Many Sexual Adverse Effects of Finasteride Are Attributable to a Nocebo Effect

February 2008 in “ Nature Clinical Practice Urology ”

finasteride benign prostatic hyperplasia nocebo effect Propecia BPH

TLDR Finasteride's sexual side effects may be due to nocebo effect.

A study conducted in 2007 found that many of the sexual adverse effects associated with finasteride, a drug used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can be attributed to a nocebo effect. The study involved 107 men with BPH who received 5mg/day of finasteride and were randomly assigned to receive counseling on the potential sexual adverse effects of the drug or no such counseling. The overall incidence of sexual dysfunction was higher in the counseled group than in the group that had not received counseling, indicating that many of the sexual adverse effects associated with finasteride can be attributed to a nocebo effect.

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Research cited in this study

1 / 1 results

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”

Knowing about finasteride's sexual side effects increases reported dysfunction.

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6 / 1000+ results

community Massive study on finasteride side effects released

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 83 upvotes 1 year ago

The release of a study on 5a-reductase inhibitors (finasteride and dutasteride) which showed an increased risk of depression, dementia, decreased libido, and reduced semen load as potential side effects; discussion around other forms of hair loss treatments such as topical minoxidil, RU58841, or opting to accept baldness; and advice to consider professional help for deeper issues related to hair loss.

community Finasteride won’t make all your problems go away

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 323 upvotes 11 months ago

A user shared that while finasteride improved their hair, it didn't solve all their insecurities, suggesting that self-acceptance is key. Others in the conversation expressed varying opinions, with some feeling that finasteride significantly boosted their confidence and quality of life, while others acknowledged it as a solution to hair loss but not a cure-all for other personal issues.

community Another clueless guy fearmongering and spreading misinformation

in Chat 251 upvotes 9 months ago

The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, with some users advocating for finasteride and minoxidil, while others express concerns about potential side effects of finasteride. A social media influencer is criticized for promoting scalp massages and minoxidil over finasteride, which some believe is misinformation.

community From the research study: "Dihydrotestosterone and the concept of 5a-reductase inhibition in human benign prostatic hyperplasia" - G. Bartsch, R.S. Rittmaster, H. Klocker (2002) in the "World Journal of Urology".

in Research/Science 23 upvotes 2 years ago

Dutasteride is a stronger 5AR inhibitor than finasteride and can significantly lower DHT levels. Reduced doses of dutasteride may lower side effects.

community Why does finasteride stop working?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 26 upvotes 1 month ago

Finasteride may seem less effective over time due to increased DHT sensitivity or aging, but it still suppresses DHT. Switching to dutasteride offers stronger DHT suppression but may increase estrogen levels.

community European Medecine Agency (EMA) review of Finasteride and Dutasteride

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 37 upvotes 1 month ago

Concerns about a potential ban on finasteride and dutasteride due to side effects, with users advocating for continued access and informed choice. Alternative treatments like pyrilutamide are also mentioned.

Related Research

2 / 2 results

research Finasteride for Hirsutism: A Dose Finding Study

8 citations, January 1998 in “PubMed”

Outcome of Long-Term Treatment with the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism: Clinical and Hormonal Effects During a 1-Year Course of Therapy and 1-Year Follow-Up

research Outcome of Long-Term Treatment with the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism: Clinical and Hormonal Effects During a 1-Year Course of Therapy and 1-Year Follow-Up

75 citations, November 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Finasteride effectively reduces hair growth in women with idiopathic hirsutism, but requires careful contraception during treatment.