Pete1989's story

Member Stories
#9

Boomer

I just want to start off by saying you cannot let this defeat you, you sound as if you’ve already submitted to the drug and that is going to make things harder. Im sorry that you’re going through this, I really am - but it’s stories like these that have caused me to distance myself from this website as it has clouded my mindset with negativity and anxiety.

I hope you will find comfort in knowing that the facial changes I experienced after taking 9 pills completely subsided and have gone away. Im 8 days off of Finasteride. I have experienced sides that come and go - for instance:

First couple nights were fine, high libido. Days 3-4 severe brain fog, however it dissipated. Days 5-6 severe anxiety and loss in libido/size. Luckily that subsided as well after some intense interval trainings at the gym. Days 6-8 have been insomnia and this is where I am now, however I don’t plan on letting this be my reality. I will continue going to the gym everyday, even on the days I feel like I can’t (whether its truly from Finasteride or Im just tired). I have ordered two multi supplements off of Amazon to try and see if I can remedy my sleeping situation, in addition to try and be preventive to any future sides. I also plan to do a 3-day juice cleanse this weekend to reboot my liver. The two supplements are:

  1. MD Certified Testosterone Booster for Men Supplement 3X More Natural Actives Metabolism Booster Muscle Builder Capsules – Tongkat Ali, Tribulus Territis, Horny Goat, DHEA, Maca, Fenugreek - Full 30-Da https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073G9D5GG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Z9ADBb8GBGGDG

  2. KEY NUTRIENTS Natural Sleep Aid, LIGHTS OUT Contains Melatonin, Valerian, Passion Flower, & More. 60 Veggie Caps. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0744QYJLC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_x-ADBbM427KZS

In addition to these two supplements I will continue my normal regimen that I have always been on even prior to taking Fin which includes:

Rainbow Mens Multivitamin
Fish Oil
Zinc/Mag/Calcium all in one
Green tea extract
Hairfluence all natural vitamins (no saw palmetto fyi)
Beta Carotene
Vitamin E capsule

I have tenporarily added Melatonin and Valerian Root for the time being but plan to exclude those once I start the Lights Out sleep aid.

By reading into this (probably more than I should be), it appears to me that men who take Fin experience varying side effects due to three primary root causes:

  1. Low T - Reduced libido, ED, fatigue, muscle atrophy, depression
  2. High E - Symptoms related to facial and body features, gyneco, bloating, also ED
  3. Neurosteroid disregulation and androgenic deficiency - Poor cognitive ability, memory, sleep, anxiety

I realize that I am one of the people who are moderately affected by this drug, so I’m trying to be careful to not cross a line and I want you to know that Im sympathetic to your situation, not to mention grateful for all the guys on this board. But, I also want you to know that the psychological harm you are doing to yourself by being negative could end up causing just as much harm as the true physical nature of the side effects, and end up manifesting in said sides. Its important to know what sides are truly effecting you, and do what you can to help yourself. Don’t just toss your hands in the air and convince yourself that you’re broken.

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#10

I hope you’re talking about Finasteride induced side effects and not PFS.

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#11

I hope so too, but honestly I can’t even quite tell the difference anymore. I thought I did when I first started researching, but the line got blurred fairly quickly.

I have asked this before and never got a straight answer, how would you know if you definitively had PFS if there are no consistent side effects amongst men, and no “cookie cutter” screening results?

Do you just wake up one day and know for a fact that you have PFS? Im suffering from insomnia at the moment, does that mean I have PFS? Where is the line drawn

#12

Finasteride side effects disappear over time, either immediately or over the course of months.

PFS is when those side effects are persistent, long after the cessation of Finasteride, with perfect bloodwork and no apparent health issues according to medical tests. Also common are a negative/no response to androgens systemically, as well as a positive response to anti-androgens.

We do not have a test for PFS because it’s impossible to screen for something if you do not know exactly what to look for. Currently, the common belief is that it is AR overexpression that primarily causes PFS because it best fits anecdotal reports of cases, and is also supported by a study done testing this.

