#6 Review Paper on the Side Effects of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors for Male Pattern Baldness on Men’s Health (Published June 2018)
Mohammed A. Said and Akanksha Mehta (2018) The Impact of 5α-Reductase inhibitor Use for Male Pattern Hair Loss on Men’s Health. Current Urology Reports, 19:65
This review article investigated the adverse effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors on men’s health by analyzing studies published between January 1970 and March 2018. The search terms included finasteride, dutasteride, 5α-reductase inhibitor, male pattern hair loss, sexual dysfunction, and infertility.
The results of the analysis showed that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can cause rare but serious and persistent sexual and reproductive side effects. The main side effects are erectile dysfunction, decreased ejaculate volume, decreased libido, and infertility.
The authors recommend that men considering taking 5-alpha reductase inhibitors should have a thorough discussion with their doctor.
