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. Depression and suicidal behavior are all very serious side effects caused by finasteride, and this is absolutely unacceptable for a lifestyle drug Rationally, one cannot advocate for this medicine or justify the fact its still on the market. 2019 Dec;22(4):250-259. doi: 10.1080/13685538.2018.1548589. 2022 May;8(3):245-248. doi: 10.1159/000520493. With proper testing you know where to focus on. 2019 Apr;7(2):277-282. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.07.003. CreGAAtine vs creatine monohydrate: Its not better! These observations encouraged the present systematic review of the research literature pertaining to changes in mood and possible increases in suicidal ideation and behavior in association with or following treatment with finasteride This systematic review of reports concerning adverse psychiatric effects of finasteride treatment supports the conclusion that such treatment is significantly associated with risk of clinical depression, as well as high rates of sexual dysfunction and evidence of increased risk of suicidal ideation and perhaps of suicidal behavior. These steroids have been shown to influence brain function, and their presence may help explain the profound psychological changes such as depression and suicidality that have been associated with finasteride use. Post finasteride syndrome and adrenal fatigue can be interrelated. There was circumstantial evidence that PFS may represent a delusional disorder of the somatic type, possibly on a background of a histrionic personality disorder, which would explain the refractoriness of the condition and a high degree of suggestibility. Keep sexual side effects in mind! Etc Etc Balding? no libido Havent used this drug in over 7 years of practice except in very rare cases. How to speak to your doctor about Post-Finasteride Syndrome, and why it Epub 2016 Jan 13. But that warning isnt prominently featured. Persistent erectile dysfunction in men exposed to the 5-reductase inhibitors, finasteride, or dutasteride: PeerJ, March 9, 2017. Post-Finasteride Syndrome: An Underestimated Phenomenon: Urology and Andrology, September 2016. Also do you recommend an androsterone supplement, I havent heard of that option so far. Markthceck (SWR TV) Lifestyle Drug Finasteride: Dead pants instead of a bald head? Dopamine agonists, such as mucuna pruriens, huperzine A, Catuaba bark extract, etc. government site. Its really important that they get the appropriate counseling. Copyright 2019 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. There are serious side effects that need to be considered! No one informed me this could be a risk! Health Canada recently recommended adding a warning to products containing [finasteride] While being administered the above-mentioned drug, patients may develop muscle weakness and stiffness, which in turn may cause pain to the patient, damage to muscle tissue and an increase in kinase enzymes. The aim of this study was to explore how having a preexisting personal and/or familial history of a psychiatric diagnosis and certain personality traits may influence anxiety and depression . Please note: your email address is provided to the journal, which may use this information for marketing purposes. Finasteride blocks the glutathione production leading to mycotoxin build up if you were living or working near mould and not knowing it. It's real alright. Response (via iCliniq) to the mother of a 23-year-old male whose dermatologist prescribed finasteride: May 13, 2022. New Information about Post Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) October 2, 2016 At this year's ISHRS meeting in Las Vegas, Dr. Alan Jacobs a neuroendocrinologist at Duke University School of Medicine spoke on the topic of Post Finasteride Syndrome (PFS). [A]gree. Post-finasteride syndrome: a surmountable challenge for clinicians: Fertility and Sterility, January 2020. 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. Episode 18. My sides are: Although, they would like you to believe testosterone replacement is the only solution to make a full recovery. Course. This is how the National Institutes of Health refers to Post-Finasteride Syndrome, and there is a specific reaction type in FAERS which can be selected. 2022 Oct;11(10):1452-1457. doi: 10.21037/tau-22-92. 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). Thanks in advance. Sure man. Chiriac G, Cauci S, Mazzon G, Trombetta C. Andrology. The Difficult Hair Loss Patient: Guide to Successful Management of Alopecia and Related Conditions: August 2015. 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. 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. I didnt believe it either, until 10 years ago, when I started seeing more men with PFS I advise you once again to never use [finasteride] to treat hair loss. (A call with me is usually $200, but since this is your first call, I've got you covered.). 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. I cant answer. 