May 2025 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Post-finasteride syndrome may be linked to pre-existing psychological issues, not just the drug.
12 citations
,
January 2015 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” Negative expectations can cause adverse effects in dermatology treatments, like with finasteride for baldness, and careful communication can help reduce these nocebo responses.
January 2024 in “International Journal of Trichology” Finasteride is effective for hair regrowth, but some believe it may cause persistent symptoms due to psychological factors.
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.
41 citations
,
October 2012 in “Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry” Negative expectations can cause adverse effects in patients even without active treatment, and managing this nocebo effect involves better communication and patient-clinician relationships.
225 citations
,
July 2007 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Knowing about finasteride's sexual side effects increases reported dysfunction.
20 citations
,
November 2019 in “Biomolecules” Finasteride reduces response to stress and rewards, affecting behavior and mental health.
14 citations
,
January 2013 in “International Journal of Trichology” Treating hair loss requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical and emotional aspects, with a focus on diagnosis, patient education, and good communication.
January 2026 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment” Oral finasteride may cause more sexual side effects than expected, possibly due to negative publicity and reporting bias.
111 citations
,
August 2015 in “Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders” 5α-reductase inhibitors may cause persistent sexual dysfunction and depression, needing more research on long-term effects.
11 citations
,
January 2018 in “International Journal of Trichology” The true incidence of post-Finasteride syndrome is unclear, and more research is needed.
25 citations
,
February 2012 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Finasteride reduces corpus cavernosum weight but doesn't affect erectile response in rats.
81 citations
,
March 2009 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Effective hair loss treatment in women requires correct diagnosis and can include medications like minoxidil, antiandrogens, and treatments for underlying conditions like PCOS.
1 citations
,
June 2014 in “L Endocrinologo” Finasteride can cause lasting sexual and mood issues even after stopping the drug.
September 2024 in “Health of Man” Low-dose dutasteride effectively and safely promotes hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia.
August 2023 in “International journal of impotence research” Many dermatologists believe finasteride can cause sexual side effects and counsel patients about them.
September 2014 in “Hair transplant forum international” Galenic lotions can effectively treat different patterns of hair thinning in men and women.
39 citations
,
January 2012 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal” Finasteride may cause sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction, but they are reversible and affect less than 2% of men.
19 citations
,
November 2012 in “BJUI” Left-handed men experience more sexual side effects from finasteride treatment.
2 citations
,
September 2009 in “Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation” Low dose finasteride decreases certain steroids, possibly increasing depression risk.
50 citations
,
May 2019 in “Drugs” Cannabinoids may help treat chronic and chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety.
223 citations
,
December 2010 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Some patients taking finasteride or dutasteride may have ongoing sexual problems and depression even after stopping the medication.
50 citations
,
September 2016 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Finasteride for hair loss may cause persistent sexual symptoms, depression, anxiety, and lower quality of life.
35 citations
,
April 2013 in “Sexual medicine reviews” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors slightly increase the risk of sexual and mood side effects, and breast growth in men.
31 citations
,
September 2008 in “International Journal of Andrology” 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may cause a low incidence of erectile dysfunction that decreases over time.
17 citations
,
December 2018 in “The World Journal of Men s Health” Long-term use of dutasteride can cause permanent erectile dysfunction in rats.
14 citations
,
January 2019 in “Skin appendage disorders” PFS might be a delusional disorder with potential to become mass psychogenic illness.
13 citations
,
June 2018 in “Current Urology Reports” Hair loss drugs may cause sexual issues and infertility in men.
13 citations
,
November 2012 in “PubMed” 5α-reductase inhibitors may worsen sexual drive and spontaneous erections but don't worsen existing erectile or 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.