Decoding post-RX disorders
An independent community project researching how genetic sequencing and labwork can determine susceptibility to RX side effects. Read more
How can I contribute?
Starting in Summer 2026, members of the Post Finasteride Syndrome and Post SSRI communities began collecting data to validate the theories put forward by Dr. Will Powers, in particular that androgenic metabolite build up in cells causes signal loss which leads to persistent side effects (brain fog, lowered libido, lethargy, ED, anxiety, depression, and more) which potentially varies in severity for people depending on genetic sequencing, hormones, and potentially other factors.
Here’s what you can do to help the effort, add velocity to the theory, and potentially, a treatment.
Step 1 - Inform the health regulators
It is critical that you report PFS / PSSD / PAS to the appropriate medical regulators. Historically the community has failed to do this which means we are invisible, and it means it can be claimed that there is no issue. It's critical we are recorded in official databases.
Important—when submitting your report you should ensure to use the correct names of the syndrome.
PFS patients should write or select “Post 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor syndrome” (MedDRA: 10082430).
PSSD sufferers should write or select “Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction” (MedDRA: 10086208).
It's important that your reports are truthful and complete. Please include a full description of what you’ve experienced:
Details of when you stopped and how long the symptoms have continued for
The syndrome name you have (shown above) and your symtpoms
The severity of your symptoms (this is important - it's important we are clear on how severe parts of this condition are)
The impact they have had on your life and relationships
Step 2 - Join the SIDEfxHUB registry
The charity SIDEfxHUB maintains a registry of PFS / PSSD patients to be used in the future for contacting people interested in joining trials, etc.
Step 3 - Order genetic sequencing
Visit sequencing.com and choose the “Standard Bundle” option. During checkout, enter “POWERS20” discount code, per Dr. Powers’ instruction. The kit will arrive within a week and once you sent back your swab sample, you should receive your results with 8-10 weeks unless you expedite them.
Step 4 - Process the results
Once you have received the the results from Sequencing in digital format, you will need to make a list of your BAM (Binary Alignment Map) and VCF (Variant Call Format) variants and paste them in the correct format to Dr. Powers’ Reddit community as well as using tools like War Powers and War Cat. Full instructions here→
Step 5 - Order the DUTCH test
Visit dutchtest.com and order the “DUTCH complete” test. Post screenshots of your results to Dr. Powers’ Reddit community.
Step 6 - Get bloodwork
Speak to a doctor about ordering the following tests:
3A Androstanediol Glucuronide
Estrone Sulfate
Dihydrotestosterone
Pregnenolone
DHEA Sulfate
DHEA
11-Deoxycorticosterone
11-Deoxycortisol
Androstenedione
Androsterone
Bilirubin
Progesterone
Note: bloodwork for 3a-adg, total testosterone, and DHT should be done on the same day, preferably in the morning.
If the doctor’s office cannot provide the bloodwork, the tests can also be ordered independently through Quest, Labcorp, or RequestATest.com.
Screenshots of your results can be posted to the Dr. Powers Reddit community and to the Discord community below.
Step 7 — Join the Discord
We need more people to get involved. Join us on our Discord community (Project Genome) for daily discussions and problem solving.
After joining:
Fill out the intake form. There is a Google form here that collects basic (anonymized) information about your history and the details of your condition.
Upload your labs. Go to the #google-drive channel, upload what you have, and DM user @More_listen to let them know so you your data can be added to the registry.
Specify your condition. Go to the #your-profile channel and let us know which post-drug syndrome you have.
Enter your timeline. Go to the #timeline channel and let us know how long you’ve had the syndrome.
Enter your genome status. Go to the #genome-status channel and let us know if you’ve ordered your Sequencing results.
After those steps, jump into the rest of the channels to share your experiences and ask questions.
Note—the Discord community is for problem solving, reporting labs, comparing notes, and understanding the science of post-drug disorders so we can contribute to solutions. If you are having trouble emotionally processing your syndrome and are feeling pessimistic or fatalistic about your symptoms, please reserve those posts for the #help-and-support channel.