Low Testosterone (low T) levels develop when the body is unable to produce sufficient Testosterone.
Low T is a common problem among men or people Assigned Male at Birth (AMAB). Low T levels can disrupt your life by affecting sleep, mood, libido, size of your testicles, and more.
Low T can develop due to several factors, including a side effect of medicines you might be taking.
Men or AMAB take Finasteride as a first choice medicine to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate.
There is a common doubt among people taking Finasteride, ‘Does Finasteride Lower Testosterone?’
This article will discuss the basics of Finasteride and whether it can cause Low Testosterone or not.
Finasteride: The Basics
BPH is a common prostate problem among men or AMAB that can cause bladder, urinary tract, and ejaculation problems.
Finasteride is a first-choice medicine for treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or enlarged prostate.
Doctors may prescribe it for male pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) as it promotes scalp hair growth.
Finasteride belongs to a group of medicines called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.
Finasteride inhibits the actions of the enzymes called 5-alpha-reductase. These enzymes convert Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is the primary hormone involved in normal and abnormal prostate growth. The inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase enzymes results in a reduction in prostate size.
Finasteride can also cause sexual dysfunctions like Erectile Dysfunction in some men.
Side Effects of Finasteride
Source: yacobchuk_from_Getty_ImagesAccording to the FDA data, some common side effects of Finsteride include
- Low libido
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Ejaculation disorder (decreased volume of ejaculate)
- Breast enlargement
- Breast tenderness
Finasteride can increase the risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer in men older than 55.
Does Finasteride Lower Testosterone
Low Testosterone is not listed as a common side effect of Finasteride.
5-alpha reductase inhibitors like Finasteride inhibit the conversion of Testosterone to DHT.
Since DHT is responsible for prostate growth, with low DHT, there is a reduction in prostate size.
This results in higher levels of Testosterone and low DHT.
A study published in the Journal of Urology found that Finasteride can cause an increase in Testosterone serum in men.
So, if you suspect low T because of Finasteride, there is a chance that it may be due to other reasons. This is because Finasteride improves Testosterone levels in the body.
Consult a healthcare professional to know more about the causes of low T.
What to do if I have Low Testosterone
Source: Dean_DrobotLow Testosterone is a common problem, especially among older men, that can result from multiple factors.
Common symptoms include loss of sex drive, ED, shrinking testicles, and loss of pubic or armpit hair.
It is advisable to consult a medical professional for low T before seeking treatment. They generally treat low T or Male Hypogonadism with Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).
Testosterone Replacement Therapy has several forms, including skin gels, nasal gels, oral pills, patches, and injections.
Oral Testosterone pills such as Cernos capsules and skin gels like Cernos gels are commonly available.
Most people are able to notice an improvement in 4 to 6 weeks after starting TRT.
The Bottom Line
Low Testosterone is a prevalent problem among people, especially older men or AMAB.
Low T can disrupt your life by poorly affecting sleep, mood, libido, sexual function, and more.
A person may develop low T due to multiple factors, including their medicines.
Most people taking Finasteride commonly raise a concern, ‘Does Finasteride lower Testosterone?’
Finasteride is meant for treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and male pattern hair loss.
It inhibits the action of 5-alpha reductase enzymes to prevent the conversion of Testosterone into DHT.
This causes an increase in the levels of Testosterone in the body while reducing DHT.
As per studies, Finasteride causes an increase in Testosterone.
If you have low T, it may be time to see your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
They may suggest oral tablets like Cernos to treat low T.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Finasteride for hair loss without worrying about Testosterone levels?
Studies suggest that Finasteride increases Testosterone levels in the body. So there is no reason for concern about Testosterone if you take it for hair loss.
Are the sexual side effects of Finasteride permanent?
In most cases, the sexual side effects of Finasteride are reversible. They usually resolve upon discontinuing the medication.
Can women use Finasteride?
The FDA does not recommend the use of Finasteride in women. They recommend pregnant women or those potentially pregnant to avoid direct exposure to the medicine as absorption of Finasteride can occur through the skin.
Should I stop taking Finasteride if I suspect my Testosterone levels are low?
If you suspect low T, it’s advisable to talk to a doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Is there an age limit for using Finasteride for hair loss?
Finasteride can be used by adult men. It’s best to consult a doctor to determine its suitability based on your age and health status.
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