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.

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Etymology

Origin of finasteride

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

Example Sentences

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

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

I paid several hundred pounds for a combined course of minoxidil and finasteride but the treatment requires consistent daily use, and I often forgot doses.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025

Brezis is calling for immediate changes in how drugs like finasteride are approved, monitored, and prescribed.

From Science Daily • Oct. 13, 2025

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