How to make sure If I have PFS

General Discussion
#1

Hi all

I’m not sure if my symptoms are of PFS or just a phase/ stage in my life.
I’m 31 year Old. I stopped taking Finesteride about 6 months ago (had previously taken for 2 years on and off).

Symptoms: I’m experiencing Erection and Libodo problem from last 3/4 months. The problem is not persistent, I get good erections(30-40%), average erection (50-60%) and no erection other times (less than 10%). I have had no problem before that, I used to have nearly 100% good erection before that. I also have symptoms of Adrenal fatigue (Tiredness, memory issues, cluttered mind, anxiety…) I sometimes get light pain in the testicles, but without fever, rashes or swelling. Sexually speaking- My testicles have reduced in size a bit, but not testes, semen volume has reduced considerably, so has the force of ejaculation. Psychological part is not that troublesome (I have read of people with suicidal tendencies).

Test Results
I underwent tests to see If my blood and hormone levels are okay. My results are:

  • Free Testosterone & Bio Available and Total Testosterone: All Good, within prescribed range, i the middle of the range
  • Estradiol: Within the prescribed Range
  • DHT: Within the Range
  • Cortisol: Within the Range
  • Sex Hormone Binding Globulin : Within the Range
  • Free Androgen Index: Within the Range
  • Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT): 61 (Normal Range- 5 to 41)
  • Uric Acid: 8 ( Normal Range 3.5 - 7.2)
  • Kidney Profile: Normal (Except Uric acid)
  • Lever Profile: Normal (except SGPT)
  • Total Cholesterol: 205 ( Normal Range <200)
  • LDL: 135.4 ( Normal Range <100)
  • HDL: 44 ( Normal Range >45)
  • TSH: Normal

My doctor says my problem is mostly related to Cholesterol and possibly temporary, he is advising Cialis and other natural remedies as it is in the beginning. Do I have PFS or is it just general ED? what do you experienced people think?

#2

Did he say something more about this? Why does he think cholesterol has to do with it? It’s barely above range

#3

It is currently impossible to know, since we don’t have any tests for pfs.

You do seem to follow the pattern tho:

  • weeks/months after quitting you start getting issues.
  • you have a rather sudden onset of ED
  • you’re still quite young and this shouldnt be happening
#4

I have had borderline cholesterol for a long time, thus it might be stopping/ reducing/ slowing blood flow into penis. There was no other major issue, thus this is being considered I think. My doctor thinks it is a temporary issue, He is of the opinion that with stopping Finesteride, side effects are most likely gone within few days and this is unrelated

#5

I have underwent the same pattern. I was thinking that Testosterone/ Estrogen/ DHT or something goes to an extreme that it is nearly irreversible.

So basically PFS causes ED without any physical proof to show that there could be ED. Bad :slightly_frowning_face:

#6

Hey,

I’m sure you know there’s unfortunately no blood test for PFS. I’m sure you also know doctors say that. It’s difficult to say based on your symptoms - I’d be inclined to think you have lingering effects because frankly you shouldn’t have that issue at 31. However, I am generally of the feeling having seen such a wide spectrum of outcomes that if someone is unsure at all then they should count themselves lucky and make the best of it. You may also improve over time. I’d strongly advise NOT going back on a 5ari or antiandrogen for any reason as many have developed very bad PFS, myself included, on a subsequent go.

All the best

#7

Thanks for the reply, appreciate it
I’m still on minoxidil drug for hair, doctor says it is unrelated, should I try giving it up as well? Any idea about Minoxidil too being a culprit?

#8

Minoxidil was recently proved to be a 5ar inhibitor in a 2017 study, and I’ve seen people claim PFS symptoms from it. The study was called “Minoxidil Acts as an Antiandrogen: A Study of 5α-reductase Type 2 Gene Expression in a Human Keratinocyte Cell Line” and concluded very significantly lowered gene expression of 5α-reductase type 2 after minoxidil treatment, compared with untreated control cells. Personally, in your position would stop it asap, but it’s up to you. I do sometimes wonder if my years of (completely symptom free) minoxidil use may have somehow contributed to why fin hit me like a nuke, but obviously whatever the genetic predisposition is I have it in spades.

I wish so much i’d found out about this toppik stuff you can get that just makes your hair look thicker. I’ve used it since PFS because PFS actually shot my hair loss through the roof, which I didnt really have much of before (I took it preventatively…wrecked my life for literally nothing). If you’re concerned I’d just use that.

2 Likes
#9

I’m stopping Minoxidil right away, hair is too less to lose in comparison. Thanks for suggesting Toppik, I’ll read on it.

About hair, I’d say I have good hair now, have stopped finesteride like 6 months ago, still continue to take minoxidil though. How common is it for men to shed hair in PFS?

Thanks again, you have been very helpful

#10

Varies. Myself and some friends here have had an increase in hair loss, others have had it completely stop. No problem and really hope you get better. We’re always here if not.

#11

I am a Dutasteride user. If my information is correct both the drugs are equally capable of destroying a man’s rod. For me, Dutasteride acted as a poison. It destroyed my sex life. The organ shrunk by 30%.It has a curve. The drug induced depression which I never thought to be possible. That word depression did not exist in my library before. I even wanted kill myself.
Doctors don’t believe me completely. If you go to other sites on www you will find paid agents of drug companies using the opportunity to defame you if you talk about side effects of any block-buster drug.
My advise to all of you is to stop using these drugs for hair-loss. It is better to bald than mad and, impotent.
Please avoid these drugs.They are poison.

#12

Of couse we already know…you have to share your message in hairloss forums, to people who do not know the truth.

#13

How long did you take Dutasteride for? When did the tissue loss set in? Did you lose size when erect or flaccid? How long since you quit?

#14

I am 39 and was taking prop. for 3 years and have exactly the same problems as you descride , for some time I was hoping it was just something in my head but after all the medical exams it looks like nothing else than PFS .

#15

What cure/repair methods are you trying?

I’m trying Exercise, Healthy Diet, Sleep, Meditation; seems to have some positive benefits

#16

Im still coming to terms with my condition and feel I have only myself to blame for this ,
its strange to say it , but its somehow liberating not to have sex as a no. 1 priority in my life anymore ,
I guess will have to reorganize my life now and get back to being a slave to my libido again .

#17

I think I will take the fasting - diet - exercise direction , keep in touch on how things go on your side .

1 Like
#18

Hi there , Im glad to report some improvement in libido , erection and mental clarity and focus after a month of lifestyle and diet changes . Did a 7 day water fast , changed diet , started with a mild workout 30 min a day, took some multivitamins + extra zinc ., The fast had a reset/ detox affect on my body , Diet of fish , nuts , greens , fruits . No red meat, processed or refined carbs of fats , Eat 8 hours a day , under 2000 cal. a day . Lost 3 kgs . Also do Kegel exercises ,the annoying testicular pain almost gone.
Felling hungry noticeably improves appetite and stamina .Exercise consist of 15 min cardio and stretching and 15 min weights . Got some morning wood after a long time , These changes keep me motivated . Will report again in a month ,

1 Like
#19

Good to hear,

Stay focused on the positive changes.

Can you tell me what is the zinc dose you take and did you have your copper values checked?

Z.

#20

Hi Borax. I was away and kept myself busy to carry on with my life. I took Dutas for 2 months. First month I had no issues . The shrinkage and curve set in during month 2. All of a sudden, as well. There is no cure, as told by my doctor who had not warned me about the shrinkage. He did warn me about loss of libido, though.