Drostanolone Propionate (Masteron)

Drostanolone propionate, also known as Masteron, is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It was initially developed for medical use, specifically as an anti-estrogen to treat inoperable breast cancer in postmenopausal women. While its medical use has become limited, it has gained popularity in the bodybuilding and athletic communities for its performance-enhancing and aesthetic effects.

Other Names

• Drostanolone propionate

• Masteron

• Drolban

• Masteril

• Permastril

Benefits and Side Effects

Benefits

• Aesthetic Improvement: It is highly valued for its ability to produce a "harder" and "dryer" look by reducing subcutaneous water retention. This makes it a popular choice for athletes and bodybuilders preparing for competitions.

• Anti-estrogenic Activity: As a DHT derivative, it does not aromatize into estrogen. This means it helps prevent estrogenic side effects like gynecomastia (enlargement of male breast tissue) and water retention. It can also be used to help mitigate these effects from other aromatizing steroids in a cycle.

• Muscle Preservation: Masteron is often used during "cutting cycles" to help preserve lean muscle mass in a calorie deficit, which is crucial for maintaining strength and size while losing body fat.

Side Effects The use of Drostanolone propionate is associated with a range of potential side effects, with the most common being androgenic in nature.

• Androgenic Side Effects: These are the most prominent and can include acne, accelerated male pattern baldness (in those predisposed), and increased body and facial hair growth. In women, it can lead to virilization, causing effects like a deepened voice, clitoral enlargement, and changes in body shape.

• Cardiovascular Risks: Like many other AAS, it can negatively impact cholesterol profiles, reducing high-density lipoprotein (HDL, "good" cholesterol) and increasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL, "bad" cholesterol), which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Suppression of Natural Testosterone: As with all anabolic steroids, it will suppress the body's natural production of testosterone, requiring a post-cycle therapy (PCT) to restore hormone levels.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• It does not convert to estrogen, eliminating the risk of estrogenic side effects.

• Effective for producing a lean, defined, and "hard" muscular appearance.

• Can be beneficial for maintaining muscle mass during a caloric deficit.

Cons

• High risk of androgenic side effects.

• Potential negative impact on cardiovascular health.

• It is a Schedule III controlled substance in the U.S. and is illegal for non-medical use.

Dosage and Frequency

Typical dosages and frequency for performance enhancement are not medically standardized and are based on anecdotal evidence. Common dosages cited in bodybuilding communities range from 300 to 500 mg per week, often divided into injections every other day due to the short half-life of the propionate ester.

Half-Life and Detection Time

• Half-Life: The half-life of Drostanolone propionate is approximately 2 to 3 days. This short duration necessitates frequent injections to maintain stable blood levels.

• Detection Time: The detection time in drug tests can vary, but due to its short ester, it is generally considered to have a shorter detection window than longer-acting steroids. It is typically detectable for about 3 weeks after the last injection, though this can vary based on individual metabolism and the sensitivity of the test.

Sterogenic, Progestronic, and Prolactin Effects

• Estrogenic: Drostanolone is a DHT derivative and does not aromatize. It has no estrogenic activity.

• Progestronic: It is not known to have significant progestogenic activity.

• Prolactin: It does not directly increase prolactin levels, so prolactin-related side effects are not a concern.

Anabolic-Androgenic Ratio

The anabolic-androgenic ratio of Drostanolone propionate is approximately 62:25. This indicates that it has a more significant anabolic effect compared to its androgenic effect, though its androgenic properties are still considerable.