Finasteride, sold as Propecia, has been on the market since 1997. Developed by Merck, it is used to treat male pattern baldness, but millions of men have suffered from a multitude of side effects—these are collectively known as Post-Finasteride Syndrome or PFS.

Men with PFS may experience permanent sexual, physical, and mental side effects that don’t resolve even after quitting Propecia. There may be a brief resolution of side effects lasting 10 to 20 days after quitting. However, this is followed by a complete endocrine system crash with a multitude of biological impacts, including:

• Reduced testosterone levels
• Low LH and FSH hormones
• Elevated estradiol (estrogen)
• Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone
• Low vitamin D levels

After finasteride use, androgen levels are reduced to the point that attempts to restore them over the long term are often unsuccessful. For some men, hypogonadal symptoms return or worsen even after treatment with testosterone or DHT. Specialists have even speculated that damage to brain receptors may be to blame.

The secondary impacts on those affected are even more alarming. Men with PFS and associated physical, mental, and emotional symptoms have experienced marital problems and depression. Cases of suicide have been reported as well.

Dr. Bruhin Seeks to Change the Course

Dr. Matthew J. Bruhin, himself a PFS sufferer, has sought to help those with sexual dysfunction and other symptoms of Post-Finasteride Syndrome. The lack of resources to help men diagnosed with this syndrome led Dr. Bruhin to reach out to others affected by it. To assist those going through post finasteride recovery, he has studied the condition extensively and, through his research, Dr. Bruhin has developed several treatment methods, including:

• Psychotherapy: To provide emotional support to men who’ve been affected directly by PFS and resulting marital problems, breakups, and divorce.
• Dialectical Therapy: A form of behavioral therapy that’s used to treat mood disorders, patterns of self-harm, and substance abuse.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Aimed at improving mental health, CBT aims to treat cognitive distortions and behaviors, improve emotional regulation, and help an individual solve problems and develop coping strategies.
• Marital Counseling: Can help in resolving difficult problems through a non-judgmental approach and addressing the most pressing issues. Dr. Bruhin also offers premarital therapy and marital satisfaction and intimacy therapy.
• Professional Support: Bruhin works with men to help their physicians understand PFS, its physical impacts, and complex mental symptoms.

Several approaches can be used to repair self-confidence and fragmented relationships. These range from individual, couple, and family therapy sessions in San Diego, as well as online sessions via SKYPE. Dr. Bruhin believes in empowerment, reducing stigma, and better exposing clients to their situations in achieving post-Propecia recovery, in the hopes of improving their lives.

Call Matthew Bruhin & Associates at 619-683-3774 to learn more and schedule an evaluation and/or counseling.