Proviron

(Mesterolone)

Proviron is perhaps the most overrated item in the history of performance enhancement and at the same time underrated for it is largely misunderstood; in-fact, we can aptly label this one of the more unique anabolic steroids of all time and while many of its features are not necessarily “steroid like” it is just that, an anabolic steroid. Brought to the market by Schering, a premier manufacturer of anabolic steroids and for many years, actually a couple of decade’s in-fact, it was praised for its testosterone increasing effects. However, in recent years the compound has largely fallen out of popularity but in some circles you will still see it pronounced as the anabolic of truth, the end all be all addition to a cycle; the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Yes, there is a good purpose for this steroid but it is by no means a necessary steroid of choice but can be an OK addition to a cycle when used correctly and for the right purpose.

Proviron 101:

Proviron is the trade name given to the Mesterolone hormone by Schering; a Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) derivative with strong similarities to many other DHT based anabolic steroids. Proviron’s direct mode of action is very similar to Stanozolol and in many circles the two are often compared but a more accurate description would be to compare Proviron to Masteron; Masteron is another DHT derived anabolic but when we look at Proviron we find some very similar qualities. Like Masteron Proviron will not aromatize and further actually aids in total aromatase prevention. As is by its nature as a DHT base Proviron is also very androgenic and by such trait as well as the traits mentioned you can begin to see the close relation to the highly popular Masteron steroid.

Proviron is also an oral anabolic steroid but unlike most oral steroids Proviron is not very toxic to the liver; it is not a 17-Alpha-Alkylated (17-aa) steroid but rather a 1-metyhl addition that allows it to be useable. Most oral steroids carry the 17-aa alteration in order for them to survive ingestion and it is this structural change that leads them to be hepatic; although toxicity varies from one oral to the next as Proviron lacks the 17-aa structural change its toxicity is very low. While the lacking 17-aa change can be welcomed in many ways this may be the very reason this steroids total active effect is so mild; unfortunately there is lacking clarity in this regard.

Of perhaps a more interesting aspect of the Mesterolone hormone, Proviron binds strongly to both the Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) as well as the anabolic receptors and while this provides some highly welcomed benefits as we will shortly see it can also raise concern; Proviron is by far not one of the more side-effect friendly anabolic steroids. Nevertheless, the very traits seem to act in a positive manner that promotes lipolysis as well as allowing exogenous testosterone to become more active on a per milligram basis due to these binding factors. In the end, the synergy created by Proviron and testosterone is very strong and one of the strongest in-terms of efficiency we have in a two item stacked combo.

The Benefits of Proviron:

Proviron has some strong benefits as you can already see just from understanding its nature; however, it is a very poor steroid when it is used alone, as the benefits in-which it provides is largely dependent on the other anabolic steroids present. In short, while very simplistic the presence of Proviron makes the steroids you’re already taking more valuable than they are on their own and further makes them more efficient in-terms of the risk to reward ratio. Recall from above, like Masteron Proviron aids in the prevention of the aromatase that can occur in many other steroids, therefore by eliminating the aromatizing effect we decrease the probability such an effect can bring about in-terms of side-effects. Further and perhaps more important, by its binding nature the testosterone you use (exogenous forms) will be allowed to function more powerfully, more of it will be present and able to perform in anabolic capacity than if Proviron was absent. 

As these are some fantastic benefits the most pronounced benefit is perhaps the steroids total increasing of metabolic activity. As Proviron performs its duty directly on the androgen receptors this not only affects the muscle cells but fat cells within the body as well and in a very positive manner. Proviron binds to the androgen receptors strongly, very strongly and by such this allows for a greater fat burning nature within the body. No, we wouldn’t label Proviron as a cutting steroid necessarily nor would we label it a bulking steroid; Proviron is simply a steroid that promotes overall activity in every aspect for whatever reason you’re wanting to supplement with anabolic androgenic steroids.

The Side-Effects of Proviron:

It’s no secret, anabolic androgenic steroids carry with them a potential for negative side-effects and Proviron makes no exception. It is also important to remember the level of potential varies greatly with each and every anabolic steroid and potential always means, regardless of the level “possible” and by no means comes anywhere close to meaning guaranteed. In the case of Proviron it does not carry with it a high risk for adverse effects but as a DHT based anabolic steroid we cannot in this case label it an ultimately side-effect friendly steroid either. Proviron can have a negative effect regarding the hair-line as well as irritating the prostate by enlargement but it is impossible to predict if you will be affected negatively. In regarding hair-loss we can say with assurance, if Proviron causes any hair-loss or any steroid for that matter you were going to lose some hair anyway; Proviron simply sped the inevitable up; those who are not predisposed to male pattern baldness have nothing to fear.

If you’ve read this far then you already know, Proviron will not cause water retention, Gynecomastia or really any estrogenic related effects. Recall, Proviron has a very positive effect on estrogen in-terms of actually binding aromatase and even reducing total accumulation to a degree. No, it will not reduce estrogen to the level of an aromatase inhibitor, not even remotely close but it will have a positive effect.

Proviron & PCT:

For years many have argued that Proviron is a good choice for Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) purposes; we however strongly disagree. If anything Proviron could be a useful bridging anabolic steroid agent but for a full blown PCT purposes SERM’s and hCG will always prove to be best; even so, let’s look at the argument.

Proviron can have a decently positive effect on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular-Axis (HPTA) by way of increasing both Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) the two hormones responsible for natural testosterone production; LH to an even larger degree than FSH. As levels of these two hormones increase so does natural testosterone production, for it is the FSH and LH that stimulate the testicles to produce testosterone; without FSH and LH release and the stimulating they cause no testosterone can be produced. However, while stimulating natural testosterone production during PCT is one of the primary roles it is not the only purpose; leading into normalization is the primary purpose of a PCT and as Proviron is a synthetic anabolic steroid this more or less defeats the purpose for a PCT that plans on being followed by a long anabolic steroid break. Even so, we must make an exception; for the individual who is only taking a short break and this is something we cannot advise, that is up to you, say a 6 week break, a dosing of Proviron during this period might prove to be useful.

Proviron Cycles & Doses:

As this anabolic steroid is not very liver toxic, in-fact it is quite mild it can be used for extended periods of time; if you are not susceptible to DHT based side-effects you could reasonably supplement with Proviron the entire duration of your cycle. While it can be used for extended periods, as we will see dosing protocol can vary dramatically depending on the purpose for which it is used. If Proviron is being used simply as a quasi-anti-estrogen medication then a mere 25mg per day may be all you need but many will find 50mg to be needed if their cycle contains a high dosing of aromatizing steroids. For those who are supplementing for additional beneficial purposes higher doses may be needed; although 50mg will provide them solid effects a slightly higher bump may be needed. If you choose to use Proviron this is something you may need to play with as individual response will vary greatly. For the individual who supplements for the purpose of bridging, a rather common purpose of Proviron use, doses will necessarily be much higher, ranging from 100mg-150mg per day if the individual is going to obtain the desired effect and benefits.