Hair loss medication may cause depression or sexual problems in men – Study

Men who use a common hair loss treatment should be mindful of the possibility of major sexual and mental side effects, such as insomnia.

Millions of men use the daily pill, but it may cause erectile dysfunction and depression as well as sexual dysfunction in the form of reduced libido.

Reduced sex drive, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, ejaculation dysfunction, increased breast size and tenderness, and skin rash are among the more frequent side effects of finasteride. If the symptoms are minor, they can go away in a few days. It is best to see a physician or chemist if they worsen over time or don’t go away.

Finasteride, the medication under consideration, is a member of the class of drugs known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It is marketed under various generic brands in addition to Proscar and Propecia. Although it works well to cure male pattern baldness, some users have reported experiencing severe negative effects.

Finasteride is frequently administered to men who have an enlarged prostate and male pattern baldness, but safety concerns expressed by medical professionals advise users to cease taking the medication right once if they experience depression or suicidal thoughts. In several instances, the concerning side effects continued long after men stopped using the medication, a condition known by patients as “post-finasteride syndrome.”

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the UK’s drug safety watchdog, recently issued a warning about finasteride, The warning follows a surge in reports of serious side effects, including depression, insomnia, low libido, and erectile dysfunction.

Since 2020, reports of these side effects have tripled, prompting the MHRA to take action. Dr. Alison Cave, the MHRA’s chief safety officer, emphasized the importance of patient awareness, saying it is crucial patients are aware of vital information about the medicines they’re taking.

To address this concern, Cave said patient alert cards detailing the potential side effects will be included in finasteride packaging later this year. The aim is to raise awareness among men taking finasteride about the potential for psychiatric and sexual side effects, so they can make informed treatment decisions and know what to do if they experience these effects.

“If you’re taking finasteride 1mg (Propecia) for hair loss and develop depression or suicidal thoughts, stop treatment and contact your doctor. If these symptoms develop with finasteride 5mg (Proscar), for benign enlargement of the prostate, consult your doctor immediately for further advice.

“Any concerns about sexual dysfunction should be discussed with your healthcare professional. Remember to always read the leaflet inside the pack because it includes important information on how to take finasteride and its possible side effects, “ Cave explained.

Finasteride, originally developed for prostate enlargement in the 1980s, gained unexpected popularity for hair loss treatment due to its effect on testosterone. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which shrinks hair follicles, this led to its application for male pattern baldness. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks hair follicles and contributes to hair loss.

While effective, concerns have arisen about potential side effects. Experts suggest a rise in reported side effects might be linked to online platforms offering finasteride for hair loss through private prescriptions, making it readily available. The NHS, however, considers serious side effects “rare,” occurring in less than 1 in 1,000 people