Propecia and low testosterone count

[ScottyBear]

I have been taking Propecia for several years (well actually about 1/4 of a proscar tablet and usually not every day). A recent doctors visit shown a low testosterone count 250 ng/dL which is low and unusual for my age, 29 (normal ranges follow 400-800 ng/dL). I did a second one a few weeks later and it read 300 ng/dL. Also I take an antidepressant, Prozac. Due to the low testosterone, I was experience some fatigue and low libido. My doctor prescribed androgel, which is a testosterone creme to help boost T levels. I remember one doctor saying that Propecia is sort of like and anti-testosterone and can potential cause Hypogonadism. Any other members experience similar results? Should I discontinue the Propecia and look at other options?

Thanks

 

[Mew]

You should discontinue both and see if your T levels rise and your depression clears up.

Finasteride can cause depression due to blockade of 5AR reduction of Progesterone --> Allopregnanolone (neurosteroid). Low levels of Allopregnanolone in the brain are correlated with depression, and by inhibiting this conversion, finasteride may be causing your depressive symptoms (and causing you to rely on the SSRI). In addition, Prozac and SSRIs in general can cause low T levels.

You also mention low libido and fatigue, two common complaints from men taking 5AR inhibitors like Finasteride, due to loss of DHT. For guys with long term problems from finasteride, most end up with near hypogonadal levels of Total/Free Testosterone, LH, FSH after quitting the drug and finding their endocrine system crash when DHT returns. However, these men are in the minority. If you want more info, do a Google search for the "propecia" + "help" forum.

Taking Androgel (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) will shut down your own endogeneous production and eventually, your sperm production... it should be an absolute last resort as TRT is often for life. There are other treatments like Clomiphene Citrate, hCG and Tamoxifen which can be used to try and jumpstart your own T production.

But before you undertake such therapies, it is highly advisable to come off all medication, get bloodwork done again a month or two later, and assess next steps. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Mew]

Finasteride can elevate estrogen and prolactin levels in men, and sometimes SHBG. All of these can have a negative impact on T levels.

In general however, finasteride should upregulate T due to inhibition of DHT.

 

[barcafan]

Take mews advice bro!

Also make sure to find the exact cause of your (extremely) low T count. Dont go on androgel until you find the cause. Maybe it's something as simple as elevated estrogen which would supress your LH, and in turn supress T. Ask around on some steroid forums, present all your information and those guys will likely give you great advice as they're very very well versed. Try Afboard.com, Macro and Ulter know their sh*t.


Also, make sure you're getting your bloodwork done early, no later than 10am.

 

[ak_1981]

Age - 32
T-levels - 282 ng/dl

Regimen
Using finasteride 1mg for 9 years,
Combined with Rogaine foam.

I recently had a visit to my doctor and found out that my T-levels have dropped. They stand at 282, and we all the know that the normal is. The doctor wants to see them in the 400 range.
I had sex with a woman yesterday. I am able to get an erection. I put on a condom and went in. But then my penis went soft and I was not able to finish. I have had this problem with women in the past. I hooked up with a girl outside a nightclub in my car. I was able to get her to finish, but my penis went soft towards the end.
What I notice is that when I have sex for the first time with a woman, I am not able to finish. But the second time, when i make myself really comfortable, I am able to finish. Sometimes I have to go in without a condom. But I put a condom on before I finish.
I expect the woman to do some work to turn me on, rather than just lay there.

Now the question is -
Is this what all men observe? Are they able to finish when they want? or is it just me??
Couple of other things that deserve to be mentioned here. I am going through a break up right now. It is possible that it effected me emotionally and is effecting my T-levels.

Here is what I am going to do.
1) Add zinc to my diet.
2) get back to the gym. Start playing soccer again (Cardio)
3) Start taking whey protein supplement that I used to take (when I lift weights)
4) Get emotionally healthy again. Sleep better.
5) Check T-levels after 3 months.

I talked to my ex-wife about this and she said my sex drive was fairly normal.

 

[Valiant]

I would first try some supplements to boost T, such as tribulus or fenugreek. Run one for about a month. If there is no luck, do a short 3-4 week PCT like a bodybuilder with some clomid and either nolva or arimidex and see how you feel. Test again after a month but numbers themselves are not as good as how you feel. I would only add exogenous test as a last resort.

 

[lukedorian]

I have been taking Propecia for several years (well actually about 1/4 of a proscar tablet and usually not every day). A recent doctors visit shown a low testosterone count 250 ng/dL which is low and unusual for my age, 29 (normal ranges follow 400-800 ng/dL). I did a second one a few weeks later and it read 300 ng/dL. Also I take an antidepressant, Prozac. Due to the low testosterone, I was experience some fatigue and low libido. My doctor prescribed androgel, which is a testosterone creme to help boost T levels. I remember one doctor saying that Propecia is sort of like and anti-testosterone and can potential cause Hypogonadism. Any other members experience similar results? Should I discontinue the Propecia and look at other options?

Thanks

I did, after 9 months on propecia my T levels dropped from 780 to 390 and my LH levels as well went to the floor, i was experiencing some kind of fatigue, lack of energy and i was unable to recover from my work outs, which it was no problem for me before, instead of using Androgel, i began using DAA + Tribulus + 25 mg of Clomid and i´m feeling a lot better, im currently 3 weeks in this tratment, i will have my T levels and LH, FSH tested after at least 6 weeks.
I´m not currently considering stopping propecia, it has done wonders with my hair, i´ll give it at least 18 months.

- - - Updated - - -

I would first try some supplements to boost T, such as tribulus or fenugreek. Run one for about a month. If there is no luck, do a short 3-4 week PCT like a bodybuilder with some clomid and either nolva or arimidex and see how you feel. Test again after a month but numbers themselves are not as good as how you feel. I would only add exogenous test as a last resort.

So true, Exogenous test will shrink the testicles and will make you dependent to it´s use, tehre is no come back after it´s initial use, best option HCG or Clomid, that will activate your testicles to produce testosterone the natural way and they will not shrink.