I knew I had PFS because the entire world looked completely different to me immediately. I did not feel like me anymore, or even close to it. When I went to sleep the previous night, I was one person, when I woke up the next day, I was someone else entirely. (I haven’t had a libido for months and didn’t realize why people were complaining so much until I took a med I shouldn’t have and experienced some moderate desire. Then I realized what I was missing, for months I barely had sex, but even after this revelation it’s probably at the bottom of my list of problems for me personally.) Obviously if you only have sexual sides this will not be the case, however for someone suffering from the mental sides of PFS, this is not entirely uncommon.

You questioning whether you have PFS is very promising. It’s not unlikely you have some hormonal issues at the point like the kind you’ve described, but if I were you, I’d just take it easy on the supplements (i.e. not take them at all) because statistically, you’re likely to get worse/nothing happens if you take them rather than get better, and I love numbers because they don’t lie.

Give it some time. Say a few prayers or something, hope you don’t end up like us because it is a horror you cannot even fathom unless you’re experiencing it. I sure as hell couldn’t, I spent weeks in shock because I did not believe it was possible to feel this bad.

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#13

Just to remind everyone posting on this thread that it was originally set up for guys to post photographic evidence of facial changes. More general discussion can clutter up the thread and mean that its original intention is somewhat lost i.e. a photographic catalogue of those who have experienced facial changes. Possibly some of the discussion here would be more suited to another thread or possibly create a thread in the member’s section so as guys can share what’s happened to them there.

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#14

I’m sorry to hear your situation @Boomerang3378, but many people do variably improve in time or find methods of alleviating symptoms, and we are doing our very best to advance the issue. Try and keep hope.

Good point @scotsman - I’ve split the thread into a story so @Pete1989 can post regarding his story here.

@Pete1989, I completely understand your concern, and you are certainly making a very reasonable point regarding the considerable phenotypical differences within what is currently termed PFS. This of course is illustrative of an induced epigenetic shift, which Traish’s very recent paper discusses and that I’m hopeful we’ll see explored in the coming studies. Unfortunately, without focused elucidation of the mechanism of PFS, it’s currently an exclusion diagnosis and nobody can give you a test for it. However, considering the time frame, you are well within a period in which you could still expect lingering side effects before what I would hope will be a resumption of normality. PFS is an extremely rare situation considering the vast use of this drug. I discussed some figures illustrative of this here. I hope these can reassure you. You wont be able to give yourself severe pfs symptoms psychosomatically, but I’d still advise you to not worry yourself by spending too long on this forum unless you begin experiencing problems or your insomnia remains problematically. And if you’re unsure, trust me, that’s a good thing as @borax pointed out.

I’m wishing you all the best and if you’ve forgotten all this in a few months, do be grateful you dodged a bullet. We’re here if not.

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#15

@axolotl Thank you for the thought out response, I find it pretty incredible how much research is done organically within this community. The discussion between genetic predisposition vs gene expression is certainly interesting, and I feel as if there is a lot of incentive for the medical field to get more involved in PFS research in the near future (and I mean very near future, considering the spike in usage of the drug that I theorize will happen in the coming months). I don’t doubt that this web forum is going to be one of the first places medical professionals begin seeking theories and well as test subjects.

Additionally, I also thought about the possibility of the drug having a bigger probability in affecting users who have come on/off/on/off. I imagine it’s somewhat comparable to a female coming on/off/on/off of birth control, and the known effects that hormonal contraceptives have on female androgenic receptors/brain chemistry. I wouldn’t think that hormones and brain chemistry are intended to shut on and off that rapidly, despite being inhibited or regulated AT ALL. I would be interested in knowing what percentage of those affected by PFS were users who went on the drug, subsequently got off only to get on again.

I have started my own attempts at exposing brokers of the drug like “Hims” and “Keeps” and I am plan to contact a lawyer in the near future to see what needs to happen in order to a) get these guys to stop marketing it altogether or b) at least market it with the correct effects of the drug. I don’t have any monetary incentive whatsoever, but if anything were to come of it I would ensure all money would fund this site or the foundation directly. However, because the medical community has not yet recognized a clear scope and standard classification of PFS, they will continue to get away with the same BS - “1-2% of males will experience side effects which should subside after discontinuing usage”.

