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Exclusive members articles:
Post Finasteride Syndrome: The Complete Guide
Post-Finasteride Syndrome is the term used to describe the collection of lasting adverse symptoms that can persist long after discontinuation. These symptoms can be both physical and mental, since the hormonal target of Finasteride, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is central for male neurological health. In this post I detail the science underlying this chronic condition, and present evidence-based theories to explain its enduring nature. 1. An Introduction to Finasteride and DHT Where…
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Accutane & The Prefrontal Cortex
Introduction: In previous articles I’ve explored the diverse and concerning effects of Accutane on the brain. This evidence spans from in vitro experiments showing Isotretinoin directly triggering the death of neurons, to changes to the expression of genes involved in serotonin signalling. [29][30] However, of all the evidence of Accutane’s neurological effects, the most damning of all comes from a 2005 study by Bremner et al. where it was determined…
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Accutane & Autoimmunity: The Link To Sjogren’s Syndrome
Introduction Sjogrens syndrome is an autoimmune condition that has a striking overlap to the many side effects of Accutane treatment. The condition is characterised by the destruction of the exocrine glands, such as the sebaceous glands, tear ducts and saliva. One of the primary characteristics of this condition is excessively dry skin, which is why parallels are often drawn with the effects of Accutane treatment. Other symptoms include dry eyes,…
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The Fascinating Link Between Accutane and Melatonin
Introduction Despite its now long history of use in treating severe acne, the mechanism underlying Accutane’s efficacy still hasn’t been agreed by practitioners. There are only two known pathways that influence sebum production, PPAR (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors) and Androgens. The primary metabolite of Accutane, All-Trans-Retinoic Acid, isn’t usually thought of as having a direct influence on either of these pathways. Nonetheless, there’s increasing evidence to show that Accutane does indeed…
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Does Accutane Get Stored in Your Body?
Introduction Vitamin A plays a key role in a variety of biological processes, from regulating cell growth and differentiation, to the maintenance of eye and skin health. It is classified as a dietary vitamin, as the body cannot synthesise it by itself. The precursor to vitamin A, beta-carotene, can be obtained from plant sources which possess orange and red colours, such as carrots. Additionally, retinyl esters can be obtained from…
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SSRI Dysbiosis: The Gut-Brain Axis
Introduction The ‘Gut’ is the informal term for the gastrointestinal tract, primarily responsible for nutrient absorption and separation from waste. Many people, perhaps the majority, would consider this as being the sole purpose the gastrointestinal tract – but recent scientific developments have shone light onto a whole new function of the gut. As it turns out the gut is intimately interconnected to the brain in what’s now called the ‘gut-brain’…
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PPAR: The Link Between The Gut, Allopregnanolone And The Brain
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) are a group of nuclear receptor proteins that function as transcription factors to regulate metabolic health. There are three types of PPARs: alpha, gamma and delta. When bound to by fatty acids (such as prostaglandins) influence processes such as fat burning, lipid storage and glucose metabolism. [1] Among the long list of side effects of Accutane, at the top of the list of immediate concern is…
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Why Accutane Causes Dry Eyes and How To Treat It
Introduction Accutane is well attested as being a potent and permanent solution to severe cystic acne, with at least one of its effects being a shrinking of the sebaceous glands on the surface of the skin. Whilst the latest scientific research has indicated that the structural changes to the sebaceous gland aren’t permanent – the reduction in lipid secretion is. In fact, the mechanisms that underly Accutane’s efficacy are far…
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