Hyper-androgenicity caused by medication?

Question

I have been on generic 1mg finasteride for 8 months for frontal thinning. I've gotten thinner since starting fin and have a burn/stinging from the scalp where the thinning is occurring (along with back acne). Online med boards mention that fin can cause an increase in hair loss to some, including causing pain in the scalp and acne. They said it's reflex hyperandrogenicity due to Finasteride. Is that possible? How do I know if fin is causing that? I don't want to stop the medication so soon.

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

You may have Post-finasteride syndrome, occurs in men who’ve taken finasteride to treat hair loss by a chance of %4-5. That may causes not hyperandrogenicity but some other symptoms include: loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, panic attacks, Peyronie’s disease, penile shrinkage, gynecomastia, muscle atrophy, cognitive impairment, insomnia, severely dry skin and tinnitus. The condition often has a life-altering impact on victims and their families, such as job loss and the breakup of marriages and romantic relationships..

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

You need to see a doctor to relate your symptoms to the drug. There are many rare side effects that are reported and this may be one of them

Hyper-androgenicity caused by medication?

Answers (2)