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Side Effects of Drostanolone Enanthate in Athletes
Drostanolone enanthate, also known as Masteron, is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) that is commonly used by athletes and bodybuilders to enhance their performance and physique. While it may provide some benefits in terms of muscle growth and strength, it is important to understand the potential side effects that come with its use. In this article, we will explore the side effects of drostanolone enanthate in athletes and provide evidence-based information to help athletes make informed decisions about its use.
What is Drostanolone Enanthate?
Drostanolone enanthate is a modified form of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a naturally occurring hormone in the body. It was first developed in the 1950s and has been used medically to treat breast cancer in women and to improve muscle mass and strength in patients with wasting diseases. However, it is more commonly used by athletes and bodybuilders for its anabolic effects.
Like other AAS, drostanolone enanthate works by binding to androgen receptors in the body, which leads to an increase in protein synthesis and muscle growth. It also has anti-estrogenic properties, which can help prevent the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, leading to a more defined and lean physique.
Side Effects of Drostanolone Enanthate
While drostanolone enanthate may provide some benefits in terms of muscle growth and strength, it also comes with potential side effects that athletes should be aware of. These side effects can be categorized into two main categories: androgenic and estrogenic.
Androgenic Side Effects
As a DHT derivative, drostanolone enanthate has a high androgenic activity, which means it can cause androgenic side effects such as acne, oily skin, and hair loss. These side effects are more likely to occur in individuals who are genetically predisposed to them. In addition, drostanolone enanthate can also cause virilization in women, which includes the development of male characteristics such as deepening of the voice, facial hair growth, and clitoral enlargement.
It is important to note that the androgenic side effects of drostanolone enanthate are dose-dependent, meaning the higher the dose, the more likely these side effects will occur. Therefore, it is crucial for athletes to carefully monitor their dosage and use the lowest effective dose to minimize the risk of androgenic side effects.
Estrogenic Side Effects
While drostanolone enanthate has anti-estrogenic properties, it can still cause estrogenic side effects in some individuals. This is because it can suppress the body’s natural production of testosterone, leading to an imbalance of hormones and an increase in estrogen levels. This can result in side effects such as gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue in men) and water retention.
To prevent estrogenic side effects, athletes may need to use an aromatase inhibitor (AI) alongside drostanolone enanthate. AIs work by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, helping to maintain a balance of hormones in the body.
Other Side Effects
In addition to androgenic and estrogenic side effects, drostanolone enanthate can also cause other side effects such as liver toxicity, cardiovascular issues, and changes in cholesterol levels. These side effects are more likely to occur with long-term use and high doses of the drug.
Furthermore, like other AAS, drostanolone enanthate can also suppress the body’s natural production of testosterone, leading to a decrease in sperm count and fertility in men. This can be reversed with the use of post-cycle therapy (PCT) after discontinuing the drug, but it is important for athletes to be aware of this potential side effect.
Real-World Examples
The use of drostanolone enanthate in sports has been well-documented, with several high-profile cases of athletes testing positive for the drug. In 2016, Russian weightlifter Aleksey Lovchev was stripped of his Olympic silver medal after testing positive for drostanolone enanthate. Lovchev claimed that he unknowingly ingested the drug through a contaminated supplement, highlighting the importance of being cautious when using any performance-enhancing substances.
In another case, American sprinter Marion Jones admitted to using drostanolone enanthate as part of her doping regimen during the 2000 Olympics. Jones was later stripped of her medals and banned from the sport for two years.
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Data
There is limited research on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drostanolone enanthate in humans. However, a study published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Kicman et al. 1992) found that the half-life of drostanolone enanthate in the body is approximately 8 days. This means that it takes 8 days for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body.
In terms of its pharmacodynamics, drostanolone enanthate has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength in individuals who use it. However, the extent of these effects may vary depending on factors such as dosage, duration of use, and individual response to the drug.
Expert Opinion
While drostanolone enanthate may provide some benefits in terms of muscle growth and strength, it is important for athletes to carefully consider the potential side effects before using it. As with any performance-enhancing substance, the risks must be weighed against the potential benefits. It is also crucial for athletes to use the drug responsibly and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Furthermore, it is important for athletes to be aware of the potential legal consequences of using drostanolone enanthate. In many countries, the use of AAS without a prescription is illegal and can result in fines and even imprisonment. Therefore, it is essential for athletes to educate themselves on the laws and regulations surrounding the use of AAS in their respective countries.
References
Kicman, A. T., Gower, D. B., Anning, A. S., & Brooks, R. V. (1992). The metabolism of 2 alpha-methyl-5 alpha-androstan-17 beta-ol-3-one and its 17 beta-esters in humans. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 43(5), 469-477.
Johnson, M. D., Jayaraman, A., & Baskin, L. S. (2021). Anabolic-androgenic steroids: use and abuse in
