Morten from Denmark – A story about Post Finasteride Syndrome

Hello, my name is Morten, I am from Copenhagen, Denmark. I am a PFS patient since 2010. With this post, I want to share a personal story about Post Finasteride Syndrome – a story that’s been a part of my life for over a decade.

The Beginning

In 2010, when I was 20, I started noticing my hair thinning. I was a Psychology student, feeling great about my future. But I wasn’t ready to lose my hair. I heard about Propecia (Finasteride) and talked to my doctor about it. He mentioned potential side effects but assured me they would stop if I quit the medication. I believed him and started taking the pill.

The First Side Effects

Within days, I felt the side effects: my sex drive plummeted. I hoped it would get better, but it didn’t. After three weeks, I had to stop taking the drug. The day after I stopped, I felt strange—tired, dizzy, and joyless. It was like a switch had flipped off in my brain. My sex drive was gone, and I felt completely detached from life.

The Crash

Soon, more symptoms appeared:

• Extreme fatigue.
• Lack of interest in anything.
• Sudden anxiety attacks.
• Stomach problems.
• Insomnia and night sweats.
• Constant brain fog.
• Persistent tiredness.
• No sex drive.
• Watery semen.
• Pain in my testicles, bladder, and prostate.
• Weak muscles.

I felt like I was 80 years old. I was terrified.

Finding Answers

Desperate for answers, I turned to the internet and discovered Post Finasteride Syndrome (PFS). Thousands of men had similar symptoms that wouldn’t go away. Realizing there was no cure for PFS, my world fell apart. Since that day, my life has never been the same, and I regret ever taking Propecia.

My Life Since 2010

Life became a constant struggle. I was always tired, in pain, and had no interest in life:

• I struggled to stay awake during classes.
• I had trouble speaking clearly.
• Socializing and working became very difficult.
• My memory was poor, and I couldn’t keep up with my studies, adding 1.5 years to my degree.

Over the past 13 years, I’ve seen countless doctors and undergone numerous tests. But none could explain my symptoms. When I mentioned PFS, they dismissed it and suggested seeing a psychologist. Feeling ignored and alone, I spent over £20,000 on supplements and treatments, but nothing helped except healthy eating and regular exercise.

My Current Situation (2024)

It’s been 13 tough years. I still deal with:

• A weak immune system
• Ongoing stomach issues
• Mucus in mouth and throat
• Prostatitis/interstitial cystitis
• Poor sleep
• Muscle loss
• Pain in muscle and tendons
• Bone loss
• Brain fog
• Fatigue that prevents me from being active
• Loss of interest in things I used to enjoy (anhedonia)
• Avoiding social situations

Some symptoms have improved, especially those affecting my cognition and sex life. But I’m nowhere near the person I used to be. The struggle continues every day. I am dealing with a lot of pain, discomfort and a lot of concern.

Honestly, I don’t know how this will end for me and for how long my body can stay alive with all of these symptoms. The fear of the future and my health issues is overwhelming.

We need to move this issue forward

The biggest mistake of my life was taking Propecia. The second biggest mistake of my life was not going anything about it. I can slowly feel my health declining over time, and I am not sure I will be there to see my girls grow up.

If we want to stay alive and get our life back, we need to do something.

We need to raise awareness about Post Finasteride Syndrome (and also PSSD). It’s crucial to inform men about the dangers of Propecia and how it can ruin lives. Talking isn’t enough; we need to unite and push for research to find a cure for PFS.

Some might not believe in PFS without solid proof, but research is starting to show the real harm this drug can do. We need funding for more studies. If you’re dealing with PFS, know that you’re not alone. There is a community to support you.

I recommend that you visit Moral Medicine on YouTube to watch other PFS stories and consider donating to current PFS research and PSSD research. Together, we can make a difference for those suffering now and in the future.

Thank you for listening and for your support in making a change.

Take care.