finasteride

American  

[fi-nas-tuh-rahyd] / fɪˈnæs təˌraɪd /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a drug, C 23 H 36 N 2 O 2 , that inhibits testosterone metabolism, used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and male pattern baldness.

---

Etymology

Origin of finasteride

First recorded in 1985–90; fina- (of unknown origin) + (testo)ster(one) ( def. ) + (am)ide ( def. )

Example Sentences

There are two FDA-approved treatments for these patients — minoxidil and finasteride, both of which come in oral and topical forms.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

The oral version of minoxidil can cause unwanted hair growth on the face and other areas of the body, while finasteride can dampen libido and lead to erectile dysfunction.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

After being contacted by other men like Kyle through Your Voice, Your BBC News, we asked a male colleague to buy finasteride from three leading online providers to see what the checks now involved.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2025

Nearly a year since first ordering the drug, Kyle says he deeply regrets taking finasteride.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2025

In mice taking high finasteride doses, the researchers found reductions in total plasma cholesterol, delayed atherosclerosis progression, lower inflammation in the liver, and related benefits.

From Science Daily • Feb. 20, 2024