Progesterone pretreatment enhances serotonin-stimulated BDNF gene expression in rat c6 glioma cells through production of 5alpha

General Discussion
#1

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18219447

Article mentions finasteride’s ability to increase serotonin, which has been postulated as a major factor for sexual dysfunction. That’s why SSRI’s are so famous for sexual dysfunction, so Propecia may act like this.

#2

than having a serotonin test could help to ubderstand if this is our case?

#3

I’m not sure you can adequately measure serotonin levels. However, this study is interesting because it shows that when taking an SSRI, Finasteride enhances their effects. Of course, this suggests that Finasteride can raise levels of serotonin in the brain, which has been proven to cause sexual dysfunction in males. Hence why so many SSRI’s have sexual side effects.

I quote,

from beatcfsandfms.org/html/BrainChem.html

So, I think that Finasteride causes sexual dysfunction to the raised level of serotonin. This would explain why even after DHT and Free T is back to normal, sexual dysfunction can still persist.

#4

Well, while to me that literature reads like an ancient code to be deciphered (yay brain fog), I can envision credence to the theory (despite looking without true understanding of HOW finasteride would elevate serotonin). As far as I’m concerned, we’re close kin to post-SSRI sufferers, so I find this talk interesting. If we could clear the mechanics of this theory up, I think we might be on to something.

#5

Hmmm, let me go get my M.D., while you get your Ph. D. in Pharmacology, and we’ll meet back up to discuss this in say… 6-9 years?

#6

Thanks for being facetious.

We know finasteride has inhibitory effects on Allopregnanolone, THDOC and dihydroprogesterone, therefore finding out if it effects serotonin isn’t such a feat. It requires research and reading, not pretentious comments.

#7

You’d have to conduct (or find) a study that is able to show that finasteride has a connection to increased serotonin levels.

I base this off speculation, as Dopamine is responsible for libido and sexual desire. Also, SSRI-Dysfunction, which is very similar to what most guys here have (considering their free-t and DHT levels are fine), is caused by increased availability of serotonin in the brain (in effect diminishing levels of dopamine). So–If we were to test this theory, there are TWO approaches.

  1. Use a Serotonin inhibitor such as Serzone. As it says on Wikipedia, “Unlike most SNRIs and SSRIs, Nefazodone has no negative effects on libido or sexual functioning, and is actually sometimes used as an antidote to SSRI induced impotence and anorgasmia in men”. Problem with this is, it’s been known to cause liver damage. Trazodone is another one that works well.

  2. Use a drug that boosts Dopamine levels. Wellbutrin, which has various studies showing it can improve sexual dysfunction, works by allowing more Dopamine to be in the brain. Provigil is another sort of these drugs that boosts libido. Only problem with these, is that people who are prone to anxiety should steer clear from these, as they act as stimulants.

So, the best way to really research, is to do a trial and error with yourself. Obviously, be safe and stay to a recommended dosage, but all drugs work differently, and if this is the case (serotonin levels elevated), then drug therapies such as the ones above can really aide in recovering.

Check this site, too:
healthyplace.com/communities … ants_1.asp

#8

I actually never heard that Provigil could boost the libido. A few weeks ago I read an article about this certain medication and if I remember rightly the medication is used in order to treat narcolepsy and sleep apnea. Maybe it is all about the active ingredient which actually is Modafinil in this case. Before I would take this medication I would ask my physician if there are any side effects which can have a severe effect on my health and if it is dangerous to take them in combination with other pills. I think you definitely should check that before.