Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral used in hundreds of enzymes and plays big roles in immune function, wound healing, DNA/protein synthesis, and hormone signaling. Most people can meet needs through food, but supplements are common—especially for “immune support.” The main downside is that higher-dose zinc can cause GI upset (nausea, stomach pain) and, if taken long-term, can impair copper absorption and contribute to copper deficiency, which can create its own neurological and fatigue problems (1).

For PFS/PSSD/PAS, zinc comes up because at high concentrations it has been shown in lab studies to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase (5AR)—the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT—such as in human skin assays and other models (2). Community-wise, there are anecdotes of flares/crashes on zinc (especially higher doses), and given both the theoretical 5AR angle and the real-world “too much zinc” side effect profile, many people feel it’s not worth experimenting with beyond basic dietary intake or medically-indicated correction of a deficiency (1)

(1) https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/

(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3207614/

Crash Anecdotes:

https://www.reddit.com/r/FinasterideSyndrome/comments/1fib3ay/who_crashed_because_of_zinc/

My Personal Risk Ranking:

Moderate Risk of Permanent Worsening (for PFS/PSSD/PAS):

If you currently have PFS/PSSD/PAS, this substances may carry a moderate risk of worsening symptoms—potentially in a lasting way—and is best avoided due to its potential as a 5AR. Symptoms flaring is commonly reported. A healthy diet should get the zinc needed at a nutritional level.