Mesterolone

Mesterolone

Chemical structure of Mesterolone

Mesterolone is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication which is used mainly in the treatment of low testosterone levels. It is also used to treat male infertility, although this use is controversial. Mesterolone is marketed under the brand name Proviron among others. It is taken by mouth.

Mesterolone was first described in 1934 and was introduced for medical use in 1937. It is one of the oldest AAS and was widely used in the past, although it is now less commonly used. Mesterolone is available in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa, but it is not available in the United States.

Medical Uses

Mesterolone is used in the treatment of hypogonadism in men, a condition characterized by low levels of testosterone. It is also used to treat male infertility, although its effectiveness for this purpose is not well established. Mesterolone is sometimes used by bodybuilders and athletes to improve physique and performance, although such use is not recommended due to potential health risks.

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Mesterolone is a synthetic androgen and anabolic steroid and hence is an agonist of the androgen receptor, the biological target of androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is a derivative of DHT and is similar to it in its effects, but unlike testosterone, mesterolone is not aromatized into estrogens and hence has no risk of estrogenic side effects such as gynecomastia.

Pharmacokinetics

Mesterolone is well-absorbed orally, unlike testosterone, which is rapidly broken down in the liver when taken by mouth. It has a high affinity for sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which may displace other steroids from SHBG, increasing their free concentrations in the blood.

Side Effects

The side effects of mesterolone are similar to those of other AAS. They include acne, increased hair growth, voice changes, and increased sexual desire. Mesterolone does not cause liver damage and has little or no effect on the liver enzymes.

Chemistry

Mesterolone, also known as 1α-methyl-4,5α-dihydrotestosterone (1α-methyl-DHT) or as 1α-methyl-5α-androstan-17β-ol-3-one, is a synthetic androstane steroid and a derivative of DHT. It is specifically DHT with a methyl group at the C1α position.

History

Mesterolone was first described in 1934 and was introduced for medical use in 1937. It was developed by Schering and has been marketed under the brand name Proviron among others. Mesterolone was one of the first AAS to be synthesized and used in medicine.

Society and Culture

Generic Names

Mesterolone is the generic name of the drug and its INN, USAN, BAN, and JAN. It is also known by its developmental code name SH-958.

Brand Names

Mesterolone is marketed under a variety of brand names, including Proviron, Mestoranum, and others.

Availability

Mesterolone is available in many countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa. However, it is not available in the United States.

Related Pages

• Androgen
• Anabolic steroid
• Hypogonadism
• Testosterone
• Dihydrotestosterone