Danazol
DAY-na-zol
Category
Compound type
Phase / Status
FDA approved (brand name Danazol). Generic available. Niche use in performance contexts.
Standard Dose
Once or twice daily
Half-life
Plasma elimination
Route(s)
Oral
Research Stage
Regulatory approval granted; post-market monitoring ongoing.
Overview
Danazol changes hormonal feedback signaling that can reduce gonadotropin release and affect downstream sex-hormone balance. It has important androgen-related side effects, so its use should be limited to appropriate medical indications under clinician supervision. If you are considering hormone-related therapy for any reason, discuss options with a healthcare professional rather than relying on informal protocols.
Plain-language summary
Danazol changes hormonal feedback signaling that can reduce gonadotropin release and affect downstream sex-hormone balance. It has important androgen-related side effects, so its use should be limited to appropriate medical indications under clinician supervision. If you are considering hormone-related therapy for any reason, discuss options with a healthcare professional rather than relying on informal protocols.
Administration Routes
- Oral
Also known as
Mechanisms
Synthetic androgen - suppresses gonadotropin secretion, weak androgen receptor agonist. Messes with the normal hormone cascade in a way that can paradoxically support testosterone recovery.
Detailed mechanism
Danazol is a synthetic 17alpha-ethinyl testosterone derivative that suppresses pituitary gonadotropin secretion (LH and FSH) by altering GnRH pulsatility and pituitary sensitivity, leading to reduced ovarian and testicular steroid production. It also binds weakly to androgen receptors, progesterone receptors, and glucocorticoid receptors while displacing sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)-bound testosterone, which can transiently increase free testosterone levels. These combined actions on the HPG axis and SHBG make it useful in endometriosis and hereditary angioedema, while its androgenic side-effect burden limits broader clinical adoption.
Safety
Side effects
- Acne (androgenic effects)
- Oilier skin
- Voice deepening (irreversible at high doses - scary for women)
- Hair loss if you're genetically prone
- Weight gain
- Liver enzyme elevation
Reported benefits
- May boost free testosterone in specific contexts
- FDA-approved for endometriosis
- Suppresses FSH/LH (useful in certain protocols)
- Oral administration
- Alternative for those who can't tolerate SERMs
Safety profile
Well-characterized safety profile from extensive clinical use and trials.
Clinical trials
Completed clinical trials leading to FDA or regulatory approval.
Structure
Verified structure
Danazol
No exact public structure match was confirmed, so the app will render a formula-backed illustration.
- Chemical Formula
- C22H28O2
- Molecular Weight
- 312.43 g/mol
- CAS Number
- 60-67-3
Stack Context
Stacks with
References
- 1View source
Treatment of hereditary angioedema with danazol: reversal of clinical and biochemical abnormalities (New Engl J Med)
1976
- 2View source
Danazol for pelvic pain associated with endometriosis: Cochrane systematic review (Cochrane Database Syst Rev)
2007
- 3View source
Danazol (Danocrine) FDA-approved prescribing information - drug label NDA 017557 (FDA AccessData)
2015
This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.