Emerging evidence & commentary on risks of finasteride as a treatment for hair loss
On November 6, Dr. Andrew Huberman spoke to guest Dr. Michael Eisenberg, a urologist and professor at Stanford Health Care in California. In one segment, they discussed post-finasteride syndrome.
5-alpha syndrome (post-finasteride syndrome) is appearing more regularly in the medical literature. Recent articles show slightly more openness to the syndrome as legitimate, especially in the fields of andrology and sexual medicine. But they continue to recycle old arguments that pin the problem on the patient, such as pre-existing psychological and sexual disorders, a nocebo … Read more
Dr. Schaeffer, Chair of Urology at Feinberg School of Medicine, does not recommend finasteride for any man. The prostate cancer expert says he knows people who have post-finasteride syndrome “permanently.” Dr. Edward Schaeffer recently spoke about post-finasteride syndrome on The Peter Attia Drive Podcast, in an episode on prostate health. Dr. Schaeffer is Chair of … Read more
A drug-induced syndrome is all in the mind, a Swiss doctor wrote. Editors of the journals had past ties to the drug maker. Men turn to finasteride to try to save their hair, but they might end up with a severe and lasting disability.1 There are countless stories online, usually anonymous because of the embarrassing … Read more
This appendix accompanies the article: Response to Dr. Ralph Trüeb’s writings on post-finasteride syndrome. Table of competing interests ← back to main article Engagements with Merck re: Propecia Skin Appendage Disorders (journal) (1) International Journal of Trichology (2) Experimental Dermatology (journal) Hair Growth and Disorders textbook (2008) Cited by Trüeb Ralph Trüeb, MD Member, Editorial … Read more
Some post-5ARI patients experience genital numbness. This symptom can be assessed, but the tests are not easily accessible. This post gives an overview of medical tests which could yield signs of genital numbness and other abnormalities.
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, long-term use, or abuse. This post covers post-drug disorders linked to use of alcohol, hallucinogens, antidepressants, benzodiazepenes, isotretinoin (also … Read more
The websites Drugs.com and Ask a Patient collect reviews of drugs. Here are selected reviews of finasteride, taken by men for hair loss conditions. The dates range from 2008 to 2023.
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.
Note: In November 2023, Dr. Huberman discussed the risks of finasteride with Dr. Michael Eisenberg. Read the transcript 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. Huberman raises an issue that has been … Read more