Persistent Sexual And Psychological Symptoms After Finasteride Discontinuation: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

This study examined 129 male patients who experienced persistent sexual and psychological symptoms after discontinuing finasteride, a drug for male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The research found that symptoms such as sexual dysfunction, depression, and anxiety persisted beyond the immediate post-discontinuation period, with only partial improvement over 6 months. Erectile function remained stable, indicating ongoing sexual dysfunction, while depressive and anxiety symptoms showed modest improvement but did not fully resolve. Factors like age and cumulative drug exposure influenced symptom severity, but hormonal levels did not significantly correlate with symptom severity. The study emphasizes the need for further research to understand the long-term effects of finasteride and the mechanisms underlying post-finasteride syndrome.