Accutane gave me a positive side effect...

[Nomad]

I’ve been off accutane for 3 months now... I’ve had 2 full labs since...

I no longer need an AI at 200mg Test C a week. Daily injections.

average
total t 1150
E2 29
Free t 37

while I was on accutane I thought my e2 was high, it actually got very very low on the same armidex dose I was on for over a year.



I’m starting to believe joint issues and mood on accutane is caused by lowering of the bodies aromitization causing less estrogen. I can’t find a study to support this theory but, I hope the results are permanent with me, I feel terrific.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Interesting!
This data is not while using TRT:

" After 3 months of treatment with ISO, luteinizing hormone (LH) (p < 0.001), prolactin (p < 0.001), total testosterone (p < 0.001), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (p < 0.001), cortisol (p < 0.001), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (p < 0.001), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) (p = 0.002), growth hormone (GH) (p = 0.002) and free T3 (fT3) (p < 0.001) levels had decreased significantly. "

The effect of different doses of isotretinoin on pituitary hormones - PubMed

ISO affects pituitary hormones at all of these three doses. The differences in pituitary hormones are more pronounced in high-dose treatment. The weakest effect was observed in the intermittent-dose group. Choosing lower doses of ISO may decrease side effects, however the effectiveness of the...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

[Nelson Vergel]

"
Abstract
Background
Acne vulgaris is a common dermatologic disease that causes significant social and psychological morbidity. Isotretinoin, as a vitamin A derivative, is the most effective agent in the treatment of acne. Evidence suggests that isotretinoin’s therapeutic function is independent of hormonal mediation; however, the effect of isotretinoin on serum androgens and precursor androgen levels in humans remains unclear.

Objective
Herein, we aim to investigate the effect of low-dose isotretinoin on androgen levels in women and postulate the role of concomitant anti-androgen therapy (e.g., spironolactone).

Methods
A total of 36 women, age 18 to 30 years, with moderate-to-severe nodulocystic acne were treated with 20 mg isotretinoin (Roaccutane) daily for 3 months. A hormone panel was obtained at baseline and after completion of the treatment course. The panel included dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 17-hydroxyprogestrone, testosterone, free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and prolactin.

Results
Serum levels of testosterone (p = .015), prolactin (p = .001), and DHT (p = .001) were significantly decreased, while serum levels of DHEA (p = .001) significantly increased after isotretinoin treatment. No significant change was found in the other hormones evaluated.

Limitations
The distribution of acne was not assessed in our patient population. We did not directly evaluate for associations between elevated DHEA levels and clinical response rates."

The effect of low-dose isotretinoin therapy on serum androgen levels in women with acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a common dermatologic disease that causes significant social and psychological morbidity. Isotretinoin, as a vitamin A derivative, is…

www.sciencedirect.com

 

[Nomad]

"
Abstract
Background
Acne vulgaris is a common dermatologic disease that causes significant social and psychological morbidity. Isotretinoin, as a vitamin A derivative, is the most effective agent in the treatment of acne. Evidence suggests that isotretinoin’s therapeutic function is independent of hormonal mediation; however, the effect of isotretinoin on serum androgens and precursor androgen levels in humans remains unclear.

Objective
Herein, we aim to investigate the effect of low-dose isotretinoin on androgen levels in women and postulate the role of concomitant anti-androgen therapy (e.g., spironolactone).

Methods
A total of 36 women, age 18 to 30 years, with moderate-to-severe nodulocystic acne were treated with 20 mg isotretinoin (Roaccutane) daily for 3 months. A hormone panel was obtained at baseline and after completion of the treatment course. The panel included dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 17-hydroxyprogestrone, testosterone, free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and prolactin.

Results
Serum levels of testosterone (p = .015), prolactin (p = .001), and DHT (p = .001) were significantly decreased, while serum levels of DHEA (p = .001) significantly increased after isotretinoin treatment. No significant change was found in the other hormones evaluated.

Limitations
The distribution of acne was not assessed in our patient population. We did not directly evaluate for associations between elevated DHEA levels and clinical response rates."

The effect of low-dose isotretinoin therapy on serum androgen levels in women with acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a common dermatologic disease that causes significant social and psychological morbidity. Isotretinoin, as a vitamin A derivative, is…

www.sciencedirect.com

I think you were the one who suggested my e2 was low when I was having night sweats, you were spot on. It was <10

 

[Jason Sypolt]

Jesus, never mind the horrible and permanent side effects that isotretinoin is known for like destroying your libido for the rest of your life. You were very lucky. But maybe not, because the onset of side effects is sometimes years after you stop taking it.

Anyone thinking about taking Accutane to fix E2 (or any reason) might want to think twice, or 10 times. It’s poison.

 

[Nomad]

Jesus, never mind the horrible and permanent side effects that isotretinoin is known for like destroying your libido for the rest of your life. You were very lucky. But maybe not, because the onset of side effects is sometimes years after you stop taking it.

