Proviron (Mesterolone)

Proviron is an interesting and often overlooked compound. It’s an orally active form of DHT and delivers all the good and the bad that DHT has to offer. DHT is pure androgen, but unlike testosterone, it doesn’t cause any water retention. DHT is also what makes muscle “hard.” It lowers SHBG (Sex hormone Binding Globulin) thus preventing estrogen to form and can be used to prevent aromatization from other compounds. DHT is also what attributes to erectile rigidity. All good stuff! There are drawbacks however, most notably prostate hypertrophy and hair loss. So one may say DHT is pure maleness.

In the past, DHT was regarded as the “bad” form of testosterone and there have been many products available to reduce it. Proscar slows hair loss by reducing DHT, but it also lowers the desirable aspect that DHT brings. One of the side effects of Proscar is possible impotence. Pick your poison.

So we know DHT can be tricky and we know we need it. So where does Proviron fall into the equation? Well, it can be a nice addition to any cycle for a variety of reasons. Since it lowers SHBG it allows for more total testosterone to become bioavailable. Up to 90% of testosterone, be it natural or administered, remains in a “bound” state (due to SHBG) rendering it useless. Proviron will release more active testosterone into the bloodstream so you can reap more of the benefits.

Proviron works as well as an anti estrogen, in fact, it’s superior to most traditional anti e’s such as Nolvadex because there is no rebound effect. Instead of removing estrogen, it never has a chance to form in the first place.

Proviron is also excellent for contest preparation because it adds density and definition. Realize, androgen receptors are found in fat calls as well as muscle cells and DHT binds so well that there’s a distinct fat burning effect from its use.

Many people use Proviron in between cycles to maintain gains and libido. However, DHT will not do much in regard to maintaining muscle. And as with any drug, a tolerance is developed over time so using Proviron to help a lagging libido will just add to further inhibition once the use of the drug has ceased. There’s some speculation that Proviron isn’t suppressive or especially liver toxic so it does not have to be cycle, but that rational is patently false. Because it isn’t 17 alpha alkylated it isn’t as hard on the liver or the liver as other oral steroids but liver must still filter it. Pure DHT also does not shut down the HPTA as quickly as other androgens though it will still suppress over time. Using it to “ease out” of a cycle can make for a smooth transition back to a natural state.

The main downside of Proviron is that since it contains no anabolic properties, it will not result in much muscle growth if used alone. It truly is a “kicker” to other steroids, most notably testosterone. And although it doesn’t cause water retention, it can increase blood pressure. DHT can also increase irritability if duration exceeds more than a few weeks.

Dosage:

50 mgs a day can lower estrogen into single digits and produce a very polished look to one’s muscles. There have recently been advances in natural alternatives to Proviron. Avenacosides have been shown to lower SHBG and raise Free testosterone by as much as 20%. Since Proviron is used mostly as an ancillary substance and does not have much of an effect of actual growth, more and more people are opting to go the natural route. Although Avenacosides won’t work quite as well, they are effective and can be used in conjunction with a lower dose of Proviron for an even more powerful muscle hardening/libido enhancing effect. (When choosing Avenacosides always make sure the dosage is listed. If it’s in a “proprietary blend” chances are there is so little it’s worthless. One product that includes an effective dosage is Protein Factory’s UNLEASHED).

Availability:

Until recently Proviron was not readily available and the only form was the original Shering brand. Now with more and more UG labs, it’s become counterfeited though the quality and dosages must always be suspect. Since Proviron isn’t terribly expensive it’s best to try and find the original pharm grade substance since it’s rarely counterfeited. If you can’t get your hands on Proviron than a natural substitute is strongly recommend during, and after each cycle.