Can male breast enlargement be caused by finasteride?

Question

Dear Doctors, i am a 24 years old male. About 5 years ago i travelled from my country to overseas (Australia) and still living here but my breast got bigger here. I feel so uncomfortable with my friends and in parties. I had been using Finasteride tablet for my hair growth, breast enlargement could be because of the tablet side effect. I used this 5 mg tablet for about one and a half month. Please help me and give me advice to tackle the problem. I am really worry and stressful, can not wear t-shirts etc.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

The correct dose of finasteride for treating male pattern balding is 1mg a day, not 5mg.  See your doctor if you have breast enlargement.  It can be a side effect of finasteride, but it is rare and happens with prolonged use (not 1 month of use).

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Hi mralex, thanks for the question. Yes, finasteride has been described as causing the issues that you mentioned. I would advise you to stop the medication now and you should definitely speak to your doctor about it. Good luck!

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Yes, breast enlargement in men is a possible side effect of finasteride. The medical term for such breast enlargement in men is called "gynecomastia." Breast enlargement happens in about 1 in every 200 to 300 men that take finasteride. If it's going to happen in generally happens within the first 2-4 months. Stopping the drug can lead to an improvement in many men. If the drug is continued the breast enlargement may be permanent. It is important to see a physician to discuss. The proper dose of finasteride is 1 mg rather than 5 mg. You may discuss stopping the finasteride and the negative implications this may have for your hair and the positive implications on the breast enlargement.

Brian Goertz, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, finasteride can cause breast enlargement in males. More common in younger men in late teens and early 20's. The correct dose for combating crown hair loss is 1 mg per day not 5 mg. Please discuss both issues with your prescribing doctor.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, this drug is known to cause some breast enlargement, even cysts, but it is very rare (less than 1:1000 people). Most people who have gynecomastia from this drug, end up stopping the drug.  Speak with your doctor about it

Can male breast enlargement be caused by finasteride?

Answers (5)

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