Provibol (Mesterolone) by Alpha Pharma - DHT-Derivative Oral Comparison Guide

Provibol by Alpha Pharma contains mesterolone, a synthetic androgen derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Within the category of orally active androgens, DHT derivatives have unique characteristics that distinguish them from testosterone-based compounds. Understanding how mesterolone compares to other DHT-derived oral agents helps clarify its endocrine behavior, hepatic impact, and overall pharmacological profile.

Unlike testosterone, DHT derivatives cannot aromatize into estrogen. This fundamental difference shapes their side-effect pattern and endocrine impact. However, absence of aromatization does not mean absence of risk. Each DHT-derived compound has a specific balance of androgenic activity, anabolic potential, and systemic influence.

Important medical note: Mesterolone is a prescription androgen. All hormone-active agents influence the endocrine system and require medical supervision and laboratory monitoring.

Mesterolone vs DHT

Mesterolone is structurally related to dihydrotestosterone but modified to allow oral activity. Natural DHT itself is not orally bioavailable, whereas mesterolone was chemically adjusted to survive oral administration.

Key differences:
• DHT is naturally occurring in the body
• Mesterolone is synthetic and orally active
• Both do not aromatize into estrogen
• Mesterolone binds strongly to SHBG

Because mesterolone binds strongly to SHBG, it may influence the ratio of free to bound testosterone in circulation. This property differentiates it from many other DHT derivatives.

Mesterolone vs Oxandrolone

Mesterolone and Oxandrolone are both DHT derivatives but differ significantly in anabolic strength and liver interaction.

Mesterolone:
• Primarily androgenic
• Limited anabolic effect
• Minimal aromatization
• Low relative liver toxicity

Oxandrolone:
• Moderate anabolic activity
• Non-aromatizing
• 17-alpha alkylated (moderate liver stress)
• Suppresses endogenous testosterone

Oxandrolone has greater anabolic potential, while mesterolone's impact is more androgen-dominant and SHBG-focused.

Mesterolone vs Other Oral DHT Derivatives

When compared to compounds like Oxymetholone, differences become more pronounced.

Oxymetholone:
• Highly anabolic
• Significant liver stress
• Strong lipid profile disruption
• Indirect estrogen-like side effects

Mesterolone:
• Mild anabolic effect
• Lower liver stress compared to 17-alpha alkylated agents
• No direct estrogen conversion
• Primarily androgen receptor activity

These distinctions are critical for understanding risk differences between DHT derivatives.

Liver Impact Comparison

Many oral anabolic agents are 17-alpha alkylated to survive digestion. This structural modification increases liver strain. Mesterolone is not considered highly hepatotoxic in the same category as oxymetholone or methandrostenolone.

Relative comparison:
• Mesterolone - Low hepatic strain
• Oxandrolone - Moderate hepatic strain
• Oxymetholone - High hepatic strain

Even compounds with lower relative liver stress require monitoring when prescribed medically.

Lipid & Cardiovascular Considerations

All androgens can influence cholesterol levels to varying degrees. While mesterolone is not strongly hepatotoxic, it may still alter lipid markers and androgen balance.

Monitoring typically includes:
• HDL and LDL cholesterol
• Blood pressure
• Hormonal panels
• Complete blood count

Cardiovascular health is influenced by cumulative exposure and overall lifestyle factors.

Endocrine System Differences Across DHT Derivatives

DHT derivatives share a common non-aromatizing characteristic, but they vary in anabolic strength and suppression potential. Mesterolone is generally considered less suppressive compared to stronger anabolic agents, but suppression can still occur depending on dose and duration.

Endocrine variables include:
• SHBG interaction strength
• Androgen receptor activation
• Degree of HPG axis suppression
• Lipid and metabolic influence

Understanding these mechanisms supports informed medical oversight and safer decision-making.

Comparison Table