The amount of support and information I am receiving from you and others, @axolotl is very reassuring, and I think I am going to be okay based on conversations with @borax @agarman @Greek and a few others. To receive the feedback from direct users and victims is invaluable, and considering the vast ignorance among doctors regarding Finasteride - it’s more reliable as well. All thanks to what you and others have contributed.

Today marks day 9 and so far things are okay. I was able to get some good sleep last night because of a great tip that @Greek suggested to me regarding guided meditation and doing 50 push ups right before bed.

I will keep everyone updated on progress, specifically for new users who have a similar experience as mine.

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#16

Was experiencing severe insomnia for the last 3-4 days, went out and bought a weed pen yesterday (Friday), the weed oil was high in THC and low in CBD. Im not a frequent smoker by any means, but I had to do something since I was literally falling asleep at my desk at 2pm everyday due to lack of sleep the previous nights. Tried out the weed oil for the first time last night, and it knocked me out for 8 hours straight, completely uninterrupted.

Will be trying it again tonight and keep you guys updated. Not condoning or promoting you guys to do anything illegal (weed is legal in CA). But it does actually help a lot with insomnia.

As a general update, Ive been feeling good for the most part with Insomnia being my only side effect that I can notice - however this is not a side effect you want to have. Pretty sure I started to feel the psychosis kick in by the 3rd night as I was laying in bed with basically no rest.

If the weed pen continues to work, then by all means Im going to smoke it every night before bed. Its kind of a bummer because I am big on running after work every day, but if I have to choose between long distance running and sleep - you already know.

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#17

Hey @Pete1989,

Glad to hear your side effects have been relatively mild, but insomnia is no joke (on Trazadone,but still getting about 3-4 hours of sleep each night).

With regards to using THC for sleep.

You may want to consider edibles as a healthy alternative to the pen. You’re able to directly control your dosages of THC which can eliminate the possibility of anxiety attacks that can occur when you over do it.

Obviously, this will also be a lot easier on your lungs, but you’ll need to take your edible an hour or two prior to sleeping.

I always advocate CBD in place of THC for sleep as it’s a less invasive, healthier alternative to THC. They do make CBD edibles, balms etc. specific to sleep also.

#18

I’ve smoked weed throughout this PFS and haven’t really suffered any sleep problems

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#19

Hey @Worrier77

Thanks for the input, I actually read that THC is more conducive for deep sleep, and that CBD promotes more REM sleep. Its a pretty interesting article:

https://www.healthline.com/health/medical-marijuana/cannabis-for-sleeping#science-says

As for forms of ingestion, the vape pen has been a mircle worker for me the last two nights. I can’t even believe how fast I fell asleep again yesterday. I don’t think 1-2 puffs will do too much damage to my lungs as long as I keep it down to that. Although I haven’t been experiencing sexual sides, I can tell the Insomnia was starting to take a toll on the man as well. This morning after getting good two nights of rest, I woke up with full on morning wood.

I definitely have to recommend a weed vape pen to anyone who’s going through insomnia. Get your hands on one if you can

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#20

Thanks for the interesting read here, Pete.

I had smoked traditionally before all this, but stopped due to some other health issues I’ve been going through.

Maybe, I’ll give the pen a whirl in place of the Trazodone I’m doing.

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#21

Thank you everyone for the kind words of support. I will definitely try and keep a positive mind although sometimes it seems very hard to do so.

I wanted to give an update on my situation. The last propecia pill I took was on the 2nd of August. After approx 3 weeks I am starting to get my normal erections the way I used to which is making me feel slightly better. I am having no problems with maintaining the erections. I do not know if my body will crash later or not like many users have reported. But I am going to stay a little positive that things remain this way now.

