Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


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7423515 
Journal Article 
The Post-finasteride Syndrome: Clinical Manifestation of Drug-Induced Epigenetics Due to Endocrine Disruption 
Traish, AM; , 
2018 
88-103 
Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) is a disorder characterized by a set of clinical symptoms experienced during use or after drug discontinuation. This cluster of symptoms encompasses overall sexual dysfunction (SD), erectile dysfunction (ED), loss of libido, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and cognitive dysfunction. To date, there is lack of comprehensive understanding of the biochemical and pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the adverse effects of finasteride. More importantly, there is lack of knowledge and effective clinical tools for treatments of this condition, resulting in outright dismissal of complaints by individuals afflicted with this syndrome. Psychological symptoms and cognitive dysfunction of PFS are far more serious and difficult to treat than sexual dysfunction symptoms and may lead young men to contemplate, attempt, or even commit suicide. Therefore, an urgent need exists to fill the knowledge gap in physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical management of patients with PFS.