Follow-Up Study Finds Finasteride Does Not Increase Mortality

The conversation is about a finding that finasteride does not significantly increase the risk of sexual dysfunction, with users sharing mixed personal experiences regarding side effects.

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.

The conversation discusses a five-year study on dutasteride, a medication for male hair loss. The study found that 89.9% of patients saw improvement or prevention of hair loss progression, with varying success rates based on different balding patterns. Side effects were mostly sexual and decreased over time. Dutasteride was concluded to be a long-term, safe, and effective treatment for male hair loss.

The release of a study on 5a-reductase inhibitors (finasteride and dutasteride) which showed an increased risk of depression, dementia, decreased libido, and reduced semen load as potential side effects; discussion around other forms of hair loss treatments such as topical minoxidil, RU58841, or opting to accept baldness; and advice to consider professional help for deeper issues related to hair loss.

A 36-year-old male has been using 1 mg finasteride for 2 years and recently switched to dutasteride for 3.5 months, noticing stable hair with slight thickening and no significant side effects. Other users discuss their experiences with finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride, with some reporting no results or side effects.

Finasteride's long-term risks are often exaggerated; studies showing negative effects typically involve high doses or animal subjects. For those taking 1mg daily for hair loss, there is no significant evidence of severe side effects.