PSSD, PFS, PRSD: A Perspective for Aetiology and Treatment
April 2023
TLDR The paper suggests that a decrease in estrogen receptor activity may cause sexual dysfunction syndromes and proposes hormonal treatments.
The paper discusses Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD), Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS), and Post-Retinoid Sexual Dysfunction (PRSD), which are poorly understood conditions with severe and chronic effects on quality of life. The paper proposes a new framework to understand these syndromes and their connection to human physiology controlling sexual behavior. It introduces a fourth syndrome and identifies estrogenic activity as the central factor in all four syndromes. The paper suggests that these syndromes are due to a downregulation of estrogen receptor expression and activity, leading to various dysfunctions. It challenges traditional views by proposing estradiol as the primary sexual hormone in both men and women. The paper also discusses potential mechanisms behind these issues and proposes simple hormonal treatments. If further supported, this new understanding of estrogens' importance could have far-reaching effects on health and quality of life.
