Anabolic steroidAndrogenAnabolic steroidDHT-derivedNon-aromatisingOralAnti-oestrogen

Mesterolone (Proviron, oral DHT)

Also known as Proviron · Mesterolone · 1-methyl-DHT

Written by enwyReviewed 15 Jul 20262 sources0 comments

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
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
Acne and oily skinAndrogenic sebaceous stimulation.	Mild	Common	Observational

06 Legal status

United States

Schedule III controlled substance

Not marketed in the US; prescription/pharmaceutical in many other countries. · as of

United Kingdom

Class C controlled drug

Available on prescription in some jurisdictions. · as of

07 References

Mesterolone (Proviron) in androgen deficiency and infertilityAndrology / endocrinology literature

SHBG binding and free testosterone effects of mesteroloneJournal of endocrinology literature

08 Discussion0 comments

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This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.