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. Hi man, what have you done so far that helped you to 80% recovery? We wouldnt recommend that any man take the drug, especially not young men. Int J Mol Sci. Finasteride (Proscar) blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, the major male sex hormone found in cells of the prostate. 2016 Mar;4(2):245-50. doi: 10.1111/andr.12147. What do you think about proviron and other DHT derived steroids? So combining progesterone + DHEA and allopregnanolone + DHT can be is even better. It just means that you might have to implement certain strategies and use certain supplements for quite some time before the enzymes normalize. Did you check your estrogen before and after? Kaplan-Marans E, Sandozi A, Martinez M, Lee J, Schulman A, Khurgin J. PFS is real. Some of these same doctors and researchers are also members of our Medical Professionals team, counseling PFS patients and their loved ones worldwide. Finasteride is a 5-reductase enzyme inhibitor that has been approved for the treatment of male androgenic alopecia since 1997. As yet, the condition is not recognized by the medical community, although individuals who suffer from PFS present with relatively homogenous symptoms. BPH? Until the actual pathophysiology of PFS is determined and effective therapies are discovered, we all have to think twice before prescribing a 5ARIs for our patients with either BPH and/or AGA. Some say its all in the mind, a made-up mythbut those who suffer from it surely know theyre not just a hypochondriac. @MariaUloko discusses #postfinasteridesyndrome and #pssd. As the name suggests, PFS is most commonly associated with finasteride, which was licensed for the treatment of male pattern baldness in 1997. Proscar can hardly be categorized as safe because it can cause breast augmentation, reduced libido and, The Post-Finasteride Syndrome Foundation 2023, Support Program Connects PFS Patients Worldwide, Finasteride and Suicide: A Postmarketing Case Series, Penile vascular abnormalities in young men with persistent side effects after finasteride use for the treatment of androgenic alopecia, Global online interest in finasteride sexual side effects, Society for the Study of Male Reproduction, Propecia users claim drug causes memory loss, ED, suicidal thoughts, Ongoing Concerns Regarding Finasteride for the Treatment of Male-Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia, Side Effects of Finasteride Are Underestimated, FDA response to Merck & Co.s citizen petition requesting that finasteride be added to the List of Approved Drugs for Which Additional Pediatric Information May Produce Health Benefits in the Pediatric Population, Diagnostic criteria for enduring sexual dysfunction after treatment with antidepressants, finasteride and isotretinoin, Medications Most Commonly Associated with Erectile Dysfunction, Adding a warning to pharmaceutical preparations containing the medicinal substance finasteride, Mens Health and Fertility Lifestyle Information, Association of 5-Reductase Inhibitors With Dementia, Depression, and Suicide, Post-Finasteride Syndrome: An Endocrinologists View, Response via Twitter to statements about the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial concluding that 5-ARIs can cause prostate cancer. (English version): 66 Minutes, Feb. 3, 2019, Persistent adverse effects development from finasteride in young men include erectile dysfunction, low libido, lack of orgasm and depression. Post-finasteride syndrome is a serious state of permanent sexual, mental and physical side effects which do not resolve after quitting the drug It is also surmised by the few specialists in the medical field that a type of receptor or brain damage has occurred.Men suffering from PFS are plagued with many physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that have led to long-term depression, marital problems and divorce, and now several reported cases of suicide. If cortisol is low in blood tests, then you can focus on increasing that, but if cortisol is low in saliva tests but high in blood tests, focus on calming the adrenals. 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. PMC Decreasing the dosage strength is unlikely to reduce the risk of PFS. And this sequence for me is very clinically significan[t]. Post-Finasteride Syndrome: Current Views and Where do We Stand? Post-finasteride syndrome - PubMed Finasteride is not only poorly effective, but it can lead to infertility. Insomnia and fatigue/tiredness were some of the most debilitating symptoms Men under 40 years of age who use finasteride for alopecia are at risk of suicide if they develop persistent sexual adverse effects and insomnia. Michael S. Irwig, MD, Attending Endocrinologist, Mohit Khera, MD, Director, Laboratory for Andrology Research, Kian Asanad, MD, Chief Resident Physician in Urologic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, SSMR for the American Urological Association, Professor of Medicine and Public Health, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Roger