Long story short, i started a low dose of topical finasteride back in August. Approximately ~.15mg applied per day, which according to my research should barely be absorbed systemically. Maybe ~10% reduction in serum dht or so. However, after about a month i experienced low libido and possibly mood swings but i had a very stressful life event at the same time so i was not sure if it was the finasteride or stress. Fast forward to today and I still have libido issues. I am surprised that such a low dose would cause this but i am 100% my libido is lower than usual as i just don’t get that feeling looking at attractive women walking around, or feeling almost indifferent at times over a potential sexual encounter. Also, masturbating takes me longer to climax than it used to, i just do not get turned on as easily.
My levels are as follows (thyroid tested fine in a different test). I got these tests a few weeks ago.
Total Testosterone: 344 ng/dL (reference of 250-1100)
DHT: 19 ng/dL (reference of 12-65)
I want to ask my doctor for the following followup tests:
Free testosterone
SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin)
Estradiol (E2)
Prolactin
Cortisol
Anyone have other suggestions on what i should do? My testosterone is kinda low, but from what i understand finasteride should slightly increase it so maybe something else is up.