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A prescription drug, long recognized for treating hair loss and prostate issues, may offer a surprising new health benefit. Finasteride, available since 1992, is well-known for its effects on hair and prostate health, but recent studies indicate it may also lower cholesterol and help reduce the risk of heart disease.
The unexpected discovery came when Dr. Jaume Amengual, an assistant professor at the University of Illinois, noticed a trend in a national survey that sparked his curiosity. “When we looked at the men taking finasteride, their cholesterol levels averaged 30 points lower than those not on the drug. I thought we’d see the opposite pattern, so it was very interesting,” he shared.
The Cholesterol Link: A Surprising Finding
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2009 to 2016 showed that men using finasteride had significantly lower cholesterol levels. A 30-point difference in cholesterol levels caught researchers’ attention, prompting them to investigate further.
However, as an observational study, NHANES data has limitations. “This was not a clinical study in which you can control everything perfectly,” Amengual noted. To investigate further, his team turned to laboratory experiments on mice.
Mice Experiments Reveal Heart Health Benefits
Doctoral student Donald Molina Chaves conducted experiments on mice predisposed to atherosclerosis—a condition characterized by arterial plaque buildup. These mice were given finasteride doses alongside a high-fat diet. Results revealed that mice on higher doses of finasteride had lower cholesterol levels and reduced inflammatory markers in their arteries and liver.
While the results look promising, Amengual explained that the dosage used in mice is much higher than what would be safe for humans. “Mice are extremely resistant to things that would be dangerous for us, so we use higher doses to study effects,” he clarified. Future research will focus on determining if similar benefits can be achieved at lower, human-safe dosages.
How Finasteride Works: The Hormone Connection
Finasteride impacts cholesterol through its effects on hormones, specifically by blocking a protein that activates testosterone and reduces dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. DHT plays a role in hair loss and prostate enlargement and, according to the latest findings, may also be linked to heart disease risk.
Amengual’s interest in finasteride’s wider effects came from a curiosity about hormone-related health implications. “Initially, it was just my own curiosity based on the fact that hormone levels impact atherosclerosis, hair loss, and prostate issues. So, we decided to dig into it,” he said.
Potential Benefits for the Transgender Community
Interestingly, finasteride’s benefits could extend beyond men with hair loss or prostate concerns. Transgender individuals undergoing hormone therapy face a higher risk of heart disease due to hormone-related changes. Finasteride is sometimes prescribed during gender transitions to manage hair loss related to hormone treatment.
“This drug could potentially help prevent cardiovascular disease not only in cisgender men but also in transgender individuals,” Amengual explained, highlighting finasteride’s unique potential as a dual-purpose treatment.
Risks and Side Effects
Despite its promising benefits, finasteride isn’t without risks. The drug has been associated with several side effects, including sexual dysfunction, reduced libido, mood changes, and, in some cases, long-term side effects known as Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS). Symptoms of PFS include persistent sexual dysfunction and psychological effects even after discontinuing the medication.
Physical side effects such as breast tenderness or enlargement, skin rashes, and swelling in extremities have also been reported. Because of these risks, regular medical check-ups are advised for long-term users.
What Lies Ahead for Finasteride?
If future human studies confirm finasteride’s benefits in lowering cholesterol and reducing heart disease risk, the drug could take on a new role in heart health strategies. While the findings are encouraging, more research is needed to determine if the cholesterol-lowering effects observed in mice will translate effectively to humans at safe, practical doses.
For now, finasteride remains a drug with multiple potential benefits but also some significant risks. As with any medication, consulting a healthcare provider is essential before making changes to one’s health regimen. The future looks hopeful for finasteride as a multi-use treatment, but these developments call for cautious optimism.