S. Ho, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Founder, European Institute for Sexual Health, Max Jordan Nguemeni Tiako, MD, Resident Physician, Janet Woodcock, MD, Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Urology Resident, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary, The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health and Community Protection, Marc Goldstein, MD, Distinguished Professor of Reproductive Medicine and Urology, Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, Lahey Hospital Medical Center Institute of Urology, Burlington, MA, Advanced Urology Medical, Los Angeles, California, South Bay Retina Ophthalmology Clinic, San Jose, CA, Department of Dermatology, Qassim University, Jeremy B. Sussman, MD, Associate Professor, Internal Medicine, Associate Professor of Medicine, McGill University, Alexander Pastuszak, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery Urology, VPC Medicina Integrada, So Paulo, Brazil, The Skin Surgery Center. Penile vascular abnormalities in young men with persistent side effects after finasteride use for the treatment of androgenic alopecia: Translational Andrology and Urology, April 2020. My blood level are ok only progesterone and colesterolo are higher than the max range. Hi Gary, Alteration of Gut Microbes in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Model and Finasteride Treatment Model. Every patient must be thoroughly informed about its side effects. Our analysis indicates that, nonetheless, [PFS] is clearly a problem that is important to the general public that warrants intervention. An important pattern of symptoms was common among all cases who committed suicide in the setting of finasteride use: insomnia and persistent sexual dysfunction after medication discontinuation. I think this is what we are seeing here. Some people do have success with HCG, but less so with clomid. From 50UI per day. Post-Finasteride Syndrome: Legit or Mythic? - YouTube They have low libido. is a recovery really possible? It's when you lose the regrown hair when you stop taking fin or something? I tried only. Epub 2012 Jul 12. Response (via Twitter) to medical student Rainy Horowitzs question: What sex-med topics do you think urology residents would most benefit learning about? A few of the best ways to lower prolactin include: For more a comprehensive guide on lowering prolactin, check out this article: Serotonin is most often high in all mental and physical disorders and there is always a serotonin receptor/s gone rogue. You can argue with the theoretician but you cant argue with the anecdotal stories of successful recovery. In 2021, an international group of doctors and researchers published diagnostic criteria for post-finasteride syndrome. OK to keep taking: 17.5% Pharmacological Management of Pattern Hair Loss. MeSH Long-term adverse symptoms of men who used oral finasteride against androgenic alopecia have been recently described as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Thats a very common thing. Successful Finasteride Treatment Can Lead to Permanent Problems: Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung, April 2018. If a patient absolutely wants to take finasteride, he must sign a form acknowledging that he has been informed about the side effects and is willing to accept them. The Interplay between Finasteride-Induced Androgen Imbalance, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, Oxidative Stress, and Liver Disorders in Paternal and Filial Generation. I think we need to put the [PCPT] trial concerns to rest. Are you sensitive to dietary fats and have greasy stool with fat floating on the surface of the water after pitching a loaf? Would it be safer to just use Minoxidil (sporadically) or will I still potentially have symptoms? For the first time, we demonstrate a tissue-specific methylation pattern of SRD5A2 promoter in PFS patients [which] could represent an important mechanism of neuroactive steroid levels and behavioral disturbances previously described in PFS The SRD5A2 promoter was more frequently methylated in the CSF of PFS patients compared to controls (56.3 versus 7.7%). By definition, the condition is characterized by sexual dysfunction, somatic symptoms, and psychological disorders that persist after cessation of finasteride treatment. No Fun. Do explosive exercises, such as uphill sprints, muscle-ups, jump squats, burpees, etc. Brian fog 2022 Oct 27;10(11):2725. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10112725. Men who take finasteride for baldness or receding hairlines can develop sexual dysfunction. I strong[ly] agree with you, using p=0.06 to [say] that no association between suicide and finasteride is a very careless decision. 