Desoxymethyltestosterone (DMT)

Desoxymethyltestosterone (DMT) is a potent synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) that has been used illicitly in sports for its performance-enhancing effects. It is often referred to by the names "Madol" and "Pheraplex." It was at the center of the BALCO doping scandal in the early 2000s.

Anabolic-Androgenic Ratio

The anabolic-androgenic ratio is a measure of a steroid's ability to build muscle (anabolic) versus its ability to produce male characteristics (androgenic). For DMT, studies have shown that it has a favorable ratio, meaning it is more anabolic than androgenic. One study on rats indicated that DMT has an anabolic effect 160% that of testosterone while being only 60% as androgenic, giving it a ratio of approximately 2.66:1.

Side Effects and Benefits

Benefits:

• Anabolic Effects: As an AAS, DMT is used to promote muscle growth and strength. Studies on animals have shown it to be a potent anabolic compound.

Side Effects:

• Liver Toxicity: Like other 17-alpha-alkylated oral steroids, DMT is known to be hepatotoxic, meaning it can cause liver damage.

• Cardiovascular Issues: Animal studies have shown that DMT can cause a significant increase in heart weight, which is a potential indicator of cardiotoxic side effects.

• Androgenic Side Effects: While it has a favorable anabolic-androgenic ratio, it still has androgenic effects. These can include hair loss, acne, and virilization in females (development of male characteristics).

• Hormonal Disruption: As a powerful anabolic steroid, it can suppress natural testosterone production, leading to a host of issues after discontinuation, such as low libido, fatigue, and muscle loss.

• Other Potential Effects: Research has also indicated a potential for it to stimulate the expression of certain genes in the liver.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong Anabolic Properties: It is a powerful muscle-building agent.

• Oral Availability: It is an orally active steroid, which is often seen as a convenience for users compared to injectables.

• Favorable Anabolic-Androgenic Ratio: This suggests it is more effective for building muscle than for causing masculinizing side effects.

Cons:

• Illegal and Unregulated: DMT is a controlled substance and is not approved for medical use. This means any products containing it are likely from illicit sources, with no quality control or assurance.

• Significant Health Risks: The potential for liver and heart damage is a major concern.

• Hormonal Suppression: It can severely disrupt the body's natural hormone production.

• Detection in Drug Testing: Due to its history in professional sports, it is a well-known substance to anti-doping agencies and is specifically tested for.

Dosage and Frequency

There is no medical consensus on dosage or frequency for DMT because it has never been approved for medical use. Dosages used by athletes in illicit settings are highly variable and not based on scientific data, making them inherently dangerous.

Half-Life and Detection Time

• Half-life: The half-life of DMT is not widely published in official medical literature, as it has not been studied in human clinical trials. However, information from unofficial sources suggests a relatively short half-life, which contributes to its use in doping, as it can be cleared from the system relatively quickly.

• Detection Time: DMT and its metabolites can be detected in drug tests for a significant period after use. While a general estimate for many AAS is weeks to months, the specific detection window for DMT is well-established by anti-doping authorities. It's known to be detectable for an extended period, which has led to many positive tests in professional sports.

Sterogenic, Progestogenic, and Prolactin Effects

• Sterogenic: DMT is a powerful anabolic-androgenic steroid with a high affinity for the androgen receptor (AR). This is the primary mechanism through which it exerts its effects on muscle growth and strength.

• Progestogenic: Research indicates that DMT has very low binding affinity for the progesterone receptor (PR). This means it is unlikely to have significant progestogenic effects, which can sometimes be a side effect of other AAS.

• Prolactin: There is limited information specifically on DMT's effect on prolactin. However, some anabolic steroids can indirectly increase prolactin levels, particularly those with progestogenic activity or those that aromatize to estrogen. Given DMT's low progestogenic activity, it is less likely to have a direct impact on prolactin, but the broader hormonal disruption from AAS use could still have an effect.