April 2021 in “Reactions Weekly” Finasteride increases risk of depression, possibly suicidal thoughts, and sexual dysfunction.
July 2025 in “InnovAiT Education and inspiration for general practice”
18 citations
,
June 2009 in “Journal of Molecular Endocrinology” Finasteride exposure harms tadpole reproduction and hormone balance.
7 citations
,
March 2018 in “Dermatology and therapy” Finasteride is considered the best treatment for hair loss, despite side effects.
December 2013 in “The Journal of Urology”
35 citations
,
October 2004 in “Biology of Reproduction” PNU157706 reduced rat sperm movement and fertility without affecting offspring health.
October 2020 in “Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatology” Finasteride appears safe for long-term sperm concentration, but more research is needed for clear conclusions.
1 citations
,
January 2004 in “Chinese Journal of New Drugs and Clinical Remedies” Finasteride reduces VEGF expression and microvascular growth in diabetic rat retinas.
37 citations
,
November 1995 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Topical finasteride and flutamide reduce gland size and enzyme activity, with flutamide being more potent, potentially treating acne, seborrhea, hirsutism, and androgenic alopecia.
May 2004 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Most men stopped using finasteride for baldness due to unsatisfactory results or were lost to follow-up, and those who continued saw minimal to moderate improvement.
46 citations
,
August 2022 in “Journal of Endocrinological Investigation” COVID-19 temporarily affects male reproductive health, but sperm and testosterone levels generally return to normal after three months.
4 citations
,
September 2022 in “Experimental and Сlinical Urology” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors help with benign prostatic hyperplasia but don't cure it, and more research is needed.
December 2021 in “BMJ Open” Androgenetic alopecia in men aged 46 is not significantly linked to depression, anxiety, quality of life, self-esteem, or sexual symptoms.
32 citations
,
September 2011 in “Journal of Neuroendocrinology” Inhibiting 5α-reductase during late pregnancy shortens gestation, reduces litter size, and harms memory in rat offspring.
March 2025 in “Daehan saengsik uihak hoeji/Clinical and experimental reproductive medicine” Long-term use of dutasteride for hair loss may harm semen quality.
15 citations
,
August 1999 in “Archives of Dermatology”
31 citations
,
December 2010 in “International Journal of Andrology” Men with testicular cancer were less likely to experience baldness and severe acne.
January 2001 in “Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology” Micrografts can grow natural hair and most patients are satisfied, but some need multiple procedures.
December 2003 in “British Journal of Urology”
11 citations
,
May 2009 in “Medical Hypotheses” Male pattern baldness is an unintended side effect of the body's use of androgens for muscle growth, especially in those genetically prone to it.
74 citations
,
January 1998 in “Dermatology” Men who think they are losing hair feel worse about themselves, especially if they are younger.
2 citations
,
January 2008 in “Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatology” Finasteride 1mg daily effectively increases hair growth and slows hair loss in men with male pattern baldness over two years.
February 2025 in “Journal of Pre-Clinical and Clinical Research” The combination of finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil is generally safe for treating male hair loss with minimal side effects.
January 2009 in “DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)” Serenoa repens is not proven effective for hair loss and may delay prostate cancer detection.
1 citations
,
December 2023 in “Curēus” Tadalafil is effective for treating urinary symptoms in men with BPH.
March 2026 in “Canadian Urological Association Journal” Urologists should guide men on wellness claims, highlighting where evidence supports or contradicts marketing.
6 citations
,
September 2016 in “Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences” Finasteride can cause side effects, some lasting after treatment ends, and may lead to severe depression or suicidal thoughts.
5 citations
,
April 1999 in “PubMed” Two drugs, Minoxidil and Finasteride, can modestly maintain or regrow hair on the scalp's vertex with minimal side effects.
August 2014 in “DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)” Testosterone and finasteride showed minor cognitive benefits in older men.
April 2023 in “Jordan Medical Journal” Men with male pattern baldness are more likely to have benign prostatic hyperplasia.