Methasterone, also known by its brand name Superdrol, was initially developed by Syntex in 1956 as an attempt to find an azo compound with anti-tumor properties. Later, in late 2004, Designer Supplements LLC distributed Superdrol via the internet, marketing it as a prohormone to circumvent the Steroids Control Act of 1990.
The product quickly gained popularity for its potent effects in building lean muscle without causing water retention. Despite being incorrectly marketed and sold as a prohormone, Superdrol garnered significant attention and sales. However, in 2006, the FDA issued a warning that Superdrol contained an unapproved steroid compound, Methasterone, leading to its removal from the market.
Evaluating the Benefits of Superdrol
Though Superdrol has been subject to debate due to black market sales and potential for counterfeiting, reports from users suggest that it is a highly potent anabolic steroid, often compared to Trenbolone in terms of effectiveness.
Muscle Growth & Strength
Anecdotal evidence suggests that Superdrol can add 15-20lbs of lean muscle during a cycle and significantly enhance strength levels. However, it is noted that individuals with prior experience using steroids may not experience substantial gains, as most muscle and strength development occurs during initial steroid cycles.Despite its potency, Superdrol’s strength-enhancing effects have led to cases of serious injuries among bodybuilders and powerlifters, emphasizing the need for caution while using the product to avoid overexertion and potential harm.
Minimal Water Retention
One of the touted benefits of Superdrol is its ability to promote lean muscle growth without causing water retention, allowing users to maintain a defined and aesthetic physique.
Absence of Gynecomastia Risk
Superdrol is reported not to elevate estrogen or progesterone levels significantly, minimizing the risk of developing gynecomastia (commonly known as “man boobs”) for users.
Enhanced Muscle Pumps
Due to its ability to facilitate glycogen uptake in muscle cells, Superdrol is known to produce intense muscle pumps during workouts, contributing to its reputation as a powerful steroid for this effect.
Understanding Superdrol’s Side Effects
Note: Superdrol is considered unsuitable for beginners due to its high degree of toxicity.
Cardiovascular Risks
Superdrol has been shown to significantly impact cholesterol levels and blood pressure, leading to concerns about its effects on cardiovascular health.
Hepatotoxicity
The primary concern associated with Superdrol use is its potential to cause liver toxicity, as it is an oral steroid and a C-17 alpha alkylated compound, posing significant risks to liver function.These effects are detailed in various studies and user experiences, highlighting the potential dangers of using Superdrol without proper understanding and caution.
Study Findings
In a particular study, a man developed jaundice after consuming 2 tablets of Superdrol daily for 50 days (2).The daily dosage of Superdrol was 20mg (10mg per tablet), and the 50-day period represented a prolonged cycle for an orally toxic steroid. What’s concerning in this case is that the individual did not have any pre-existing health issues before using Superdrol.It is recommended that if someone chooses to use Superdrol, they should consider supplementing with 500mg of TUDCA per day throughout the cycle to provide significant protection for the liver. However, the safest option would be to avoid using Superdrol altogether.
Androgenic Properties
Despite having a low androgenic rating of 20, Superdrol’s effects are experienced as highly androgenic in practice. This can lead to common interactions such as male pattern baldness, prostate enlargement, and acne. Women who use Superdrol are likely to experience virilization effects.
Testosterone Suppression
Superdrol can significantly impact the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis, causing anabolic steroid-induced hypogonadism (ASIH) and leading to the suppression of natural testosterone levels. Recovery to normal levels can take several weeks or months, and an aggressive PCT (post-cycle therapy) has proven effective in restoring endogenous testosterone production.It is advised for users to refrain from using any other steroids until their testosterone levels have normalized to avoid exacerbating the suppression effect.
Superdrol Cycle
Bodybuilders typically consume 10-20mg of Superdrol per day for 4-6 weeks, with some advanced users going as high as 30-40mg. However, due to its detrimental impact on the liver, a 4-week cycle is generally sufficient. Dosages should be spaced out throughout the day to maintain steady testosterone levels.It is crucial to avoid alcohol and any medications/supplements that may compromise the liver while taking Superdrol. Additionally, TUDCA and fish oil are recommended to minimize liver damage and blood pressure spikes.Superdrol should not be stacked with other steroids due to its high toxicity, and it’s recommended to steer clear of other hepatotoxic steroids such as Anadrol, Winstrol, and Dianabol.
Review and Before/After Pictures
The text contains a summarized video review from Ryan Russo describing the effects of Superdrol on his physique and gym performance, along with before/after pictures from users who have used Anadrol.
FAQ
Superdrol vs AnadrolSuperdrol and Anadrol are both potent oral steroids, with Superdrol being significantly stronger when compared milligram for milligram. The typical dosage for Superdrol is 10-20mg, while Anadrol doses range from 50-100mg.The primary distinction between the two steroids is that Superdrol does not cause estrogenic side effects like gynecomastia or water retention, whereas Anadrol is known to cause water retention and potential gynecomastia (7,8).Due to their significant impact on the liver and heart, both of these steroids should be used with caution and are best suited for experienced bodybuilders. It is important to note that using Superdrol and Anadrol together is not advisable.
Superdrol vs Dianabol
Superdrol and Dianabol are both powerful muscle and strength-building oral steroids. The key disparity lies in their estrogenic and androgenic side effects.Dianabol can lead to water retention and potential gynecomastia due to aromatization, while Superdrol does not cause these estrogenic effects. Dianabol is not highly androgenic (9), whereas Superdrol can result in incidents of hair loss, acne, and prostate enlargement.
Can You Use Superdrol as a First Cycle?
It is strongly advised for beginners to avoid Superdrol due to its high toxicity. Instead, a testosterone cycle is a safer option for novice bodybuilders, effectively promoting muscle and strength gains. Initiating a steroid regimen with Superdrol is comparable to diving into the deep end when learning to swim.Although rare instances have been observed where beginners have taken a very low dose of Superdrol (5mg per day) without adverse effects, this dosage is not commonplace among bodybuilders. Therefore, the positive effects of such low doses on beginners remain uncertain in comparison to a testosterone dosage of 350mg per week.
Can You Use Superdrol for Cutting?
Superdrol can be effective for cutting due to its androgenic effects, potentially enhancing fat loss when combined with a calorie deficit. Some bodybuilders utilize it briefly before a contest for its ability to create full, defined muscles. However, the strain it places on the body suggests that using Superdrol for an extended cutting period may not be optimal.For cutting, a wiser choice would be Anavar, as it has mild side effects and is effective for fat loss and lean muscle gain during a calorie deficit.
Summary: Pros and Cons
Superdrol is a powerful anabolic steroid capable of rapidly transforming physique with a short half-life of 8-12 hours. Notably, its effects on muscle mass and strength are substantial. However, its highly toxic nature, especially on the liver and heart, poses a significant risk. It is crucial to exercise extreme caution when using Superdrol, and it is generally inadvisable to stack it with other compounds. Conservative doses and short cycles are recommended.
REFERENCES
(1) https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jo01117a625
(4) https://anabolictv.com/2018/11/superdrol-increasing-strength/#0
(6) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yasTxAe1Ek&t=132s
(7) https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/oxymetholone
(8) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7739101/
(9) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1953186/?page=2
Dr. Grant Fourie, a specialist in male hormones, is based in Cape Town, South Africa. He provides comprehensive treatments for conditions related to low testosterone, such as erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and mood changes. His methods include hormone replacement therapy and other modern treatment options.
Contact me via email or phone to book personal appointment in my clinic: The Village Square, Cape Town - South Africa