Is it possible finasteride lowered my libido without me noticing?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Finasteride can lower libido, and some men may not notice the change right away. This side effect happens because finasteride reduces DHT, a hormone linked to sexual desire. While many users tolerate the medication well, decreased libido, erectile difficulties, or reduced sexual satisfaction can develop gradually—sometimes weeks or months into treatment—making it easy to overlook the connection.

If you're experiencing changes in libido or other symptoms and aren't sure whether finasteride, another medication, or an underlying condition is the cause, guessing isn't your best option. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be driving your symptoms and guide you toward the right next steps—whether that's talking to your doctor about adjusting your treatment or exploring other possibilities.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if finasteride is causing your libido drop Discover likely causes of reduced sex drive Find out if your symptoms need care today See OTC options for sexual side effects Find a doctor for finasteride-related sexual issues Explore home remedies for low libido Understand if finasteride side effects need evaluation

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Explanation

Finasteride is a medication often used to treat hair loss and prostate issues. It can have side effects, including changes in sexual function. Some people taking finasteride might experience a lower libido, which means less interest in sexual activity.

Possible Effects:

Libido Changes: Finasteride can cause a decrease in libido, which might not be immediately noticeable.
Erectile Dysfunction: As mentioned in the references, some users may experience persistent erectile dysfunction even after stopping the medication.
Mental Health: There is also a possibility of depression linked to finasteride use, which can indirectly affect libido.

If you are concerned about changes in your sexual health or mental well-being while taking finasteride, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider. To better understand your symptoms and get personalized guidance, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker. For mental health support, you can visit 988lifeline.org.

(References)

Rahimi-Ardabili B, Pourandarjani R, Habibollahi P, & Mualeki A. (2006). Finasteride induced depression: a prospective study - PMC. BMC Clinical Pharmacology, 1622749.
Sung HH, Yu J, Kang SJ, Chae MR, So I, Park JK, & Lee SW. (2018). Persistent Erectile Dysfunction after Discontinuation of 5- .... The World Journal of Men's Health, 6479083.
Skolarus T, & Wei J. (2009). Measurement of benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment .... International journal of impotence research, 2862344.

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