Hi
Can someone please explain why testosterone levels are often decreased after quitting finasteride?
Looking at the hormone pathway schematic (page 3 in the document “A new look at the 5a-reductase inhibitor finasteride”) it shows that the conversion of T to DHT is inhibited by finasteride. So I can understand why DHT is decreased, but how does T levels decrease when 5AR only affects conversion of T to DHT? Sorry if I have misunderstood something obvious here:)
My story:
I was on finasteride for 2½ years but stopped 5 years ago because of severe depression, anxiety, fatigue, concentration problems and dry skin. These sides are still present (at about 70% of previous state) here 5 years after (at age 34). However, I have no problems with erections etc., although libido is a bit low.
My Total T level was recently measured to be 7.5 nmol/L = 214 ng/dL which has lead me to see an endo who has agreed on setting me on TRT.