Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM
Summary:
- Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that effectively treats male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by reducing DHT levels.
- Common sexual side effects may include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders. These may resolve when the use of finasteride is discontinued.
- Other side effects of finasteride can include mood changes and breast enlargement in a minority of cases.
- The dosage and duration of finasteride treatment, along with genetic factors and interactions with other medications, can all contribute to your risk of experiencing side effects. We recommend only using finasteride under the guidance and supervision of a qualified medical professional.
Finasteride, a popular 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, was originally developed to manage issues related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—but it is now widely used to treat male pattern baldness.
Finasteride helps with BPH by reducing the enlargement of the prostate to alleviate symptoms. When used as a treatment for hair loss, finasteride inhibits an enzyme that can adversely affect hair follicles—offering many men hope to retain and possibly regrow hair.
How finasteride works
Finasteride works by preventing an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT plays an important role in hair growth, as well as many other characteristics associated with physical development in men.
By lowering DHT levels, finasteride reduces its effects on both hair follicles and the prostate. This can reduce symptoms of both male-pattern baldness and help your prostate return to a normal size.
How effective is finasteride?
There are multiple studies that show finasteride’s effectiveness in slowing down hair loss—and in some cases, even promoting regrowth in men suffering from male pattern baldness.
When used to treat BPH, finasteride has also been shown to be highly effective in decreasing prostate size—which can help make urination easier and more comfortable.
Mild & moderate side effects
Like many other medications, finasteride carries a risk of certain side effects. You should always consult a qualified healthcare professional before obtaining or using this medication, and use it only as directed so that you can keep these risks as manageable as possible.
Sexual side effects
Sexual side effects of finasteride are relatively rare, affecting only 2.1% to 3.8% of people who use it. They often resolve after you stop taking the medication—although they can persist in rare cases.
The sexual side effects of finasteride may include these examples:
- A decrease in libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Ejaculation disorders, including reduced semen volume
Adjusting your daily dose of finasteride may also help reduce many of these symptoms, but you should always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before changing the amount of finasteride you take.
Non-sexual side effects
Finasteride can also have other side effects. Some of the more common non-sexual side effects of finasteride include these possibilities:
- Experiencing lower levels of pleasure and satisfaction
- Less ability to maintain concentration
- Loss of muscle tone and mass
When these side effects (as well as the sexual side effects listed above) persist after stopping the medication, it is called post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Research is still ongoing to learn more about how PFS occurs and how likely you are to experience it after discontinuing the medication.
Serious side effects & concerns
While finasteride is effective for its intended uses, it’s important to be aware of its potential serious side effects and concerns, some of which may persist even after discontinuation of the drug.
Depression & mood changes
There have been reports linking finasteride with depressive symptoms and mood changes in some individuals. However, research suggests that these side effects may be more common in men with a family history of similar conditions.
Regardless, patients taking finasteride should be monitored for signs of depression and changes in mood. We recommend using finasteride under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
Risks of breast enlargement or tenderness
Breast enlargement (gynecomastia) or tenderness is a rare side effect of finasteride in some men, which can cause concern for those considering using this medication. Any changes in breast tissue should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Concerns about long-term use
Long-term implications of finasteride use are an area of ongoing research. Some research suggests that long-term finasteride use may also increase the risk of several other conditions, including these concerns:
- Dry eye disease
- Kidney dysfunction
- Metabolic problems
It’s important to understand that this research is still relatively new, and that some negative finasteride symptoms are self-reported. Still, it’s best to be cautious when trying finasteride and only use it under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner.
Factors that might influence your side effects
The side effects experienced by individuals taking finasteride can vary significantly, and conflicting studies make it difficult to determine what factors can make side effects more likely. Some research also suggests that the sexual side effects of finasteride may improve with time even if the use of the drug is not discontinued.
Learn More: Finasteride Guide: Benefits, Uses, & Side Effects
Find personalized support for hair loss with Lemonaid Health
At Lemonaid Health, our team can help you deal with hair loss. We can offer online consultations with US-based medical practitioners and develop a personalized treatment plan for you.
Our recommendations may or may not include medication like finasteride. The medications we suggest and their dosages will be based on your health history, risk factors, and preferences.We can also deliver FDA-approved medications like finasteride and minoxidil to your doorstep so that starting and continuing your treatment is as easy as possible. Learn more about our hair loss treatments.
