Men who take finasteride for baldness or receding hairlines can develop sexual dysfunction. When prescribing antidepressants, the advantages and disadvantages must be carefully weighed, as some antidepressants may improve the symptoms of depression but have an unfavorable effect on sexual function. Theoretically, you are going to block the production of hormones that serve very important behavioral purposes. My blood level are ok only progesterone and colesterolo are higher than the max range. I will never prescribe finasteride. Statement, via Twitter: December 4, 2022. Im 3 weeks off cold turkey. Dr Amy Killen, anti-aging and regenerative physician specializing in sexual opt. I even told my brother-in-law to stop taking it. I also started taking Allopregnalone ( Ideal Labs ) along with coconut oil whcih has helped with my mood and anxiety. Its really not the serotonin thats so beneficial. Chiriac G, Cauci S, Mazzon G, Trombetta C. Andrology. Post-Finasteride Syndrome Therapy, MatthewBruhin.com, 2015. and transmitted securely. Four clicks per day at .25 mL each. Fertil Steril. Good morning, Indian J Plast Surg. Post-finasteride syndrome: a surmountable challenge for clinicians: Fertility and Sterility, January 2020. NOTE: We only request your email address so that the person you are recommending the page to knows that you wanted them to see it, and that it is not junk mail. I have personally seen in my practice otherwise completely healthy young men who come in for ED and the only medication they had taken was finasteride for hair loss. From frail and hypogonadal, to gaining 60lbs of muscle, boosting testosterone over 1,000ng/dl and becoming a successful entrepreneur. FDA is concerned that use of finasteride by pediatric patients may pose long-term safety risks regarding growth, development and sexual function. Epub 2018 Oct 6. cold penis What is post-fin syndrome anyway? In men affected by the PFS, the level of Androstanediol Glucuronide is not restored to previous finasteride levels. Neurosteroids such as 5-DHP and allopregnanolone stimulate neurogenesis, neuronal survival, neuronal differentiation, synaptogenesis, glial differentiation, myelin formation, synaptic function, and synaptic plasticity (, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), The complete guide to maximizing testosterone production to, Improve liver function for a faster metabolism, higher, Why Omega 3 should be avoided and what to use/do instead, How to Optimize Sleep for better Life Performance, 60 Best ways to lower Serotonin (2020 update), Maximize dopamine and live life on cloud nine with laser, How to interpret your testosterone blood results, How to interpret your cortisol test results, How to interpret your thyroid test results, Top 12 must-eat foods to increase testosterone, https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B004PVLWW0/ref=acr_dp_hist_2?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=two_star&reviewerType=all_reviews#reviews-filter-bar, From frail and hypogonadal, to gaining 60lbs of muscle, boosting testosterone over 1,000ng/dl and becoming a successful entrepreneur, Apigenin dosage for testosterone: tea is not enough, Bee pollen for erectile dysfunction: the natural sexual booster. Post-finasteride syndrome is leaving behind a slew of victims in its trail. You wipe a drug off the earth mine is finasteride Go! In Sexual Problems of Men With Androgenic Alopecia Treated With 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors. Responding, via Twitter, to the study Association of 5-Reductase Inhibitors With Dementia, Depression, and Suicide: December 25, 2022. I think its important to be educated about the potential side effects. The finasteride was a deal breaker for me, will not commit to that for life. I would appreciate some specific help if you could get back to me. Hi man, what have you done so far that helped you to 80% recovery? Low levels of these hormones increase glutamate and may account for the appearance of behavioural disorders such as anxiety, aggression, and cognitive dysfunction. One key indisputable clinical evidence noted in all reported studies with finasteride and dutasteride was that use of these drugs is associated with development of sexual dysfunction, which may persist in a subset of men, irrespective of age, drug dose or duration of study. VRT-TV, Belgium. Well, SSRI drugs almost never only inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, but they often also increase allopregnanolone, decrease serotonin receptor sensitivity, block certain serotonin receptors, release dopamine and histamine, etc. Additional information on the Post-finasteride Syndrome as well as ongoing information about treatment options can be obtained