Proviron is the brand name for an androgen known as Mesterolone. It is an oral product with exceptionally low anabolic power.
Proviron is one of the oldest steroids. Its creator is the Schering company, whose specialists in 1934 first developed the formula of the drug for medical use. Mesterolone began its existence along with two other anabolic steroids: Methyltestosterone (in 1935) and Testosterone propionate (in 1937). These drugs were widely known and therefore remembered better than the less popular Proviron. This is likely due to the fact that Methyltestosterone and Testosterone Propionate were high anabolic steroids and Proviron did not have these benefits.
Proviron is considered a very old drug, it has stood the test of time, and is still known as a drug with impressive efficacy. This tool is distinguished by safety and amazing tolerability by patients. It is used to treat older men with low androgen levels and impaired libido. The drug has also been used effectively to combat male infertility.
The ability of Proviron to increase reproductive functions is described in specialized literature. In standard therapeutic doses, it practically does not inhibit endogenous gonadotropins (LH and FSH) and does not lead to the development of temporary infertility, as other anabolic steroids do. In some circles, there is an erroneous opinion that Proviron increases LH (luteinizing hormone), but in fact it is incapable of this.
Composition
The drug is a modified derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), obtained by adding a methyl group to its first carbon (1-methyl dihydrotestosterone). As mentioned earlier, it is a low-potency anabolic, which is why Proviron is almost always referred to as an androgen (or androgenic steroid). The drug has a similar property with its parent compound (DHT) – once it enters the muscle tissue, it is rapidly metabolized and decomposed into inactive metabolites.
A well-known advantage of Proviron is also its antiestrogenic ability. It should be noted, however, that as an aromatase inhibitor, Proviron does not have the special power inherent in such drugs as, for example, Aromasin, Arimidex or Letrozole. But still this ability exists and can be used. Similar properties of Proviron are compared with Arimidex, although in fact the effect of it is not so significant.
Side effects
Proviron belongs to the group of androgens. Its use can cause the manifestation of such undesirable effects as:
- increased greasiness of the skin, accompanied by inflammatory manifestations;
- increasing the density of hair on the body and face;
- increasing the density of hair on the body and face;increasing the density of hair on the body and face.
Despite the fact that Proviron carries all the androgenic side effects, the manifestation of estrogen is not characteristic of it. The substance is an active aromatase inhibitor and acts as an antiestrogen in the body, reducing the side effects from other compounds, through the mechanism of reducing the total level of estrogen in circulating plasma. Due to its strong androgenic nature, combined with antiestrogenic potential, after a number of studies, Proviron began to be used in medicine as a cure for gynecomastia and breast cancer.
Women are not recommended to use Proviron, since the drug can cause manifestations of virilization. Virilization is the development of masculine qualities unusual for the female body.
The drug adversely affects the cardiovascular system. In a study of this effect, it has been established for certain that the use of 100 mg of Proviron per day for 6 months shows a significant negative effect on cholesterol levels: the percentage of LDL (bad cholesterol) increases to 65%, and HDL (good cholesterol) decreases to 35%.
There is also an opinion that Proviron is able to suppress the production of endogenous natural Testosterone, although such an effect is extremely insignificant. For example, daily doses of 150 mg or less of the drug do not lead to inhibition of natural Testosterone, but higher concentrations (above 300 mg) can reduce its level.
Courses and application
Proviron is not used in courses. As mentioned earlier, this is a weak anabolic optimal as an auxiliary compound, popular due to the ability to minimize the effects of estrogen on the body. This makes the drug an indispensable addition to anabolic steroid cycles.
The advantage of Proviron is also its ability to give the body a “dense” appearance. This is one of the main reasons for its frequent use, along with the antiestrogenic qualities and the virtues of being a strong androgen.
Sometimes Proviron is used to achieve a therapeutic effect after the cycle, namely, to reduce estrogen levels and increase fertility. Although there are much stronger compounds for post-cycle therapy. In cases where there is even a slight risk of suppression of endogenous Testosterone, it is recommended to refrain from using Proviron for the purposes of post-cycle therapy.