But my face has not improved which has gotten me a little worried. So i would like to ask if there is anyone out there who got their normal erections back but not their face? I am hoping that if my erections have improved my face should also come back to normal in time. But is there anyone who’s face has not returned to normal but whose erections/performance etc have returned to normal?

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#22

Guys

This is pretty embarrassing to talk about but I developed a Hemorrhoid the size of a pea on my right side yesterday.

Is this a reported side effect at all? Or could it just be from heavy lifting which I do regularly? I have had one or two before in my lifetime, but nothing ever this big. Additionally, I am now 17 days off of 9 pills and I am feeling the slight testicle pain that everyone talks about (maybe not so slight in some cases Ive read). I would describe the feeling as more tender and sensitive then painful. Hoping this will subside, but I just wanted to give an update on my case. So far the sides I am experiencing are severe insomnia, slight testicle pain, and a massive hemorrhoid.

#23

Hi Pete,

I am so sorry that you have gotten the hemorrhoid.

Thankfully that never happened to me. But I did get a slight testicle pain like the one you have mentioned only for 1 day. It was in the left testicle. I never got it again. But lets see what happens in the future. I also am getting insomnia.

You are very lucky that atleast your face has come back to normal. Mine is getting worse. Pointy chin, severely decreased cheeks volume and dark, deep and hollow holes under the eyes. Its like my face has been sucked inside. It sucks really bad.

#24

Hey @Boomerang3378

Luckily I got some good sleep last night, and the Hemorrhoid decreased in size significantly. I can definitely tell there are lingering effects of the finasteride, but not as bad as others have described. I realize how fortunate I am for that.

Have you tried to any supplements, or any other treatment to get real sleep? My facial sides I was experiencing in the beginning cleared immediately after getting some real sleep. I can’t speak for the facial changes around your chin, but the hollow eyes I was experiencing as well did subside

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#25

Just wanted to drop in and leave you guys with an update.

My left nut went from aching for a couple days (literally just 2-3) to now tingling. Not sure what that’s all about but I suspect it has to do with blood flow. The tingling just started today, will let you guys know if it persists. Additionally I get penis size changes, hanging long and low to shriveled wimp in a matter of a couple hours. I typically appear smaller in the morning after I wake up and get out of the shower? As the day goes by it seems to loosen up and grows back to normal size. Libido is 100%, masturbation is fine and ejaculate is white like it’s supposed to be.

Anyone have any idea what could be causing this?

Additionally, sleep problems have gone away completely at this point. No mental sides either.

Thanks

#26

Hey, Pete, I am so happy to hear that your sleep is fully back to normal. Also lack of mental sides. Congratulations!

I am in a similar situation regarding sexual sides at 44 days after last fin dosage. I’ve had some penile pain and a bit of aching sporadically in the left nut as well. Libido and ejaculate are 100% normal. I’d like to know what could be causing this as well.

#27

Sounds like were at the same exact “milestone” for lack of a better term. My quitting date was August 10th. Im not getting the penile pain your describing but definitely felt the aching in the left testicle. It usually happens after I ejaculate, almost feels like the testicle is trying to work and do its damn job but is being constricted through the tube connecting the prostate. The ache occurs in the back of the left testicle, this is the same place the tingling occurs.

Overall I am thankful it has stopped at this and I am counting my blessings, believe me. I can deal with the testicle aches because they happen rarely, whats bothering me the most right now is my balls shriveling up

I wasnt even getting that as a side effect until very recently. Hoping that goes away.

But yes honestly the insomnia was the worst part of all of this, I felt like I was losing my mind. That hands down has to be one of the worst side effects to get dealt and I dont wish it upon anyone

#28

I had some pain and tingling, aches after ejaculation.

The pain and tingling have all but gone, I got my doc to examine my balls and she said they were fine. I convinced her to let me have an ultrasound exam which she said was totally unnecessary but she would let me have to put my mind at ease. I was supposed to have that a couple of days ago but it had to be rescheduled. If you’re worried, go get checked out. The relief when she said everything was normal was immense.

I normally wake up with morning wood so mornings I look ok. Later on size can be all over the place.

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