|
METHYLTESTOSTERONE
Pharmaceutical Name: Methyltestosterone
Chemical Structure: 17alpha-methyl-4-androstene-3-one,17b-ol
Molecular Weight: 302.4558
Chemical Formula: C20 H30 O2
Melting Point: 162-167 Celsius
Active Life: 6-8 hours
Anabolic/Androgenic Ratio (Range): 115-150/94-130
Methyltestosterone is a 17 alpha alkylated oral steroid that is a form of
testosterone. This was one of the first oral steroids to be produced, first
appearing in the 1930s, and is still in use today to treat some medical
conditions. However for the most part there have been countless advancements
that have made the use of methyltestosterone are reserved for rather specific
circumstances.
In terms of uses for strength athletes and bodybuilders, methyltestosterone
has several characteristics that can be beneficial. It is both moderately
anabolic and androgenic. However this is somewhat tempered because the
compound is also severely estrogenic due to it being very receptive to the
aromatase enzyme (1).
For the most part users should not expect to experience dramatic gains in
muscle mass from this compound. This may be partially as a result of the 17
alpha methylation, as this can result in a lower anabolic activity than the
parent compound (1). However the androgenic qualities of the compound are
something that could be of interest to many users.
In terms of estrogenic conversion, it is believed that methyltestosterone
converts to the more biologically active estrogen 17 alpha methylestradiol.
This can account for the increased occurrence and severity of the estrogenic
side effects that users often report. It is thought by many that the side
effects associated with the compound and their severity simply make
methyltestosterone rather inefficient when the comparatively small amounts of
muscle growth are factored in. Often the negatives outweigh the positives.
Having said this however, if used for its androgenic properties, users may
find methyltestosterone quite effective. Of course it should be used in
conjunction with other compounds and should not be relied upon as a
'stand-alone' drug. Its synergistic effects would be much more beneficial to
the user.
Use and Dosing of Methyltestosteron
Due to the active life of the drug, users must spread out the doses of
methyltestosterone throughout the day for at least two or three evenly spaced
doses to maintain stable blood levels of the compound. Some users anecdotally
report that taking a dose prior to their workout helps raise their level of
aggression slightly, providing them with a greater degree of focus in the gym
(2). However this effect is somewhat debatable and varies from user to user.
Most inexperienced users will begin using methyltestosterone in doses of about
30-50mgs per day and adjust as needed. Due to the issues related to
hepatoxicity it is recommended that users limit their use of this compound to
only a few weeks. Limiting the usage of this drug to 4-6 weeks would help to
avoid any serious complications that could become a problem in terms of liver
toxicity.
Many users will use this compound similarly to methandrostenolone or
oxymetholone and cycle it as a 'jump start' when waiting for long acting
estered compounds to 'kick in'. Usually once the effects of these long acting
estered Injectables are beginning to be realized, users discontinue use of the
oral compound. This is not to say that use of methyltestosterone is limited to
this protocol but it is by far the most popular. One such exception would be
its use prior to various sorts of competitions is also quite common so that
its effects are realized during a specific period.
Risks and Side Effects while using Methyltestosteron
Estrogenic side effects can be a concern with methyltestosterone, as it
converts to estradiol via aromatase, although this is quite modest at best.
High blood pressure, water retention, gynocomastia, and acne are all possible
undesirable side effects during use of methyltestosterone. It should also be
noted that this compound converts to dihydrotestosterone, which can cause
prostate enlargement and hair loss (2). Use of Finasteride or other similar
compounds may be able to at least partially treat or prevent these side
effects.
In women it is not uncommon for virilizing side effects to occur (3),
including increased growth of androgen-sensitive hair and deepening the voice,
amongst others. There are no ways to minimize these side effects in women if
they are experienced other than to keep the dosage that one is taking to a
minimum. It is for this reason that it is not recommended that women
experiment with methyltestosterone.
Like most oral steroids methyltestosterone is 17-alpha-alkylated so that it
can't be broken down into a 17-ketosteroid, and therefore rendering the
substance ineffective (4). However, this causes liver values to become
elevated over a short period of time. It is for this reason that long-term use
of any 17-alpha-alkylated steroid is considered dangerous. Despite this
however, no long-term damage should be expected if use is kept to relatively
short periods, with liver values returning to previous levels after use is
discontinued in nearly all cases (4).
References
1. Llewellyn, William, Anabolics 2004, 2003-4, Molecular
Nutrition, pp. 121-2
2. Daly RC, Su TP, Schmidt PJ, Pagliaro M, Pickar D, Rubinow DR.
Neuroendocrine and behavioral effects of high-dose anabolic steroid
administration in male normal volunteers. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2003
Apr;28(3):317-31
3. Basaria S, Nguyen T, Rosenson RS, Dobs AS. Effect of methyl testosterone
administration on plasma viscosity in postmenopausal women. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf).
2002 Aug;57(2):209-14
4. Westaby, D., Ogle, S.J., Paradinas, F.J., et al.: Liver damage from
long-term methyltestosterone. Lancet, August 6:261, 1977.
Books and Courses
|
Great Websites
|
Excellent Stores
|
Recipe Cook Books
|
|
|
