Memory Impairment: A Symptom of Post-finasteride Syndrome

In this article we review what memory impairment is, how it presents in PFS, and the resources and support available for patients experiencing this symptom. 

What does persistent memory impairment or memory loss from finasteride entail?

Memory impairment or memory loss is an unusual forgetfulness which causes difficulty remembering new information and/or recalling events from the past. In addition to presenting difficulties with work or hobbies, memory impairment can significantly impact a person's psychological well-being and interpersonal relationships. Many PFS patients report memory impairment. Here are several types of memory: 

  • Working memory: information that is held to be used in the current moment. 

  • Short-term memory: information that is processed and held for at least a short amount of time. 

  • Long–term memory: information that is transferred from short-term memory into storage for recall indefinitely.

  • Semantic memory: the memory of facts or the meaning of items. 

  • Episodic memory: the memory of a particular event from the past. 

It should be noted that self-reports indicate it can take up to 3 months for on-drug side effects to resolve after discontinuation of finasteride. After that, the symptoms can be considered persistent. 

How PFS patients describe the effects of memory impairment

Here are some descriptions from patients based on documented interviews and stories: 

“My short-term memory recall is very bad compared to pre-finasteride.“

“One of my biggest struggles is that of working memory. I can’t stay engaged in conversations, even when I try.“

“My poor memory prevents me from doing things such as reading books and watching television, or at least experiencing them in the way most people do.”

How common is memory impairment as a symptom of Post-finasteride Syndrome?

Currently, there is limited data with which to estimate the prevalence of memory impairment in PFS. 

Research findings on memory impairment in PFS 

Two separate studies have found an overexpressed androgen receptor in affected tissue from PFS patients (Di Loreto et al. 2014; Howell et al. 2021), and in addition one of them examined for and found concurrent differential expression of several thousand genes (Howell et al. 2021). Notably, there are numerous pathways in several parts of the brain by which adequate androgen receptor function is essential for different types of memory. 

It is essential to note that more research into post-finasteride syndrome is desperately needed. PFS is currently without an accurate animal model, pathomechanistic understanding, and as a result, safe and effective treatment. 

Does persistent memory impairment after finasteride go away? Is it reversible?

Some patients have reported improvements in memory impairment over time. However, PFS is understood to persist indefinitely, and it is currently without safe and effective treatment. 

Managing and coping with memory impairment

For those who may be struggling with symptoms, here are some general recommendations:

  1. Focus on self-care: Try to find routines and activities that help you personally.

  2. Be practical about your life situation and/or relationships: Try not to think too far ahead and catastrophize. PFS affects individuals to different degrees and some experience improvements over time. 

  3. Familiarize yourself with the scientific literature: Read through previous research into PFS on our website in order to better understand your condition.

  4. Support research: Further research into PFS, based on a theory and/or conceptualization of the condition that is backed by all previous research findings and can plausibly explain all symptoms reported by patients, is the only way toward a treatment.

What about supplements or other drugs to help treat symptoms?

There are currently no evidence-based items recommended for treatment of memory impairment stemming from PFS. In general, patients have reported worsening by attempting to treat their symptoms with anti-androgenic substances. We are obligated to make patients aware as this has preceded patient suicide.  

Next steps 

If you or a family member is experiencing memory impairment from finasteride, there are multiple resources available to you and ways you can help:

Learn more about Post-Finasteride Syndrome 

  • Read our Frequently Asked Questions page.

  • Inform your physician. PFS Network provides resources to help patients discuss PFS symptoms with their clinicians. Not sure about how to start the conversation? Start here.

  • Read about previous studies of PFS. 

  • Experiencing other symptoms? You can find information on other persistent side effects from finasteride here.

Help us fund research 

  • Consider donating to help fund our research projects. The best and easiest way to support research into PFS is through a monthly recurring donation. Every amount matters. 

  • Learn more about our ongoing research projects.

Report your symptoms

  • Refer to your country’s pharmacovigilance organization by reviewing our regulatory list, or by consulting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of reporting resources here: https://who-umc.org/ (Scroll to the bottom to select your country from the map provided).

Stay up-to-date

  • Sign up for our mailing list to stay up to date on research and news related to PFS: Email sign-up

  • View and subscribe to our YouTube channel. You may also consider appearing on our patient interview series. 

Connect with other PFS patients

  • Follow our Patient Stories & Interviews to hear how others have experienced similar symptoms of memory impairment.

  • Join our community forums. PFS Network operates the largest and longest-running standalone patient forum, propeciahelp.com, where patients can connect with others affected by adverse reactions to finasteride. The charity also operates r/FinasterideSyndrome on Reddit.