" Finasteride has been associated with various side effects including problems with ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and lack of libido."
Finasteride has been used for treating hair loss in men for over decades. It is often used in conjunction with minoxidil. Many studies showed the efficacy of finasteride, however, there have been growing number of reported adverse effects associated with the use of finasteride. In the United States, finasteride products should carry a warning on the label about the potential adverse effects related to sex function.
I was prescribed with finasteride more than 15 years ago. Due to the side effects, after a few months I decided to stop taking finasteride. What are the potential side effects of finasteride that may deter men from using it? Why finasteride can be effective against male pattern hair loss? What are the alternative hair loss treatment products to finasteride?
Dihydrotestosterone and Hair Loss
Dihydrotestosterone is the androgen hormone which in some men and women causes hair follicles to shrink gradually and eventually stop growing hair. It is still a mystery why for some people, their hair follicles are very sensitive to dihydrotestosterone. In men and women who suffer from androgenetic hair loss, dihydrotestosterone shortens the hair growing period and lengthens the hair resting period until the hair follicles can no longer grow hair. The speed of this process varies individually for yet unknown reasons.
Dihydrotestosterone is produced in our body through the conversion of testosterone by 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme which is involved in the steroid metabolism. Dihydrotestosterone triggers the male characteristics such as deep voice, prominent facial and body hair, stronger bones and muscles. It has also been associated with male aggressive behaviour including sexual aggressiveness.
" It took more than 10 years to perfect the current formula of Scalp Stimulator which I have developed to restore my hair density."
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Finasteride Reduces Dihydrotestosterone Levels in Men
Finasteride is known to reduce dihydrotestosterone levels by inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha reductase. It helps prevent the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in our body. As a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, finasteride helps regulate the hair growth cycle. It helps reduce hair loss in men. Women should not use finasteride as it can cause birth defects.
Finasteride Causes Erectile Dysfunction, Ejaculatory Problems and Lack of Libido
According to a study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research, finasteride may trigger various side effects including problems of ejaculation (7.7%), problems with erection (15.8%) and lack of libido (5.4%).
Problems with erection seems to be the most commonly side effects from using finasteride. Some studies suggest that these effects are temporary. Nevertheless, the US authority has requested that the label for finasteride products should carry a warning about the adverse effects that may not subside even after the users stopped taking finasteride.
According to Reuters (29-September-2019), U.S. Food and Drug Administration have received 5,000 complaints about the adverse sexual effects of finasteride from 2009 to 2018. 350 out of 5,000 men who reported these side effects were also suffering with suicidal thoughts. It was said that 50 of them committed suicide.
" It took 15 years to perfect the current formula of hair growth serum which I have developed to deal with my own androgenic alopecia."
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Finasteride Triggers Anxiety and Depression in Men
A study involving 97 men who took finasteride for hair loss problems (American's Journal of Men's Health) showed that nearly 50% of them suffered from depression while 34% of them suffered from anxiety. It is worth to note that 17 of these men have a family history of mental disorders that may affect them too.
Alternative Hair Loss Solution
If you suffer from hair loss, always bare in mind that everyone may react differently to any drug including finasteride. Just because it has caused various problems in some men, it doesn't mean that it will do the same to you and vice versa. Again, women should never use finasteride as it is known to cause birth defects.
As an anti-ageing scientist who has tried both finasteride and minoxidil, I decided not to use them. It wasn't an easy decision for me. Fortunately, after 15 years of research and development, I have successfully developed my own hair loss solution, Scalp Stimulator and Hair Growth Serum.
Scalp Stimulator is a pre-shampoo hair loss treatment oil which has been specially formulated with an exclusive blend of menthol, stabilised vitamin E, rosemary, cedarwood, thyme, lavender, ylang ylang and lemon essential oils to help reverse the effects of dihydrotestosterone on hair follicles. Gently massage to the affected areas of the scalp, 20 to 30 minutes before you wash your hair with a shampoo. For best results, use once a day.
Hair Growth Tonic is a revitalising hair serum which has been formulated with caffeine, niacinamide, menthol, rosemary, thyme, cedarwood and ylang ylang essential oils to reduce hair loss and optimise hair growth. Twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening, gently massage Hair Growth Serum into the scalp. Then style your hair as usual. Don't rinse. Ideally, use it every 12 hours.
Be consistent and persistent. Hair follicle will rest for about 100 days after hair fall. On average, hair grows about 1.2 cm per month, therefore, use both Scalp Stimulator and Hair Growth Serum continuously for at least 6 months. I have been using them daily for years and my hair continues to grow stronger and fuller over time.
" I developed Hair Loss Solution for Men and Women to help me dealing with my own androgenic alopecia."
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Author:
Henry Tianus is a multi-award-winning Anti-Ageing Scientist with 25 years experience in skincare research and product development. Henry Tianus's articles have been read by people in more than 100 countries with US and UK at the top of the list. Join Henry Tianus eNewsletter to receive the latest health and wellbeing tips.
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Scientific Sources: (1) Finasteride and sexual side effects, Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2012 Jan-Apr, 3(1): 62–65. (2) Androgen levels and components of aggressive behavior in men, Hormones and Behavior, 1987 Jun, 21(2): 170-80. (3) Medical therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia: sexual dysfunction and impact on quality of life, International journal of impotence research, 2003 Aug, 15(4): 299-306. (4) Emotional Consequences of Finasteride: Fool’s Gold, American Journal of Men's Health, 2018 Jan, 12(1): 90–95. (5) Special Report: Court let Merck hide secrets about baldness drug's risks, Reuters, 11-September-2019.
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