In a group of 61 otherwise healthy former users of finasteride who developed persistent sexual side effects, depressive symptoms were present and categorized as mild in 11% of users, moderate in 28% of users, and severe in 36% of users. Suicidal thoughts were present in 39% of former finasteride users, and an additional 5% chose […]
Category Archives: Publications
Publications – English language
Androgen levels and semen parameters among former users of finasteride with persistent sexual adverse effects.
Recent postmarketing studies and the [FDA] have found that finasteride, 1 mg, for androgenic alopecia has been associated with persistent sexual and nonsexual adverse effects. The present study was designed to assess whether otherwise healthy former users of finasteride with persistent sexual adverse effects have a higher prevalence of low serum androgens and spermatogenic deficits.… […]
Persistent sexual side effects of finasteride: could they be permanent?
In a group of 54 otherwise healthy former users of finasteride who developed persistent sexual side effects that lasted for at least 3 months, 96% continued to experience these effects when reassessed 9–16 months (mean 14 months) later, raising the possibility of permanent effects. To explain the long-term neurological effects of finasteride, it is possible […]
Effects of subchronic finasteride treatment and withdrawal on neuroactive steroid levels and their receptors in the male rat brain.
The effects in the brain of finasteride…have been poorly explored. Therefore, the effects of a subchronic treatment of finasteride…and the consequences of its withdrawal on neuroactive steroid levels in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and some brain regions…have been evaluated in male rats. After subchronic treatment…the following effects were detected: (i) depending on the compartment considered, alteration […]
5α-reductases in human physiology: an unfolding story.
5α-reductases are a family of isozymes that play a critical role in transformation not only of testosterone but also of progesterone, DOC, aldosterone, and cortisol into a host of neuro-active steroids that regulate a multitude of functions in human physiology… the neuro-active steroid hormones modulate a multitude of functions in human physiology encompassing regulation of […]
Effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors on erectile function, sexual desire and ejaculation.
Clinical trials with 5ARI report prevalence rates of de novo erectile dysfunction of 5 – 9%. Decreased circulating dihydrotestosterone (DHT) resulting from 5ARI use is associated with diminished sexual desire and/or orgasm. The presence of adverse sexual effects is associated with decreased self-esteem, quality of life and ability to maintain an intimate relationship. Inhibition of […]
Adverse event reporting in clinical trials of finasteride for androgenic alopecia: a meta-analysis.
Results: Of 34 clinical trials, none had adequate safety reporting, 19 were partially adequate, 12 were inadequate, and 3 reported no adverse events. Funnel plots were asymmetric with a bias toward lower odds ratio for sexual adverse effects, suggesting systematic underdetection. No reports assessed the adequacy of blinding, 18 (53%) disclosed conflicts of interest, and […]
Finasteride, not tamsulosin, increases severity of erectile dysfunction and decreases testosterone levels in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Conclusions: This study showed that long-term 5α-RIs therapy but not tamsulosin in men with BPH is associated with continued worsening of ED, which does not resolve with continuing treatment, contrary to previous claims. Most importantly, it appears that 5α-RIs therapy but not tamsulosin results in a reduction of T levels and increased AMS score as […]
Safety concerns regarding 5α reductase inhibitors for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Recent postmarketing reports and a US Food and Drug Administration analysis have documented uncommon persistent sexual and nonsexual side-effects in a subset of younger men who have taken finasteride 1 mg for androgenic alopecia. While the mechanisms of the sexual side-effects in humans is incompletely understood, one study found lower cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of dihydrotestosterone, […]
Persistent sexual side effects of finasteride for male pattern hair loss.
A subset of otherwise healthy men taking finasteride for MPHL developed persistent sexual side effects in temporal association with the medication. Most men developed sexual dysfunction in multiple domains with 94% experiencing low libido, 92% experiencing erectile dysfunction, 92% experiencing decreased arousal, and 69% experiencing problems with orgasm…. The mean duration of the persistent sexual […]