January 2015 in “International journal of reproduction, contraception, obstetrics and gynecology”
Women with PCOS often have irregular periods, a higher chance of infertility and miscarriages, and may improve fertility with lifestyle changes and treatment.
Dutasteride treatment may decrease sperm concentration, but levels remain above WHO recommendations and recover after discontinuation. The study has limitations, including small sample size and lack of pre-treatment sperm data, and does not assess other fertility factors.
People discussed their experiences with hair loss medications like finasteride and minoxidil affecting fertility. Some had successful pregnancies while on these medications, others took breaks from the medications when trying to conceive, and there were mixed opinions on the necessity of stopping treatment for conception and pregnancy.
Dutasteride may affect semen parameters but not significantly enough to impact fertility unless baseline fertility is already low. Finasteride and minoxidil are used for hair regrowth, with no side effects reported by one user.
The conversation is about seeking non-medication hair loss treatments that don't affect fertility. Suggestions include microneedling and ketoconazole shampoo.