My problem...............advice anyone?

Member Stories
#1

I took propecia for 1 month at a small dose. In fact the dose i took was tiny. 1 pill lasted me 1 and a half weeks. However, the side effects did start to affect me and as i was already worried about the potential side effects i stopped. Thats when the problems started to happen. As soon as i stopped my libido dropped rapidly and i noticed my penis and balls had shrunk. I also experienced anxiety, detachment from people, and something i can’t explain with my eyes. This sent me into a state of vicious cycling worry. 3 months on i have noticed i have stopped worrying but my eyes, libido and genitals have not recovered. My eyes aren’t awful by any means but one thing i do notice is that when i wake up they feel really heavy as if there’s a pressure pushing and it happens again before i go to sleep.

I am worried now that these things will not return as i’m sure alot of people on this forum are. I still can get an erection although it takes more effort and i do occasionally get a morning erection. Sensitivity is still there in parts but only around at 60%.

I plan to get a blood test on Friday to check my hormonal profile out. Are there any suggestions to what i should do? I feel like should be able to recover as i only took it for a short time at a small dose however the sexual effects seem most debilitating. I am only 19.

Any advice would be appreciated.

#2

That’s pretty rough man, I’m actually the same age as you and in the same boat pretty much. A theory I have is that its more likely to effect us younger guys because our hormones are still in a pretty high effect and not only that but I think that perhaps our endocrine systems still have not yet fully matured yet. There’s a reason why they don’t prescribe the drug to anyone under 18 and 19 isn’t too far off…

Perhaps the irregular way that you took the drug could have something to do with it since the drug only lasts in your body for about 2 days so with your method you would pretty much not be keeping your hormone levels steady but giving your body a weekly drop in DHT.

The good news is that it’s still been a relatively short amount of time since you’ve stopped and you didn’t take much to begin with so there should be hope for you yet.

You are on the right path by getting your blood tested, some other things that can help you out would be to quit masturbating and also to quit smoking cigarettes if you are a smoker.

Good luck and best wishes

#3

Can I poll you two,
Do either of you guys have like either pain or just discomfort behind your dicks, i.e. ‘like your pipes are clogged’, any urinary symptoms, a tingling down within, or a reduced ejaculate volume?

Because these could all be signs of simply a prostate problem.

In myself, I just think that the drug shocked my prostate.
But so I am just trying to get a jist for how others could just precisely explain their symptoms, as far as sexual sides go.
Thanks.
B

#4

Thanks for the advice BigSoftie. I hope you get better soon too. Lets keep each other informed if thats alright.

As to your questions(boston). I don’t think i have any of those. I have noticed at the base it feels slightly different to what it was but no urinary symptoms. And that feeling is probably to do with decrease in size of girth.

Do you think its the prostate thats going wrong? What about all this talk of dopamine and GABA? Also any ideas on the eye problem?

thanks.

#5

Increased Dopamine can potentially lead to enhanced libido… drugs like Cabergoline (Dostinex, Cabaser) and Bromocriptine (Parlodel) work by boosting dopamine production in the brain, and are often prescribed to lower elevated Prolactin levels (which inhibits sex drive) in men. The end result is often a surge in libido – hence why some here are keen on trying to boost dopamine (either via supplements or with drugs), barring hormonal issues.

GABAA is a calming neurotransmitter, unfortunately when you take Finasteride you block Progesterone --> Allopregnanolone conversion. Allopregnanolone usually enhances GABAA function, but since Fin blocks this action (due to depleted Allo), it can lead to the anxiety/panic attacks many complain about while on the drug. The good thing is these symptoms seem to resolve in many men who quit the drug, thus it would appear Allopregnanolone/GABAA are not likely permanently affected and things pretty much go back to normal in that department. If you continue to have panic attacks/anxiety months after discontinuing it is worth trying GABAA supplements and also investigating your Estradiol levels further.

Did you read the study in the Finasteride Studies section about anti-androgens/Finasteride and eye issues?

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=659

You may want to have a look and bring that with you to an Opthamologist to discuss your issues. But I would first obtain the necessary bloodwork so you can see what is going on with your body. Results showing low androgens (T, Free/Bio T, DHT etc) coupled with the eye study above may help you prove your case when discussing with an Opthamologist or Endocrinologist.

#6

Thanks.

The article you mentioned on the eye condition didn’t mention anything about reversibility though. I still can get a morning erection so does that mean my testosterone levels are okay? They should theoretically only improve right? Also if it wasn’t for my vision my brainfog would be around 95% normal.

Keep in mind this is only 3 months after quitting. Also i haven’t mentioned this but there is a slight rotation upon the axis of my penis to the left. It hasn’t curved though. What are your thoughts on this?

