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Proviron
is the Schering brand name for the oral androgen mesterolone (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. Proviron 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 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
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 25
mg 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 20 mg 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 often used throughout
the duration of a strong 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 50 mg of Proviron and 20 mg 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.
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