Thinking about trying finasteride for hair loss? Before you start, it's important to understand the potential side effects of finasteride. Like any drug, finasteride can cause unwanted symptoms in some men. By being informed about these possible side effects and learning how to manage them, you can make your finasteride treatment safer and more comfortable.
In this article, we'll give you the lowdown on the common and more serious side effects of finasteride, how to reduce side effects of finasteride, and what to know about post-finasteride syndrome.
Common Side Effects of Finasteride
Finasteride is generally well-tolerated by most men. However, in clinical trials, a small percentage of men did experience some common side effects of finasteride:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Ejaculation disorder
- Decreased libido 1
These side effects are all related to sexual dysfunction, and this is linked to how finasteride works. Finasteride blocks an enzyme called Type II 5α-reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into a more potent hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). 1
DHT is the main cause of male hair loss. Finasteride effectively reduces DHT levels by 65% within 24 hours of taking a dose. While this makes finasteride highly effective in treating hair loss, it also lowers overall male sex hormone levels, which can impact sexual function. 1
Does Everyone Experience the Side Effects of Finasteride?
It's important to note that not all men experience side effects of finasteride. In studies involving 945 men, only 36 men taking finasteride reported one or more symptoms, compared to 20 men taking a placebo. Researchers are still investigating why certain individuals may be more susceptible. 1
For those who do experience side effects, they typically appear early in treatment and often resolve on their own with continued use. Moreover, these symptoms usually disappear quickly once the medication is discontinued. 2
Serious Side Effects of Finasteride
Two of the most concerning side effects of finasteride include an increased chance of developing high-grade prostate cancer and birth defects if used during pregnancy. 1
Let's take a closer look at what the research says about these finasteride side effects.
High-Grade Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is graded on a scale of how cancer cells appear compared to healthy cells. Higher grades indicate more serious cancers that tend to grow and spread faster. Several studies have found that while finasteride reduces occurrences of low-grade prostate cancers, it seems to increase incidences of high-grade disease. 3
Why does this happen? Researchers believe it may be because finasteride shrinks the prostate. This prostate shrinkage enables easier detection of any existing aggressive prostate cancers that may have previously gone unnoticed when the prostate was larger. 3
Due to these findings, the FDA requires a warning label that finasteride may increase the risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer. 1
Birth Defects in Male Fetuses
While finasteride is only FDA-approved for men, some doctors do prescribe it off-label for women dealing with female pattern hair loss. However, experts strongly advise women who could become pregnant to avoid finasteride due to the chance of birth defects if a male fetus is exposed. 1
But how does this happen?
Finasteride treats hair loss by reducing the level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. While DHT is responsible for male pattern baldness, it is also crucial for the development of the male fetus. In fact, animal studies show that finasteride use during pregnancy can lead to abnormal genitalia in the developing male fetus. 1
How to Reduce Side Effects of Finasteride
Worried about the potential side effects of finasteride? Don't fret; there are effective strategies you can use to minimize and manage them.
Here's how to reduce side effects of finasteride:
- Lower your finasteride dose: The FDA recommends taking 1 mg of finasteride daily to treat hair loss. Sticking to this lower dose can effectively halt hair loss while decreasing your chances of side effects. The higher 5 mg dose is usually only needed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), so there's no need to take more finasteride than necessary for hair loss treatment. 1
- Reduce unhealthy habits: Habits like smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise can reduce sexual function. By cleaning up your habits to avoid these unhealthy behaviors, you'll feel better overall and may notice fewer sexual side effects.
- Be aware of the nocebo effect: The nocebo effect refers to side effects that manifest due to the expectation of side effects, not because of the actual drug. While you should never ignore serious symptoms, going into finasteride treatment with a positive and open mind can help prevent the anxiety and negative expectations that fuel the nocebo effect. 2
In addition to these tips, have a conversation with your doctor about how to reduce side effects of finasteride. They can suggest lifestyle changes and alternative treatments to manage symptoms.
Post-Finasteride Syndrome
While finasteride is generally considered a safe medication with reversible side effects, there have been reports of more persistent side effects that have been dubbed post-finasteride syndrome. 4 Symptoms of this syndrome include:
- Sexual dysfunction
- Physical side effects
- Psychological side effects 4
It's important to note that the prevalence of post-finasteride syndrome is not well understood. Many cases are self-reported, and studies examining the condition have been controversial due to biases and limited sample sizes. Some researchers have also suggested that some of the reported side effects may be due to the nocebo effect, where negative expectations about a medication can lead to real physical and psychological symptoms. 4
If you do experience any of these symptoms after stopping finasteride, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you determine if your symptoms are related to post-finasteride syndrome or another underlying condition. If the symptoms are due to the med, your doctor will work with you to determine how to reduce side effects of finasteride. 4
Conclusion
While finasteride may stimulate hair growth, it's important to weigh the risks versus rewards. For some men, the side effects of finasteride are mild and temporary, but for others, they can be long-lasting.
By educating yourself about the potential side effects of finasteride, you'll be better equipped to have an informed discussion with your doctor about whether this hair loss treatment is right for you based on your health, expectations, and tolerance for risk.
If you experience any concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to have a conversation with your doctor about how to reduce side effects of finasteride. They can work with you to look at alternative treatments or help you minimize symptoms.
The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical conditions, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
