Proviron
Proviron (mesterolone) is an oral androgen derived from dihydrotestosterone that is sometimes used to address symptoms related to low androgen activity. It does not significantly suppress testosterone production and is often discussed for effects on libido, mood, and perceived androgenic “feel.” Proviron is not approved for many uses and carries androgen-related risks, with responses varying widely between individuals.
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This page summarizes anecdotal reports and community observations, not medical evidence. Reports may be incomplete, biased or inaccurate and are not medical advice or recommendations. “Risk” here refers to how frequently severe or prolonged symptom worsening is reported, not to proven causation or population-wide probability. Individual responses vary widely, and absence of issues in some users does not rule out significant reactions in others.
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Within PFS/PSSD/PAS communities, Proviron is discussed in relation to its potential interactions with androgen receptor signaling pathways. Pharmacologically, it's an androgen receptor (AR) agonist, tends to be more "androgenic" than anabolic, and it's unusual among oral androgens in that it's not aromatized to estrogen (so it doesn't directly raise estradiol the way testosterone can). A key "practical" feature people talk about is that mesterolone has high SHBG binding affinity, which can displace some testosterone from SHBG and (in theory) increase free testosterone fraction in some situations. These mechanisms may interact with pathways involving androgen receptor signaling, SHBG binding, or hormone dynamics that are often discussed in relation to PFS / PSSD / PAS.
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Mixed Responses With Temporary Androgenic Effects and Inconsistent Durability (for PFS/PSSD/PAS):
Among individuals with PFS, PSSD, or PAS, Proviron (mesterolone) appears in a number of use and recovery narratives, including some cure or major improvement stories, which is why it remains discussed within the community. However, many others report only partial or temporary improvements—most often involving libido, erection quality, energy, or a stronger androgenic “feel”—that do not persist once Proviron is stopped, and many report no meaningful benefit at all. A subset of users describe worsening or destabilization, including emotional blunting or anhedonia shifts, irritability or anxiety, sleep disruption, or changes in sexual function.
Overall community experience suggests that while Proviron can strongly influence androgen signaling, PFS/PSSD symptoms often do not resolve through DHT or androgen restoration alone, pointing to a deeper or more complex underlying dysfunction. Because permanent improvement is uncommon despite widespread use, Proviron is generally viewed as a potential contributor in some recovery stories rather than a reliable standalone solution, and is approached cautiously due to its androgenic nature and unpredictable effects in sensitized individuals.
Evidence basis: established androgen pharmacology and limited clinical literature on mesterolone; general anabolic–androgenic steroid safety data; community anecdotes and self-reports describing mixed outcomes.
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Public comments reflect individual experiences and opinions. They are not medical advice and may not be accurate or representative.