TLDR Finasteride causes reproductive malformations in male rats.
The study investigated the effects of finasteride, a 5 α-reductase inhibitor, on pregnant Sprague Dawley rats to confirm its use as a positive control in reproduction studies. Administering 10 mg/kg/day of finasteride during gestation days 12 to 21 resulted in significant reproductive tract malformations in male offspring. These included delayed preputial separation, increased nipple retention (100%), cleft prepuce (83.9%), decreased anogenital distance (90.3%), and ectopic testes in 6.5% of cases. Additionally, males exposed in utero exhibited atrophy of genital structures and reduced weights of accessory sexual organs. The findings supported the use of finasteride as a positive control for studying reproductive damage.
Finasteride can reduce DHT in the genitalia, potentially causing side effects like reduced erections and penile fibrosis. Using PDE5 inhibitors like Tadalafil or Sildenafil may help maintain penile health and prevent fibrosis.
A user experienced increased estradiol, nipple tenderness, and ED after taking finasteride. They are considering dose reduction to mitigate these effects.
Dutasteride may cause chronic infertility by reducing semen volume and motility, with concerns about irreversible prostate fibrosis. Users consider switching to finasteride or using treatments like minoxidil and microneedling, weighing hair preservation against fertility.
Finasteride is not linked to a 60% risk of persistent sexual dysfunction; this figure applies only to those already experiencing sexual issues. Most users do not have side effects, and the study's methodology is criticized for selection bias.
Finasteride can affect hormone levels, potentially causing symptoms like puffy nipples and testicular pain, and may result in elevated prolactin and high testosterone. The user is seeking interpretation of these changes after taking finasteride.
Finasteride not only inactivates the 5a reductase enzyme but also affects the 5b reductase enzyme in a dose-dependent manner, which can impact sexual behavior and brain activity. The user experienced significant hair regrowth and side effects on 1mg of finasteride, which diminished after reducing the dose to 0.5mg, leading to no side effects and further hair improvement.
