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I took SSRIs for a year in my late twenties. They had no effect on my depression, but resulted in permanent sexual dysfunction. My own fault for not properly re

I took SSRIs for a year in my late twenties. They had no effect on my depression, but resulted in permanent sexual dysfunction. My own fault for not properly researching the potential long-term side effects, I suppose, but it certainly wasn't raised as an issue by the prescribing doctor either. I hope someday there will be cure of some kind.

slowmotiony 5y ago
Have you tested your hormone profile (blood test)? Testosterone, Free T, Estradiol, Prolactin, Progesterone, SHBG - you could check if all of those are in range because that might be the root cause of your issue. There were studies done where use of SSRIs was causing elevated levels of serum prolactin.
- chilmers 5y ago
  Interesting, thanks. I did do a basic consumer blood test which reported my testosterone as "normal" (whatever that means), but I should probably do a more in-depth one and check these things.
  - slowmotiony 5y ago
    Yup, I strongly recommend you do at least the ones I mentioned above, it's possible that your issues could be very simple to fix.
  - iammisc 5y ago
    https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/how-to-increase-testosterone-naturally/ https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/how-to-... ^ has information on why 'normal' isn't a good range for everyone.
    - deleted 5y ago
      [deleted]
    - stimpson_j_cat 5y ago
      > I’m not a doctor or a medical expert > The Art of Manliness participates in affiliate marketing programs Seems like a terrible resource. Much better would be blood work at your PCP (and a possible referral to an endocrinologist).
      - iammisc 5y ago
        Endocrinologists are terrible at knowing what hormone ranges are good for your age and sex. As a man with thyroid problems, I am thoroughly disabused of the idea that most endocrinologists have any clue what they're talking about. Certainly, for a middle aged women, must can put it together, but barring that, you're better off on facebook groups.
revolvingocelot 5y ago
A close friend took an SSRI, citalopram, for a year in his early twenties and he got that too. It wasn't permanent, though ("full") recovery took almost a decade! Keeping in mind varying-milage and a sample size of one, he's vaguely suggested that his recovery was speeded by working out muscles in his hips. Perhaps a combination of our Western sedentary lifestyle, our proclivity to sit in computer chairs all day, and the effect of the SSRI? Far be it from me to dispense medical advice, but working to open one's hips and doing some squats probably can't hurt, even if it doesn't actively help.
LurkingPenguin 5y ago
When did the sexual dysfunction begin? During treatment, immediately after or was there a delay between the time you stopped taking the medication and when it began?
michieldotv 5y ago
I feel you. I was on escitalopram in my twenties too for a depressive episode. It wrecked my libido and 10 years down the line there is hardly any sign of improvement in sight. I have a very understanding spouse, luckily, but I'm honestly devastated in not being able to accommodate this dimension of our relationship anymore. Recently, my GP offered to prescribe me antidepressants again for an episode of burnout, but I'm absolutely not keen to go down that road again. I get that it's cheaper and more available than therapy, but I've been burned before.

slowmotiony 5y ago

Have you tested your hormone profile (blood test)? Testosterone, Free T, Estradiol, Prolactin, Progesterone, SHBG - you could check if all of those are in range because that might be the root cause of your issue. There were studies done where use of SSRIs was causing elevated levels of serum prolactin.

chilmers 5y ago
Interesting, thanks. I did do a basic consumer blood test which reported my testosterone as "normal" (whatever that means), but I should probably do a more in-depth one and check these things.
- slowmotiony 5y ago
  Yup, I strongly recommend you do at least the ones I mentioned above, it's possible that your issues could be very simple to fix.
- iammisc 5y ago
  https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/how-to-increase-testosterone-naturally/ https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/how-to-... ^ has information on why 'normal' isn't a good range for everyone.
  - deleted 5y ago
    [deleted]
  - stimpson_j_cat 5y ago
    > I’m not a doctor or a medical expert > The Art of Manliness participates in affiliate marketing programs Seems like a terrible resource. Much better would be blood work at your PCP (and a possible referral to an endocrinologist).
    - iammisc 5y ago
      Endocrinologists are terrible at knowing what hormone ranges are good for your age and sex. As a man with thyroid problems, I am thoroughly disabused of the idea that most endocrinologists have any clue what they're talking about. Certainly, for a middle aged women, must can put it together, but barring that, you're better off on facebook groups.

revolvingocelot 5y ago

A close friend took an SSRI, citalopram, for a year in his early twenties and he got that too. It wasn't permanent, though ("full") recovery took almost a decade! Keeping in mind varying-milage and a sample size of one, he's vaguely suggested that his recovery was speeded by working out muscles in his hips. Perhaps a combination of our Western sedentary lifestyle, our proclivity to sit in computer chairs all day, and the effect of the SSRI? Far be it from me to dispense medical advice, but working to open one's hips and doing some squats probably can't hurt, even if it doesn't actively help.

LurkingPenguin 5y ago

When did the sexual dysfunction begin? During treatment, immediately after or was there a delay between the time you stopped taking the medication and when it began?

michieldotv 5y ago

I feel you. I was on escitalopram in my twenties too for a depressive episode. It wrecked my libido and 10 years down the line there is hardly any sign of improvement in sight. I have a very understanding spouse, luckily, but I'm honestly devastated in not being able to accommodate this dimension of our relationship anymore. Recently, my GP offered to prescribe me antidepressants again for an episode of burnout, but I'm absolutely not keen to go down that road again. I get that it's cheaper and more available than therapy, but I've been burned before.