Case Study: The Sexual, Physical, and Psychological Effects of Post-Finasteride Syndrome

This article discusses Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS), a condition with various physical and neuropsychiatric symptoms that persist for over three months in some patients after stopping Finasteride, a drug used for hair loss. The case study focuses on a 45-year-old male who experienced reduced libido, penile shrinkage, fatigue, food intolerances, agitated depression, gynaecomastia, and muscle atrophy after discontinuing Finasteride. Despite normal biochemistry, the patient declined testosterone and hCG treatments, preferring hydrocortisone based on online research, though it was not started due to insufficient evidence. PFS, recognized by the NIH in 2015, includes symptoms like erectile dysfunction, memory problems, and insomnia, with suicidal ideation added to the drug's label by the FDA in 2022. A retrospective study found 0.8% of patients developed sexual dysfunction, persisting in 33% after stopping the drug, especially with treatment over 7 months. The pathophysiology of PFS is unclear, and effective treatments are limited, necessitating further research.