Anyone thinking about taking Accutane to fix E2 (or any reason) might want to think twice, or 10 times. It’s poison.

it’s not a recommendation. Most of the horrible accutane stories you hear were back when common practice was to prescribe about .5mg per pound of body weight so many people were on 80mg a day... today 20mg is a common effective dose.

 

[Jason Sypolt]

it’s not a recommendation. Most of the horrible accutane stories you hear were back when common practice was to prescribe about .5mg per pound of body weight so many people were on 80mg a day... today 20mg is a common effective dose.

I have permanent side effects and I was prescribed 10mg. Accutane is the reason why I’m on TRT. And I’m not making it personal, I’m saying this as matter of fact as possible. This is one of the few times I will say that no one should ever take this drug. By the time problems start years later, one will have long forgotten having taken Accutane. It just is not worth the risk.

 

[Vvs1]

I have permanent side effects and I was prescribed 10mg. Accutane is the reason why I’m on TRT. And I’m not making it personal, I’m saying this as matter of fact as possible. This is one of the few times I will say that no one should ever take this drug. By the time problems start years later, one will have long forgotten having taken Accutane. It just is not worth the risk.

TRT was a fix for you?

 

[Jason Sypolt]

TRT was a fix for you?

No, it wasn’t. Not even with hundreds of mg per week. I feel nothing from T. There is almost no 5-AR happening. The Accutane did something to permanently limit it to almost zero. The drug is a 5-AR inhibitor for anyone who doesn’t know.

It didn’t all start until a couple of years after stopping the Accutane Only with injections, cream, nasal gel, other anabolics, GH peptides, and a mountain of other supplements: taking things throughout the day, every day do I get to see what normal probably feels like.

 

[S1W]

TRT was a fix for you?

I could have written what Jason wrote myself - however, I would say that TRT definitely helps in my case.

But agreed - stay away from Accutane.

 

[Vvs1]

No, it wasn’t. Not even with hundreds of mg per week. I feel nothing from T. There is almost no 5-AR happening. The Accutane did something to permanently limit it to almost zero. The drug is a 5-AR inhibitor for anyone who doesn’t know.

It didn’t all start until a couple of years after stopping the Accutane Only with injections, cream, nasal gel, other anabolics, GH peptides, and a mountain of other supplements: taking things throughout the day, every day do I get to see what normal probably feels like.

I could have written what Jason wrote myself - however, I would say that TRT definitely helps in my case.

But agreed - stay away from Accutane.

Do you mind posting your protocols? I will share in my PFS/accutane/PSSD recovery group.

 

[S1W]

Do you mind posting your protocols? I will share in my PFS/accutane/PSSD recovery group.

I've tried just about everything - Cyp ED/EOD/E3.5D/1x/week, cream, Prop. AI and no AI. HCG and no HCG.

All have their pros/cons, but I find that the best overall for me is Cyp E3.5D. Usually 60mg E3.5D. No AI or HCG.

 

[LakeGuy81]

I have permanent side effects and I was prescribed 10mg. Accutane is the reason why I’m on TRT. And I’m not making it personal, I’m saying this as matter of fact as possible. This is one of the few times I will say that no one should ever take this drug. By the time problems start years later, one will have long forgotten having taken Accutane. It just is not worth the risk.

Late to the party on this topic, but can someone please tell me how former Accutane use could explain reduced T levels later in life? I am 38, discovered I had low T about 4 years ago. I was on Accutane in my teens, probably back when I was 14-18. That said, my libido was excellent in my teens and 20's and only tapered off around 32-34. Could Accutane still be to blame?

 

[Jason Sypolt]

Late to the party on this topic, but can someone please tell me how former Accutane use could explain reduced T levels later in life? I am 38, discovered I had low T about 4 years ago. I was on Accutane in my teens, probably back when I was 14-18. That said, my libido was excellent in my teens and 20's and only tapered off around 32-34. Could Accutane still be to blame?

The answer to your question is unknown. The closest thing that is commonly associated with the sexual dysfunction/libido side effects is Post Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) - a seemingly irreversible loss which is possibly due to the inhibition of 5-alpha reductase from the drug. There are theories that because Isotretinoin is a retinoid that it can alter the expression of your genes when something goes wrong. That could help to explain why side effects sometimes take a while to manifest and also why they are permanent. I doubt any research will ever be done at this point because the drug has long been a generic and there isn’t enough interest or money in it.

Someone usually replies to a thread with “I took it and was fine” and the point gets lost about the higher than expected risk. It’s not like taking Cialis and you might get a back ache but then be ok in a week. The sexual dysfunction issues are only one side effect. Some others include a much greater risk of depression/suicide, progressive liver damage, and “drying out” to the point where you can’t even cry about it because you have no tears.

I had problems in my 20’s to mid 30’s and I associated it with stress and work and getting older. I used to only need to shave once every week and a half since my DHT was so low and my hair grew slowly. No trauma or illness or infection or anything. I had forgotten about Accutane until I started coming across posts about it and reduced hormone levels. It took almost 3 years to reverse the problems, and that was with Dr. Saya, Nelson, and others who are the best minds in HRT. It takes a while to undo almost 2 decades of your body not working properly.


