Active Life: 8-12 hours (effects last about 24 hours)
Drug Class: Androgenic
Steroid/Anti- Aromatization (Oral)
Average Dose: Men 25-100 mg/day.....Women
25-50 mg/day
Acne: Rare
Water Retention: No
High Blood Pressure:
Rare
Liver Toxic: Low
Aromatization: None
DHT Conversion: No, it is a
derivative of DHT
Decrease HPTA function: No
M
esterolone (1 methyl-dihydrotestosterone) just
as with DHT, the activity of this steroid 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.
The drug 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 this steroid 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 this compound 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 increase the activity of other steroids by displacing a
higher percentage into a free, unbound state. Among athletes Proviron is
primarily used as an anti-estrogen. It is believed to act as an anti-aromatase
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 direct
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. Another disadvantage of 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. Most 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
reduced.
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 anti-estrogenic 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.
This drug 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 well needed
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 for men is one to
four 25 mg per tablets per day. This is a sufficient amount to prevent
gynecomastia, the drug is often used throughout the entire cycle. As mentioned
earlier, it 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 drugs. It is therefore considered 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. 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, Femara, or Aromasin ares actually a much better choice than Proviron
though. These drugs were designed specifically as an anti-aromatase, and works
much more effectively than anything else we have available.