Story perspectives

Study Links Finasteride to Depression, Urges Immediate Reforms

10/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Professor Mayer Brezis of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem finds finasteride linked to depression and suicide for more than 20 years.
Regulators and manufacturers, including Merck and the FDA, have failed to take significant action.
The review identifies a systemic failure in monitoring psychiatric side effects.
It cites a rise in mood disorders among finasteride users.
Brezis calls for urgent reforms, including suspending cosmetic marketing and post-approval studies.

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Story summary

Professor Mayer Brezis of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem finds finasteride linked to depression and suicide for more than 20 years.
Regulators and manufacturers, including Merck and the FDA, have failed to take significant action.
The review identifies a systemic failure in monitoring psychiatric side effects.
It cites a rise in mood disorders among finasteride users.
Brezis calls for urgent reforms, including suspending cosmetic marketing and post-approval studies.