Prostanozol

What is Prostanozol?

Prostanozol is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) and "designer steroid" that functions as a prodrug for a derivative of stanozolol (Winstrol). It's also known by its chemical name, demethylstanozolol tetrahydropyran ether. It was identified in 2005 as an ingredient in bodybuilding supplements, often sold as "dietary supplements."

As a prodrug, Prostanozol itself is inactive, but once in the body, it is metabolized into the active compound, which is a 17$\alpha$-demethylated analogue of stanozolol. This makes it an orally active steroid, but also one that carries a high risk of liver toxicity.

Side Effects and Benefits

Benefits: The primary "benefit" of using Prostanozol, like other anabolic steroids, is its anabolic effect. This can lead to increased muscle mass, strength, and improved athletic performance. However, these "benefits" are not without significant health risks, and the use of such substances is often illegal and prohibited in competitive sports.

Side Effects: The side effects of Prostanozol are similar to those of stanozolol and other anabolic steroids. They can be severe and, in some cases, irreversible.

• Liver Toxicity: This is a major concern with oral anabolic steroids like Prostanozol. The drug is processed through the liver and can cause liver damage, liver cancer, or acute liver failure. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), severe abdominal pain, and dark urine.

• Cardiovascular Issues: Prostanozol can negatively affect cholesterol levels by lowering HDL ("good" cholesterol) and raising LDL ("bad" cholesterol), increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. It can also cause high blood pressure (hypertension).

• Hormonal Imbalances:

  • In men: Can lead to a reduction in natural testosterone production, causing testicular atrophy, decreased libido, and infertility. Gynecomastia (development of breast tissue) can also occur.

  • In women: Can cause virilization, including a deepening of the voice, increased body hair, clitoral enlargement (which is often irreversible), and menstrual irregularities.

• Musculoskeletal Issues: The drug can lead to joint pain and an increased risk of tendon ruptures, as it may cause joints and tendons to become "dry" and more susceptible to injury.

• Psychological Effects: Users may experience mood swings, aggression, irritability, and depression.

• Other Side Effects: Acne, oily skin, and hair loss (particularly in those genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness) are also possible.

Pros and Cons

Since Prostanozol is not a medically approved substance for general use, the concept of "pros" and "cons" is based on its intended use in bodybuilding and athletic performance enhancement, which is illegal and dangerous.

Pros (from an abuser's perspective):

• Increased muscle mass and strength.

• Potential for improved athletic performance.

Cons:

• Severe and potentially irreversible side effects, including liver toxicity, cardiovascular problems, and hormonal imbalances.

• Illegality: The substance is a controlled substance in many countries.

• Detection in drug tests: It has a long detection time, making it a high-risk substance for athletes.

• Psychological effects such as mood swings and aggression.

Dosage and Frequency

There is no standard or medically recommended dosage for Prostanozol as it is not a prescription medication. Dosages and frequencies used by individuals who misuse the substance are highly variable and can lead to severe health consequences.

Half-Life and Detection Time

• Half-Life: As a prodrug of a stanozolol derivative, its half-life would be related to that of the active compound. The half-life of oral stanozolol is approximately 9 hours.

• Detection Time: Prostanozol and its metabolites can be detected in urine for a prolonged period. Stanozolol has a long detection window due to the discovery of long-term metabolites, which can be detected for up to two months.

Sterogenic, Progestogenic, and Prolactin Effects

• Sterogenic: This term is not a standard pharmacological term. Anabolic-androgenic steroids are a class of steroids. Prostanozol is an anabolic-androgenic steroid, meaning it promotes both muscle growth (anabolic effects) and the development of male characteristics (androgenic effects).

• Progestogenic: Prostanozol, like stanozolol, does not possess significant progestogenic activity. This means it does not activate progesterone receptors.

• Prolactin: Anabolic steroids like Prostanozol do not directly increase prolactin levels. However, the use of other steroids in a cycle might have an indirect effect. Elevated prolactin is typically associated with other types of compounds.

Anabolic-Androgenic Ratio

Prostanozol is a derivative of stanozolol, and therefore, its anabolic-androgenic ratio is expected to be similar to that of stanozolol. The anabolic-androgenic ratio of stanozolol is reported to be 30:1 (compared to testosterone, which is 1:1). This high ratio indicates that it has a much stronger anabolic effect relative to its androgenic effect.