Many have fell for the scare mongering online or in newspapers about the side effects of Propecia ® (Finasteride). Most recently, numerous headlines concerning Donald Trump taking the drug for hair loss management and experiencing libido deficiency, have taken the hair restoration industry by storm.
For those who don’t know, Finasteride is a DHT-blocking medicine that decreases the influence of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) on male pattern baldness. Research has indicated that approximately 65% of men who take Finasteride medication consistently experience a reduction in hair loss and even re-growth of miniaturized hair.
For those reading that Finasteride or Propecia causes sexual dysfunction and reduces libido consistently, know that this is simply untrue. It is widely recorded that a very exiguous fraction of Finasteride users, around only 1% in fact, relate experiencing such side effects. The most common side effects are sexual, specifically decreased libido or difficulty with getting or maintaining erections. However, these side effects, thoroughly researched and tested clinically, are not ‘consistent’ or ‘persistent’ as most tabloids will describe.
It’s commonly known in the field of hair restoration that normal sexual function ought to return to normal 2-7 weeks after stopping use of the drug. Moreover, if a patient decides to persevere with Finasteride, the body has a 60% chance of getting rid of any side effects without stopping use of the drug.
At Modena Hair Institute we’ve prescribed Finasteride for over 10 years – it’s one of the most common drugs that we recommend to suitable patients – and we have yet to receive a strong complaint regarding its side effects. Finasteride and minoxidil form an effective course for preventing further hair loss and promoting regrowth; supplementary hair growth products like groMD can also be used to manage hair loss.
We’re very much aware of the potential side effects and always advise patients accordingly before prescribing the medication. As we mentioned above, the reported negative side effects of Finasteride are limited to no more than 1% of patients, which include a drop in libido and occasional erectile dysfunction. If a patient experiences these side effects, we usually suggest taking half the dose, although this is rare.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, accredited member of the IAHRS and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.