Should I stop finasteride before a PSA test?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, finasteride can lower PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels by approximately 50% after six months of use. Because of this, doctors typically double your PSA result to get an accurate reading when interpreting the test. If you're taking finasteride, inform your doctor before your PSA screening so they can adjust the results correctly or advise whether to pause the medication beforehand.

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Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Finasteride is a medication that can affect PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and its levels are often checked to screen for prostate issues.

Effects of Finasteride

Lowered PSA Levels: According to the studies, finasteride can significantly reduce PSA levels. This means that if you are taking finasteride, your PSA test results might be lower than they would be without the medication.
Adjustment Needed: Doctors often adjust PSA test results for patients taking finasteride to get an accurate understanding of prostate health.

What to Do

Consult Your Doctor: It is important to talk to your doctor about your medication and whether you should stop taking finasteride before a PSA test. If you're experiencing any unusual symptoms or want to better understand your prostate health concerns, you can start by using a free AI symptom checker to help identify potential issues before your appointment. Your doctor will consider how finasteride affects your PSA levels and decide the best course of action for your situation.

(References)

Etzioni RD, Howlader N, Shaw PA, Ankerst DP, Penson DF, Goodman PJ, & Thompson IM. (2005). Long-term effects of finasteride on prostate specific antigen .... The Journal of urology, 16093979.
D'Amico AV, & Roehrborn CG. (2007). Effect of 1 mg/day finasteride on concentrations of serum .... The Lancet. Oncology, 17196507.
Guess HA, Gormley GJ, Stoner E, & Oesterling JE. (1996). The effect of finasteride on prostate specific antigen. The Journal of urology, 7490873.

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