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.
15 citations,
January 2017 in “Experimental Neurology” Finasteride reduces movement issues in Parkinson's disease rats.
14 citations,
October 2016 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology” Finasteride affects brain processes related to neurotransmission and metabolism, potentially helping with neuropsychiatric conditions.
12 citations,
September 2017 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology” Testosterone significantly affects sexual desire in both men and women, but its impact on women is more complex and influenced by psychological factors.
8 citations,
July 2018 in “Current Sexual Health Reports” Finasteride can cause lasting sexual dysfunction, depression, and other side effects, needing more research for treatment.
2 citations,
December 2019 in “Neurobiology of Stress” Changing allopregnanolone levels in baby rats affects their adult behavior and alcohol use.
1 citations,
August 2015 in “Current Sexual Health Reports” 5α-reductase inhibitors can cause serious and possibly lasting sexual and psychological side effects.
223 citations,
December 2010 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Some patients taking finasteride or dutasteride may have ongoing sexual problems and depression even after stopping the medication.
99 citations,
October 2006 in “BMC clinical pharmacology” Finasteride may cause slight depression and anxiety.
75 citations,
January 2014 in “Korean Journal of Urology” 5α-reductase inhibitors can cause sexual problems, higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer, and depression.
72 citations,
January 2011 in “Current Pharmaceutical Design” S5αR inhibitors might help treat schizophrenia and other mental disorders but need more research.
66 citations,
April 2017 in “International Journal of Andrology” Men taking 5α-reductase inhibitors for enlarged prostate have a higher chance of experiencing reduced sexual desire and erectile dysfunction.
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.
40 citations,
April 2018 in “Endocrine” PFS and PSSD are similar conditions with persistent sexual dysfunction after stopping medication.
26 citations,
December 2019 in “Neurobiology of Stress” Post-finasteride syndrome causes lasting sexual, neurological, and physical side effects in some people after taking finasteride.
25 citations,
June 2017 in “Scientific reports” Stress worsens Tourette symptoms by increasing allopregnanolone levels.
25 citations,
March 2017 in “Steroids” Allopregnanolone increases growth and changes gene activity in human brain cancer cells.
24 citations,
May 2015 in “Schizophrenia Research” A drug improved schizophrenia-like symptoms in stressed rats by changing brain steroid levels.
24 citations,
December 2013 in “Sexual medicine reviews” Finasteride can cause sexual problems and depression in young men.
17 citations,
September 2020 in “Journal of Endocrinological Investigation” Post-finasteride patients show changes in gut bacteria, possibly causing various symptoms.
17 citations,
November 2014 in “American Journal of Physiology-gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology” Finasteride helps brain function in rats with liver-related brain issues.
15 citations,
March 2020 in “Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia” Finasteride may cause lasting sexual, mental, and physical symptoms; use with caution.
13 citations,
January 2020 in “Neuroscience” Blocking 5α-reductase can harm memory and brain structure, and increase harmful brain changes in male mice used for Alzheimer's disease research.
12 citations,
January 2013 in “Alcohol and Alcoholism” Alcohol in teen years leads to more adult drinking, finasteride doesn't help.
10 citations,
May 2018 in “Neuropharmacology” Drugs for hormone-related conditions might help treat mental disorders but could have serious side effects.
5 citations,
October 2020 in “Brain Research Bulletin” Etifoxine, an anxiety drug, can lessen brain inflammation and cognitive issues in mice, partly by increasing production of protective brain steroids.
5 citations,
February 2010 in “Expert Review of Dermatology” Treating both the mind and skin together, especially by managing stress, can greatly improve outcomes for skin disorders linked to psychological issues.
June 2024 in “Georgetown medical review” Finasteride treats hair loss but may cause low libido, erectile issues, and depression.
December 2020 in “Current Sexual Health Reports” Finasteride can have lasting negative effects on brain function and behavior by disrupting neurosteroid production.
August 2008 in “European Neuropsychopharmacology” Some teenagers with anorexia nervosa have worse cognitive abilities, especially in visual and spatial tasks, and this is more common in those with a lower body weight.