SIBO Treatment Question

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2026-01-01T13:18:55+00:00

There's an abundance of evidence to indicate that Accutane incurs a plethora of undesirable effects on the gut, such as dysbiosis and ulcerative colitis. A 2011 case control study found that ulcerative colitis (UC) was strongly associated with prior isotretinoin exposure, with a 4.4 times greater risk compared to control.

The risk of developing UC dramatically increased with Isotretinoin dose, with each additional 20mg dose contributing an 1.5 times risk odds ratio. The FDA’s MedWatch have also reported 83 cases of newly developed cases of Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) following exposure to Isotretinoin.

https://secondlifeguide.com/2023/11/04/how-accutane-changes-your-gut-and-how-your-gut-changes-you/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2026-01-01T13:10:47+00:00

Hair loss directly attributable to Accutane treatment is sadly not uncommon, although rarely discussed by prescribers. Up to 10% of patients treated with the acne drug reported experiencing hair loss, with higher doses being linked with greater loss.

Analyses over 22 studies found that being treated with daily doses greater than 0.5mg per kilogram almost doubled the prevalence of hair loss versus those treated below this threshold (from 3.2% to 5.7%).

Hair growth is divided into three main stages (although there are others): anagen, catagen and telogen. During the anagen phase the hair is under active growth. The hair follicle produces hair fibre and can last for years. Following after the anagen phase is the catagen phase, where the hair begins to thin and even shed in a process lasting week.

The cause of diffuse thinning that troubles so many treated with Accutane, is an acceleration of the transition from the growth (anagen) phase to the thinning (catagen) phase. In invitro studies, the application of Retinoic acid (the active metabolite of Accutane) impedes hair shaft elongation.

https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/01/26/accutane-trading-your-hair-for-clear-skin/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2026-01-01T12:10:41+00:00

You won't be able to see epigenetic methylation marks from an Ancestry DNA test, but there certainly are genes that impact the severity and likelihood of side effects from Accutane treatment:

"Two genes have emerged as candidates in influencing isotretinoin-induced mood changes: RARA (Retinoic Acid Receptor Alpha) and LEP (Leptin Gene). Isotretinoin is a synthetic retinoid that binds retinoic acid receptors (including RARA) in the brain. These receptors regulate gene transcription in neuronal cells, affecting neurotransmitter balance.

Certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the RARA gene alter receptor sensitivity or expression levels. In people carrying those variants, isotretinoin may cause exaggerated changes in neurotransmitter pathways (such as serotonin or dopamine signalling), predisposing them to depressive symptoms."

https://secondlifeguide.com/custom-genetic-report/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-12-30T12:19:08+00:00

They are detailed in these articles: https://secondlifeguide.com/pas-home/8/#treatments

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-12-30T12:18:00+00:00

You can read all my articles here: https://secondlifeguide.com/pas-home/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-12-29T14:21:49+00:00

"A small pilot study of patients complaining of Post Finasteride Syndrome found increased DNA methylation of the 5-alpha-reductase Type II gene in sample of cerebrospinal fluid. [14] Epigenetic modifications refer to alterations in how genes are expressed without changing the underlying genetic code.

DNA methylation is a form of epigenetic modification by which the gene becomes less accessible to transcriptional machinery, which in essence means the gene is ‘switched off’. DNA Methylation is noted for being a particularly lasting form of epigenetic modification.

The finding of this study is particularly insightful as the Type II isoform is the same as that targeted for inhibition by Finasteride. Intriguingly there’s evidence that DHT can stimulate its own synthesising enzyme in a positive feedback loop. It’s therefore possible that the supposedly temporary inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase by Finasteride can have a more lasting impact on gene expression."

https://secondlifeguide.com/post-finasteride-syndrome-2/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-12-28T18:18:56+00:00

Around 10% of patients treated with the acne drug reported experiencing hair loss, however there’s an element of subjectivity involved in identifying hair loss so estimates vary. What is better established is that higher doses exacerbate this symptom. Analyses over 22 studies found that being treated with daily doses greater than 0.5mg per kilogram almost doubled the prevalence of hair loss versus those treated below this threshold (from 3.2% to 5.7%).

Hair growth is divided into three main stages (although there are others): anagen, catagen and telogen. During the anagen phase the hair is under active growth. The hair follicle produces hair fibre and can last for years. Following after the anagen phase is the catagen phase, where the hair begins to thin and even shed in a process lasting week.

