Common hair-loss drug consistently associated with higher rates of psychiatric harm Research/Science 9/29/2025
Finasteride and dutasteride can cause psychiatric side effects like depression and suicidal thoughts in some users, especially those with a history of mental health issues. While some users experience positive hair growth results, others face severe psychological effects, raising concerns about their safety and the need for careful monitoring.
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5 / 1000+ resultscommunity Popular hair loss drug linked to higher suicide risk: compared to non-users, finasteride (Proscar/ Propecia) users have a markedly increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Over 30 years of observation, 19,320 suicides were expected.
Finasteride users may have an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, though some attribute these issues to hair loss itself. The link between finasteride and mental health effects is debated, with varying user experiences.
community Hair Loss Causes Depression. Not Finasteride.
Finasteride and Dutasteride do not cause depression or mood disorders; hair loss itself may be a more significant factor. Some users experience side effects from Finasteride, but it is generally well-tolerated.
community How finasteride lowers brain's happiness steroid allopregnanolone and causes depression: systemic dihydroprogesterone crosses blood brain barrier, you don't even need finasteride and brain 5ar for that
Finasteride may lower allopregnanolone levels, potentially affecting mood, but many users report improved mental health due to reduced hair loss. Experiences with finasteride and dutasteride vary, with some experiencing side effects and others finding them beneficial for hair retention and overall happiness.
community Two Great Articles on NCBI That Summarize What We Actually Know About Finasteride Side Effects
The side effects of taking finasteride as a treatment for hair loss, with particular focus on its sexual and psychiatric side effects; research has indicated that there are high and low outliers in terms of prevalence of sexual side effects, but it is usually between 3-5%, while evidence of lasting sexual side effects comes from lower quality sources.
community 5 alpha reductase type 1 is in brain tissue producing the main endogenous gabaergic allopregnanolone, not 2. How can finasteride as a 5ar2 lower that?
Finasteride and dutasteride are discussed for hair loss, with concerns about their effects on neurosteroids and potential side effects like depression. Alternatives like topical estrogen and lifestyle changes are considered, with varying opinions on mental health and hair regrowth.
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