How Merck buried finasteride’s full impact on hormone signaling

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Merck held that finasteride had a simple and selective mechanism. In fact, it disrupts hormonal pathways much more broadly. These pathways support the brain, reproductive system and other organs. Merck’s selective account concealed risks which would surface in the decades after approval of Propecia.

Research review: Alterations to penile and prostatic tissue associated with finasteride and dutasteride treatment

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Simple summary: Numerous studies have shown that treatment with finasteride and dutasteride can change the size, tissue composition and function of the penis and prostate. Changes in the penis linked to finasteride or dutasteride treatment include: reduced size and weight; reduced erectile response; decreased smooth muscle; increased collagen density; fibrosis (scarring); smaller cavities for blood … Read more

From LSD to Zoloft, drugs can leave lasting damage

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SUMMARY: Post-drug disorders are not side effects that linger, but lasting changes that may be severe and irreversible. These disorders are linked to prescribed drugs as well as recreational drugs, and can arise after one dose or chronic abuse. This post covers post-drug disorders linked to use of alcohol, hallucinogens, antidepressants, benzodiazepenes, isotretinoin (also known … Read more

Men’s fitness influencers are raising alarms about finasteride risks

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Fitness influencers are followed primarily by younger men who want to be stronger, better-performing, and in some cases more attractive. This brings up the topic of hair and hair loss. In the era of Instagram, body-hacking and online prescribers such as Hims and Keeps, young men’s worries over hair loss might be greater than ever. … Read more

Firsthand experiences – Volume X: Saw palmetto & nettle

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Men turn to saw palmetto, a plant-based supplement, because prescription drugs may be unavailable or too costly. Some see the palm supplement as having a lower risk of side effects. Regulators say it is safe, but online, it is not difficult to find reports of men with adverse experiences after using saw palmetto which resemble the post-finasteride disorder.

Andrew Huberman, PhD discusses post-finasteride syndrome on the Huberman Lab podcast

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Today’s episode of the popular Huberman Lab Podcast is titled “The Science of Healthy Hair, Hair Loss and How to Regrow Hair.” It includes a five-minute discussion of post-finasteride syndrome. In the segment, Huberman raises an issue that has been little-discussed in the literature: the role of the androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in development throughout the … Read more