Open AccessInvestigation of the Plausibility of 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor Syndrome
Author(s) -
Raymond Fertig,
Jerry Shapiro,
Wilma F. Bergfeld,
Antonella Tosti
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
skin appendage disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2296-9195
pISSN - 2296-9160
DOI - 10.1159/000450617
Subject(s) - finasteride , gynecomastia , decreased libido , libido , medicine , discontinuation , erectile dysfunction , dutasteride , sexual dysfunction , anxiety , 5 alpha reductase inhibitor , psychiatry , prostate cancer , prostate , cancer
Postfinasteride syndrome (PFS) is a term recently coined to characterize a constellation of reported undesirable side effects described in postmarketing reports and small uncontrolled studies that developed during or after stopping finasteride treatment, and persisted after drug discontinuation. Symptoms included decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, sexual anhedonia, decreased sperm count, gynecomastia, skin changes, cognitive impairment, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. The aim of this study is to review the existing medical literature for evidence-based research of permanent sexual dysfunction and mood changes during treatment with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors including finasteride and dutasteride.