73 citations
,
July 2013 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Finasteride use changes brain chemicals, causing lasting sexual issues and anxiety/depression.
58 citations
,
April 2017 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Post-finasteride patients show changed neuroactive steroid levels, possibly causing erectile dysfunction and depression.
33 citations
,
December 2015 in “Neuroendocrinology” Finasteride treatment changes brain steroid levels and receptors, affecting brain function even after stopping treatment.
18 citations
,
March 2020 in “Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology” The enzymes 5α-reductase and 3α/β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase help create brain-active substances from progesterone and testosterone, which could be used for treatment, but more research is needed to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
61 citations
,
April 2014 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Finasteride affects brain and blood steroids, causing lasting sexual and emotional side effects.