Norbolethone

Norbolethone is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) that was developed in 1966 but was never marketed for commercial use due to concerns about its potential toxicity. It is an orally active steroid, meaning it can be taken by mouth.

Other Names: Norbolethone is also known by the following names:

• Norboletone

• Genabol (proposed brand name)

• 17\alpha-Ethyl-18-methyl-19-nortestosterone

• 13$\beta$-Ethyl-17$\alpha$-hydroxy-18,19-dinorpregn-4-en-3-one

Side Effects and Benefits

As Norbolethone was never widely used clinically, detailed information about its specific side effects and benefits in a medical context is limited. However, as with any anabolic-androgenic steroid, its use is associated with a range of potential side effects and benefits, which are generally consistent across this class of drugs.

Potential Benefits (often associated with misuse):

• Anabolic effects: Norbolethone is known for its ability to promote muscle growth and increase strength.

• Weight gain: It was investigated for use as an agent to encourage weight gain.

Potential Side Effects (as with other AAS):

• In men: Reduced sperm count, infertility, shrunken testicles, erectile dysfunction, hair loss, breast development (gynecomastia), and an increased risk of prostate cancer.

• In women: Facial and body hair growth, loss of breasts, clitoral swelling, a deepened voice, menstrual problems, and hair loss.

• General side effects (both genders):

  • Cardiovascular: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, fluid retention, blood clots, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

  • Liver: Liver problems or failure.

  • Mental/Emotional: Aggressive behavior ("roid rage"), mood swings, paranoia, manic behavior, hallucinations, and delusions.

  • Other: Severe acne, and stunted growth in adolescents due to premature bone aging.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High Anabolic-to-Androgenic Ratio: Norbolethone is characterized by a relatively high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio, which means it is designed to promote muscle growth (anabolic effects) with a reduced risk of male-characteristic-inducing (androgenic) side effects.

• Oral Administration: Its oral activity makes it a convenient alternative to injectable steroids.

Cons:

• Health Risks: Like other AAS, it carries significant health risks, including severe cardiovascular, liver, and mental health issues.

• Illegality: It is a banned substance in most major sports and is classified as a controlled substance in many countries, making its possession and use illegal.

• Lack of Medical Use: It has never been approved for medical use, so its long-term effects and safety profile in humans are not well-established.

Dosage and Frequency

There is no established or medically recommended dosage for Norbolethone because it was never marketed as a pharmaceutical drug. Information on typical doses for illicit use is not available from reliable sources.

Half-life and Detection Time

The half-life and detection time of Norbolethone can vary based on individual metabolism, dosage, and duration of use. As a synthetic anabolic steroid, it is detectable in drug tests for a prolonged period. While specific numbers for Norbolethone are not widely published, other oral anabolic steroids can be detectable in urine for weeks or even months. Hair follicle tests have a detection window of up to 12 months.

Sterogenic, Progestronic, and Prolactin Effects

• Sterogenic: As an anabolic-androgenic steroid, Norbolethone is a synthetic version of testosterone, and it interacts with the body's natural steroid hormone systems.

• Progestronic: Information on its specific progestronic activity is not widely available, but some 19-nor anabolic steroids are known to have progestogenic properties, which can contribute to side effects like gynecomastia.

• Prolactin: The effect of Norbolethone on prolactin is not well documented. However, some anabolic steroids can affect prolactin levels, and certain steroids with progestogenic activity can increase prolactin, which can lead to gynecomastia.

Anabolic-Androgenic Ratio

Norbolethone is described as having a high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio. While a precise numerical ratio is not readily available in public, peer-reviewed literature, this characteristic is what makes it desirable for those seeking muscle growth with fewer androgenic side effects. The ratio of testosterone is often used as a baseline, which is 1:1. A high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio indicates that the anabolic effects are more pronounced than the androgenic effects.