Proviron is
the Schering brand name for the oral androgen mesterolone (1
methyl-dihydrotestosterone). Just as with DHT, the activity of
Proviron is that of a strong androgen which does not
aromatize into estrogen. In clinical situations Proviron is
generally used to treat various types of sexual dysfunction,
which often result from a low endogenous testosterone level. It
can usually reverse problems of sexual disinterest and
impotency, and is sometimes used to increase the sperm count.
Proviron does not stimulate the body to produce testosterone,
but is simply an oral androgen substitute that is used to
compensate for a lack of the natural male androgen.
Although
Proviron is strongly androgenic, the anabolic effect of it is
considered too weak for muscle building purposes. This is due to
the fact that Proviron is rapidly reduced to inactive
metabolites in muscle tissue, a trait also characteristic of
dihydrotestosterone, The belief that the weak anabolic nature of
Proviron indicated a tendency to block the androgen
receptor in muscle tissue, thereby reducing the gains of other
more potent muscle building steroids, should likewise not be
taken seriously. In fact due to its extremely high affinity for
plasma binding proteins such as SHBG, Proviron may actually
work to potentate the activity of other steroids by displacing a
higher percentage into a free, unbound state. Among athletes
Proviron is primarily used as an antiestrogen. It is believed
to act as an antiaromatase in the body, preventing or slowing
the conversion of steroids into estrogen. The result is somewhat
comparable to Arimidex (though less profound), the drug acting
to prevent the buildup of estrogen in the body. This is in
contrast to Nolvadex, which only blocks the ability of estrogen
to bind and activate receptors in certain tissues. The
anti-aromatization effect is preferred, as it is a more direct
and efficient means of dealing with the problem of estrogenic
side effects. A related disadvantage to Nolvadex is that if
discontinued too early, a rebound effect may occur as high serum
estrogen levels are again free to take action. This of course
could mean a rapid onset of side effects such as gynecomastia
and water retention. Most athletes actually prefer to use both
Proviron and Nolvadex, especially during strongly estrogenic
cycles. With each item attacking estrogen at a different angle,
side effects are often greatly minimized.
The
anti-estrogenic properties of Proviron are not unique to this
compound. A number of steroids have in fact demonstrated similar
activity. Dihydrotestosterone and Masteron
(2methyl-dihydrotestosterone) for example have been successfully
used as therapies for gynecomastia and breast cancer due to
their strong anti-estrogenic effect. It has been suggested that
nandrolone may even lower aromatase activity in peripheral
tissues where it is more resistant to estrogen conversion (the
most active site of nandrolone aromatization seems to be the
liver). The antiestrogenic effect of all of these compounds is
presumably caused by their ability to compete with other
substrates for binding to the aromatase enzyme. With the
aromatase enzyme bound to the steroid, yet being unable to alter
it, and inhibiting effect is achieved as it is temporarily
blocked from interacting with other hormones.
Proviron is
also favored by many during contest preparations, when a lower
estrogen/high androgen level is particularly sought after. This
is especially beneficial when anabolics like Winstrol,
Oxandrolone and Primobolan are being used alone, as the
androgenic content of these drugs is relatively low. Proviron
can supplement a wellneeded androgen, and bring about an
increase in the hardness and density of the muscles. Women in
particular find a single 25mg tablet will efficiently shift the
androgen/estrogen ratio, and can have a great impact on the
physique. Since this is such a strong androgen however, extreme
caution should be taken with administration. Higher dosages
clearly have the potential to cause virilization symptoms quite
readily. For this reason females will rarely take more than one
tablet per day, and limit the length of intake to no longer than
four or five weeks. One tablet used in conjunction with 10 or
20mg of Nolvadex can be even more efficient for muscle
hardening, creating an environment where the body is much more
inclined to burn off extra body fat (especially in female
trouble areas like the hips and thighs).
The typical
dosage of Proviron for men is one to four 25 mg per tablets per day. This is
a sufficient amount to prevent gynecomastia, the drug often used
throughout the duration of a strong cycle. As mentioned earlier,
Proviron is often combined with Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate) or
Clomid (clomiphene citrate) when heavily estrogenic steroids
are being taken (Dianabol, testosterone etc.). Administering
50mg of Proviron and 20mg Nolvadex daily has proven extremely
effective in such instances, and it is quite uncommon for higher
dosages to be required. And just as we discussed for women, the
androgenic nature of this compound is greatly welcome during
contest preparation. Here again Proviron should noticeably
benefit the hardness and density of the muscle, while at the
same time increasing the tendency to burn off a greater amount
of body fat. Proviron is usually well tolerated and side
effects (men) are rare with dosages under 100 mg per day. Above
this, one may develop an excessively high androgen level and
encounter some problems. Typical androgenic side effects include
oily skin, acne, body/facial hair growth and exacerbation of a
male pattern baldness condition, and may occur even with the use
of a moderate dosage. With the strong effect DHT has on the
reproductive system, androgenic actions may also include an
extreme heightening of male libido. And as discussed earlier,
Women should be careful around Proviron. It is an androgen, and
as such has the potential to produce virilization symptoms quite
readily. This includes, of course, a deepening of the voice,
menstrual irregularities, changes in skin texture and clitoral
enlargement.
Proviron is
also not a c17 alpha alkylated compound, an alteration commonly
used with oral anabolic/androgenic steroids. Not using this
structure in the case of Proviron removes the notable risk of
liver toxicity we normally associate with oral dosing. We
therefore consider this a "safe" oral, the user having no need
to worry about serious complications with use. This steroid in
fact utilizes the same 1-methylation we see present on
Primobolan (methenolone), another well tolerated orally active
compound. Alkylation at the one position also slows metabolism
of the steroid during the first pass, although much less
profoundly than 17 alpha alkylation. Likewise Proviron and
Primobolan are resistant enough to breakdown to allow
therapeutically beneficial blood levels to be achieved, although
the overall bioavailability of these compounds is still much
lower than methylated oral steroids.
The
popularity of Proviron amongst bodybuilders has been increasing
in recent years. Many experienced bodybuilders have in fact come
to swear by it, incorporating it effectively in most markedly
estrogenic cycles. Due to high demand Proviron is now very easy
to obtain on the black market. Most versions will be
manufactured by Schering, and should cost about $1-$2 per 25 mg
tab. In many instances this item is obtained via mail order, and
here can sell for less than .50 per tab. This drug is packaged
in both push-through strips and small glass vials, so do not let
this alarm you. There is currently no need to worry about
authenticity with this drug, as no counterfeits are known to
exist. If money and availability does not prevent it, Arimidex
is actually a much better choice than Proviron though. This
drug was designed specifically as an antiaromatase, and works
much more effectively than anything else we have available.
Since this item is extremely expensive however, Nolvadex and
Proviron will no doubt remain to be the "standard" antiestrogen
regimen among athletes.
Male fitness
Male fitness portal. Tips on exercises, nutrition and diets.