The drug is a modified derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is obtained by adding a methyl group to its first carbon (1-methyl dihydrotestosterone). As mentioned above, it is a low potency anabolic, which is why Proviron is almost always referred to as an androgen (or androgenic steroid). This drug has the same properties as its parent compound (DHT): once it enters muscle tissue, it is rapidly metabolized and broken down into inactive metabolites.
This is a persistent problem with DHT: after entering muscle, the enzyme 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (found in very high concentrations in muscle tissue) binds and becomes inactive, converting DHT into a compound that has no anabolic. power. This is the reason for the low anabolic power of the drug.
A well-known benefit of Proviron is also its anti-estrogenic ability. However, it should be noted that, as an aromatase inhibitor, Proviron does not have the special potency that is present in such drugs, for example, Aromasin, Arimidex or Letrozole. But this capability is still there and can be used. The properties of Proviron are similar compared to Arimidex, although in fact the effect is not significant.
Side effects
Proviron belongs to the androgens group. Its use can cause manifestations of such side effects:
- increased skin fat, accompanied by inflammatory manifestations;
- increased hair density on the body and face;
- hair loss on the head (in cases where there is a genetic predisposition).
The same effect occurs in men who take the drug. Manifestations with a high probability will increase as the dose of the drug increases. It is also important to note that Proviron is a DHT derivative and drugs such as finasteride, proscar or dutasteride are unable to reduce its androgenic effects.
Despite the fact that Proviron has all the androgenic side effects, the manifestation of estrogen is not characteristic. The substance is an active aromatase inhibitor and acts as an anti -estrogen in the body, reducing the side effects of other compounds, thanks to the mechanism of reducing the total level of circulating plasma estrogen. Because of its strong androgenic properties, combined with its antiestrogenic potential, after a series of studies, Proviron began to be used as a drug for gynecomastia and breast cancer.
Women are not recommended to use Proviron, because the drug can cause manifestations of virilization. Virilization is the development of masculine qualities that are unusual for a woman’s body.
Proviron is not C-17 alpha alkylation, but methylation on the first carbon atom. Because of this structure, the substance, entering the body, does not cause hepatotoxic effects, as shown by the results of several studies. Therefore, taking Proviron does not have a negative effect on the liver.
However, the drug negatively affects the cardiovascular system. In a study of this effect, it has been established with certainty that the use of 100 mg of Proviron per day for 6 months showed significant negative effects on cholesterol levels: the percentage of LDL (bad cholesterol) increased to 65%, and HDL. (good cholesterol) dropped to 35%.
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There is also the opinion that Proviron can reduce endogenous natural testosterone production, although such an effect is not so significant. For example, a daily dose of 150 mg or less of the drug does not lead to natural testosterone inhibition, but higher concentrations (more than 300 mg) can reduce its levels.
Proviron does not work in the course. As mentioned above, it is an optimal weak anabolic as an auxiliary compound, popular due to its ability to minimize the effects of estrogen on the body. This makes the drug an indispensable addition to an anabolic steroid cycle.
The advantage of Proviron is also the ability to give the body a “solid” appearance. This is one of the main reasons for frequent use, and the anti-estrogenic qualities and virtues for androgens are strong.
Sometimes Proviron works to achieve a therapeutic effect after a cycle, that is, to reduce estrogen levels and increase fertility. Even for Post Cycle Therapy (PCT), there are more potent compounds. In cases where there is even a slight risk of endogenous testosterone suppression, it is recommended to refrain from using Proviron for PCT. During the restoration of the natural level of endogenous Testosterone, it is necessary to avoid any threats, no matter how minimal they seem.