at the PFS Foundation: https://www.pfsfoundation.org. The Drug that Banishes Baldness Can Ruin a Mans Love Life: Daily Mail, July 22, 2019. They have low libido. In some people with PFS, DHT might be normal, but testosterone and cortisol low and estrogen and prolactin high. Due to the risk of sexual side effects, clinicians should exercise caution when treating AGA patients with finasteride. thank you, i will try to update in the future. A group of Italian researchers gave finasteride to rats and noticed that the number of androgen receptors in their brains went up. "The presence of severe and persistent side effects caused by the treatment of an aesthetic problem raises great concern for the clinician. So far I tread Clomid and nolvadex cycles but I only had one day where libido returned, rest of time didnt feel anything good or bad when on it. [T]hese data indicate the urgent need for high-quality clinical trials, with long-term follow up, specifically addressing sexual function and mood disorders. There are some nice recovery stories on TR. Statement (via Twitter) in response to a study titled Sexual Dysfunction in Men Taking Systemic Dermatologic Medication: A systematic review, June 6, 2019. A potentially new treatment for post-finasteride syndrome Will start vitamin K soon. Moreover, the effects persisted long after the drug had been discontinued.[T]hey then called in men with PFS, took skin from the penis and found that the density of androgen receptors in men with PFS was about twice that of those without. I will not prescribe finasteride to young men with MPB because of the potential side effects. Some men taking Propecia for [male pattern baldness] seem to have little to no side effects, whereas others suffer for years. I think we need to put the [PCPT] trial concerns to rest. 100% agree. Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) has been claimed to occur in men who have taken oral finasteride to treat either hair loss or benign prostatic hyperplasia, independent of age, dosage, or indication. Statement (via Twitter) to research colleague, Statement via Twitter to fellow clinicians. Do not take finasteride for hair lossDo not take finasteride for any purposeFor many years, Public Citizens Health Research Group has classified both [Proscar and Propecia] as Do Not Use because their benefits do not outweigh their adverse effects. Disclaimer. 2022 Mar;8(2):169-170. doi: 10.1159/000518750. Finasteride-induced Infertility (English translation): Der Arzneimittelbrief (The Drug Letter), November 2013. Propecia was approved in 1997 as a solution to slow male pattern baldness. I have tried a few of the a above already alone with no improvement however I think a holistic combination may be the answer. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted Epub 2022 Jan 10. Can take a year to improve. We recommend patients who have already submitted a report submit a new one using this reaction type. Emerging post-marketing reports of persistent depression and sexual side effects have led to growing concerns about the safety of 5-reductase inhibitors and prompted product labeling changes in many regulatory jurisdictions. Kaplan-Marans E, Sandozi A, Martinez M, Lee J, Schulman A, Khurgin J. Keywords: Differential Gene Expression in Post-Finasteride Syndrome Patients This study reinforces the importance of considering the long-term effects of finasteride use on DED as part of the systemic sequelae of androgen depletion and provides anticipatory guidance for patients and ophthalmologists. To date, there are no evidence-based effective treatments for PFS. In association with adverse sexual effects and depression, suicidal ideation and behavior have sometimes been associated with finasteride treatment. Determining if You Suffer from PFS Finasteride, dutasteride and saw palmetto are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that can trigger an enduring sexual dysfunction with a very similar profile to post-SSRI sexual dysfunction. HCG increased my anxiety. Accordingly, Health Canada and the UAE Ministry of Health recommend that companies that produce products containing [finasteride] add the above-mentioned warning to the internal leaflet of their products. Baldness Medication Can Cause Permanent Erection Problems (English translation): De Volkskrant, February 15, 2019. They have flat emotions. Discover, October 2020. Letter to the PFS Foundation, March 2, 2022. Just wanna ask advice from a casual weed smoker as in vaping on weekends what would be a good supplement/nutritional addition to counter any negative effects? Hair Loss Drug Under Fire For Sexual Side-Effects: CBS 2 News Chicago, May 11, 2011. I cant think of a single patient of mine for whom this drug