The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning regarding finasteride, a commonly used medication for hair loss. The agency has raised concerns about the serious sexual and genital side effects that this drug may cause. Finasteride, used by millions of men, has been linked to severe dysfunctions, including erectile issues, genital pain, and even penile shrinkage.
Many individuals who have used this medication have come forward with disturbing reports of side effects. Some men have claimed that their penis not only shrank but also bent, and they experienced a burning sensation in their genital area. These problems have caused significant mental trauma, with some reports even suggesting that the drug contributed to a tragic case of suicide.
Zoyer Heart, a 28-year-old man, shared his experience with finasteride-based hair gel purchased through the telehealth startup Keeps. Within a week of using the gel daily, Zoyer developed erectile dysfunction and testicular pain. He discontinued the product but continued to suffer from anxiety and embarrassment, even after stopping the treatment.
Similarly, Mark Milich revealed that he experienced penile shrinkage and other genital issues after taking finasteride. He struggled for months to regain normal erectile function after halting the medication.
These troubling accounts led the FDA, in 2011, to add depression and other severe side effects to the warning label for finasteride. Side effects such as sexual dysfunction, breast growth, breast pain, skin rashes, and even reports of breast cancer in men have been associated with the drug. Studies suggest that these issues may arise due to the lowering of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, a hormone responsible for hair loss.
Finasteride, originally sold in tablet form, has also been made available in lotions and gels. However, these products have not been FDA-approved. Online telehealth companies like Keeps and Hims sell finasteride-based products at prices ranging from $25 to $90 for a 30-day supply, despite the lack of official approval for these forms of the drug.
Doctors warn that while finasteride may slow hair loss, it can lead to side effects in 2-3% of users, including erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and lowered sperm count. These side effects are a significant concern for men seeking treatment for hair loss.