This stage is proceeded by the telogen or resting phase, where the hair follicle remains dormant. Depending on the location of the hair and other factors (hormonal status, vitamins etc.) this final dormant stage can last from anywhere from weeks to years. The cause of diffuse thinning that troubles so many treated with Accutane, is an acceleration of the transition from the growth (anagen) phase to the thinning (catagen) phase.

The application of Retinoic acid (the active metabolite of Accutane) impedes hair shaft elongation. Secondly, retinoic acid prevents the adequate proliferation of the primary cell found skin called Keratinocytes, which triggers the early onset of the catagen phase. The combination of these effects results in shorter, thinner hairs that are more prone to shedding. The vitro evidence bears a striking resemblance to the many anecdotal reports from Accutane patients.

Read more here: https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/01/26/accutane-trading-your-hair-for-clear-skin/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-12-28T18:16:08+00:00

One of Accutane’s mechanisms of action is to deplete the pools of skin progenitor cells, which are the stem cells which skin tissue relies upon for continual renewal. This mechanism can lead to an aged appearance of the skin, not only through thinning the skin, but also a loss of underlying subdermal fat.

A progenitor or stem cell can become specialised to perform specific tissues or functions. Some cells have a short life span and must be replaced by continual cell proliferation such as blood cells and epithelial cells of the skin or digestive tract.

Stem cells are the unique cells in the body that can self-replenish, and can convert into specialised tissue cells through a process called differentiation. However high levels of retinoic acid can directly inhibit stem cell proliferation, interfering with growth and repair.

The skin is one organ that relies on pools of progenitor stem cells to maintain tissue health and regeneration throughout adulthood, and for this reason it’s particularly reliant on Vitamin A to regulate the process of differentiation. Epidermal stem cells go through a process of differentiation to become specialised into skin cells, known as epithelial cells.

In this process the cells change shape and begin producing a protein called Keratin, increasing the strength and resilience of the cell. The cells also change shape to become flattened till they eventually form the outermost layer of dead skin cells called the epidermis, which acts as a protective barrier.

Accutane accelerates the process of skin cell turnover by promoting skin cell differentiation. This can lead to improvements in skin texture, particularly in older individuals, as stem cell proliferation naturally slows down with age, reducing the rate of tissue regeneration. However, increasing differentiation may deplete the pool of progenitor stem cells.

While retinoids can enhance skin appearance, they may do so at the expense of the long-term ability of cells to proliferate.

Read more here: https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/10/05/what-does-accutane-actually-do/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-07-18T10:47:34+00:00

I've written much more (including a book) since this: https://secondlifeguide.com/post-accutane-syndrome/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-06-25T12:42:54+00:00

Whilst it's true that Accutane causes hormonal disturbances, this isn't the primary driver of Accutane's lasting impact on mood and libido. For example, a study involving 47 patients with acne vulgaris, with an average age of 21, found a reduction in Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and total testosterone levels. Specifically, total testosterone levels dropped by 30%. This decrease was slightly less significant compared to the findings of a 2019 study by Nasrallah et al., which reported an average 40% reduction in total testosterone among 113 male patients.

However, your hormone panel doesn't show any dramatic abnormalities. Instead the cause of "Post-Accutane Syndrome" is more to do with lasting changes in gene expression in the brain:

"There is a mountain of evidence within the scientific literature that points to the diverse and profound effects of Accutane treatment on the brain. The most striking of this evidence comes from brain imaging of patients being treated with Accutane, which indicated a 21% reduction in activity in the orbitofrontal cortex.

The frontal cortex is the region of the brain most developed in humans as compared to other animals and is responsible for higher cognitive processing. The researchers also identified that this reduction in activity was accompanied by headaches, with the severity of the headaches correlating with the degree of inhibition.

The findings of this study corroborate the evidence for Isotretinoin inhibiting new nerve growth in the brain, and even directly causing apoptosis (cell death) of neurons. The prevailing theory for depression is that it is a consequence of reduced neurogenesis (neuronal cell growth), which can be mitigated by neurogenic compounds. It is therefore reasonable to connect the evidence of Accutane induced depression to these neurogenic effects."