made the difference in their voiding symptoms. Using finasteride for hair loss is like shooting at sparrows with cannons. Statement (via Twitter) in response to SWOG Cancer Research Network article titled Finasteride Safe, Long-Term Results Show, May 17, 2018, [Finasterides] potential side effects, especially the long-term side effects of the drug, should be the overriding concerns to both the users and the manufacturer [Finasteride] has the capability to impair male sexual performance, creating the inability to achieve an erection, decreases libido and has the horrifying potential of causing specific birth defects in a developing male fetus., Supposed Miracle Baldness Cure Creates Serious Health Concerns Among Hair Restoration Professionals: Business Wire, December 24, 1997. Its always been a question in my mind: Was this a lingering drug effect, or are there other factors coming into play? Muscle pain A low estimated prevalence of PFS cannot be an excuse for nonvigilance since the drug is used by millions of relatively young and healthy individuals.". These symptoms are very rare, but once you have them, its forever. Case report: a study of the clinical characteristics and genetic variants of post-finasteride syndrome patients. Statement (via Twitter) in response to Jagan Kansal, MDs tweet, Thoughts on propecia in young guys causing decreased libido, possibly permanent? November 13, 2020. Allopregnanolone, the Neuromodulator Turned Therapeutic Agent: Thank You, Next? Considering the thousands of sufferers who already have PFS, the scientific world immediately needs to conduct more research to determine how to effectively treat this horrible symptom complex. Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia: Efficacy, side effects, compliance, financial considerations, and ethics: November 2021. VigoraClinic.com, April 30, 2020. I have had PFS for 15 years, just came across your article, would you be interested in looking at my labs for comment? I added finasteride to my 2021 list of Drugs to Avoid. The only problem is that I have an high PROGESTERONE and High colesterol out of higher range both. Every dermatologist has their own way of treating the condition. So thats all gone in many men, just because of finasteride. (my prostate is checked and fine), Statement (via Twitter) to medical colleague: January 19, 2022. Indeed, delineating the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PFS will be of paramount importance to the understanding of this syndrome and to development of potential novel therapeutic modalities. Huh? In evaluating fertility, how do you counsel men taking finasteride for hair loss? Results are up! An observational retrospective evaluation of 79 young men with long Have you tried getting loads of sunlight? Finasteride blocks the metabolism of testosterone. Copyright 2019 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Both are inconsistent. Finasteride use in young males is a potential risk for their sexual health. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The Difficult Hair Loss Patient: Guide to Successful Management of Alopecia and Related Conditions: August 2015. I want to try a combination of what you have listed above mainly to try and increase dopamine. Doctors & Researchers Speaking Out - The Post-Finasteride Syndrome So I suggest you continue with Minoxidil and multivitamins. Since 2008, at least 17 countries including the United Kingdom and the United States have warned prescribers of the potential for depression, sexual side effects, or both with finasteride. Here is how you focus specifically on increasing allopregnanolone: The optimal range for estrogen is around 20pg/ml and if yours is much higher, it would be best to make it a priority to lower it. The concept of PFS has emerged from reports of non-dermatologists, neuroendocrinological research and reflections, and uncontrolled studies of low quality and with a strong bias selection, while a significant nocebo effect among patients informed about possible side effects of finasteride is recognized. All healthcare providers should learn about these conditions as finasteride/SSRIs are commonly prescribed. Even if you take just a little finasteride, it can actually drop your DHT so low that men become impotent. They need to be better informed. Successful Finasteride Treatment Can Lead to Permanent Problems: Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung, April 2018. Finasteride and Suicide: A Postmarketing Case Series: Dermatology, January 14, 2020. 2022 Oct 27;10(11):2725. