Finasteride's telling me things about myself that I need to know more of

[Minox]

Late twenties 6'4" white male, with some minor thinning on top and receding hairline.

Began taking finasteride: September 2014 (0.5mg eod)
Stopped taking: End of January 2015
Reason: Libido reduction (but no ED) and suspected worsening memory function

The above gives my background, my real concern is what the drug told me about myself;

A month after starting the drug I became more assertive and confident, I also noticed that my regular bouts of depressive thoughts (including daily thoughts of 'I'd rather die, I'm a let down to my friends and family') disappeared, they never entered my head.

After stopping the drug these thoughts have creeped back into my head, and my confidence in social situations seems to be dwindling again. I'm not as concerned with my hair any more, and will likely just shave my head near summer time. But, what is finasteride telling me about my brain chemistry? I'm convinced that it's not a case of 'well, whilst you're on the drug you think you're reversing your hairloss so you're less likely to be depressed', I think it's a hormonal and chemical imbalance that may need addressing. Did this happen to any one else?

I would love to be pointed in the right direction on this subject because it's been hounding my life for years and someone with some similar experience or insights could help me greatly. Thank you.

[Aonyx262]

Well,

Honestly, finasteride 0.5mg eod shouldnt really do much, but theoretically if you are blocking 5-AR you can see an increase in testosterone levels which I suppose could contribute to the "mental changes" you mentioned. It also could have been because maybe you felt more confident because you were "doing something" about your hair loss. Ultimately, the brain and emotions are too complex to really try to interpret on a message forum. Also, if hair loss doesn't bother you, go out and live your life my friend. Be free.