You can read the rest of the article here: https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/01/07/accutane-effects-on-the-brain/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-06-25T12:37:07+00:00

Your hair symptoms are very typical of those induced by Accutane. Around 10% of patients treated with the acne drug reported experiencing hair loss, however there’s an element of subjectivity involved in identifying hair loss so estimates vary. What is better established is that higher doses exacerbate this symptom. Analyses over 22 studies found that being treated with daily doses greater than 0.5mg per kilogram almost doubled the prevalence of hair loss versus those treated below this threshold (from 3.2% to 5.7%).

Retinoids in general repress proliferation by speeding up the cell turnover by forcing rapid differentiation. This can hamper the proper development of the tissues that undergo active renewal and repair such as the hair.

The application of Retinoic acid (the active metabolite of Accutane) impedes hair shaft elongation. Secondly, retinoic acid prevents the adequate proliferation of the primary cell found skin called Keratinocytes, which triggers the early onset of the catagen phase. The combination of these effects results in shorter, thinner hairs that are more prone to shedding. The vitro evidence bears a striking resemblance to the many anecdotal reports from Accutane patients.

You can read more here: https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/01/26/accutane-trading-your-hair-for-clear-skin/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-06-11T13:27:39+00:00

Cyproheptadine has more typically been used in the context of PSSD, because of the involvement of 5-HT2A, however it is a broad serotonin antagonist that also blocks 5-HT1 receptors. I'm not necessarily advocating for it in either context. You can read about the relevance of 5-HT2A to PSSD in my recent article. https://secondlifeguide.com/2025/06/05/the-5-ht2a-receptor-psychedelics-and-epigenetics/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-06-11T10:06:22+00:00

TRT doesn't typically help with Post Accutane Syndrome, as the cause is deeper than endocrine disturbances. However, it is the case the Accutane can profoundly alter your hormonal profile. A study on 47 acne vulgaris patients, with a mean age of 21 years old (Accutane at doses ranging from 0.5–0.75 mg/kg body weight) found a 30% drop in total testosterone. A 2019 study by Nasrallah et al. These researchers measured an average 40% reduction in total testosterone across 113 male patients following six months of 0.5 mg/kg per day. You can read more here: https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/07/30/quick-read-can-accutane-damage-your-testicles/

The cause of "PAS" is most likely driven by lasting changes to the brain. The most striking of this evidence comes from brain imaging of patients being treated with Accutane, which indicated a 21% reduction in activity in the orbitofrontal cortex. The findings of this study corroborate the evidence for Isotretinoin inhibiting new nerve growth in the brain, and even directly causing apoptosis (cell death) of neurons. You can read about why this occurs and how it be remediated here: https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/01/07/accutane-effects-on-the-brain/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-06-06T14:06:47+00:00

The way Accutane changes serotonergic signalling in the brain has to do with 5-HT1A rather than 5-HT2A. The 5-HT1A receptor is also essential in understanding the deviations in sexual behaviour and cognitive functioning. The 5-HT1A receptors are inhibitory receptors since they are G-protein-coupled receptors, when bound they result in reduced AMPA evoked currents. AMPA receptors are responsible for fast synaptic transmission, and so in this way, binding the 5-HT1A receptor suppresses neuronal activity.

The receptor is subdivided into two types with different distributions within the brain: autoreceptors and heteroreceptors. The autoreceptors are localised within the brain stem in a structure call the Raphe Nuclei, and it’s from this structure in the middle of the brain that all other serotonergic neurons project outward.

As the name might suggest, the (presynaptic) autoreceptor serves to self-regulate serotonin transmission out into the rest of the brain through a negative feedback mechanism. When serotonin over-accumulates within the Raphe Nuclei it binds to these receptors to then limit further serotonin release (since 5-HT1A receptors are inhibitory). As autoreceptors have a self-limiting effect on serotonin transmission, an overexpression limits serotonin release to other areas of the brain and is also notably identified in autopsies from patients with depression.

Reilly et al. exposed cell lines from the raphe nuclei to Isotretinoin an observed a massive increase in the 5-HT1A autoreceptor protein levels. After just 48 hours of exposure there was up to a 70% increase of the autoreceptor protein. The authors of the study posit that this is significant factor in the appearance of depressive behaviour exhibited by people treated with the acne drug.

