Propecia (finasteride) side effects can cause emotional trauma, emotional damage, and psychological distress. Sexual dysfunction and physical disfigurement can cause a man to lose confidence and self-esteem, which can then negatively impact personal relationships and professional opportunities.
Propecia Overview
If you are a man with male pattern baldness, you have genetic predisposition to lose your hair with age. Over time, your hair follicles begin to shut down when exposed to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). If you used Propecia (finasteride), this medication stopped hair loss by inhibiting 75-80% of DHT. Specifically, finasteride works by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. When you were considering the risk-benefit of using Propecia, you may have read this warning:
A small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects. These men reported one of more of the following: less desire for sex; difficulty in achieving erection; and, a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men. These side effects went away in men who stopped taking Propecia.
Unfortunately, a growing number of men have reported persistent, severe side effects that did not resolve once they stopped taking Propecia. The psychological and emotional toll can be immeasurable. A sexual or physical problem that does not go away can make it difficult to maintain intimate relationships. It can cause moodiness, depression, long-term stress disorders, and more.
Emotional Trauma
Emotional trauma is a type of psychological injury that occurs after a traumatic event. It can cause permanent changes to the brain and brain chemistry, which influences the brain’s future response to stress. Long-term, persistent mental changes may include confusion and memory loss.
In men who have suffered severe Propecia side effects, the emotional trauma may be endured for months or years. These events can completely overwhelm a person’s ability to cope with the event, leading to severe long-term consequences, including mental illnesses such as depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. However, not everyone reacts to emotional trauma in the same way.
Over time, emotional exhaustion may occur. It may be very difficult to think clearly or concentrate on anything except negative feelings. This can cause a person to become emotionally detached or dissociated, which is a coping mechanism to “numb” all feelings. A person who has suffered emotional trauma may seem distant, cold, preoccupied, or emotionally unavailable.
Another problem is that a person with psychological distress may choose to use alternative coping mechanisms, including self-destructive behaviors. This can include turning to substance abuse or self-medication.
Severe emotional trauma can lead to despair, loss of self-esteem, lower confidence, panic attacks, and depression.
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