Finasteride can cause long-term side effects like sexual dysfunction and depression.
June 2017 in “Reactions Weekly” Finasteride (Propecia) may cause depression and suicidal thoughts; stop use and inform a healthcare professional if symptoms develop.
September 2022 in “Reactions Weekly” 
2 citations
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January 2016 in “Andrology” 
July 1997 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Finasteride significantly increases scalp hair and prevents hair loss in young and middle-aged men.
April 2016 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” January 2014 in “Journal of Central South University(Science and Technology)” PPCM microspheres can effectively release finasteride over 42 days.
June 2011 in “Pharmacopsychiatry” Finasteride improved symptoms in a psychotic patient, but more research is needed.
69 citations
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July 2015 in “Pharmacotherapy” Low-dose finasteride may cause lasting sexual dysfunction and suicidal thoughts in young men.
105 citations
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January 2004 in “The Journal of Urology” Finasteride improves chronic pelvic pain, saw palmetto doesn't.
June 2011 in “Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature” Finasteride, a hair loss drug, can cause long-lasting sexual side effects like low libido and erectile dysfunction.
22 citations
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March 2003 in “Steroids” PM-9 and finasteride effectively inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.
40 citations
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April 1999 in “Drugs” Finasteride treats enlarged prostate, improves urinary flow, but may cause sexual side effects.
April 2008 in “Sexologies” Knowing about potential side effects can make them more likely to happen.
35 citations
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February 2012 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride significantly improves hair growth but may cause sexual side effects.
September 2025 in “Therapies” Finasteride use for hair loss may cause depression and suicidal thoughts, requiring careful monitoring.
February 2020 in “Definitions” 
127 citations
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May 2004 in “PubMed” Finasteride may help some male chronic pelvic pain patients, but more research needed.
February 2025 in “Ciencia Latina Revista Científica Multidisciplinar” Finasteride can help with hair loss and prostate issues but may negatively affect mood and the nervous system.
April 2022 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Finasteride alone increases suicide risk, but combining it with other treatments reduces this risk.
July 2021 in “Reactions Weekly” Man experienced lasting sexual dysfunction from finasteride, but malpractice claim was rejected.
June 2018 in “Evidence-Based Practice” Finasteride can double the risk of sexual problems like ejaculation issues, low libido, and impotence.
39 citations
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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.
August 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” 
24 citations
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January 1996 in “The Prostate” Finasteride is a safe and effective long-term treatment for prostate enlargement, reducing prostate volume and related symptoms.
8 citations
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July 2018 in “Current Sexual Health Reports” Finasteride can cause lasting sexual dysfunction, depression, and other side effects, needing more research for treatment.
6 citations
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January 1995 in “Neurourology and Urodynamics” Finasteride slightly improves prostate symptoms but has minimal difference from placebo.