Solution for finasteride Sides BESIDES "waiting them out"

[evolutionary]

Hi --

I've posted my regimen several times over the years. I had a question regarding finasteride, my "white whale" as it were, because it seems that no matter what form I have tried taking it (oral or topical) I get mood effects. I know common responses urge just "waiting it out" -- but I tried that method for a year and there was no let up.

So I would like to know if any of you had success in combating low libido/mood swings from finasteride with any other methods. I'd like to be back on the biggest of the big 3, but I don't want to sacrifice my mood again.

Thanks!

 

[Shma]

No, there's no simple solution, you could use additional drugs as arimidex, but sides could get worse or just stay the same, you'll never know.

 

[cardflip]

I don't think there's a quick fix - but you should not instantly assume that propecia is the reason you're having mood swings/libido issues, etc. Have you tried exercising? Changing your diet? A lot of times I can "think" myself into a pretty nasty mood and it'll stick for a while until something snaps me out of it.

That can come from a good night out, or successful project finished at work, or just realizing that being bitter or cynical does not help anyone and only makes things work and to just suck it up and accept that life can stink from time to time.

 

[Mew]

it seems that no matter what form I have tried taking it (oral or topical) I get mood effects

That's because finasteride, by inhibiting 5AR2, also inhibits two other vital neurosteroid pathways which are implicated in mood disorders like anxiety and depression, since these neurosteroids can no longer act on GABA-A receptors in the brain:

Progesterone --> Allopregnanolone
Doctor --> THDOC

finasteride is a neurosteroid inhibitor. Don't believe me, Google it. Here's a bit of help (look for diagram at bottom of post):

viewtopic.php?p=529838#p529838

So I would like to know if any of you had success in combating low libido/mood swings from finasteride with any other methods.

No, the only way is to quit the drug so you will no longer be inhibiting 5AR2.

but you should not instantly assume that propecia is the reason you're having mood swings/libido issues, etc. Have you tried exercising? Changing your diet?

Yea, let's ignore scientifically documented and published research correlating Finasteride's effects on inhibiting neurosteroid production and affecting GABA-A receptor pathways in the human brain, and listen to some drive-by poster with 1 post to his name, who claims people shouldn't assume Propecia is the cause of such mood disturbances.

I smell a shill, for a company called MERCK.

 

[dougfunny]

It's a well known fact the hormones affect your mood, and some people are more affected than others. Women mess with their hormones in a similar manner when they take birth control, and mood disorders are common with that as well.

The only real solution would be to take meds for depression, which might work but would also pile on even more side effects.

 

[cardflip]

Mew, I'm a shill because I choose to think that there may be solutions like diet and exercise to combat any possible side effects? I understand Google is a tremendous resource for information, but I don't think that detracts from what I was saying. From my own personal experience, having a positive outlook can do wonders for health and emotional state. For me, part of getting that positive outlook was to do good things for myself, like exercise and diet. A change in social settings can help too. I try to put myself in new situations, such as learning a new language or joining a sports league, and that also changes my perspective.

So, Evolutionary, there may be a hormonal imbalance that's causing these negative emotions. May. I think it's a shame for someone to just sit and let it afflict them and continue with a negative attitude. If you're looking for problems, you will find them. If you're looking for solutions, something good will come out of that.

 

[dougfunny]

it seems that no matter what form I have tried taking it (oral or topical) I get mood effects

That's because finasteride, by inhibiting 5AR2, also inhibits two other vital neurosteroid pathways which are implicated in mood disorders like anxiety and depression, since these neurosteroids can no longer act on GABA-A receptors in the brain:

There is a disorder where people lack 5AR2 and they do not have any neurological problems. This would suggest it is not such a big deal.

 

[evolutionary]

Hey guys, I sincerely appreciate the responses.

Cardflip: regarding what else is going on in my life that might contribute: I thought there was a good chance that I just needed commit myself to even more exercise, socializing, the whole bit. Actually that's why I had two go-rounds with finasteride, where the second time I committed to going the full year on it to see if they subsided. I'm definitely a positive person, good girlfriend, have friends, exercise, stuff like that *seems* okay. When I was on finasteride though it just made me feel antisocial and frankly depressed. Tried taking supplements like ginseng or other energy boosters after awhile but didn't seem to make a dent.

The reason I posted my question was b/c I follow Dr. Rassman's blog too, and he wrote back to an e-mailer to "let me know if you have side effects with propecia and we'll discuss what we can do about them," so I e-mailed him to find out what he was referring to, but he almost never replies apparently. Ergo I threw the question out here.

Mew: I don't think he's a shill, I know what he's getting at. I do appreciate the articles you provided though, they were interesting, and could suggest what has caused my problems in the past. I wish doctors were more proficient with hair-drug related issues, but most just seem to know what comes on the drug's pamphlet.

Any other input on this question would be greatly appreciated. I'll post Rassman's reply if he gets back to me.

Evo