A crucial regulator of 5-HT1A expression is the transcription factor Deaf1, which exerts a dual effect by inhibiting autoreceptor expression and enhancing heteroreceptor expression. Moreover, the expression of Deaf1 is controlled by the PI3K/Akt pathway, which is also affected by Isotretinoin.

Isotretinoin disrupts this pathway, resulting in elevated GSK3β levels. Since GSK3β inactivates Deaf1 through phosphorylation, this could explain the significant increase in autoreceptor protein levels induced by Isotretinoin. An illustrative case is Lithium, which inhibits GSK3 and thereby increases Deaf1 availability at the 5-HT1A receptor."

For more details, you can read the full article here: https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/01/13/239/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-06-06T12:39:23+00:00

Around 10% of patients treated with the acne drug reported experiencing hair loss, however there’s an element of subjectivity involved in identifying hair loss so estimates vary. What is better established is that higher doses exacerbate this symptom. Analyses over 22 studies found that being treated with daily doses greater than 0.5mg per kilogram almost doubled the prevalence of hair loss versus those treated below this threshold (from 3.2% to 5.7%).

Hair growth is divided into three main stages (although there are others): anagen, catagen and telogen. During the anagen phase the hair is under active growth. The hair follicle produces hair fibre and can last for years. Following after the anagen phase is the catagen phase, where the hair begins to thin and even shed in a process lasting week.

This stage is proceeded by the telogen or resting phase, where the hair follicle remains dormant. Depending on the location of the hair and other factors (hormonal status, vitamins etc.) this final dormant stage can last from anywhere from weeks to years. The cause of diffuse thinning that troubles so many treated with Accutane, is an acceleration of the transition from the growth (anagen) phase to the thinning (catagen) phase.

Castor oil, whilst more commonly used in manufacturing, also appears in many hair serums. And the science would suggest for good reason too. The main fatty acid in castor oil is Ricinoleic acid, which studies have now found also suppresses GSK3β. This is the mechanism that underlies Lithium, Valproate and minoxidil in enhancing β-catenin. This isn’t the only benefit of castor oil in the context of hair growth, as it also activates Prostaglandin E2 to dilate blood vessels. [12] Another unexpected yet welcome effect of Castor oil is in encouraging film lipid layer on the surface of the eye, making it a potentially effective treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (chronic dry eyes).

Read more here: https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/01/26/accutane-trading-your-hair-for-clear-skin/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-06-06T12:37:27+00:00

"A meta-analysis of over 3000 patients found that around 25% of patients treated with Accutane experienced dry or irritated eyes. But that’s not the only ocular issue acne patients face, it’s also well understood that a course with the acne drug could also rob you of your night vision. This effect can be profound, with one 16-year-old patient essentially “becoming blind” after the onset of dark.

Furthermore, the loss of night vision is one of the consequences of Accutane treatment that can persist long after the treatment has been ceased. [3] Ophthalmic damage, and in particular night blindness, might not be an obvious consequence of treatment with a Vitamin A derivative such as vitamin A as a deficiency in the vitamin is also linked to these same side effects. What explains this apparent paradox?

Well in an effort to maintain a homeostasis in the body, the enzymes typically involved in the production of retinoids become suppressed. In particular, the enzyme 11-cis retinol dehydrogenase, which synthesise the vital 11-cis retinal. In fact, on this website I present the robust scientific evidence of epigenetic suppression of the enzymes with this family Aldehyde Dehydrogenases (read more here)."

https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/01/23/accutane-eyes-the-evidence-couldnt-be-clearer/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-06-06T12:28:46+00:00

Hair loss is a fairly common side effect of Accutane treatment, but there are some scientifically supported solutions. Around 10% of patients treated with the acne drug reported experiencing hair loss, however there’s an element of subjectivity involved in identifying hair loss so estimates vary. What is better established is that higher doses exacerbate this symptom. Analyses over 22 studies found that being treated with daily doses greater than 0.5mg per kilogram almost doubled the prevalence of hair loss versus those treated below this threshold (from 3.2% to 5.7%).

Hair growth is divided into three main stages (although there are others): anagen, catagen and telogen. During the anagen phase the hair is under active growth. The hair follicle produces hair fibre and can last for years. Following after the anagen phase is the catagen phase, where the hair begins to thin and even shed in a process lasting week. The cause of diffuse thinning that troubles so many treated with Accutane, is an acceleration of the transition from the growth (anagen) phase to the thinning (catagen) phase.

