Halotestin ( fluoxymesterone ) oral anabolic androgenic steroid profile cycle dosage

akn

Musclechemistry Member
Androgenic 850
Anabolic 1,900
Chemical Names 9a-fluoro-ll b,17b-dihydroxy-17a-methyl-4-androsten-3-one
9a-fluoro-l 'I b-hydroxy-17a-methyltestosterone
Estrogenic Activity none
Progestational Activity no data available (low)

Description:
Fluoxymesterone is an oral anabolic steroid derived from
testosterone. More specifically, it is a methyltestosterone
derivative, differing by the addition of 11-beta-hydroxy
and 9-alpha-fluoro groups. The result is a potent orally
active non-aromatizable steroid that exhibits extremely
strong ,androgenic properties. Fluoxymesterone is
considerably more androgenic than testosterone, while at
the same time the anabolic effects of this agent are
considered to be moderate in comparison. This makes
fluoxymesterone a great strength drug, but not the most
ideal agent for gaining muscle mass. The predominant
effects seen when taking fluoxymesterone are increased
strength, increased muscle density, and increased
definition, with only modest size increases.
History:
Fluoxymesterone was first described in 1956.564 It was
assayed that same year, and shown to possess
approximately 20 times the anabolic potency of
methyltestosterone565 (its relative anabolic effect in
humans would not be quite as strong in comparison). It
was introduced to the u.s. prescription drug market shortly
after under the brand name Halotestin (Upjohn), and soon
after that as Ultandren (Ciba). The drug was initially
described as halogenated derivative of testosterone,
possessing up to 5 times greater anabolic and androgenic
potency than methyltestosterone. Early prescribing
guidelines recommended its use in both sexes for the
promotion of lean tissue repair and growth following such
conditions as burns, delayed healing of fractures, chronic
malnutrition, debilitating diseases, convalescence,
paraplegia, and catabolism induced by long-term
administration of cortisone. It was also used in males to
treat insufficient androgen levels, and in women to treat
abnormal bleeding in the uterus and advanced breast
cancer.
By the mid-1970's, the FDA had been granted much more
control over the u.s. drug market. One of the first major
changes with steroid medicine came when the FDA
required strong substantiation for each potential use of a
drug.The prescribing guidelines for fluoxymesterone were
soon refined to state that the drug was "effective" for
treating various forms of androgen deficiency in males,
and reducing the severity of postpartum breast pain and
treating androgen-responsive inoperable breast cancer in
females. It was also listed as "probably effective" in treating
postmenopausal osteoporosis. Current prescribing
guidelines for fluoxymesterone list only the uses of
treating androgen deficiency in males and breast cancer in
females.
In recent years, fluoxymesterone has become viewed more
and more as a controversial medication in the eyes of most
clinicians. Its hepatotoxicity and potential negative impact
of lipids and cardiovascular risk factors are often cited as
reasons for avoiding the use of this agent in otherwise
healthy males for treating androgen insufficiency. Today,
testosterone preparations (injections, gels, patches,
implants, etc.) are preferred for this purpose, and they
supplement the same androgens missing from the body
(testosterone, DHT), not more toxic synthetic derivatives.
Fluoxymesterone remains for sale in the u.s. under the
brand name Halotestin, sold by Pharmacia (formerly
Upjohn). Declining financial interest had caused most
generics to be withdrawn from the u.s. market years ago.
Fluoxymesterone remains available in only limited supply
outside of the United States.
How Supplied:
Fluoxymesterone is available in select human drug
markets. Composition and dosage may vary by country
and manufacturer, although generally contain 2mg, 2.5 mg,
5 mg, or 10 mg per tablet.
Structural Characteristics:
Fluoxymesterone is a modified form' of testosterone. It
differs by 1) the addition of a methyl group at carbon 17 alpha, which helps protect the hormone during oral
administration, 2) the introduction of a fluoro group at
carbon 9 (alpha) and 3) the attachment of a hydroxyl
group at carbon 11 (beta), which inhibits steroid
aromatization. The latter two modifications also greatly
enhance the androgenic and relative biological activity of
the steroid over 17-alpha methyltestosterone.
Side Effects (Estrogenic):
Fluoxymesterone is not aromatized by the body, and is
not measurably estrogenic. An anti-estrogen is not
necessary when using this steroid, as gynecomastia
should not be a concern even among sensitive
individuals. Since estrogen is the usual culprit with water
retention, this steroid instead produces a lean, quality look
to the physique with no fear of excess subcutaneous fluid
retention. This makes it a favorable steroid to use during
cutting cycles, when water and fat retention are major
concerns.
Side Effects (Androgenic):
Fluoxymesterone is classified as an androgen. Androgenic
side effects are common with this substance, and may
include bouts of oily skin, acne, and body/facial hair
growth. Anabolic/androgenic steroids may also aggravate
male pattern hair loss. Those genetically prone to male
pattern hair loss may wish to opt for a milder, less
androgenic, anabolic steroid. As a potent androgen, this
steroid may also increase aggressiveness. Women are
additionally warned of the potential virilizing effects of
anabolic/androgenic steroids. These may include a
deepening of the voice, menstrual irregularities, changes
in skin texture, facial hair growth, and clitoral
enlargement.
Fluoxymesterone appears to be a good substrate for the
5-alpha reductase enzyme. This is evidenced by the fact
