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For me, this was extremely effective at growing back hair initially, then retaining that growth. While on Propecia, I experienced several issues. Small gynecomastia (breast tissue), Peyronie’s (penile damage), and a general increase in anxiety. Does this mean you will experience these same issues? Certainly not. I have an extremely high natural testosterone level.

Effects on the Brain

As you probably know, Propecia binds exclusively to the 5-AR (Type-II) receptor, blocking upwards of 70% of DHT creation. It has no effect on Type I which is expressed in the brain (it’s effects there are unclear). That does not mean that Type II does not impact brain chemistry. Type II binds with progesterone (a major 5-AR inhibitor), which converts to allopregnalone. Allopregnalone is vital for the creation of gabba in the brain, is related to memory, and all higher cognitive function. While on Propecia, your body will create less allopregnalone. This effect will vary from person to person. However, if you experience any anxiety or depression, it may be caused by this. If you find yourself drinking more while on Propecia, and feeling “clear headed”, it’s because alcohol supports allopregnalone production. This information was not available (studies had not been done) at the time Propecia was approved by the FDA. There was not scientific evidence that connected 5-AR to your brain. It was 1998.

Effects on Estrogen Levels

It’s likely that your Estrodiol level will increase while on Propecia. Here is the main reason: When you block 5-AR, the testosterone that would have converted to DHT is still hanging around. Increasing. Your body has another important androgen receptor called aromatase. This is responsible for converting Testosterone into Estrogen. Now, it is possible that your body won’t produce more aromatase. If it continues to produce the same amount, all that will happen is your testosterone will continue to climb. However, the body has a way of balancing itself out. There’s a reason 5-AR exists. So when you block it, it’s likely that three things may happen. 1) your body may produce more 5-AR Type 1, 2) your body may produce more aromatase, 3) your body will produce less testosterone. If the first one happens, you will see an increase in DHT in the blood. If the second happens, you will see an increase in estrogen levels. Odds are, if you use Propecia long enough, both will happen to some degree. This is why the hormone test is so important. Your body could also respond by producing less testosterone. If this happens, you get even worse problems. Extreme erectile dysfunction, libido decrease, etc. However, these side effects should only happen if you had low-mid testosterone levels to begin with. In most men, these will be mild.

DHT is a penile building block

The tissues in your penis are regenerated/repaired largely by DHT. If you block too much of it, damage is more likely to occur and softening is also a potential hazard. This seems to be the cause of peyronie’s in some men. After quitting propecia, I found that my penile tissue started to repair itself, though the bend did not go away. Not really a big deal. This could also be exacerbated by an increase in Estrodiol.

CONCLUSIONS

Propecia is effective at treating hairloss in most men. However, if you’re going to use it make sure you get blood work done every 6 months. People who drink a lot of alcohol may have further complications over time. I would recommend taking DIMM to help metabolize any increase in Estrogen. It has proven results. I would also recommend taking 5-htp when you go to sleep. SSRI’s have a proven history of increasing allopregnalone levels. If you read all of the comments from people at propeciahelp.com, be wary. In the same way (in most cases) it took many months or years for their bodies to have issues, it can take just as long to get one’s body back on track. No doubt, you’re playing a risky game with Propecia. Most likely if you quit it, your body will quickly return to its original state. But there’s no way to know that unless you get your hormonal profile before starting. One thing seems certain; the rate of side effects from Propecia is much higher than Merck would have you believe.