Finasteride Use Does Not Lead to Depression or Suicide: Insights From a Large-Scale Cohort Study and Mendelian
Jing Wang1, Daoyi Lin1,2, Jingwei Zhao1
1China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
|December 2, 2025
Summary
This study found no link between finasteride use and increased depression or suicide risk. Mendelian randomization and COX regression analyses support these findings, easing concerns for finasteride (AGA) users.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Finasteride is a common treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
- Concerns exist regarding finasteride's potential to increase depression and suicide risk.
- This controversy necessitates rigorous scientific investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationship between finasteride use and the risk of depression and suicide.
- To provide robust evidence regarding finasteride's safety profile concerning mental health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) with five exposure and ten outcome datasets.
- Employed COX regression analysis on the large UK Biobank cohort.
- Assessed the association between finasteride prescription and depression/suicide risk.
Main Results:
- MR analysis, after false discovery rate (FDR) correction, showed no significant relationship between finasteride and depression or suicide.
- COX regression analysis in the UK Biobank cohort also indicated no significant association between finasteride use and depression or suicide events.
- Results remained consistent regardless of covariate consideration.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not support a link between systemic finasteride use and an elevated risk of depression or suicide.
- These findings may help alleviate patient and clinician concerns regarding finasteride's mental health impact.
- Further research can continue to monitor long-term mental health outcomes in finasteride users.
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