Open AccessHow to Deal with the Issues of Fertility, Malignancies, and the Postfinasteride Syndrome while Prescribing Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss
Author(s) -
Ralph M. Trüeb,
Ngoc-Nhi Catharina Luu,
Maria Fernanda Reis Gavazzoni Dias,
Hudson Dutra Rezende
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
skin appendage disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.773
H-Index - 13
eISSN - 2296-9195
pISSN - 2296-9160
DOI - 10.1159/000520493
Subject(s) - finasteride , medicine , prostate cancer , gynecomastia , population , hair loss , fertility , gynecology , antiandrogens , cancer , oncology , psychiatry , intensive care medicine , prostate , dermatology , antiandrogen , environmental health
Oral finasteride represented a breakthrough for treatment of male pattern hair loss (MPHL), with clinical studies having demonstrated high efficacy of treatment and a favorable safety profile. And yet, fertility issues, malignancy, and postfinasteride syndrome have been concerns of users and prescribers of the drug. Pre-existing mental health disorder may put patients at an increased risk of nocebo, while the prevalence of personality disorders in subjects with MPHL is known to be higher than in the general population, specifically histrionic personality disorder. We devised a system for patient selection and risk assessment, including fertility issues, regular PSA determinations, and specific mental health assessment. For those who choose regular prostate cancer screening, the use of finasteride meaningfully reduces the risk of prostate cancer. While gynecomastia is a known, rare adverse effect of finasteride, so far, studies support the view that exposure to finasteride is not associated with male breast cancer risk. Patient understanding and involvement are central to optimal treatment selection and active patient role in treatment.