Don’t take Accutane. You might live long enough to regret it.

 

[LakeGuy81]

. It took almost 3 years to reverse the problems, and that was with Dr. Saya, Nelson, and others who are the best minds in HRT. It takes a while to undo almost 2 decades of your body not working properly.

How did you reverse the problems? With a successful TRT regimen or via other means?

 

[Mr MJ]

I'll chime in.. I was on 40mg a day for 3 months on accutane in 1980. I had an excellent libido health, etc... In 2004 was when my whole world came crashing down. Severe ED and joint pain, spondylosis of back and almost primary hypogonadism. My free T in 2004 was way below low. I deal with chronic fatigue and have been on full T replacement since then. I can say accutane cleared up my severe acne, but what a price I had to pay. It should not be allowed at all!

 

[S1W]

How did you reverse the problems? With a successful TRT regimen or via other means?

I know this question isn't directed at me, but I addressed my Accutane-induced issues successfully with TRT. I wouldn't say it "reversed" them, but TRT definitely helps. A lot.

The quirk for me seems to be that I need to run levels higher than most guys. I often read guys saying how "less is more", and while I believe them and wish it were true for me, it just isn't.

I have no idea if whatever damage Accutane caused is at the root of that, but wouldn't be surprised if that were the case. Like I have some additional barrier to overcome hormonally before I start to see any benefits...

 

[Golfboy307]

Fascinating. I was on Accutane for 2 years in my early 20's. T problems started in my early to mid 40's. I never thought about connecting the two, but hearing some of these stories I wouldn't rule it out. TRT has been a life saver for me.

 

[Forty2]

"
Abstract
Background
Acne vulgaris is a common dermatologic disease that causes significant social and psychological morbidity. Isotretinoin, as a vitamin A derivative, is the most effective agent in the treatment of acne. Evidence suggests that isotretinoin’s therapeutic function is independent of hormonal mediation; however, the effect of isotretinoin on serum androgens and precursor androgen levels in humans remains unclear.

Objective
Herein, we aim to investigate the effect of low-dose isotretinoin on androgen levels in women and postulate the role of concomitant anti-androgen therapy (e.g., spironolactone).

Methods
A total of 36 women, age 18 to 30 years, with moderate-to-severe nodulocystic acne were treated with 20 mg isotretinoin (Roaccutane) daily for 3 months. A hormone panel was obtained at baseline and after completion of the treatment course. The panel included dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 17-hydroxyprogestrone, testosterone, free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and prolactin.

Results
Serum levels of testosterone (p = .015), prolactin (p = .001), and DHT (p = .001) were significantly decreased, while serum levels of DHEA (p = .001) significantly increased after isotretinoin treatment. No significant change was found in the other hormones evaluated.

Limitations
The distribution of acne was not assessed in our patient population. We did not directly evaluate for associations between elevated DHEA levels and clinical response rates."

The effect of low-dose isotretinoin therapy on serum androgen levels in women with acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a common dermatologic disease that causes significant social and psychological morbidity. Isotretinoin, as a vitamin A derivative, is…

www.sciencedirect.com

This is interesting regarding DHEA. I took accutane for most of a 2 year period back in the 90's and did not have my hormones tested until more than a decade after I stopped taking it. My DHEA was in the high normal range, but LH, FSH total and free testosterone were right at the bottom of the range. I wonder how many other guys have high DHEA from accutane.

 

[Forty2]

The answer to your question is unknown. The closest thing that is commonly associated with the sexual dysfunction/libido side effects is Post Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) - a seemingly irreversible loss which is possibly due to the inhibition of 5-alpha reductase from the drug. There are theories that because Isotretinoin is a retinoid that it can alter the expression of your genes when something goes wrong. That could help to explain why side effects sometimes take a while to manifest and also why they are permanent. I doubt any research will ever be done at this point because the drug has long been a generic and there isn’t enough interest or money in it.

Someone usually replies to a thread with “I took it and was fine” and the point gets lost about the higher than expected risk. It’s not like taking Cialis and you might get a back ache but then be ok in a week. The sexual dysfunction issues are only one side effect. Some others include a much greater risk of depression/suicide, progressive liver damage, and “drying out” to the point where you can’t even cry about it because you have no tears.

I had problems in my 20’s to mid 30’s and I associated it with stress and work and getting older. I used to only need to shave once every week and a half since my DHT was so low and my hair grew slowly. No trauma or illness or infection or anything. I had forgotten about Accutane until I started coming across posts about it and reduced hormone levels. It took almost 3 years to reverse the problems, and that was with Dr. Saya, Nelson, and others who are the best minds in HRT. It takes a while to undo almost 2 decades of your body not working properly.


Don’t take Accutane. You might live long enough to regret it.

Sorry to hear you are another victim of accutane! What other long term side effects do you have apart from the low libido?
Before starting TRT did you have secondary hypogonadism (low LH)? Was your DHEA on the high end of the normal range?