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Finasteride Side Effects and Risks
If you’ve been looking for a way to treat your thinning hair, bald spots, or receding hair line, you’ve probably heard of finasteride. Also known under the brand names Propecia® or Proscar, finasteride is one of only two FDA-approved over the counter drugs for hair loss. Taken in oral form and usually in single milligram doses, Finasteride was originally developed to treat enlarged prostates. Finasteride has proven to stop hair loss in as much as 80% of men, and even reverse it in some. But just like any medication, users of Finasteride should be aware of its associated side effects and risks. Read on to learn more about Finasteride’s fine print, and what to do if you’re experiencing symptoms.
How Does Finasteride Work?
Finasteride works by suppressing dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a hormone known as the primary cause of male pattern baldness. It is also a factor in female hair loss, which makes finasteride a possible treatment for both men and women. Taking finasteride limits the amount of DHT that reaches the hair follicles, resulting in more regular hair growth.
Mental Side Effects of Finasteride
Like so many drugs, finasteride may cause anxiety and depression in a small portion of its users. If you are taking finasteride and feel abnormally down, stop taking the pills immediately. Halting the medication should bring most users back to normal.
Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride
A small number of finasteride users have reported erectile dysfunction. Similarly, using finasteride can result in ejaculatory problems including abnormal ejaculation (7.2%) and decreased ejaculatory volume (up to 2.8%). The sexual side effects of finasteride may be permanent even after treatment has stopped, so be sure to keep track of your sexual health while using finasteride.
Finasteride and Cancer Risks
The FDA has placed a warning on finasteride’s label regarding its effect on prostate cancer. However, an independent study in 2005 found that the medication did not increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Finasteride is still used to help testicular tumors and other prostate cancer-related conditions, but it may also delay the detection of certain types of prostate cancer.
Finasteride and Women
Finasteride has been proven to cause birth defects in fetuses, which is why the FDA has given it a pregnancy category of X. All women using finasteride must also be prescribed oral contraception to avoid abnormal fetuses. Similarly, pregnant women should not be around finasteride pills that have been crushed, halved, or broken. Finasteride’s effect on breast milk is unknown, and so should not be taken by lactating women.
Finasteride’s Physical Side Effects
Some people taking finasteride experience an increase in abdominal fat. This increase is usually slight and goes away after the treatment course has ended. If finasteride is improving your hair growth but contributing to your belly fat, try upping your exercise regime and choosing a low-calorie diet.
When it comes to beating hair loss, an experienced provider is key. Hair Loss Forum can connect you with a hair loss specialist in your area offering finasteride (Propecia), Rogaine, laser hair therapy, hair transplant surgery, and much more.
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