Study Links Hair Loss Drug Finasteride to Increased Suicide Risk
A widely-used medication for hair loss known as finasteride has been implicated in potential suicide risks, according to a recent study. Finasteride, which is marketed as Propecia and requires a prescription, has gained traction among men looking to combat thinning hair with just a daily pill.
However, as its popularity has risen, so have reports of concerning side effects. Some users have reported experiencing mood fluctuations, reduced sexual desire, and even genital shrinkage.
A review of existing studies has indicated that individuals taking finasteride may face an elevated risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. Researchers from Israel examined eight studies conducted from 2017 to 2023 and found a notable increase in suicidal behavior among those using the medication compared to non-users.
The specific reasons why finasteride may heighten suicide risk remain unclear. Some researchers speculate that it might decrease levels of certain brain chemicals that help to alleviate stress.
Dr. Mayer Brezis, who conducted the study at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, emphasized the seriousness of these observations, stating, “The evidence is no longer anecdotal. We now see consistent patterns across diverse populations, and the consequences may have been tragic.”
Initially approved for male hair loss in 1997, finasteride is now prescribed to approximately 7.5 million men annually, although it’s not officially approved for women, who may be given it off-label for hair loss. Notable figures, including Elon Musk, have reportedly used this medication.
In 2011, the FDA recognized depression as a potential side effect of finasteride, later updating its warning in 2022 to include suicidal behaviors. Concerns about a possible connection have been raised as far back as 2002.
From 1993 to 2025, the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) logged nearly 300 suicides linked to the drug, along with over a hundred attempts. However, it’s worth noting that this reporting system is not verified and may represent correlation rather than causation.
A comprehensive review presented in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry last month warned that the drug could have caused ‘hundreds of thousands’ of depression cases and numerous suicides since its introduction. This review analyzed four studies related to suicide among finasteride users and four others focused on mental health data.
One of these studies, conducted in Canada, tracked around 93,000 men taking finasteride from 2003 to 2013. It found that users had an 88% increased risk of being diagnosed with depression within 18 months, though it didn’t establish a link between the drug and suicide.
A separate study published in 2024 found that men treated with finasteride were 40% more likely to develop anxiety or depression compared to those not using the drug.
The researchers concluded that current evidence suggests a relationship between finasteride use and mental health issues, while also calling for stricter regulatory oversight regarding ongoing studies of approved medications.
However, the review acknowledged significant limitations, such as the potential for data inaccuracies in the large databases analyzed.
Finasteride operates by inhibiting an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone known to contribute to hair loss. The FDA reports that more than one in 100 users may face erectile dysfunction and lowered libido. Additionally, for about one in 1,000 users, it’s linked to breast swelling and low mood. In recent years, the FDA has added a warning about the potential connection to suicides, listing depression, suicidal thoughts, and behavior among side effects.
Merck, the manufacturer of finasteride, has stated that the evidence does not support a direct link between their product and suicides or suicidal thoughts, asserting that such warnings should not be part of the drug’s labeling. They maintain that they actively collaborate with regulatory agencies to monitor safety signals related to finasteride.
Statistics indicate that approximately 49,000 Americans die by suicide each year, making it the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 34, with a significant majority of suicides occurring in men, according to the CDC.
