51 citations,
October 2002 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Finasteride increases hair density in female androgenetic alopecia, but individual results may vary.
50 citations,
September 2016 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Finasteride for hair loss may cause persistent sexual symptoms, depression, anxiety, and lower quality of life.
50 citations,
May 2000 in “Fertility and Sterility” Flutamide reduces hair growth better but has more side effects.
49 citations,
August 2003 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Higher IGF-1 levels in hair follicles link to better finasteride results for hair loss.
46 citations,
September 2011 in “Movement Disorders” Finasteride reduces Tourette syndrome symptoms, but results may be limited due to potential biases.
45 citations,
May 2012 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Too much AKR1C3 enzyme causes resistance to finasteride by increasing testosterone.
44 citations,
April 2015 in “PubMed” Finasteride for hair loss may cause long-lasting side effects like impotence and low libido, but trials lack proper safety reporting.
44 citations,
July 2011 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Finasteride effectively increases hair growth in men with AGA, works better for those over 30, and may cause some side effects.
44 citations,
July 2004 in “Archives of Dermatology” Finasteride for hair loss has minimal impact on sexual function.
43 citations,
July 2018 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Finasteride and minoxidil mix works better for hair growth than minoxidil alone, with similar safety.
40 citations,
November 2020 in “JAMA Dermatology” Finasteride may cause suicidal thoughts and mental side effects, especially in young people with hair loss.
40 citations,
January 2003 in “Gynecological Endocrinology” Finasteride effectively reduces hair growth in women with polycystic ovary syndrome or idiopathic hirsutism.
38 citations,
December 2010 in “Fertility and Sterility” Finasteride may cause male infertility, stopping it can help.
38 citations,
January 1997 in “Gynecological Endocrinology” Finasteride and flutamide effectively reduce hirsutism in PCOS women, with flutamide also lowering hormone levels.
37 citations,
September 2018 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology” Finasteride treatment in male rats causes long-lasting effects on depression-like behavior, brain cell growth, inflammation, and gut bacteria composition.
37 citations,
November 1995 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Topical finasteride and flutamide reduce gland size and enzyme activity, with flutamide being more potent, potentially treating acne, seborrhea, hirsutism, and androgenic alopecia.
36 citations,
June 2014 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Dutasteride helps hair growth in those unresponsive to finasteride, but may cause more sexual dysfunction.
36 citations,
February 2011 in “Fertility and Sterility” Finasteride use may cause sperm damage and infertility, stopping it can improve sperm health.
36 citations,
September 2001 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Finasteride doesn't reduce sexual function in people with hair loss.
34 citations,
January 1998 in “European Urology” Finasteride works best in 6 months and lasts 6 years.
33 citations,
November 2019 in “Journal of Controlled Release” Microneedles with enhancer effectively promote hair growth and increase hair density.
33 citations,
December 2015 in “Neuroendocrinology” Finasteride treatment changes brain steroid levels and receptors, affecting brain function even after stopping treatment.
33 citations,
November 2008 in “European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences” St. John's wort increases finasteride metabolism, reducing its effectiveness; use caution when combining them.
32 citations,
July 2017 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” Finasteride effectively treats hair loss in transgender men with few side effects.
32 citations,
January 2015 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal” Minoxidil and finasteride combo maintains hair density effectively.
32 citations,
January 2014 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” Finasteride and dutasteride effectively stop or reverse hair loss in women with androgenetic alopecia, with dutasteride being more effective for women under 50.
32 citations,
May 2010 in “Pharmacopsychiatry” Finasteride reduces new brain cells in male mice, possibly causing depression.
32 citations,
May 2006 in “The Journal of Urology” Using finasteride with TIP extends time off period for prostate cancer patients.
30 citations,
March 2006 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Finasteride improves surrounding scalp hair and increases hair density after hair transplant.
30 citations,
March 2001 in “Archives of Dermatology” Finasteride can cause one-sided breast enlargement, which disappears after stopping the drug.