Persistent Sexual and Psychological Symptoms After Finasteride Discontinuation: A Cross-Sectional Observational...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pharmacology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Persistent sexual and psychological symptoms after finasteride discontinuation are reported.
• Factors influencing the severity of these post-finasteride symptoms require further characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between clinical variables and the severity of sexual and psychological symptoms in men after finasteride discontinuation.
• To identify risk factors contributing to persistent symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 129 men with prior finasteride exposure.
• Assessed sexual function (IIEF), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), and anxiety (GAD-7).
• Utilized univariate and multivariable regression analyses to evaluate associations between age, treatment duration, cumulative exposure, indication, and symptom severity.

Main Results:

• Older age and higher cumulative finasteride exposure were independently associated with lower erectile function (IIEF scores).
• Increased cumulative exposure and older age correlated with higher depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) scores.
• While some symptom improvement was observed over time, normalization was not achieved in most patients.

Conclusions:

• Greater cumulative finasteride exposure and older age are associated with more severe sexual and psychological symptoms post-discontinuation.
• Findings suggest these factors are critical in the persistence and severity of finasteride-related symptoms.
• Prospective studies are needed to confirm risk factors and long-term outcomes.