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10112725. Since some of the effects of androgen inhibition cannot be reversed once local androgen levels are re-established, it is temping to speculate that patients could still suffer from adverse sexual effects several months or even permanently after finasteride discontinuation. Hundreds of patients coming to #sandiegosexualmedicine with this. Epub 2020 Jun 26. Post-Finasteride Syndrome: What is It? | hims While you still dont hear much about it PFS as we call it is something we should at least call attention to [I]ts really important that men are informed about PFS so that they can decide whether or not they actually take finasteride. Bookshelf See? Meanwhile, professional organizations may provide educational materials for physicians in order to increase their awareness regarding the scope of these persistent catastrophic adverse effects of finasteride and dutasteride. Post-finasteride syndrome is a non-medical term used to describe a variety of side effects reported by some people who've taken finasteride. [O]ur results showed that [finasteride] treatment affected the expression of a number of accumbal proteins involved in key functional processes, such as regulation of GABAergic neurotransmission, as well as steroid and pyrimidine metabolism. What few people know is that there are 5-R and 3 types of 5-R enzymes and that theyre not only involved in the conversion of testosterone to DHT, but also in the: Many of the benefits of testosterone, such as enhanced insulin sensitivity, reduced catabolism, higher dopamine, increased thyroid hormone production, are mediated by DHT, and blocking DHT production prevents those effects/benefits. Observations performed in a subset of patients treated for male pattern hair loss indicate that persistent sexual side effects as well as anxious/depressive symptomatology have been reported even after discontinuation of finasteride treatment. Therefore, the effects of a subchronic treatment of finasteride.have been evaluated in male rats. One month after the last treatment.changes in neuroactive steroid levels, steroid receptorsand GABA-A receptor subunitswere detected. [Propecia] is a scary drug and we have no idea who might be affected worse by it. The androgen sensitive meibomian glands may be altered in those taking anti-androgen medications, and especially finasteride given its unique potency and targeted effects compared to other anti-androgenics. Increasing carbon dioxide production. With that in mind, DHT can take anywhere from4 weeks to 2 years or more to recover(R). 8. It can prevent hair loss and decrease prostate enlargement, but not surprisingly, it can also suppress sexual function. Brain fog [Finasteride therapy] is a modification of the hormonal mechanism, which raises the question of reversibility. However, PFS is now so prevalent that it has its own foundation, the Post-Finasteride Syndrome Foundation, where you can acquire a great deal of sobering information, enough to make you wonder why anyone would take the drug to begin with. How to Deal with the Issues of Fertility, Malignancies, and the Postfinasteride Syndrome while Prescribing Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss. Response (via iCliniq) to the mother of a 23-year-old male whose dermatologist prescribed finasteride: May 13, 2022. MeSH Health care professionals should keep themselves abreast of these potential signals and, accordingly, conduct a full evaluation and a detailed, personalized risk-benefit assessment for patients before each prescription of finasteride. Finasteride 1 mg in Alopecia: Sexual Dysfunction, Suicidal Ideation: Prescrire, October 2016, In this pilot study, we sought to characterize sexual and nonsexual adverse effects that men reported experiencing at least 3 months after stopping the medication.Responses from 131 generally healthy men (mean age, 24 years) who had taken finasteride for male pattern hair loss was included in the analysis. [Propecia] has the sexual side effects, like erectile dysfunction, which can affect men for years. A Pill the Doctor Gave Me Destroyed My Life. Sant report on the suicide of PFS patient Romain Mathieu: France 5 News, Nov. 24, 2016. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help Many have never recovered sexual functioning, not worth the risk. Im starting to find websites like yours with good advice. Prolonged use of finasteride-induced gonadal sex steroids alterations, DNA damage and menstrual bleeding in women, Post-finasteride syndrome: a surmountable challenge for clinicians, Direct Healthcare Professional Communication letter, BioBalance Healthcast: The Ugly Truth About Finasteride. Id love to help you out. Patients considering using these medications should be very careful and speak to a Urologist in person about risks, benefits, and indications of treatment. J Sex Med. progesterone -dihydroprogesterone (a very important neuroactive steroid and precursor to allopregnanolone), deoxycorticosterone dihydrodeoxycorticosterone (DHDOC), cortisol 5-dihydrocortisol (for the deactivation of cortisol), aldosterone 5-dihydroaldosterone, which increases the excretion of salt, the opposite of aldosterone, dry skin or thinning of the skin, weight gain, elevated glucose and lipids and worsening of insulin sensitivity(, diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory complaints, penile discomfort, loss of scrotal sensitivity, scrotal discomfort, loss of pubic hair, increased sperm density and, Alcohol (not a long term or good strategy really). Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited. PFS is real. Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) describes persistent sexual, neurological, physical, and mental adverse reactions in patients who have taken finasteride, a 5-alpha reductase type II enzyme inhibitor used to treat hair loss (under the brand name Propecia or generics) and/or enlarged prostate (Proscar or generics). Glycine about 5g daily and niacinamide about 500mg-1g daily. The site is secure. 2016 Mar;4(2):245-50. doi: 10.1111/andr.12147. We aimed to determine the type and frequency of symptoms in men having long-term sexual and non-sexual side effects after finasteride treatment (a condition recently called post-finasteride syndrome, PFS) against androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Have you tried NGF boosting supplements such as lions mane or even Cerebrolysin? 2022 Oct 26;12(11):1567. doi: 10.3390/biom12111567. We wouldnt recommend that any man take the drug, especially not young men. Biomolecules. What do you think about proviron and other DHT derived steroids? He Became Depressed and His Sex Drive Disappeared. Finasteride (Proscar) blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, the major male sex hormone found in cells of the prostate. Cannibus is my only vice, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I also had dysbiosis in my gut which is slowly being resolved with the help of probitics. Challenge to fellow health professionals via Twitter: October 26, 2021. I have hundreds of [PFS] patients. We propose that the Dermatologist Society remove from their guidelines the utilization of finasteride for male pattern hair loss., Sexual and Nonsexual Problems after Finasteride Used for Hair Loss in Young Men: American Society for Mens Health, 2014. [W]e also need to stop prescribing finasteride. I wanted to take a minute to talk to you about post-finasteride syndrome since more and more men are coming in with complaints after taking finasteride. I think this is what we are seeing here. Statement (via Twitter) in response to a study titled Investigation of Suicidality and Psychological Adverse Events in Patients Treated With Finasteride, December 7, 2020. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. So lets discuss what the drug, finasteride, does in the first place. Disclaimer. If you are unable to import citations, please contact Markthceck (SWR TV) Lifestyle Drug Finasteride: Dead pants instead of a bald head? and transmitted securely. But now I would not feel comfortable recommending Propecia to a young, sexually active man. Etc Etc Did you check your estrogen before and after? Hi Gary, (2009) of 2017. Also its strange. What Is Post-Finasteride Syndrome? MeSH The .gov means its official. Bone pain Accessibility Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. I have done an analysis of reported neuropsychiatric adverse effect of finasteride to the FDA (based on FAERS data) which may be of interest to you. The Post-Finasteride Syndrome Foundation (www.pfsfoundation.org) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping fund research on the characterization, underlying biologic mechanisms, and treatments of the PFS while improving public awareness of the condition. Limited research exists exploring the psychological corollaries of post-finasteride syndrome and preexisting Axis I and Axis II mental health conditions. In this episode, Dr. Vikram Jayaprakash and Dr. Russell Knudsen discuss the concept of post-finasteride syndrome. Dopamine agonists, such as mucuna pruriens, huperzine A, Catuaba bark extract, etc. Post-finasteride syndrome is now a recognized condition, affecting as many as 20 per cent of those taking finasteride.The persistent sexual side-effects of finasteride may manifest after varying periods of taking the drug, or not until the drug is discontinued. Li X, Guo Y, Lu Y, Li H, Yan S, Li H, Li Y. Transl Androl Urol. Is This Hair-loss Drug Dangerous? These findings suggest that finasteride treatment may have broad consequences for brain function. Balding? According to Bernard