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Can Finasteride For Male Pattern Baldness Cause Loss Of Libido?

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Posted on Tue, 13 May 2014
Question: Hi. I'm a 19 years old male. I'm losing my hair due to male pattern baldness. Can finasteride halt my sexual development as I might be into late stages of puberty? Thanks.
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Answered by Dr. Charu Bansal (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer: safe to take finasteride as puberty alrdy attained Detailed Answer: Hello dear, Welcome to healthcaremagic. I have read your query and understood your concern. Male pattern baldness also known as androgenetic alopecia is a hormone dependent condition due to androgens. The treatment of choice for the same is topical minoxidil with oral finasteride. finasteride is said to cause loss of libido that too mentioned the few studies. As such , it doesn't halt the puberty. And you are already 19 years old with no fear of pubertal halt or delay. Till this age, one attains full pubertal maturity. The loss of libido is also an uncommon side effect, more in anxious patients specially. I usually advice my patients to take this drug along with topical minoxidil after proper counselling. You may safely start the medication. I hope it helps. If you have any further query you may ask me. Stay healthy.
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. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Charu Bansal

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 773 Questions

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Can Finasteride For Male Pattern Baldness Cause Loss Of Libido?

Brief Answer: safe to take finasteride as puberty alrdy attained Detailed Answer: Hello dear, Welcome to healthcaremagic. I have read your query and understood your concern. Male pattern baldness also known as androgenetic alopecia is a hormone dependent condition due to androgens. The treatment of choice for the same is topical minoxidil with oral finasteride. finasteride is said to cause loss of libido that too mentioned the few studies. As such , it doesn't halt the puberty. And you are already 19 years old with no fear of pubertal halt or delay. Till this age, one attains full pubertal maturity. The loss of libido is also an uncommon side effect, more in anxious patients specially. I usually advice my patients to take this drug along with topical minoxidil after proper counselling. You may safely start the medication. I hope it helps. If you have any further query you may ask me. Stay healthy.