Finasteride has been used since the 1990s to treat androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss). The active ingredient inhibits the enzyme 5-α-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In addition to its effectiveness, finasteride has been increasingly associated with possible psychological and sexual side effects in recent years. The discussion gained new attention in 2025 after several media reports and studies pointed to a possible risk of depressive moods and suicidal thoughts.
2 Current research and data situation
An Israeli study published in October 2025, which was cited in various international media (including the New York Post, 2025), concludes that finasteride may be associated with an increased risk of mental disorders, particularly depressive symptoms and suicidality. The authors argue that the previous evidence of these side effects is no longer exclusively anecdotal.
In parallel, a Danish case-control study (2025) published a differentiated analysis of suicide attempts in men who had taken finasteride. This study found no significant association between finasteride use and an increased risk of suicide attempts. However, the authors emphasize the limited significance due to the sample size and methodological uncertainties.
In addition, the European Medicines Agency (EMA, 2025) points out that suicidal thoughts should be listed as a possible but rare side effect of finasteride in the product information. A causal relationship has not yet been clearly established.
3 Public and regulatory reactions
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responded in 2025 with a warning to providers of topical finasteride preparations, particularly those sold via telemedicine platforms. The agency emphasized that there was insufficient safety testing for some of these products and that cases of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts had been reported.
In Europe, too, several professional associations called for increased monitoring of patients taking finasteride, especially if they have a history of mental health problems. The Israeli researcher Dr. Mayer Brezis publicly criticized the reluctance of manufacturers and regulatory authorities to date in dealing with these indications.
4. discussion
The current study situation does not allow a clear statement about a causal relationship between finasteride and psychological side effects. While case reports and pharmacovigilance data repeatedly point to depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts, larger epidemiological studies have not yet shown any consistent results.
Methodological challenges exist in particular in the retrospective collection of data, the self-selection of those affected and the influence of previous mental illnesses or hormonal fluctuations. It is also unclear whether the topical (externally applied) formulation has a comparable risk profile to oral administration.
5 Conclusion
The current debate highlights a tension between scientific evidence and public perception. While there is no firm evidence for a direct causal relationship between finasteride and suicidality, the repeated indications from case studies and pharmacovigilance data speak for increased attention in clinical practice.
Prospective, methodologically robust research into the psychological side effects of finasteride therefore appears necessary in order to clarify the risk assessment and enable evidence-based recommendations for action.
