[hn_throwaway_99]

Many drugs modify your hormonal system - that in and of itself isn't the issue. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3481923/ is a really good overview in my opinion that does a thorough, fair analysis of many studies of finasteride.

The biggest problem I have when hearing about finasteride side effects is that anecdotal reports are completely useless when determining the true risks of finasteride, but they are played up a ton by the press. The reason being that finasteride is a long term medication. If you look at a large group of men from, say, age 30, tons of them will develop fertility issues, sexual issues, depression, etc. in the next 5 years regardless of any medications they are taking. But it's very easy to get someone on the news that says "I started taking finasteride last year and now I have no libido" and blame it on finasteride. The press rarely interviews people like me who have been taking finasteride for nearly 20 years with no ill effects.

And, to be clear, my anecdotal report is useless, too - only broad meta-analyses and your personal risk threshold should weigh into your decision of whether or not to take it.

[Auracle]

As another anecdote though, I started taking something like .1mg/day topically and I wasn’t anticipating side effects. My mood and libido absolutely tanked.

It’s the same as women on hormonal birth control. Some don’t notice any difference - and others get incredibly moody/sad/etc. Hormones are complex.