Methandriol Dipropionate

What is Methandriol Dipropionate?

Methandriol Dipropionate (MADP) is a synthetic, injectable anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) and an androgen ester. It is a derivative of 5-androstenediol and is a 17α-alkylated compound, which means it has been modified to survive oral administration. However, MADP is typically administered via intramuscular injection. This modification and esterification (the addition of propionate esters) are done to extend its duration of action in the body, creating a "depot effect" where the compound is released slowly over several days.

Other Names: Methandriol Dipropionate is also known by its chemical name, methylandrostenediol dipropionate. It has been sold under various brand names, including Arbolic, Durabolic, Or-Bolic, Probolik, and Protabolin.

Side Effects and Benefits

Side Effects: As with all anabolic-androgenic steroids, Methandriol Dipropionate can cause a range of serious side effects. The specific side effects can vary depending on dosage, duration of use, and individual physiology. Some potential side effects include:

• Hepatotoxicity: The 17α-alkylation makes it potentially liver toxic.

• Cardiovascular Risks: It can alter blood lipid profiles (e.g., lower HDL, raise LDL), and contribute to hypertension and other cardiovascular issues.

• Androgenic Side Effects: These are related to its androgenic properties and can include acne, oily skin, hair loss (androgenic alopecia) in genetically predisposed individuals, and increased body hair growth. In women, this can lead to virilization (development of male characteristics) such as a deepened voice, clitoral enlargement, and changes in body shape.

• Hormonal Suppression: It can suppress the body's natural production of testosterone, leading to testicular atrophy, infertility, and other issues.

• Estrogenic Side Effects: Due to its potential to aromatize (convert to estrogen), it can cause gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men) and water retention.

Benefits: The primary "benefits" of this compound, as with other AAS, are related to its anabolic properties, which are sought after by athletes and bodybuilders. These include:

• Increased Muscle Mass: It can promote protein synthesis, leading to muscle growth.

• Increased Strength: It can contribute to gains in strength.

• Improved Recovery: It may help with faster recovery from exercise.

Pros and Cons

Pros (from the perspective of a user, but with a full understanding of the risks):

• Anabolic Effects: It is known for its ability to promote muscle and strength gains.

• Extended Half-Life: The dipropionate ester allows for less frequent injections compared to a non-esterified compound.

Cons:

• Significant Health Risks: The potential for liver toxicity, cardiovascular issues, and hormonal imbalances are major drawbacks.

• Androgenic Side Effects: The androgenic effects can be undesirable, especially for women.

• Illegal and Unregulated: For non-medical use, it is illegal in many places, and its quality and purity are not guaranteed in the black market.

Dosage and Frequency

There is no universally accepted or medically recommended dosage for Methandriol Dipropionate for performance enhancement, as it is not a medically prescribed drug for this purpose. Dosages and frequency used by individuals for non-medical reasons vary widely, often based on anecdotal information and personal experimentation, which is extremely dangerous.

Half-Life and Detection Time

• Half-Life: As an injected ester, its half-life is extended compared to its non-esterified form. While a precise number is difficult to determine from reliable sources for this specific compound, an injected propionate ester of a steroid typically has a half-life of a few days.

• Detection Time: The detection time of a steroid and its metabolites in the body is much longer than its half-life. It can be detectable in urine for several weeks to months, depending on the specific drug test (e.g., gas chromatography–mass spectrometry), the dosage, duration of use, and individual metabolism.

Sterogenic, Progestogenic, and Prolactin Effects

• Estrogenic: Methandriol can aromatize into an estrogenic compound. This means it can convert to estrogen in the body, leading to estrogenic side effects like gynecomastia and water retention.

• Progestogenic: There is limited information from reliable sources specifically on the progestogenic activity of Methandriol Dipropionate. However, some anabolic steroids can have progestogenic activity, which can contribute to side effects and further complicate hormonal balance.

• Prolactin: Prolactin is a hormone that can be affected by the use of certain anabolic steroids, particularly those with progestogenic activity. Elevated prolactin levels can cause issues such as gynecomastia (sometimes called "prolactin gyno"), erectile dysfunction, and lactation. The exact effect of Methandriol Dipropionate on prolactin is not well-documented in reliable medical literature.

Anabolic-Androgenic Ratio

The anabolic-androgenic ratio is a way of comparing a steroid's anabolic (muscle-building) effects to its androgenic (masculinizing) effects. The ratio is based on a comparison to testosterone, which has a ratio of 100:100.

While precise, universally agreed-upon ratios for every steroid are difficult to find in definitive medical literature, Methandriol is generally considered to have a favorable anabolic-androgenic ratio. Some sources suggest a ratio of approximately 300:60. This would indicate that it is significantly more anabolic than testosterone with less androgenic activity, but it's important to remember these are often based on in-vitro or animal studies and may not perfectly reflect human results.