Does Finasteride Lower Testosterone? What You Should Know
If you’re taking or considering taking Finasteride, commonly prescribed for hair loss or prostate issues, you might be wondering how it impacts your hormone levels, particularly Testosterone.
There’s a lot of confusion online about this topic, and we’re here to clarify what Finasteride does, what it doesn’t do, and how it may affect your overall hormone balance.
As a concierge medical clinic specializing in hormone therapy and integrative care, Defy Medical approaches each patient as a whole person. That includes reviewing medications like Finasteride for hair loss at the request of the patient.
What Is Finasteride and Why Is It Prescribed?
Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor (5-ARI).
It’s commonly prescribed under brand names like Propecia (for hair loss) and Proscar (for enlarged prostate, or BPH).
It works by blocking the enzyme that converts Testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a more potent androgen that plays a role in male pattern baldness and prostate growth.
By lowering DHT levels, Finasteride helps:
- Slow or reverse hair loss
- Reduce prostate size
- Improve urinary symptoms associated with BPH
Does Finasteride Lower Testosterone Levels?
This is a common concern—but the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
In most cases, Finasteride does not lower total Testosterone levels. In fact, studies have shown that blocking the conversion of Testosterone into DHT can actually increase circulating Testosterone slightly. That’s because less Testosterone is being converted downstream.
So, if you’re only looking at total Testosterone, levels may stay the same or even rise.
However, blocking DHT can have ripple effects on how and where Testosterone works in your body.
Can Finasteride Cause Symptoms of Low T?
Here’s where things get a little more complex.
Even though Finasteride might not reduce total Testosterone, it can alter the balance between hormones in a way that may mimic symptoms of low Testosterone, especially in sensitive individuals.
That’s because DHT is a crucial androgen that plays a major role in:
- Libido and sexual function
- Mood and mental clarity
- Energy and motivation
Some men report:
- Lower sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
These symptoms are sometimes referred to as Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS), though this is a debated and not officially recognized diagnosis.
Still, it’s clear that some patients experience changes in quality of life while on Finasteride, even if total Testosterone remains unchanged.
Should You Stop Taking Finasteride If You Have Symptoms?
Not necessarily. Everyone reacts differently to medications, and the key is to work with an experienced medical provider who can look at your full hormone panel, not just Testosterone.
At Defy Medical, we examine:
- Total and Free Testosterone
- DHT levels
- Estradiol (E2)
- SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin)
- DHEA and Cortisol
- Thyroid and kidney function
- Overall health
- Lifestyle factors (sleep, stress, nutrition)
This approach helps determine whether Finasteride is contributing to your symptoms, or if another underlying issue is at play.
Sometimes, balancing hormones through Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), DHEA supplementation, or adjusting the Finasteride dose can help alleviate symptoms without stopping the medication altogether.
At Defy Medical, we recommend utilizing a Finasteride topical foam or solution rather than an oral dose. Topical Finasteride targets the scalp more directly and can potentially reduce symptoms of PFS.
Can You Take Finasteride While on Testosterone Therapy?
Yes—in fact, it’s common for TRT patients to use topical Finasteride to manage hair loss while maintaining healthy Testosterone levels.
Since TRT increases Testosterone (and therefore DHT), some patients experience accelerated hair thinning. Finasteride foam can help reduce DHT in this case while maintaining all the other benefits of TRT.
It’s all about balance and customization—two things that define how we treat patients at Defy Medical.
What’s the Best Way to Know if Finasteride Is Affecting You?
The best way to know is through comprehensive lab testing and a clinical consultation.
We don’t guess—we test. Then we work with you to understand your symptoms and goals. Whether it’s maintaining your hair, optimizing your hormones, or both, our expert medical team will help you find the right balance.
If you’re experiencing symptoms you think could be connected to Finasteride or hormonal imbalance, it may be time to take a deeper look at your health.
Ready to Understand Your Hormones Better?
You deserve answers—and a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Get started with Defy Medical to begin your journey to optimized health.
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