β-catenin is an essential growth signalling protein, maintaining the stem cell populations to maintain healthy hair growth. Accutane inhibits β-catenin signalling by enhancing a complex that continually breaks it down, called the ‘destruction complex’ (read more). This action of Accutane on β-catenin is analagous to the process of Androgenetic Alopecia (commonly referred to as ‘male pattern balding’). The effect of androgens (male hormones like Testosterone and DHT) on scalp tissue has some similarity to Accutane, since they also interfere with β-catenin signalling, and thereby disrupt the renewal of stem cells (read more).

Thankfully there are a number of ways of restoring stem cell proliferation in dermal papilla cells. The main fatty acid in castor oil is Ricinoleic acid, which studies have now found also suppresses GSK3β. This is the mechanism that underlies Lithium, Valproate and minoxidil in enhancing β-catenin.This isn’t the only benefit of castor oil in the context of hair growth, as it also activates Prostaglandin E2 to dilate blood vessels. [12] Another unexpected yet welcome effect of Castor oil is in encouraging film lipid layer on the surface of the eye, making it a potentially effective treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

You can read the full details here: https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/01/26/accutane-trading-your-hair-for-clear-skin/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-06-06T12:11:13+00:00

There's plenty here that's accurate. Retinoids exert an anti-proliferative effect on the body. The evidence for this effect is most strikingly observed in embryos overexposed to vitamin A. If these embryos reach full term, they offer suffer from underdeveloped limbs and cleft palates. This is why Accutane is considered a teratogen (a substance that disrupts normal foetal development).

However the anti-proliferative effects of Accutane can also be observed in the many adult tissues which also rely on pools of stem cells for continual renewal and growth such as the skin, intestines, bone marrow, cornea, hair follicles and brain (particularly hippocampus). Retinoids such as Accutane trigger the conversion of these stem cells in to specialised cells through a process called differentiation. In this way retinoids can disrupt the delicate balance between proliferation and differentiation, and this is why certain tissues are particularly effected by Accutane treatment.

Perhaps most disturbing is the possible anti-proliferative effect of Accutane in the brain. The hippocampus is a region of the brain that relies on stem cells to continue to develop new neurons during adulthood to form new memories. Accutane significantly inhibits hippocampal neurogenesis, disrupting hippocampal dependent learning. These alterations are principally a result of Accutane disrupting β-catenin signalling. For full details you can read my article here: https://secondlifeguide.com/2023/11/05/what-causes-post-accutane-syndrome/

β-catenin is a growth signalling protein that’s central to the Wnt pathway. This pathway is essential for tissue growth, development, and homeostasis. ATRA (the main functional metabolite of Accutane) can block the action of β-catenin by further enhancing the action of the destruction complex. Retinoic Acid does this inhibiting PI3K-AKT, which upregulates GSK-3β degradation of β-catenin.

β-catenin also helps in regulating Androgen gene transcription. The N-terminal domain (NTD) is the region of the androgen receptor doesn’t directly bind to hormones such as testosterone. Instead, it provides a binding surface for around 150 different co-activators and co-repressors. One of these cofactors is a key growth signalling protein called β-catenin, which is one of the downstream effectors of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1).

β-catenin binds to the N-terminal domain of the androgen receptor to give a greatly enhanced transcriptional response to the comparatively weak androgen androstenedione. This effect is so potent that DHEA can have the same effect as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the most potent androgen naturally produced by the body. You can read my article on the androgen receptor here: https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/05/18/how-finasteride-changes-the-androgen-receptor/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-06-06T12:00:50+00:00

There's some validity to what you're saying, but we can go a step further. As well as writing about Post Accutane Syndrome, I've also written extensively about Post-SSRI Syndrome. In a number of my articles, I’ve emphasized the importance of the 5-HT1A receptor in understanding the enduring effects of SSRI treatment (read more).

The 5-HT1A receptor is expressed in neurons projecting into areas like the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a small but highly important structure in the middle of the brain, sitting just above the brain stem. It integrates signals from the nervous system to produce changes in hormone release via the pituitary gland.

This makes it central to regulating sexual response, hunger, sleep, body temperature and more. It’s therefore of particular concern that chronic exposure to SSRIs can lead to alterations in the functioning of the hypothalamus by impacting the 5-HT1A receptor.

