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Can Finastride Reduce Libido And Cause Impotence?

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Posted on Mon, 16 Jun 2014
Question: Hi, I have read about finasteride and dutasteride to stop hair loss. Some of my friends say these reduce libido and eventually may cause impotence. Can you please throw some light on these medicines?
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Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
These drugs cause sexual dysfunction-side effect

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Finastride and Dutastride are two drugs which inhibit the conversion of testosterone to its more active metabolite dihydrotestosterone.
This inhibition is brought about be inhibition of an enzyme called 5 alpha reductase.
These drugs are used for benign hyperplasia of prostate and male pattern baldness by inhibiting the hair fall.
However, erectile dysfunction and reduced sexual libido are some of the known side effects of these drugs.
You will have to consider other options to reduce hair fall if you want to get rid of these side effects.
You will need to consult a dermatologist for this.

If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Shailja Puri

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 9705 Questions

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Can Finastride Reduce Libido And Cause Impotence?

Brief Answer: These drugs cause sexual dysfunction-side effect Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic. Finastride and Dutastride are two drugs which inhibit the conversion of testosterone to its more active metabolite dihydrotestosterone. This inhibition is brought about be inhibition of an enzyme called 5 alpha reductase. These drugs are used for benign hyperplasia of prostate and male pattern baldness by inhibiting the hair fall. However, erectile dysfunction and reduced sexual libido are some of the known side effects of these drugs. You will have to consider other options to reduce hair fall if you want to get rid of these side effects. You will need to consult a dermatologist for this. If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer. Dr Shailja P Wahal