I would like to think its just my prostate and if i give it enough time it will recover. This plus the eye problem. Also in another post someone mentioned pseudotmor cerebri. Is this a possibility because the effect of this could be quite bad?

I hope i can recover and i will do whatever it takes. Sorry to keep asking questions but as you can imagine i’m quite worried. I’ll keep you informed as to how i’m doing. My blood results should come back in a couple of weeks.

#7

Probably a good indication that your Free Testosterone levels are decent, but good to check Total and Free/Bioavailable levels anyway. Men with even low levels of T can still obtain erections, despite absent libidos.

Yea its still early days yet, within 6-8 months you should know a lot more about where you stand. But don’t let that make you just sit back and be complacent if you can do something about it (if your bloodwork and other tests reveal issues) – if you can find a doc to help.

Have the same issue, plus penis curvature to the left. My penis also shrunk quite a bit in terms of both length and girth, it is constantly narrow, flaccid and retreating as if coming out of a cold pool. My thoughts are this is possible a combination of hormonal, prostate and penile tissue change (ie fibrosis/collagen deposits) issues… I would investigate some of the Peyronie’s Disease treatments in the Naturals section of the forum and on Google (ie, Vitamin E, Bromelain, etc)… though I have yet to try these myself. All I know is before Fin my dick never rotated 45 degrees to the left or hung like that.

The prostate could certainly be implicated in things since it is the direct target of Finasteride’s method of action (reduction of DHT, shrinks prostate). Most likely things should heal themselves over time.

One other thing you might want to investigate about your eyes (doubt it would be Fin related) is a prolactinoma (tumour of the pituitary that secretes Prolactin, do some research on google)… if your test results come back with Prolactin elevated our of range, you should get an MRI done of your head to check for this, as some of the symptoms can include vision problems. If this turned out to be the case, you would be prescribed a drug like Cabergoline or Bromocriptine to shrink the tumour and bring Prolactin back into range. Personally I think this is extremely far-fetched, but just something to be aware of.

You’d need to get a Cerbreal Spinal Fluid test to check like the other poster obtained, I think? But if you read this:

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=600

Finasteride was found in CSF of patients… not saying that’s what happened here or trying to worry you, just a thought as to how something like pseudotmor cerebri might hypothetically be connected with Fin, if this were even provable.

It shouldn’t take weeks to obtain the results, at best a week at most… I’d call your doc/lab and ask them to call you as soon as the results are in, or keep checking.

The key thing here is not to worry, you only took it for a month and things are already improving – the fact you can get morning erections is a BIG plus. I’d just wait on your test results for now and based on that, evaluate what next steps should be… and possibly consider a test for pseudotmor cerebri, if you are that concerned about it. But it is still early days yet and for many people things do improve over time.

Best of luck.

#8

As a matter of fact I get pains in my testicles and my prostate area, very occasionally I may even get a burning sensation.

My ejaculate was very fucked up looking while I was on the drug, but that part seems to have recovered so far.

And funny how a lot of people talk about frequent urination because in my case it’s pretty much the opposite. For me I feel like I don’t piss enough, and when I do not all of it comes out.

I actually miscalculated in my earlier post, it’s only been about 3-4 months since I stopped taking the pills. As much as I hate to say it, I think things may have gotten worse, but I think this is probably just from being stressed out. I’m still trying to be optimistic though though since it’s sort of a relatively short amount of time and I’ve read about some people taking about 6 months to recover. I’ve also recently started taking Phenylaline, Tyrosine, Theanine, and Zinc. I’ll also be sure to buy some brocolli and add that. It’s only been a day since I started the supplements so I can’t say if its doing anything or not yet. There’s a girl that says she’ll be with me regardless of my problems which makes me feel eased to say the least. I think I might have to tell some friends off and not go out for a while cause I honestly don’t see the point in doing so if I’m not even gonna be able to enjoy some ass like I used to. I can also imagine things would be pretty awkward when talking to girls especially if one of them starts acting in that welcoming sort of way. First thing tomorrow I’m gonna make an appointment with an endocrinologist and get my bloods done ASAP…I think a lot of laying around and relaxation could be the cure to all of this, of course with a healthy dose of exercise as well.

#9

Ok a quick update.

Recently over the last week i’ve felt a little dodgy. It happened after i was able to masturbate more than once in a day. I think it gave my system a bit of a kick. My libido went down and morning erections started to become rarer. This is a bit worrying. But i think i’ll improve.

