Proviron® is the brand name for an oral anabolic steroid whose chemical name is mesterolone. It is a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) derivative and is classified as an adrogenic steroid and anti-aromatase agent. It is also very widely known for its anti-estrogenic properties. Proviron® is considered to be a weak anabolic, so it is mainly used in combination with other steroids in order to help them become more effective. As with most anabolics, it has certain advantages often accompanied by symptoms that might affect the drug's performance.
Proviron® was released in 1960 by Schering AG and was used by bodybuilders during the 1970s and 1980s as a bodybuilding supplement with great anti-aromatase properties. Aromatizable drugs cause gynecomastia and fluid retention. Their combined use with an anti-aromatase agent such as Proviron® can minimize these negative effects.
This drug has the ability to prevent the production of estrogens and increase the amount of circulating testosterone in the body. Testosterone is the hormone that causes muscle growth. Although Proviron® does not build muscle, it has been observed that it serves as a lipolytic or fat-burning steroid, which helps in hardening the existing muscles. It is not considered to be liver toxic, because of its molecular structure. It lacks the c17-alpha-alkylated group that is responsible for the toxicity of most oral steroids.
Proviron® is not very effective when used on its own as an adrogenic or anabolic compound. It does helps prevent unwanted symptoms when used during or after steroid cycles, and it can restore sexual functions after the prolonged use of other steroids. As with most anabolic steroids, Proviron® has the adrogenic effect of improving the libido and enhancing sperm production to some degree when added to normal levels, but it should not be used for such a purpose.
Some side effects of Proviron® include causing prostate enlargement and baldness. When used by female bodybuilders, the drug has resulted in side effects such as the development of male sexual characteristics, a phenomenon called virilization. Other symptoms include the disruption of menstrual cycles, breast reduction and depression.