15 citations
,
January 2017 in “Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology” 5α-Reductase inhibitors can negatively affect male sexual function and, in some cases, significantly reduce sperm count, but these effects may be reversible.
13 citations
,
December 2012 in “Canadian Urological Association Journal” 5ARIs like finasteride can help prevent prostate cancer and treat BPH, but guidelines should be updated to reflect this.
6 citations
,
August 2021 in “Clinical Epidemiology” Men using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for prostate issues may have a slightly higher risk of blood clots.
3 citations
,
May 2014 in “Urologia Journal” 5ARIs lower PSA levels, but other tests are needed to avoid missing aggressive prostate cancer.
January 2016 in “Archivio italiano di urologia, andrologia” The document concludes that the risk of sexual side effects from 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors is low and often temporary, but more research is needed on potential permanent effects.
January 2014 in “프로그램북(구 초록집)” 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride improve hair growth and slow hair loss in male pattern baldness.
28 citations
,
August 2014 in “Cancer Causes & Control” Taking 5α-reductase inhibitors does not significantly increase the risk of breast cancer in men.
22 citations
,
August 2014 in “Clinical endocrinology” Taking finasteride for benign prostate hyperplasia may increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially at higher doses.
20 citations
,
May 2018 in “The Journal of Urology” Men taking 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors before or after bladder cancer diagnosis had a lower risk of dying from the disease.
19 citations
,
April 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Dutasteride works better than finasteride for hair loss, with both being safe to use.
15 citations
,
November 2015 in “Pharmacopsychiatry” α-Blockers and 5-ARIs for BPH can cause sexual dysfunction, including erectile and ejaculatory issues.
11 citations
,
August 2014 in “Current Urology Reports” Medications for enlarged prostate can cause sexual side effects like reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculatory problems.
10 citations
,
October 2018 in “Sexual medicine reviews” Men using hair loss drugs like finasteride may experience sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction, but it's unclear who will be affected and when. Treating depression and sexual symptoms is suggested, as these men often have higher rates of both. More research is needed to understand why these side effects occur.
9 citations
,
August 2019 in “Clinical genitourinary cancer” Taking 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors before bladder removal surgery might make high-grade bladder tumors less aggressive.
7 citations
,
January 2013 in “European Urology” 5-Alpha reductase inhibitors may prevent prostate cancer but are not widely used due to concerns about trial relevance and potential risks, and more research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.
6 citations
,
May 2020 in “JAMA Ophthalmology” Using 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, drugs for prostate issues and hair loss, may lead to eye abnormalities in men.
6 citations
,
June 2009 in “Journal of Clinical Oncology” 5-α-reductase inhibitors don't prevent prostate cancer but may reduce unnecessary biopsies.
5 citations
,
May 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors might worsen lung recovery in COVID-19 patients, suggesting a pause in their use.
4 citations
,
August 2021 in “Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, like finasteride and dutasteride, may cause depression, but more research is needed to understand why.
3 citations
,
March 2018 in “European Urology Supplements” Using 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may improve bladder cancer survival in men.
2 citations
,
May 2019 in “PubMed” Oral finasteride and dutasteride may negatively affect erectile function in rats.
2 citations
,
April 2017 in “European Urology” Using finasteride for hair loss or prostate issues does not significantly raise the risk of erectile dysfunction.
2 citations
,
March 2012 in “Current opinion in urology” 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors might help slow down low-risk prostate cancer, but their use should be cautious.
1 citations
,
July 2024 in “The International Journal of Medical Science and Health Research” 5α-reductase inhibitors may help with prostate cancer but could increase the risk of severe tumors, so careful use is advised.
1 citations
,
July 2022 in “Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention” 5-Alpha reductase inhibitors are safe long-term but may be outdated for preventing less significant prostate cancer.
May 2026 in “RECIMA21 - Revista Científica Multidisciplinar - ISSN 2675-6218” This review analyzes recent scientific evidence on the neuroendocrine and metabolic impacts of chronic use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, focusing on Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS). The study, based on eight high-impact studies from 2021 to 2026, highlights PFS as a multisystemic condition linked to the use of 5-ARIs, with reports of refractory sexual dysfunction and mood disorders in young patients. The inhibition of enzymes in the central nervous system suppresses the synthesis of active metabolites like allopregnanolone, leading to GABAergic dysregulation and excitotoxicity. Metabolically, the suppression of dihydrotestosterone is associated with insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and changes in gut microbiota. Genetic polymorphisms in the SRD5A2 gene and epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation of the androgen receptor, contribute to the chronicity of symptoms. The findings suggest that PFS extends beyond transient side effects, emphasizing the need for personalized medicine models and strengthened informed consent protocols to mitigate persistent biopsychosocial risks.
February 2026 in “Postgraduate Medicine” This meta-analysis examined the risk of depression associated with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) across 5 longitudinal studies involving 2,517,859 patients. The findings indicate a 31% increased risk of depression with 5-ARI use, though this risk varies significantly depending on the control group used. Studies with non-drug controls reported a higher risk, while those with alpha-blocker comparators showed a decreased risk. The choice of comparator group was a major source of heterogeneity in the results. Overall, the risk of depression with 5-ARI use is likely minimal, with observational data suggesting a slight reduction in risk and randomized data indicating a potential slight increase. Previous reports of a much higher risk may have resulted from inappropriate control group selection.
February 2026 in “Mendeley Data” Using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may lower prostate cancer risk in people with androgenetic alopecia.
January 2026 in “Figshare” Finasteride can cause melasma, especially in people with darker skin.
January 2026 in “Figshare” Finasteride can cause melasma, especially in people with darker skin.