January 2017 in “Revista da Universidade Vale do Rio Verde” Finasteride is commonly used for male pattern hair loss but has potential risks, including irreversible sexual dysfunction.
February 2013 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Using hair loss drugs finasteride and dutasteride may cause sexual side effects.
January 2013 in “Psychiatry and clinical neurosciences” Physical symptoms in depression can reveal underlying medical conditions.
August 2009 in “Reactions Weekly” Finasteride caused breast enlargement in two men, which improved after stopping the medication.
December 2022 in “Scholars journal of applied medical sciences” Dutasteride 0.5mg improves hair growth in 78% of people with hair loss, but may cause sexual problems in some.
January 1998 in “NEJM Journal Watch” Finasteride increases hair count in men with hair loss, but the effect isn't permanent and hair loss returns if treatment stops.
November 2022 in “Hair transplant forum international” Finasteride does not cause sexual dysfunction in men with hair loss.
May 2019 in “Hair transplant forum international” Finasteride does not cause sexual dysfunction in men with hair loss.
105 citations,
January 2004 in “The Journal of Urology” Finasteride improves chronic pelvic pain, saw palmetto doesn't.
81 citations,
June 2014 in “American Journal of Men's Health” Finasteride can cause lasting sexual, emotional, and cognitive issues, with varying severity.
57 citations,
July 2016 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” 5α-reductase inhibitors increase the risk of sexual dysfunction, especially in men with enlarged prostate.
51 citations,
April 1999 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Testosterone replacement may improve sexual desire and bone health in women with low androgen levels, but more research is needed on its long-term safety.
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.
41 citations,
October 2011 in “Journal of Dermatology” Finasteride 1 mg effectively and safely increases hair growth in Japanese men with hair loss.
39 citations,
November 1978 in “Annals of internal medicine” Spironolactone may help reduce excessive hair growth in women with high male hormone levels.
35 citations,
June 2018 in “Urology” The review suggests younger men taking 1 mg finasteride report more side effects, including sexual, skin, metabolic, and psychological issues.
35 citations,
April 2013 in “Sexual medicine reviews” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors slightly increase the risk of sexual and mood side effects, and breast growth in men.
32 citations,
July 2016 in “PubMed” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are generally safe but can cause sexual side effects and require patient education on risks.
29 citations,
May 2010 in “Annals of Pharmacotherapy” Finasteride may help some women with hair loss, but better options exist.
11 citations,
March 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Some men taking finasteride for hair loss may experience sexual problems like erectile dysfunction and decreased sex drive, which can persist even after stopping the medication.
3 citations,
September 2015 in “PubMed” Most men stopped using the hair loss treatment not because of sexual side effects, but because they didn't see positive results.
2 citations,
December 2021 in “International Journal of Andrology” Most legal cases about 5α-reductase inhibitors, drugs for hair loss and prostate issues, complain about side effects and delayed cancer diagnosis, with most lawsuits settled out of court.
1 citations,
October 2022 in “Springer eBooks” Testosterone is key for male sexual function, and treating hormone imbalances can improve sexual issues.
1 citations,
September 2016 in “Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may cause sexual side effects, breast complications, and other health risks in men with hair loss.
1 citations,
May 2015 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride for hair loss in young men may significantly increase the risk of sexual dysfunction.
1 citations,
July 1997 in “Inpharma Weekly” Finasteride improves hair growth and satisfaction in men with male pattern baldness but may cause sexual side effects.
May 2024 in “Deleted Journal” Dutasteride effectively treats hair loss in men who don't respond to finasteride.
December 2023 in “International Journal of Biomedicine” Topical finasteride might help with male hair loss with fewer side effects than pills, but more research is needed.
November 2023 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy” Finasteride and dutasteride are effective in treating male hair loss but can cause sexual side effects and birth defects.
October 2023 in “Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology” Finasteride is more harmful to male reproductive health than minoxidil.