Also yesterday my eyes started to really hurt so i went and got them checked out and it seems the eyes are healthy and there are no pressures acting on it. They checked the whole eye and said it was fine. I have scheduled a visual field test but i don’t think that will be revealing. My conclusion from this is that it is hormonal. I think its linked with that feeling of feeling i’m not really there.

Now i am waiting for my blood test results to come back and then i’m going to see a urologist. I don’t know when as its the NHS but at least its all free. I have also supplemented my diet with zinc, vit E, vit C and an amino acid complex including phenylalanine. So hopefully this will help.

Anyway i’ll let you know how i’m doing. Any thoughts?

#10

Yes, make an appointment with an Endocrinologist if your results come back with low/high/out of range values, since an Endo specializes in hormones moreso than a Urologist.

#11

19 and Big Sofite, you guys arent alone.

I am 25 years old. I started taking Propecia when I was 22 years old and took it for about 2.5 years.

During the last few months on Propecia I suffered from very low libido, insomnia, inability to deal with stress, moderate erection dysfunction problems.

I quit Propecia on March 13, 2006. After I quit, my testicles shrunk (seriously), I experienced severe erection dysfunction (it was very difficult getting an erection and the erection was very soft), changes in skin of genitals (softer, more wrinkled), low libido, pain/discomfort in testicles, abdominal pain, digestion problems, inability to deal with stress, brain fog, decreased ejaculate volume, weakened orgasms, my dick was always in the retracted position (like when you get into a cold pool).

I have slowly been recovering in all areas. The testicles are still smaller and feel uncomfortable – although this fluctuates.

Last week I saw a urologist and he said that I have a spermatocele. A spermatocele is a cyst that develops in the epididymis — the small, coiled tube situated in the upper testicle that collects and transports sperm. Many experts believe it results from a blockage in one of the tubes that drain sperm from the testicle into the epididymis. Trauma and inflammation also may cause spermatoceles. Spermatoceles are most often found in men between the ages of 40 to 60. If you want more information search the Mayo Clinic website.

I have started to lose more hair but the hair loss is still much slower than before I started taking Propecia.

Josh

#12

Thats not good. All my sympathy goes to you. Have you had a blood test?
I suggest getting one. I’m still waiting for my results.

I’m finding one of the most annoying effects is the impact on my mental state. I feel unenthused and music seems to be just a noise to me at the moment. I don’t like that. That, the sexual effects and the sense of not being there also are starting to get me down. I can’t live like this. My only hope is to get better. If not i really don’t see the point in anything.

Is there anyway to sort out my mental state? Also I have noticed whenever i have masturbated my sexual state gets worse and the genitals retract further. Is this a sign of something?

I hope i get better but at the moment the only thing i have is a little hope…

#13

Guys, I just saw a Naturopathic doctor today. He told me that since Fin is scientifically proven to shrink the prostate, and since a lot of these side effects came on suddenly upon quiting, my prostate must have been shocked in some way.
Hormones may definately play an issue, however the prostate is the center of it all, where the nerves in your penis trigger the excitatory response.
If your prostate is at all, congested, shocked, or not breathing properly, or it is chronically inflamed, any or all of these symptoms could be causing this.

Anyway, he has given me all sorts of stuff and advice for clearing out the prostate and bringing it back to its normal state.
Some Prosta-flow, lots of Bromalain, a natural antibiotic, zinc, good flax oil, Quercitin, and also some immune system boosting stuff.

Anyway, he also told me walking, hydrotherapy (sitz baths), and a very healthy diet, nothing acidic, very low animal fats, dairy, or sugar, is completely necessary, and whatevr else you can do to keep the inflamation away.
Then, and only when inflammation is down, can the prostate start healing, and then this can take months for this tiny gland to flush out completely, and return to its normal state.

And, I mean to me this all makes sense!

Think of the prostate as a prune. It shrinks to very small and dried up prune. Think of the tiny stem which once connected that prune to a tree. Through that everything needs to drain, and also the prune become rehydrated and start living and breathing again like a live piece of fruit.
I know this is a weird analogy but this is a tiny gland which can take months of health living and active body to get it to flush out and return to its normal state.

Anyway, he told me sitting for long periods is bad, and anything that makes things flare up or symptoms arise, should be avoided.

Its important you treat it well as soon as possible.

Anyway, I hope this helps guys!!
B

#14

I’ve been taking Phenylaline, Tyrosine, Theanine, Arginine, Zinc, and a little milk thistle every now and then (I don’t think this does much). But I sort of feel like the Zinc plays a part in making me feel better, I just feel maybe if I throw everything at it, it could help, I’ve also quit drinking caffeine (coke) so I drink things like Sprite, 7-up, or Sierra Mist instead, which I don’t mind at all.

