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What is Proviron Used for?

Proviron is the trade name for the anabolic steroid mesterolone, marketed by Schering AG, and it has a variety of uses for both bodybuilders as well as the medical community. It was originally developed to by Schering as a possible treatment for depression or depression disorders, as well as for use as a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drug.

  1. Drug Information

    • Proviron was developed as a DHT-derived oral steroid. Unlike many other oral steroids, proviron is not alkylated, meaning it does not have the poor liver effects of other oral steroids. Studies have been performed by Schering to investigate the anti-depressant effects of the drug in both large and small doses, and it is not commonly used by bodybuilders or as a part of doctor-prescribed HRT thanks to its relatively weak effect.

    Anti-Depressant

    • Schering performed several studies in the late 1970s and early 1980s on proviron treatment in depressed patients. Results showed that while there was a significant improvement in a large number of patients during and after a six-week round of daily treatment. Interestingly, while the test results were positive, they were statistically insignificant due to the fact that improvement occurred at nearly the same rate with patients taking a placebo. Side effects were also present, including lowered natural testosterone production.

    Bodybuilding

    • As an anabolic steroid, proviron is sometimes incorporated into a steroid cycle by bodybuilders, combined with an injected testosterone analogue or progestin (such as nandralone). Because of its extremely weak effects, it isn't generally used for its ability to build muscle. It is sometimes added to help improve libido while on an active steroid compound. It can also aid in reducing the amounts of estrogen in the body produced because of steroid use, helping to limit the side effects of typical steroid cycles.

    Hormone Replacement Therapy

    • While generally not prescribed by doctors as a part of HRT, it is sometimes used by bodybuilders who have opted for year-round hormone replacement therapy instead of cycles of steroid use and post-cycle therapy to reduce and reverse the side effects of said cycles. Instead of attempting to restart natural testosterone production in the body, bodybuilders simply replace it with any of a variety of steroids, including proviron.

    Side Effects

    • Proviron is a derivative if DHT, which means it can lead to virilization ("maleness") in women, resulting in excess body hair, a greatly enlarged clitoris, a deepened voice and other side effects. Because it is a male sex hormone, it replaces natural testosterone production in the body over time, and if not countered in some way, can result in a lack of production of natural testosterone and testicle shrinkage. Compared with other steroids, there are very few side effects of proviron use other than those mentioned, thanks to its weak nature and its tendency to avoid being converted into estrogen within the body.

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