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. National Library of Medicine It shows a much higher signal in comparison with other drugs used for alopecia or suspected to affect mood Im surprised the FDA has not done these simple comparisons to explore safety signals for finasteride. Serious Side Effects: Post Finasteride Syndrome Li X, Guo Y, Lu Y, Li H, Yan S, Li H, Li Y. Transl Androl Urol. Altered methylation pattern of the SRD5A2 gene in cerebrospinal fluid of post-finasteride patients: a pilot study, The Drug that Banishes Baldness Can Ruin a Mans Love Life, Post-finasteride syndrome: An emerging clinical problem, Hair Loss Drug Propecia Carries Risk of Losing Something Else, Response (via Twitter) to query by Harrison Kalodimos, MD: What are some atypical medication side effects that you have seen in practice and look out for now on a regular basis?. Updated Review of the Hair Loss and Prostate Drug Finasteride, Statement (via Twitter) in response to study titled Long-Term Effects of Finasteride on Prostate Cancer Mortality, Persistent erectile dysfunction in men exposed to the 5-reductase inhibitors, finasteride, or dutasteride, Response (via Twitter) to Rachel S. Rubin, MD, vis-a-vis the clinical study titled Post-finasteride syndrome: An emerging clinical problem, 5 Common Medications That Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction, Baldness Medication Can Cause Permanent Erection Problems, Donald Trumps hair loss drug tied to anger, depression, and self-harm in new medical study, Characteristics of Men Who Report Persistent Sexual Symptoms After Finasteride Use for Hair Loss, The Medical Mystery Behind Americas Best-Selling Hair-loss Drug, Statement (via Twitter) in response to SWOG Cancer Research Network article titled Finasteride Safe, Long-Term Results Show, Supposed Miracle Baldness Cure Creates Serious Health Concerns Among Hair Restoration Professionals, Sexual and Nonsexual Problems after Finasteride Used for Hair Loss in Young Men, Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Androgen Receptor and Nerve Structure Density in Human Prepuce from Patients with Persistent Sexual Side Effects after Finasteride Use for Androgenetic Alopecia, The Virility Paradox: The Vast Influence of Testosterone on Our Bodies, Minds, and the World We Live In, A pharmacogenetic survey of androgen receptor (CAG)n and (GGN)n polymorphisms in patients experiencing long term side effects after finasteride discontinuation, Patients treated for male pattern hair with finasteride show, after discontinuation of the drug, altered levels of neuroactive steroids in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma, The Difficult Hair Loss Patient: Guide to Successful Management of Alopecia and Related Conditions, Potential side effects of the drug Trump reportedly takes for hair loss, Androgen Receptor (AR) Gene (CAG)n and (GGN)n Length Polymorphisms and Symptoms in Young Males With Long-Lasting Adverse Effects After Finasteride Use Against Androgenic Alopecia, Finasteride 1 mg in Alopecia: Sexual Dysfunction, Suicidal Ideation, Persistent Sexual, Emotional, and Cognitive Impairment Post-Finasteride, A Clinical Overview of Finasteride and Its Potential Causative Links to Long-term Side-effects, Effects of Subchronic Finasteride Treatment and Withdrawal on Neuroactive Steroid Levels and Their Receptors in the Male Rat Brain, Hair Loss Drug Under Fire For Sexual Side-Effects, Sant report on the suicide of PFS patient Romain Mathieu, An observational retrospective evaluation of 79 young men with longterm adverse effects after use of finasteride against androgenetic alopecia, Exploring the neural mechanisms of finasteride: a proteomic analysis in the nucleus accumbens. Donald Trumps hair loss drug tied to anger, depression, and self-harm in new medical study: The Daily Mail, March 21, 2017, Symptomatic finasteride users had significantly lower International Index of Erectile Function composite score and significantly lower scores for each of its domains of erectile function, sexual desire, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction.There exists a significant positive correlation between a subset of Beck Depression Inventory scores related to negative attitude and blood oxygen level dependent activity., Characteristics of Men Who Report Persistent Sexual Symptoms After Finasteride Use for Hair Loss: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, July 2018. I started losing hair about 18 yrs old if that helps, Hi I got post finasteride syndrome like side effects from saw palmettherbal blend of dht natural inhibitors from amazon https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B004PVLWW0/ref=acr_dp_hist_2?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=two_star&reviewerType=all_reviews#reviews-filter-bar and i did blood work (rosch eclia methodology) but endos cant find anything that could cause all the side effects im dealing with. 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. If I can increase my DHT levels again by upping my TRT and take an estrogen blocker (blood levels were elevated) with regular workouts how long do you think it would take to return to normal? That little pill messed me up pretty good Very few [primary care physicians] are starting proscar or avodart. >1000ng/dl Testosterone: My Step-by-Step Guide on How I Do It Naturally! Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. wow very helpful articular and explains my symptoms exactly. I know @CanesDavid agrees. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a substance naturally produced in many cell types in our bodies, including in very high concentrations in our brains. However, the side effects of a medication usually go away when you stop taking it. Normal T and gonadotropins on lab evaluation. Propeciahelp.com - Discussion forum for Post-Finasteride Syndrome If you stop with fin, then DHT should be back to normal in about 1-2 weeks (tissue binding lasts 4-5 days). sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal I have a good friend who, with the best of intentions, told me about his positive hair plug experience and wanted to make [sure] I didnt miss my window of opportunity for treatment. Bile also acts as an anti-bacterial and anti-microbial substance which keeps the gut clean and prevents SIBO and SIFO. How to Deal with the Issues of Fertility, Malignancies, and the Postfinasteride Syndrome while Prescribing Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss. My physical and psychological strength is coming back. But Nobody Warned Me about Finasteride! 8600 Rockville Pike I suffered PFS till 4 years with many problems: Sex Med. I added finasteride to my 2021 list of Drugs to Avoid. Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Androgen Receptor and Nerve Structure Density in Human Prepuce from Patients with Persistent Sexual Side Effects after Finasteride Use for Androgenetic Alopecia: PLOS ONE, June 24, 2014. Bring on the BIC! You do think that these hypothetical damages can be reversed ? Shockwave therapy for ED. Maybe not atypical, but anxiety/panic due to finasteride. 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. 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. Disclaimer. HCG increased my anxiety. 5-reduced steroids are significantly increased in a hyperthyroid state. Lasting dysfunctions after use of finasteride or dutasteride Hi David, Huh? thank you, i will try to update in the future. Ruksiriwanich W, Linsaenkart P, Khantham C, Muangsanguan A, Sringarm K, Jantrawut P, Prom-U-Thai C, Jamjod S, Yamuangmorn S, Arjin C, Rachtanapun P, Jantanasakulwong K, Phimolsiripol Y, Barba FJ, Sommano SR, Chutoprapat R, Boonpisuttinant K. Plants (Basel). Hair Loss Drug Under Fire For Sexual Side-Effects: CBS 2 News Chicago, May 11, 2011. 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. Gut Inflammation Induced by Finasteride Withdrawal: Therapeutic Effect of Allopregnanolone in Adult Male Rats. Responding, via Twitter, to the study Association of 5-Reductase Inhibitors With Dementia, Depression, and Suicide: December 24, 2022. Psychiatric Comorbidity Related to the Therapy of Male Androgenetic Alopecia Independent of the 5-Alpha Reductase Pathway. [PFS] appears to occur in sensitive individuals, even if exposed to small doses and for short periods, and symptoms can persist for long periods. Post-finasteride syndrome | The BMJ Documentary on German network NDR titled Side Effects of Finasteride Are Underestimated: January 25, 2021. Some men appear initially to tolerate finasteride or dutasteride, with adverse effects arising weeks, months or years after starting the drug. Accessibility 2018 Nov-Dec;10(6):255-261. doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_61_18. Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research, January 2022. This can lead to numbness in the penis and erectile and libido disorders, which are related to what happens in the brain. 8600 Rockville Pike Thats the responsibility of the doctor who prescribes the medication, or the pharmacist who supplies it. A second 5-reductase inhibitor, dutasteride, was approved in 2001 for benign prostatic hyperplasia. They have flat emotions. Post-finasteride syndrome is a legit thing. J Sex Med. Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) is a constellation of serious adverse side effects manifested in clinical symptoms that develop and persist in patients during and/or after discontinuing finasteride treatment in men with pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) or benign prostatic hyperplasia. The site is secure. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (PFS) Post finasteride syndrome is real and affects millions of people worldwide. Its really not the serotonin thats so beneficial. Usually its ED. The brain fog has never gone away. 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. Sexual dysfunction and suicidal ideation that appears to result from [finasteride] are important adverse effects. Although increasing number of men report persistent side effects, the medical community has yet to recognize this syndrome nor are there any specific measures to address this serious and debilitating symptoms. New Information about Post Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) Im 3 weeks off cold turkey. Balding? Finasteride is phasing out of my practice.