Side Effects Of Using Hair Growth Drugs, From Erexion Dysfunction To Brain Fog

Illustration of hair-growing (Freepik) drugs

JAKARTA - Hair-growing drugs in cases of hair loss, although they promise instant results, actually store a number of serious health risks.

Some formulations, especially those containing active ingredients such as finasterides, are known to have negative impacts such as sexual function disorders, mood disorders, and a decrease in cognitive abilities. These effects can last in the long term, even after use is discontinued.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that topical drugs to deal with hair loss that are usually prescribed by doctors can have serious side effects. These effects include erectile dysfunction, excessive anxiety, to conditions known as "fog brain brain brain" where a person finds it difficult to concentrate and think clearly.

Citing the Health report, phynasterides commonly consumed orally with trademarks such as Propecia and Proscar work by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosteron (DHT), a hormone that plays a role in hair loss.

Although generally considered safe, oral use of finasteride has been associated with long-lasting physical and psychological symptoms, even after drug consumption was stopped. This condition is known as post-finasteride syndrome (Post-Finasteride Syndrome/PFS), which is characterized by sexual disorders, decreased energy, to symptoms of depression.

Although the FDA has approved the oral form of the finasteride since the 1990s, until now there has been no official approval for the topical version. According to Dr. Deidre aired, dermatologist from Audubon Dermatology, the use of topical finasterides is still included in the "off-label" category or usage beyond approvable indications.

The FDA data shows that in the period 2019 to 2024, there were 32 reports of side effects related to the use of finasterides in topical form. Symptoms reported include reduced libido, insomnia, prolonged fatigue, pain in testes, and even the urge to commit suicide.

Dr. Ronda Farah, professor of intermediate dermatology from the University of Minnesota, explained that it is not known exactly why some people experience prolonged side effects. The lack of research on topical concoction drugs and differences in formulations between pharmacies add to the complexity of understanding the risks.

"Each pharmacy can mix with a different dose. The higher the dose used, the greater the potential for side effects," said Farah. He also added that the medical world is still trying to understand how much topical doses can trigger a negative impact similar to the oral version.