Understanding if and how do side effects go away after stopping finasteride?

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research, most finasteride side effects, such as sexual dysfunction and changes in libido, typically diminish and resolve once you stop taking the medication. However, a small, rare subset of individuals report persistent symptoms, a condition known as Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS).

Quick Summary

Finasteride side effects usually disappear within weeks after discontinuing the drug as the body's hormone levels normalize. In rare cases, a collection of persistent sexual, physical, and psychological symptoms may continue for months or years, a condition known as Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS).

Key Points

Most Side Effects Are Reversible: For the majority of users, finasteride's side effects, including sexual dysfunction, resolve within days or weeks of discontinuing the medication.
DHT Levels Normalize: As finasteride is cleared from the body, DHT levels return to normal within about two weeks, which is the mechanism behind the reversal of side effects.
Rare Risk of Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS): A small minority of individuals may experience Post-Finasteride Syndrome, a condition characterized by sexual, physical, and psychological symptoms that persist for months or years after stopping the drug.
PFS Symptoms Vary Widely: Reported PFS symptoms can include chronic sexual dysfunction, depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment ('brain fog'), fatigue, and muscle pain.
No Known Cure for PFS: There is currently no confirmed cure for PFS, and management strategies focus on treating individual symptoms and providing supportive care.
Doctor Consultation Is Crucial: Always consult a healthcare provider before stopping finasteride to ensure safe discontinuation and to discuss potential risks and alternative treatments.

How Finasteride Side Effects Typically Reverse

For the majority of individuals, finasteride's adverse effects are linked to its action of lowering dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. After stopping the medication, DHT levels generally return to normal within about two weeks. This restoration of hormonal balance often leads to a quick resolution of side effects. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before discontinuing finasteride to ensure a safe transition.

The Reversal of Common Side Effects

Common side effects, including sexual dysfunction, gynecomastia, mood changes, and fertility issues, tend to subside after stopping finasteride as the body returns to its pre-treatment state.

Understanding Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS)

While most finasteride users see side effects reverse, a small number report persistent issues long after stopping the drug, a condition called Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS). Some studies find no clear link between persistent symptoms and the drug, while others suggest a possible nocebo effect, although regulatory bodies have acknowledged the possibility of persistent side effects.

Reported Symptoms of PFS

Symptoms linked to PFS are diverse, affecting sexual, neurological, and physical health, often lasting for at least three months, or much longer, after stopping treatment. Reported symptoms can include sexual issues, neuropsychiatric effects, and physical problems like chronic fatigue and muscle pain.

Potential Explanations and Mechanisms

The exact cause of PFS is not fully understood, but research explores potential mechanisms like suggested alterations in neuroactive steroids and androgen receptors.

Managing Persistent Side Effects

There is no known cure for PFS, and management focuses on treating specific symptoms, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach guided by a healthcare provider. Management strategies include symptom-based treatment, comprehensive testing, lifestyle adjustments, and support resources like the Post-Finasteride Syndrome Foundation ({Link: The PFS Foundation https://www.pfsfoundation.org/frequently-asked-questions/}). Reporting persistent side effects contributes to research.

Comparison of Side Effect Outcomes


Feature	Typical Finasteride Side Effects	Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS)
Onset	Occurs during or shortly after treatment initiation.	Occurs during treatment but persists long after discontinuation.
Duration	Resolves within days or weeks of stopping the drug.	Lasts for at least 3 months, and potentially years, after cessation.
Prevalence	Occurs in a small percentage of users (e.g., 2-4% for sexual side effects).	Very rare, affecting a small subset of users.
Nature of Symptoms	Primarily sexual dysfunction (libido, erection, ejaculation).	Broad range of symptoms: sexual, neuropsychiatric (cognitive fog, depression), and physical (fatigue, muscle pain).
Hormone Levels	DHT levels return to normal shortly after stopping.	Normal serum testosterone and DHT levels may be present despite persistent symptoms.
Management	Simply stopping the medication is usually sufficient for reversal.	Requires multidisciplinary, symptom-focused management, as there is no known cure.

Conclusion

Most people who stop finasteride will find their side effects resolve as their hormone levels normalize. However, a small number may experience persistent issues associated with Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS). While typical side effects usually resolve quickly after discontinuation, persistent symptoms linked to PFS require a comprehensive, symptom-focused management plan with a healthcare provider, as there is no known cure. Always consult a doctor before changing your treatment to ensure the safest possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people, finasteride side effects begin to resolve as the drug leaves the body, which typically happens within two weeks of stopping the medication. The exact timeline can vary, with some symptoms improving within days and others taking a few weeks to fully disappear.

While the vast majority of finasteride side effects are reversible upon discontinuation, a rare number of users experience persistent side effects, a condition called Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS), where symptoms last for months or years.

PFS is a term for a collection of persistent sexual, physical, and neuropsychiatric symptoms that continue for at least three months after stopping finasteride. It is considered a rare and controversial condition, with ongoing research into its causes.

Symptoms reported in association with PFS include severe sexual dysfunction (reduced libido, erectile issues), neurological effects (depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment), and physical symptoms (chronic fatigue, muscle pain).

Yes, finasteride's hair growth benefits are dependent on continued use. Once you stop taking the medication, your body's DHT levels will rise again, and hair loss is expected to resume and potentially reverse any hair gains made.

Currently, there is no known cure for PFS. Treatment focuses on managing individual symptoms through a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, therapy, and supportive care.

Yes, you should always consult your healthcare provider before stopping any medication, including finasteride. They can provide guidance for a safe transition, monitor your health, and discuss alternative treatment options if needed.