Masteron Propionate

Description

Masteron (Drostanolone) is a unique anabolic steroid because of the way it is derived from DHT (dihydrotestosterone). It is altered by the addition of a methyl group at the carbon 2 position. This structural change is what makes masteron anabolic, and what makes it function the way it does.

Masteron is extremely popular in bodybuilding; in fact, it’s used in cutting, hardening, and even as an aromatase inhibitor (AI). This makes it a great choice as a finisher during a cycle; though, it should always be stacked with other steroids to get the most benefits out of it. It is especially a good choice with aromatizing compounds like testosterone and dianabol because it works in synergy to counteract estrogen based water weight.

Drostanolone Propionate is a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) derived anabolic steroid. Specifically, Masteron is the DHT hormone that has been structurally altered by the addition of a methyl group at the carbon 2 position, This protects the hormone from the metabolic breakdown by the 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme, which is found in the skeletal muscle. It also greatly increases the hormone’s anabolic nature. This simple structural change is all it takes to create Drostanolone, and from here the small/short Propionate ester is attached in order to control the hormone’s release time. Drostanolone Enanthate can also be found through some underground labs, which does not have to be injected as frequently, but it is somewhat rare compared to the Propionate version. The majority of all Masteron on the market will be Drostanolone Propionate.

On a functional basis, Masteron is well-known for being one of the only anabolic steroids with strong anti-estrogenic properties. Not only does this steroid carry no estrogenic activity, but it can actually act as an anti-estrogen in the body. This is why it has been effective in the treatment of breast cancer. In fact, the combination of Masteron and Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate) has been shown to be far more effective than chemotherapy in the treatment of inoperable breast cancer in postmenopausal women. This also makes it a popular steroid among bodybuilders as it could actually prohibit the need for an anti-estrogen when used in the right cycle. This will also prove advantageous during the cutting phase due to the hardening effects it can provide.

 

HISTORY

Masteron was developed in 1959, alongside anadrol, by Syntex Pharmaceuticals, but it did not hit the market until 1970. At first, it was sold under the brand names Masteril and Drostanolonum. Later, when Eli Lilly received a license for the drug, it was sold as Drolban. First developed to combat breast cancer, today it is used exclusively for bodybuilding as a cutting steroid.

The original Masteron was only available as propionate, so many old timers are not even aware that the enanthate version exists. In fact, we can give thanks to the underground labs (UGL’s) we have today, who have made masteron enanthate available.

 

ANABOLIC-ANDROGENIC RATIO

The anabolic/androgenic ratio of Masteron is only 62:25; testosterone is the baseline 100:100. Do not let these numbers fool you into thinking masteron is weak. There isn’t a better hardener out there, but it is true that if ran alone, masteron will be woefully inadequate for gains.

 

MEDICAL USES

Masteron was used for many years to combat advanced inoperable breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The FDA still approves drostanolone for this purpose, but it is rarely used today due to the other options available to women.

 

WHAT IS DHT?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a sex steroid and androgen hormone. In the body, the 5a-reductase enzyme synthesizes DHT in the adrenal glands, testes, hair follicles and prostate, giving males man-like features. In males, 5% of testosterone that is produced gets converted to DHT, so anytime testosterone is increased, you will also increase DHT. DHT does not convert to estrogen. Since Masteron is a DHT derived compound, you can expect much more increased DHT in the body, without estrogen increasing. Masteron carries relatively low anabolic and androgenic ratings; however, these ratings are somewhat misleading. It’s important to remember DHT, the basis of Masteron, is five times more androgenic than testosterone with a much stronger binding affinity to the androgen receptor. This again promotes a harder look and can also enhance fat loss. Most all anabolic steroids are well-noted for enhancing the metabolic rate, but strong androgens have a tendency to directly promote lipolysis.

 

WHAT IS SHBG?

SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) is a protein that binds to sex steroids, and renders them inactive for as long as SHBG is bound to them.

There is a difference between ‘free’ testosterone and ‘bound’ testosterone. Free testosterone is what matters, so the higher you can get that relative to total testosterone the more benefits you can expect. Masteron, being a DHT derivative, will strongly bind to SHBG, this will increase free testosterone, which is why it works so well as part of a steroid stack instead of alone.

 

HIGHER TESTOSTERONE LEVELS TYPICALLY MEAN:
Stronger libido
Better erections
Strength and muscle gains
Better mood
Increased feeling of overall well being
ENANTHATE VS. PROPIONATE

There are several injectable anabolic steroids which carry different esters: testosterone, trenbolone and nandrolone are the most popular examples. Longer esters like enanthate (enan) can be injected less often, usually once (1) or twice (2) per week. On the other hand, shorter esters like propionate (prop) are usually injected every day or every other day (ED and EOD). For those who would rather inject twice a week, they can pick the enanthate version.

Users who use masteron propionate tend to stack it with another shorter ester such as trenbolone acetate, testosterone propionate, or NPP (nandrolone phenylpropionate). Stacking keeps esters consistent with each other. On the other hand, those that go with the enanthate version of masteron tend to stack testosterone enanthate or cypionate, trenbolone enanthate, or deca durabolin (nandrolone decanoate).

 

Propionate ester will reach peak levels in the body faster than the enanthate ester. As a result, it will be out of the system faster, so recovery will be faster. It is important to remember the body’s HPTA will not recover until steroid esters are completely out of your system.

The best recommendation is if you are running a cycle 8 weeks or less, then go with Masteron Propionate; however, if you run a longer cycle, then it’s a good idea to use Masteron Enanthate. In the end, it may come down to personal preference, some users swear prop works better for them, and others say there is no difference.

 

USE AND DOSAGES

Masteron should be used as part of a steroid stack, so that the user can benefit from the SHBG binding. Average dosage is 400-500mg per week, some experienced users will go up to a gram (1000mgs) per week.

Masteron works best for those with lower body fat who are looking to harden up the muscles, so it’s mainly used as a finisher to a cutting cycle, ahead of a competition, or before a photo shoot. It’s a mainstream belief that masteron is primarily a cosmetic compound, so a person should have a nice physique before wasting their time expecting tremendous results from using it alone.

I generally do not recommend those who have higher amounts of body fat (over 10-13%), or who do not have muscle mass on their frame, to use Masteron. However, this does not mean they cannot get the benefits of increased free testosterone, low side effects, and water shedding if that is their goal.

 

DETECTION TIMES AND HALF LIFE

The detection time for masteron propionate is 3 weeks with a 3-4 day half life. For masteron enanthate, the half life is about 8-10 days, and the detection time is up to a whopping 3 months. Those who will be tested should always choose propionate and stop at least 3 weeks before testing. Recently, a well known MMA athlete, Anderson Silva, was busted for masteron.

 

SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects with masteron are low in terms of estrogenic effects; in fact, it can lower estrogen during a cycle because of its AI like properties. However, this does not shield someone from negative DHT side effects, such as head hair loss, which is very common with this compound. Masteron, like all anabolic steroids is suppressive, so a post cycle therapy (PCT) is needed.

Since masteron is a DHT derivative, women are discouraged from using it, in even moderate doses, due to the risk of virilization (enlarged clitoris, facial hair, deepening voice). If it is used, it should be a tiny dose and for short periods.