Link Between Hair-Loss Medication and Increased Psychiatric Risks Revealed in New Review

For over twenty years, finasteride has been widely prescribed to treat male pattern baldness, with millions using it as a seemingly low-risk solution. However, recent research highlights serious concerns about its psychiatric side effects. A comprehensive review by Professor Mayer Brezis from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals an alarming pattern of mental health issues linked to the drug.

The review, published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, analyzed data from eight major studies spanning 2017 to 2023. The findings indicate that users of finasteride are significantly more prone to experience mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation compared to those not taking the medication. These patterns emerged across diverse populations and data sources, including reports from the US FDA, and health records from countries like Sweden, Canada, and Israel.

Despite evidence of these risks, regulatory agencies have been slow to respond. The FDA acknowledged depression as a side effect as early as 2011 and added suicidal thoughts to the warning label in 2022. However, internal documents from 2010 suggest that data on suicidality was heavily censored, and official statistics underestimated the true scope of the problem. While only 18 suicides were officially linked to finasteride by 2011, estimates based on global usage suggest the real number could be in the thousands.

The biological basis for these adverse effects involves finasteride's action of blocking testosterone conversion into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which may also disrupt neurosteroids involved in mood regulation. Animal studies have shown long-term changes in brain inflammation and structure, and some users experience persistent symptoms, termed "post-finasteride syndrome," including insomnia, panic attacks, cognitive decline, and ongoing suicidal thoughts.

Critics argue that the drug’s classification as a cosmetic medication has contributed to regulatory complacency and industry silence. Merck, the original manufacturer, and regulatory authorities failed to act swiftly despite accumulating evidence. The authors advocate for stricter post-marketing surveillance, suspension of marketing for cosmetic use, and better recording of drug histories in psychiatric assessments.

Sadly, many cases have resulted in irreversible tragedy, with individuals experiencing severe mental health crises after using finasteride. The review emphasizes the need for urgent reform to prevent further preventable suffering and calls for greater transparency and accountability in drug safety oversight.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-common-hair-loss-drug-higher.html