Mesterolone (Proviron, oral DHT)
An orally active DHT derivative (Proviron) used clinically for androgen deficiency and male infertility. It is weakly anabolic but a strong androgen-receptor binder and a modest anti-oestrogen, so it is used less to build muscle than to raise free testosterone by displacing it from SHBG, add a 'dry' hardening effect, and support libido. Not 17-alpha-alkylated, so low liver toxicity.
01 Overview
Mesterolone (1-methyl-DHT) is a genuine pharmaceutical, marketed as Proviron for hypogonadism, low libido and some fertility indications, giving it a comparatively solid clinical base among the compounds here. It is orally active without 17-alpha-alkylation, so it is not notably hepatotoxic, but it is only weakly anabolic — it does not build significant muscle on its own.
Its value in performance contexts is ancillary: it binds SHBG avidly, freeing bound testosterone and oestradiol, and has a mild anti-oestrogenic and anti-aromatase action, which can improve the 'hardness' and androgenic feel of a cycle and support erectile function and libido. Being a potent DHT-type androgen it can still accelerate hair loss and acne, and it suppresses the HPG axis, though it is often described as relatively mild in that respect.
02 Mechanism
Orally active DHT derivative that binds the androgen receptor and SHBG strongly; weakly anabolic but raises free testosterone by displacing it from SHBG and exerts mild anti-oestrogenic/anti-aromatase activity.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic | 25–75 mg/day | Oral | Clinical dosing for androgen deficiency. |
| Common | 50–100 mg/day | Oral | Ancillary use for free-testosterone, libido and hardening. |
Ester comparison
| Ester | Half-life | Injection freq. | Testosterone by mass |
|---|
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Increased free testosteroneDisplaces testosterone from SHBG, raising the free fraction; a documented pharmacological action. | Clinical | ||
| Improved libido and erectile functionUsed clinically to support sexual function in androgen deficiency. | Clinical | ||
| Mild anti-oestrogenic / hardening effectModest anti-aromatase and androgenic effect can add dryness and reduce oestrogenic symptoms. | Observational |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acne and oily skinAndrogenic sebaceous stimulation. | Mild | Common | Observational | |
| Accelerated male-pattern hair lossPotent DHT-type androgen can hasten scalp hair loss in the predisposed. | Moderate | Common | Observational | |
| HPTA suppressionSuppresses gonadotropins and endogenous testosterone, though often described as milder than stronger anabolics. | Moderate | Common | Observational |
06 Commonly used with
What mesterolone is combined with, and why. This is about intent rather than safety — the interactions table below covers what is dangerous. Nothing here is listed without what it costs.
| Compound | Frequency | Purpose & trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Support & ancillaries | ||
| TestosteroneTRT/base dose | Proviron is added to a testosterone base to lower SHBG and free up more active testosterone while its DHT-derived androgenicity supports libido and a harder look.Trade-off: Freeing more testosterone can also raise the substrate available for aromatisation and DHT sides, and Proviron itself offers little muscle-building on its own. | |
| Trenbolone acetatelibido rescue | Used alongside trenbolone-heavy cycles specifically to counter tren-induced libido and erectile issues via its androgenic, SHBG-lowering action.Trade-off: It is a supportive fix rather than a cure, adds to the total DHT-mediated androgen load, and cannot offset trenbolone's systemic side effects. | |
| Nandrolone decanoateDeca, anti-flop | Frequently paired with nandrolone to combat 'Deca dick' by supplying strong androgen and DHT activity that nandrolone's progestogenic profile suppresses.Trade-off: It helps sexual function but does nothing for nandrolone's prolactin effects, and the added DHT can worsen hair loss in predisposed users. | |
| AnastrozoleAI | Sometimes stacked as a mild anti-estrogen support because Proviron has weak aromatase-inhibiting properties that complement a low-dose AI.Trade-off: Relying on Proviron plus an AI can drive estradiol too low, harming lipids, joints and mood, and Proviron alone is too weak to control estrogen from a heavy base. | |