What is Finasteride?
Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase type 2, reducing the conversion of testosterone into the more potent dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This slows hereditary hair loss in men and shrinks a benign enlarged prostate.
How well studied is Finasteride?
Efficacy in male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia is established by large randomised trials and decades of use. In 2025, after a safety review, the EMA confirmed suicidal ideation as a side effect of the tablets; its frequency cannot be estimated.
What side effects and risks does Finasteride have?
Possible effects include loss of libido, erectile and ejaculation problems, breast enlargement and depressed mood up to suicidal thoughts – any mood change should be checked by a doctor immediately. It lowers PSA, which can distort prostate cancer screening. Pregnant women must not handle broken tablets (risk of malformation in male fetuses).
Is Finasteride approved in Germany?
In short: yes. Approved and prescription-only in Germany (male hair loss or prostate enlargement); additional warnings on suicidal thoughts since 2025 (EMA/BfArM). To current knowledge not on the WADA Prohibited List; check status before competing. Online offers without prescription carry a counterfeit risk.
Sources
Note: We deliberately do not list any doses here. For approved medicines, your doctor sets the dose; for unapproved substances there is no reliable information.