Tell me boston have you ever tried the broccoli treatment? I will be adding that to the supplements soon when I get the damn stove fixed so I can boil the water, plus I got an appointment this Friday to get my blood drawn and hormones analyzed. I am optimistic about this doctor since he specializes in alternative medicine and hormone levels and bioidentical hormone replacement (hopefully I won’t need something as drastic as hormone replacement). I figure if I go to an endocrinologist at one of the big Universities around here they won’t help much or even care cause they’re too busy treating people with thyroid cancer or something like that. Plus I keep reading about how a lot of people in the medical community don’t acknowledge our affliction, this guy was willing to take my case when I talked to him on the phone. He also agreed to give me all the tests that I asked for.

To be honest I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that there’s more to just finasteride to all of this, as a matter of fact I actually remember right before I started taking the pills I tested positive for protein in the urine, although this might not mean much…

I definitley think that an issue of having an excess of aromatase could be the problem with all of this, and seeing how a much a majority of us on here are pretty much younger men I think the youth of the body can help with the recovery. I don’t think my endogenous testosterone production is not there, mainly because my balls haven’t shrunk and my muscles are still intact. But in isolated cases, and this happens very, very rarely, and it lasts for a short amount of time, I will get this sort of anxiety that comes out of nowhere and makes me feel frail and helpless, like I’m either a woman or just really old.

I’m just really happy I’m finally getting to see a doctor for this, and I would really like to know how some people on this forum have responded to the brocolli treatment.

Who would have ever thought that there could be a drug that sucks the passion out of a man?

#15

I thought i’d give people an update.

My results have come back but i won’t know the details til monday which is a bit annoying. Also i don’t think the test was very thorough. I’ve had no improvement in any area. in fact i think sensitivity in my penis has decreased. Having done a little research i will try to explain what i think is causing the problems:

Low libido - possible prostate problem, hormonal, or due to allopregnelone deprivation.
Erectile dysfunction - same
Penile changes - lack of DHT causing collagen fibres to form
Testes shrinkage - not sure
Slight brain fog and eye problems + sense of wellbeing - allopregnelone deprivation and reduced GABA receptors. also low testosterone inducing dry eyes.
Increased hairloss - increase in DHT

Theoretically all this is potentially reversible i think. My thoughts are that within 6 months my testosterone levels should get back to normal. Within a year my prostate should get back to normal as long as i walk etc… Penile changes are a bit worrying. I’m hoping l-arginine or viagra or something can reverse the production of collagen fibres. It makes sense as collagen is stiffer so will not expand as much decreasing the girth. I am not sure about the testes shrinking. Could be low testosterone at the moment. Libido i think is one of the crucial things as it encompasses all grounds. To regain libido would be to show progress in all areas. Another possibility is adrenal fatigue and increased cortisol preventing normal levels of testosterone etc… doing their thing. Dopamine is something else i have to consider.

Of course i am not a qualified doctor but this seems to make sense to me. Thoughts and opinions would be helpful.

My plan is to print out the scientific studies to show the urologist when i see him.

Advice would be appreciated. thanks.

#16

Another update:

Right now i am very confused about what is causing my problems. Just had hormonal results back.

serum progesterone 2.8nmol/l (<6)
serum testosterone 24.8 (9.9-27.8)
serum oestradiol 108pmol/L (70-400)
SHBG 24.4

these and my results posted on the hormonal board show that hormonally there is nothing wrong with me. But yet i still have these symptoms…

Does anybody have any ideas? It must be to do with dopamine, allopregnelone or the adrenal glands…

Its a good step in the right direction but leaves me wondering what can i do.

#17

It quite possibly can be in your head. You were already fretting about the potential side effects so lowered the dose to almost nothing…which could not have caused anytype of effect to your Endocrine system, which is evidant as ur hormonal panel is spotless.

Dude, you freaked about the sides and now you think you got them. This is classic Hypochondriac behaviour.

Jack

#18

Trust me i am the last person to be a hypochondriac. I’ve tried my best to ignore what is wrong with me. Tried to pretend it was nothing and that i was ok… but that doesn’t work.

So in conclusion fuck off.

#19

To test your dopamine theory, you could always try some Mucuna Pruriens supplements – Mucuna has L-Dopa in it and many Parkinson’s patients have used Mucuna as a substitute for Levodopa medications, since it is natural (comes from beans) and likely has fewer side effects than the drugs.

#20

Sounds like you’re a little too obsessed overall. You were so overly concerned about the side effects that you split 1 pill into how many days???..and now you convinced yourself you have something.

FYI…your hormonal profile with regards to sexual health is great.

You are a perfect example of why Drs shrug off patients with no regard…yet with you it’s called for.

Jack