Oxandrolone vs Proviron
Well Studied vs Well Studied
avoid Mechanism-based · 64% Both Oxandrolone and Proviron carry hepatotoxic risk. Combining hepatotoxic compounds significantly increases liver damage potential. If unavoidable, include liver support (TUDCA/NAC) and monitor ALT/AST frequently.
Molecular Data
Oxandrolone Proviron
Weight 306.44 Da 304.47 Da
Half-life ~9-10 hours ~12 hours
Type 17-alpha-alkylated anabolic-androgenic steroid (C19H30O3) DHT derivative (C20H32O2)
Key Benefits
Oxandrolone
01 Promotes lean muscle mass gains with minimal water retention
02 Supports recovery of lost body weight following surgery, trauma, or chronic illness
03 Reduces bone pain associated with osteoporosis and improves bone mineral density
04 Does not aromatize to estrogen, avoiding estrogen-related side effects
05 Well-studied safety profile in women, children, and burn patients
06 Enhances nitrogen retention and protein synthesis during caloric deficit
07 Attenuates glucocorticoid-induced catabolism in post-surgical and burn patients
08 Lower androgenic potency compared to most oral anabolic steroids
Proviron
01 Strong SHBG binding frees more circulating testosterone, enhancing TRT efficacy
02 Improved mood, motivation, confidence, and overall sense of well-being
03 Significant enhancement of libido and sexual function
04 Anti-estrogenic effect reduces the need for dedicated aromatase inhibitors
05 Harder, drier, more defined physical appearance without water retention
06 Minimal hepatotoxicity due to absence of 17-alpha alkylation
07 May improve sperm quality at low doses in subfertile men
08 Rapid onset of subjective well-being effects (often within days)
Side Effects
Oxandrolone
HDL cholesterol suppression (dose-dependent, most significant lipid effect)
LDL cholesterol elevation
Mild hepatic stress (elevated liver enzymes ALT/AST)
Suppression of endogenous testosterone production
Mild headaches
Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort
Changes in libido (increase or decrease depending on hormonal context)
Oily skin and mild acne
Proviron
Accelerated hair thinning or loss in those predisposed to male pattern baldness (DHT-mediated)
Mild suppression of endogenous testosterone at higher doses (though less suppressive than most AAS)
Oily skin and increased sebum production
Mild HDL cholesterol suppression with extended use
Increased body hair growth
Contraindications
Known or suspected prostate cancer
Breast cancer in males
Breast cancer with hypercalcemia in females
Pregnancy (Category X - known to cause fetal harm)
Nephrosis or nephrotic phase of nephritis
Hypercalcemia
Severe hepatic dysfunction or active liver disease
Hypersensitivity to oxandrolone or any formulation component
Prostate cancer (active or history of androgen-sensitive prostate cancer)
Severe liver impairment (though hepatotoxicity risk is minimal)
Breast cancer in males
Hypersensitivity to mesterolone or any excipients
Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant (androgenic effects on fetus)
Research Evidence
Oxandrolone Proviron
Status Well Studied Well Studied
References 5 studies 5 studies
Latest September 2023 —
FDA Approved Yes No
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.