Provironum (mesterolone) is an androgen replacement therapy for men diagnosed with hypogonadism (low testosterone).

Provironum's effects are relatively mild when compared to many other testosterone replacement therapies. It is usually given when testosterone levels are only a little low, or when only one or two symptoms of hypogonadism are present. It is also much less likely to produce negative side effects than more potent alternatives.

This product is for use in sexually mature men only. It may rarely be prescribed to women and children, but these are exceptional cases and should only done under close doctor supervision.

The Importance of Testosterone

Most men know that testosterone is responsible for the development and maintenance of male characteristics. While testosterone levels do deplete to some extent with age, they shouldn't drop so low that male characteristics are lost. Symptoms that the problem is serious include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Unexplained mood swings
• Loss of body hair
• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Increase in fat, particularly in the abdomen
• Decrease in muscle and strength
• Decrease in bone mineral density and bone mass
• Reduced cognitive ability

Provironum is usually prescribed when symptoms are mild or only a couple are present. Testosterone levels will also be checked prior to starting treatment; the medication will do little good if low testosterone is not the cause.

Additionally, prior to beginning treatment, a doctor should examine the prostate and liver. Many prostate and liver cancers are highly responsive to testosterone and supplementing the body with more will not help.

Men who wish to significantly raise testosterone will want to look into gels, patches or injections.

Taking Provironum

Provironum comes in tablets, which should be swallowed whole. Fluid is recommended; food is optional but may help ease any gastrointestinal side effects.

Like all hormone therapies, the medication works best if levels are consistent in the body. For this reason effort should be made to take Provironum at the same times each day.

Treatment typically consists of:

• Start with 25 to 50 mg taken three to four times per day.
• After several months the initial dose is usually lowered to a maintenance dose.
• Some improvements may be noticeable after just a few days, but it will take around a month for full effects to be seen.
• If desirable effects are not produced within 2 or 3 months, alternative options should be explored.

While it may be tempting to administer more than the prescribed dose, men are strongly advised to avoid doing so---too much testosterone can be as harmful as too little.

Duration of treatment will vary to some extent but typically lasts several months at a minimum and may span years. For the entire length of treatment regular checkups are vital to monitor effectiveness, adjust dosage if necessary, and to monitor any developing side effects. Prostate exams and liver function tests are an important part of these checkups.

Precautions Before Use

Though widely regarded as a safe medication, there are some scenarios in which Provironum is not the ideal treatment. Discuss risks with a doctor if there is:

• Any other major medical condition present
• Prostate or liver cancer
• High risk of developing prostate or liver cancer

Women who take this, or any testosterone supplement, are at risk of developing male characteristics. Children, as well as nursing and unborn babies, exposed to testosterone are at risk of organ damage and premature puberty.

Provironum is not known to interact with any other medications.

Side effects are generally very mild, with the most common being headache and nausea. Often side effects will cease as treatment continues. Very rarely some symptoms of hypergonadism (too much testosterone) will develop; excessive hair growth, deepening voice, prolonged erections and so forth. Lowering the daily dosage amount will usually resolve the problem.