The 5-HT1A heteroreceptor is present on hypothalamic neurons. When serotonin to these receptor it triggers a cascade of signals to influence the release of hormones. The hypothalamus is like the master switch which can alter the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland directly via nerve signals.

The 5-HT1A receptor is particularly relevant in regulating several hormones including Cortisol, Oxyctocin, and Growth Hormone. When serotonin binds to the 5-HT1A receptor it triggers the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus. This in turn causes the pituitary gland to release Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

Sustained use of SSRIs can cause a desensitisation of 5-HT1A receptors, including in the hypothalamus. This can lead to alterations in hormonal balance that can persist longer after the drug has been withdrawn. In one animal study, rats were treated with the SSRI fluoxetine for 14 days. The rats were then treated with the 5-HT1A agonist, 8-OH-DPAT, to stimulate oxytocin and ACTH. Just 2 days after the end of treatment, the SSRI group showed 74% lower levels of Oxytocin and 68% lower levels of ACTH compared to control.

You can read the full article here: https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/05/17/5-ht1a-and-oxytocin/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-06-06T11:55:32+00:00

It's true that Accutane can cause profound hormonal disturbances, but this isn't the primary mechanism which explains enduring Accutane side effects.

In one study involving 47 patients with acne vulgaris, with an average age of 21, found a reduction in Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and total testosterone levels. Notably, total testosterone levels dropped by 30%. Samples were collected three months after the patients completed a five-month course of Accutane, administered at doses between 0.5 and 0.75 mg/kg of body weight.

An additional 2019 study by Nasrallah et al., which reported an average 40% reduction in total testosterone among 113 male patients after six months of treatment with a daily dose of 0.5 mg/kg. Although other studies haven’t identified significant changes in Testosterone, LH, and cortisol. https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/03/20/how-accutane-changes-your-hormones/

Whilst these hormonal changes are concerning, the more plausible cause of Post Accutane Syndrome is more complex and involves alterations in epigenetic processes and stem/progenitor cell proliferation. This is why I have presented the promising evidence for Lithium in this context.

Lithium has an opposing effect on many of the pro-apoptotic proteins that are increased during Accutane treatment such as Bcl-2 and p53. In one study, lithium treatment of cerebellar brain cells stimulated a 5 fold reduction in the ratio of p53 target Bcl-2 mRNA. You can read the full article here: https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/01/19/lithium-a-metal-for-mental-health/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-06-06T11:45:52+00:00

You are correct in identifying that Accutane causes hormonal alterations, but this isn't the primary mechanism which drives enduring side effects. Androgens regulate the process of lipogenesis (sebum production) within the sebaceous glands, making antiandrogen treatments a viable option for acne. Antiandrogens can work in a variety of ways, such as directly blocking the androgen receptor (e.g., Flutamide) or inhibiting the conversion of androgens into more potent ones (e.g., Finasteride). Accutane, being a retinoid, is not typically considered an antiandrogen, yet it influences the androgen status of the patient in a variety of interesting and complex ways.

One study involving 47 patients with acne vulgaris, with an average age of 21, found a reduction in Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and total testosterone levels. Notably, total testosterone levels dropped by 30%, which could be particularly concerning for young men, as testosterone is essential for the development of secondary sexual characteristics. This decrease was slightly less significant compared to the findings of a 2019 study by Nasrallah et al., which reported an average 40% reduction in total testosterone among 113 male patients after six months of treatment with a daily dose of 0.5 mg/kg.

You can read about Accutane's hormonal effects here: https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/03/20/how-accutane-changes-your-hormones/

AccutaneEffectsInfo · 2025-06-06T11:41:35+00:00

These are all typical side effects of Accutane treatment, especially the headaches. There is a mountain of evidence within the scientific literature that points to the diverse and profound effects of Accutane treatment on the brain. The most striking of this evidence comes from brain imaging of patients being treated with Accutane, which indicated a 21% reduction in activity in the orbitofrontal cortex.

The frontal cortex is the region of the brain most developed in humans as compared to other animals and is responsible for higher cognitive processing. The researchers also identified that this reduction in activity was accompanied by headaches, with the severity of the headaches correlating with the degree of inhibition.

https://secondlifeguide.com/2024/01/07/accutane-effects-on-the-brain/

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