect hormone levels in normal men.