Finasteride and Heart Health: what we found in March 2024

What if a common hair-loss drug also helped protect the heart? In March 2024, new research raised that possibility. The study reported links between finasteride use and lower cholesterol levels, and a lower rate of heart-related events in people taking the drug. That caught attention because finasteride is already widely used for male-pattern baldness and benign prostate enlargement.

What the study found

Researchers looked at real-world medical records and compared people taking finasteride to similar patients who weren’t on the drug. On average, finasteride users showed modest drops in LDL cholesterol and fewer recorded cases of heart disease over the study period. Authors described the results as promising but preliminary — the data point to an association, not a proven cause-and-effect.

The study worked with population data rather than a randomized trial, so factors like lifestyle, other medications, or health monitoring could influence results. Still, the signal was strong enough that cardiologists and primary care doctors will likely watch for follow-up trials that test finasteride’s cardiovascular effects directly.

What this means for you

If you take finasteride for hair loss or prostate issues, this is interesting news, but don’t change your treatment just yet. The study does not prove finasteride prevents heart disease. Talk to your doctor before making any decisions. If you’re curious about potential heart benefits, ask about checking your lipid panel (cholesterol) and overall heart risk while on the drug.

If you don’t take finasteride, don’t start it solely to lower heart risk. There are known side effects — most commonly sexual side effects and, in a small group, mood changes. Weighing risks and benefits is a conversation for you and your clinician based on your health, age, and heart risk factors.

For people already using finasteride, it may be worth monitoring cholesterol levels and sharing any new symptoms with your doctor. If you need an affordable option, generic finasteride is widely available and often much cheaper than brand-name versions. Check with your pharmacist or trusted online pharmacies to compare prices and verify legitimacy.

Researchers will need randomized clinical trials to confirm whether finasteride genuinely lowers heart disease risk and why. For now, treat the March 2024 findings as a promising lead, not a finished answer. We’ll keep tracking follow-up studies and practical guidance so you can make informed choices with your healthcare provider.