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What Causes Low Libido While On Finasteride?
Question: Hi,
I have taken finasteride for 3 years for treating hairloss which resulted in adverse sexual sideeffects such as lower libdo, erectyle dysfunction etc. i stopped taking finasteride 2.5 years ago but still the sideeffects are not gone. Recently my testosterone levels showed 169ng/dl( test taken at 5pm). Please suggest me a treatment which will not affect my fertility.
I have taken finasteride for 3 years for treating hairloss which resulted in adverse sexual sideeffects such as lower libdo, erectyle dysfunction etc. i stopped taking finasteride 2.5 years ago but still the sideeffects are not gone. Recently my testosterone levels showed 169ng/dl( test taken at 5pm). Please suggest me a treatment which will not affect my fertility.
Brief Answer:
A little more wait and repeat investigations required
Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear
Welcome to this website!
I am Dr V XXXXXXX and I deal with large volume of patients of hair loss on treatment with Finasteride.
I have noted your concerns and would like to inform and help you in all possible ways.
Since you stopped taking medication 2.5 years ago, it seems unlikely that Finasteride might be the cause for adverse sexual functions.There is plenty of research to believe that sexual dysfunction with Finasteride is uncommon and is reversible. My personal experience too is more or less the same. This does not mean that we should not investigate and accept everything. Let us remain open to the existinig facts and see what can be done. If the problem is in anyway related to use of Finasteride, then it should revert to normalcy with passage of time and there should be some improvement. Two and a half years is a sufficiently long period for the reversal of side effects attributed to this drug
Your testosterone levels are below normal values. One cannot ascribe this situation to the use of medication unless levels before starting the treatment are known and available for comaparison.
In a case like this, I would have requested a repeat of tests after a few months and to get more realistic picture.
In the meantime, I would have advised the person to ;
1 Stay positive in attitude
2 Have good, balanced and healthy diet
3 Moderate exercise and stress relieving activities
4 Staying away from intoxicating substances
I am sure, these measures will help you cope with the issue at hand better and you will be well soon.
Our best wishes, always!
A little more wait and repeat investigations required
Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear
Welcome to this website!
I am Dr V XXXXXXX and I deal with large volume of patients of hair loss on treatment with Finasteride.
I have noted your concerns and would like to inform and help you in all possible ways.
Since you stopped taking medication 2.5 years ago, it seems unlikely that Finasteride might be the cause for adverse sexual functions.There is plenty of research to believe that sexual dysfunction with Finasteride is uncommon and is reversible. My personal experience too is more or less the same. This does not mean that we should not investigate and accept everything. Let us remain open to the existinig facts and see what can be done. If the problem is in anyway related to use of Finasteride, then it should revert to normalcy with passage of time and there should be some improvement. Two and a half years is a sufficiently long period for the reversal of side effects attributed to this drug
Your testosterone levels are below normal values. One cannot ascribe this situation to the use of medication unless levels before starting the treatment are known and available for comaparison.
In a case like this, I would have requested a repeat of tests after a few months and to get more realistic picture.
In the meantime, I would have advised the person to ;
1 Stay positive in attitude
2 Have good, balanced and healthy diet
3 Moderate exercise and stress relieving activities
4 Staying away from intoxicating substances
I am sure, these measures will help you cope with the issue at hand better and you will be well soon.
Our best wishes, always!
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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