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Proviron is an interesting and often overlooked bodybuilding drug. Bodybuilders buy proviron because it is an orally active form of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) and as such, a proviron cycle delivers all the good and all the bad that DHT has to offer the bodybuilder.

As for the good, the DHT from a proviron cycle is a pure androgen, but unlike testosterone, DHT doesn’t cause any water retention. DHT is what makes muscle “hard.” And it lowers SHBG (Sex hormone Binding Globulin) which prevents estrogen from forming. By preventing estrogen from forming, DHT can be used to prevent the aromatization of other steroids. This means that the DHT from a proviron cycle can keep steroids in the testosterone family from converting to estrogen and causing in men estrogen related side effects like gynecomastia. DHT also contributes to erectile rigidity. All good stuff! There are drawbacks however, most notably prostate hypertrophy and hair loss. So one may say DHT is pure maleness.

In the past, DHT was regarded as the “bad” form of testosterone and there have been many products available to reduce it. For example, Proscar slows hair loss by reducing DHT, but it also lowers the desirable aspect, mentioned above, that DHT brings. One of the side effects of Proscar is possible impotence, so pick your poison.

So, we know DHT can be tricky and we know we need it. But, where does Proviron fall into the equation? Well, bodybuilders buy proviron because it can be a nice addition to any cycle for a variety of reasons. Since it lowers SHBG it allows for more total testosterone to become bioavailable. Up to 90% of testosterone, be it natural or administered, remains in a “bound” state (due to SHBG) rendering it useless for building muscle. A Proviron cycle releases more active testosterone into the bloodstream so you can get more of its benefits.

Bodybuilders also buy proviron also works well as an anti estrogen, in fact, it’s superior to most traditional anti e’s such as Nolvadex because there is no rebound effect. Instead of removing estrogen, proviron prevents the formation of estrogen in the first place.

Proviron is excellent for contest preparation because it adds density and definition. You see, androgen receptors are found in your fat cells as well as muscle cells and DHT binds so well that there’s a distinct fat burning effect from its use.

Many bodybuilder buy Proviron to use in between cycles to maintain muscle gains and libido. However, DHT will not do much in regard to maintaining muscle. And as with any drug, a tolerance is developed over time so using Proviron to help a lagging libido will just add to further suppression once the use of the drug has ceased.

The main downside of Proviron is that since it contains no anabolic properties, it will not result in much muscle growth if used alone. It truly is a “kicker” to other steroids, most notably testosterone. And although it doesn’t cause water retention, it can increase blood pressure. DHT can also increase irritability if duration exceeds more than a few weeks.

There have recently been advances in natural alternatives to Proviron. Avenacosides have been shown to lower SHBG and to raise free testosterone by as much as 20%. Since Proviron is used mostly as an ancillary substance and does not have much of an effect of actual growth, more and more people are opting to go the natural route. Although Avenacosides won’t work quite as well, they are effective and can be used in conjunction with a lower dose of Proviron for an even more powerful muscle hardening/libido enhancing effect.

Dosage:

At a dosage of 50 mgs a day, Proviron can lower estrogen into single digits and produce a very polished look to your muscles.

Until recently you could not buy Proviron in any form other than the original Schering brand. Now with more and more underground labs, it is easier to buy proviron, although it is often being counterfeited and the quality and strength has always been suspect. Since Proviron isn’t terribly expensive, it’s best to try and buy the original pharmaceutical grade substance since it’s rarely counterfeited. If you can’t buy actual Proviron then a natural substitute is strongly recommend during, and after each cycle.

Here's some links to the hundreds of threads on the EliteFitness.com Forums about Proviron: