For many men, the gradual thinning of hair is about more than just their appearance. Finasteride, a drug widely prescribed for the treatment of male pattern baldness, has been used effectively for many years for this deeply personal problem.
Yet, behind its use are growing concerns about its link to the development of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
There is now critical discussion among both users and health-care professionals about the potential hazards associated with its continued use.
So how does the drug work? And what does the evidence say about the risk of developing a mental health problem?
How does finasteride work?
Finasteride is used to treat androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. It works to regrow hair and prevent further hair loss.One of the key causes of pattern baldness is the production of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, which the body makes from testosterone. When it binds to hair follicles, it initiates a process called hair follicle miniaturisation. This is where the hair’s growth cycle becomes progressively shorter, resulting in thinner and weaker hair.Finasteride works by blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. By blocking the enzyme, dihydrotestosterone concentrations can be reduced by around 60-70% for most men.
Finasteride was first approved in the late 1990s as a prescription-only medicine and is taken as a daily 1 milligram oral tablet. Medications available at a higher 5 mg daily dose are not used for baldness, but as a treatment for non-cancerous prostate enlargement.This medication is not indicated for women, even though they can also experience this type of hair loss.
How can it impact your mental health?
changes in mental health are not listed as an established side effect in Australian guidance given to health-care professionals.
Based on clinical trials,the most common effects include:
- decreased libido
- erectile dysfunction
- reduced semen production.
The guidance also describes an increased risk of prostate cancer and a potential risk for breast cancer. Yes, men can get breast cancer too.
While initial clinical trials conducted to obtain approval…