For most of the members here, is this something you experienced after ceasing the drug? (dht reurning, feeling more normal)
My blood tests showed that my DHT was in the normal range post propecia although I feel even worse sexually speaking compared to when I was on it. These readings are most likely from the 5AR1 enzyme which comes from the liver and skin compared to the 5AR2 which is in the prostate and pituitary, hence a doctors theory regarding once a week DHT treatment to possibly bring the second enzyme or receptors back on line which would help with the sexual difficulties.
To be honest, I think I am feeling much more normal now than I was while on the pill and the first few months afterward. I still get some effects, especially when I drink alcohol it seems, but I think I am returning to my natural state…both the increase and decrease of my side effects have been so gradual it’s sometimes hard to tell, though.
I’ve been off for over four months now…the first two months or so off was when I experienced the worst effects, such as very puffy nipples, moon face, brain fog, exhaustion and sometimes complete impotence. Since then I have slowly improved in all those areas…I’ve been taking DIM-plus and zinc and a few natural supplements, but I really have no idea if they’ve directly contributed to anything.
Sorry for rambling, I guess my main point is that it’s probably different for everyone in terms of timing, but I think a lot of people do experience decreased side effects and the feeling of returning DHT, although the process does seem to take awhile sometimes. And unfortunately, it seems that some people on here have been off for awhile and still are plagued by problems. The endocrinologist that I went to told me, in regard to the specific side effect of gynocomastia, that it can take twice as long as the time on the pill to go away, but I have no idea where he got this figure from.
I’m just trying to stay positive. I think that’s the best advice, along with trying to see some medical professionals and getting some tests done so you know what’s going on with your hormones.