Methosarb

What is Methosarb?

Methosarb is the brand name for the anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) calusterone. It is also known by other names, including:

• 7β,17α-dimethyltestosterone

• NSC-88536

• U-22550

Calusterone is a 17-alkylated orally active androgenic steroid. It was used as an antineoplastic (anti-cancer) agent, particularly in the past for treating breast cancer in women. It works by altering the metabolism of estradiol and reducing estrogen production.

Side Effects and Benefits

As a potent anabolic-androgenic steroid, calusterone's side effects and benefits are related to its hormonal activity.

Benefits:

• Antineoplastic: Its primary medical benefit was as an adjunct therapy for breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

• Anabolic effects: Like other AAS, it promotes muscle growth and an increase in strength. This is the reason it is a prohibited substance in most major sports.

Side Effects: Side effects associated with anabolic-androgenic steroids can be significant and vary depending on the dosage and duration of use. While specific side effects for calusterone are not detailed in the search results, general side effects for AAS include:

• Androgenic effects: These are effects related to the male hormone system, such as:

  • Virilization (development of male characteristics in women)

  • Hirsutism (excessive hair growth)

  • Deepening of the voice

  • Clitoral enlargement

• Cardiovascular effects: Can lead to negative changes in cholesterol levels.

• Hepatotoxicity: As a 17-alpha-alkylated steroid, it is known to be toxic to the liver.

• Endocrine effects: Suppression of natural testosterone production in men.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Therapeutic use: Its historical use in treating breast cancer demonstrated a specific medical application.

• Anabolic potential: It has a notable anabolic effect, which is why it has been used illicitly for performance enhancement.

Cons:

• Significant side effects: The potential for virilization in women and liver toxicity are major drawbacks.

• Prohibited substance: It is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and is illegal for non-medical use.

• No longer widely used: Due to its side effects and the development of more effective treatments, it is no longer a common medication.

Dosage and Frequency

The search results for dosage are specific to its medical use and mention ranges for different anabolic steroids. For Calusterone (Methosarb), one source lists a dosage of 40–80 mg per day, divided into four daily doses. However, this information is for its former medical use and should not be considered a recommendation for any other purpose.

Half-Life and Detection Time

The search results do not provide specific half-life or detection time data for calusterone. This information is typically available for more commonly used drugs and would require specialized resources. However, as an anabolic-androgenic steroid, its detection time can vary widely based on the substance's chemical structure, dosage, frequency, and individual metabolism. AAS are often detectable in urine for weeks or even months after use.

Sterogenic, Progestronic, and Prolactin Effects

• Sterogenic: Calusterone is a steroid, specifically an anabolic-androgenic steroid. It has a chemical structure derived from androstane.

• Progestronic: The search results do not directly state its progestogenic activity.

• Prolactin: The provided search results do not contain information linking calusterone directly to prolactin effects. However, some anabolic steroids can affect the endocrine system and, indirectly, other hormones.

Anabolic-Androgenic Ratio

The anabolic-androgenic ratio of a steroid is a measure of its anabolic (tissue-building) effects compared to its androgenic (masculinizing) effects. Testosterone is the baseline with a ratio of 1:1. The search results mention a study on the anabolic and androgenic activity of 7:17-dimethyltestosterone (calusterone's chemical name), but they do not provide a specific numerical ratio.