BegaudThis drug should never have been marketed for cosmetic purposes. But now that it is available, its up to those concerned to decide whether or not to take this medication, or to stop taking it. Psychiatric Comorbidity Related to the Therapy of Male Androgenetic Alopecia Independent of the 5-Alpha Reductase Pathway. Chronic insomnia , I am now taking Trazodone which helps me get to sleep, I also have myoclonic twitches and brain zaps while trying to fall asleep and my auditory system is super sensitive any small noise at night makes my me jump even when wearing ear plugs. HCG will increase progesterone or will decrease it? You have to choose between hair and sex drive and your personality and your marriage or your partnership Ive tried giving testosterone to patients who are on finasteride at the same time. Often have low t. Make sure to check dht also! This may result in side effects such as memory problems or sexual dysfunction (problems that affect the desire for or ability to have sex). no libido It scrambles your hormones, libido and cognition all over the place, right into the gutters, and leaves you feeling like an empty dysfunctional husk. I remember being depressed, emasculated, and hopeless. I think its a combination of low energy production due to cellular damage and excess ROS production. But be careful, friends. As we stated in 2006, we advise against a cosmetic product with potential endocrine side effects. What do you think of TRT is PCT to recover from PFS? PMC I feel deeply for all my balding brothers out there who are suffering from this poison. Propecia (finasteride) for Androgenetic Alopecia "I have PFS (Post-Finasteride Syndrome). 2020 Sep;204(3):602. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000001168.01. I find this amazing article. Sexual functioning is returning to some extent. Every patient must be thoroughly informed about its side effects. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Emerging post-marketing reports of persistent depression and sexual side effects have led to growing concerns about the safety of 5-reductase inhibitors and prompted product labelling changes in many regulatory jurisdictions.1234 Since 2008, at least 17 countries including the United Kingdom and the United States have warned prescribers of the potential for depression, sexual side effects, or both with finasteride.5, Post-finasteride syndrome is an ill defined and controversial syndrome associated with a constellation of sexual, physical, and psychological symptoms that develop during or after finasteride exposure and persist after discontinuation (box 1).35 The incidence of post-finasteride syndrome is unknown, as are the biological mechanisms, but we know that 5-reductase inhibitors reduce synthesis of brain neurosteroids, which affect mood, cognition, and libido.36. It is not known why some men are susceptible to the potential adverse effects of finasteride, while othersthe majorityare not affected.Further research is needed on who is susceptible to the persistent, adverse side-effects of finasteride and on the underlying mechanisms of the medication. We report the first case of PFS in a long-standing (over 20 years) dermatotrichological practice with frequent finasteride prescription observed in a 25-year-old male following dutasteride treatment for male androgenetic alopecia. An official website of the United States government. Whats happening to the progesterone if I try HCG? J Urol. Havent used this drug in over 7 years of practice except in very rare cases. By reducing DHT so drastically, effects can occur in the genital tissues and in the brain. How much Glycin and Niacinamid do you recommend? Curr Urol Rep. 2018 Jun 16;19(8):65. doi: 10.1007/s11934-018-0814-z. If estrogen is high, focus on lowering that, as estrogen is a potent inducer of serotonin and prolactin. Some people get results, but often only 1 steroid isnt enough. prostatis Don't listen to bad doctors who tell you its all in your head. These serious adverse side effects include persistent or irreversible sexual, neurological, physical and mental side effects. I suffered PFS till 4 years with many problems: Delusional disorder of the somatic type; Dutasteride; Finasteride; Histrionic personality disorder; Post-finasteride syndrome. A growing number of doctors, researchers and therapists have in recent years been voicing their concerns about finasteride's potential to cause persistent physical and mental side effects, known as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS), in a subset of patients. Would it be safer to just use Minoxidil (sporadically) or will I still potentially have symptoms? Yuck. 8600 Rockville Pike 2022 Oct;10(5):100543. doi: 10.1016/j.esxm.2022.100543.