Masteron (Drostanolone)
MAS-ter-on
Category
Compound type
Phase / Status
FDA approved (brand name Drostanolone). Discontinued in US but available internationally. Still used in veterinary medicine.
Standard Dose
2-3x weekly (injectable), once daily (oral)
Half-life
Plasma elimination
Route(s)
Oral
Research Stage
Regulatory approval granted; post-market monitoring ongoing.
Overview
Drostanolone is typically discussed as a late-cycle or 'drying' agent because it is DHT-derived and does not convert to estrogen. However, it can still affect lipids, hormones, and hair follicles in susceptible individuals, and it carries general risks associated with androgen exposure. If you are considering any use, use medical supervision and avoid relying on informal dosing practices.
Plain-language summary
Drostanolone is typically discussed as a late-cycle or 'drying' agent because it is DHT-derived and does not convert to estrogen. However, it can still affect lipids, hormones, and hair follicles in susceptible individuals, and it carries general risks associated with androgen exposure. If you are considering any use, use medical supervision and avoid relying on informal dosing practices.
Administration Routes
- Oral
Also known as
Mechanisms
DHT-derived anabolic steroid - binds androgen receptors, has mild anti-estrogenic properties. Already 5-alpha-reduced so it can't convert to estrogen.
Detailed mechanism
Drostanolone is a 2-methyl derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) esterified at C-17 for injectable depot formulations, making it intrinsically resistant to aromatization because it lacks the C-19 methyl group required for CYP19A1 substrate recognition. It binds the androgen receptor with moderate affinity, promoting anabolic gene transcription in muscle (actin, myosin, IGF-1) while simultaneously competing with estradiol for binding at the estrogen receptor alpha in a partial antagonist capacity - the mechanistic basis for its mild anti-estrogenic reputation in users stacking with aromatizing compounds. The 2-methyl substitution also partially retards 5-alpha reduction, extending biological activity, though androgenic effects on scalp follicles (via local DHT) and sebaceous glands remain clinically relevant in genetically susceptible individuals.
Safety
Side effects
- Hair loss (it's DHT-derived - accelerates MPB)
- Acne and oily skin
- Testosterone suppression
- May lower HDL cholesterol
- Prostate enlargement
- Injection site pain (enanthate)
Reported benefits
- Hard, dry, vascular muscle appearance
- Zero water retention
- Mild anti-estrogenic effects
- Preserves muscle during extreme cutting
- Pre-contest favorite
- No estrogen-related side effects
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
Masteron (Drostanolone)
No exact public structure match was confirmed, so the app will render a formula-backed illustration.
- Chemical Formula
- C20H28O2
- Molecular Weight
- 312.46 g/mol
- CAS Number
- 521-12-0
Stack Context
Stacks with
References
- 1View source
Drostanolone propionate pharmacokinetics and detection in urine (PubMed)
1990
- 2View source
Drostanolone (PIM 901) - WHO International Programme on Chemical Safety pharmacological profile (INCHEM)
1993
- 3View source
Adverse Effects of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: A Literature Review (PMC)
2021
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.