that a large number of its metabolites are found to be 5alpha
reduced androgens,566 which coupled with its
outward androgenic nature, suggests that this steroid is
converting to a much more active steroid in androgen
responsive target tissues such as the skin, scalp and
prostate. It may be possible to reduce the relative
androgenicity of fluoxymesterone by the concurrent use
of finasteride or dutasteride.
It is also of note that fluoxymesterone has been shown to
possess usual androgenic properties. In human studies
published back in 1961, the steroid displayed a much
stronger tendency to promote phallic enlargement
compared to other androgenic effects such as hair
growth, libido, and changes in vocal pitch.56?
Fluoxymesterone was offering a somewhat different
androgenic profile compared to testosterone, and as such
demonstrated that it was possible, at some level, to
actually tailor drug effect within the broad category of
androgenic action. Fluoxymesterone remains considered
an androgen, but studies like the above suggest that it
may not offer a complete biological equivalent to
testosterone where androgenicity is concerned.
Side Effects (Hepatotoxicity):
Fluoxymesterone is a c17-alpha alkylated compound. This
alteration protects the drug from deactivation by the liver,
allowing a very high percentage of the drug entry into the
bloodstream following oral administration. e17-alpha
alkylated anabolic/androgenic steroids can be
hepatotoxic. Prolonged or high exposure may result in
liver damage. In rare instances life-threatening
dysfunction may develop. It is advisable to visit a
physician periodically during each cycle to monitor liver
function and overall health. Intake of c17-alpha alkylated
steroids is commonly limited to 6-8 weeks, in an effort to
avoid escalating liver strain. Studies administering 20 mg
of fluoxymesterone to a group of nine male subjects for
two weeks resulted in most patients (6/9) noticing
abnormal sulfobromophthalein (BSP) retention,568 a
marker of liver stress.
The use of a liver detoxification supplement such as Liver
Stabil, Liv-52, or Essentiale Forte is advised while taking
any hepatotoxic anabolic/androgenic steroids.
Side Effects (Cardiovascular):
Anabolic/androgenic steroids can have deleterious effects
on serum cholesterol. This includes a tendency to reduce
HDL (good) cholesterol values and increase LDL (bad)
cholesterol values, which may shift the HDL to LDL
balance in a direction that favors greater risk of
arteriosclerosis. The relative impact of an
anabolic/androgenic steroid on serum lipids is dependant
on the dose, route of administration (oral vs. injectable),
type of steroid (aromatizable or non-aromatizable), and
level of resistance to hepatic metabolism.
Fluoxymesterone has a strong effect on the hepatic
management of cholesterol due to its structural resistance
to liver breakdown and route of administration.
Anabolic/androgenic steroids may also adversely affect
blood pressure and triglycerides, reduce endothelial
relaxation, and support left ventricular hypertrophy, all
potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease
and myocardial infarction.
To help reduce cardiovascular strain it is advised to
maintain an active cardiovascular exercise program and
minimize the intake of saturated fats, cholesterol, and
simple carbohydrates at all times during active AAS
administration. Supplementing with fish oils (4 grams per day) and a natural cholesterol/antioxidant formula such as
Lipid Stabil or a product with comparable ingredients is
also recommended.
Side Effects (Testosterone Suppression):
All anabolic/androgenic steroids when taken in doses
sufficient to promote muscle gain are expected to
suppress endogenous testosterone production. Without
the intervention of testosterone-stimulating substances,
testosterone levels should return to normal within 1-4
months of drug secession. Note that prolonged
hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism can develop
secondary to steroid abuse, necessitating medical
intervention.
Studies administering 10 mg, 20 mg, or 30 mg of
fluoxymesterone to nine healthy male subjects for up to
12 weeks have demonstrated the strong suppression of
endogenous testosterone levels, with inconsistent effects
on gonadotropin levels. Although not fully understood,
fluoxymesterone is proposed to have a direct suppressive
effect on testicular steroidogenesis that is not mediated
by the suppression gonadotropins.569
The above side effects are not inclusive. For more detailed
discussion ofpotential side effects, see the Steroid Side Effects
section of this book.
Administration (General):
Studies have shown that taking an oral anabolic steroid
with food may decrease its bioavailability.57o This is
caused by the fat-soluble nature of steroid hormones,
which can allow some of the drug to dissolve with
undigested dietary fat, reducing its absorption from the
gastrointestinal tract. For maximum utilization, this steroid
should be taken on an empty stomach.
Administration (Men):
To treat androgen insufficiency, early prescribing
guidelines for fluoxymesterone called for a dose of 2-10
mg per day. Modern prescribing guidelines call for a daily
dosage of 5-20 mg. Therapy is usually initiated at the full
20 mg dosage, which is later adjusted downward to meet
the individual needs of the patient. The drug would be
continued long-term unless laboratory tests (lipids, liver
enzymes, etc.) or side effects contraindicate its continued
use. For physique- or performance-enhancing purposes,
an effective oral daily dosage would fall in the range of 1040
mg, taken in cycles lasting no more than 6-8 weeks to
minimize hepatotoxicity. This level is sufficient for
measurable increases in muscle strength, which may be
accompanied by modest increases in lean muscle mass.
Fluoxymesterone is commonly used by athletes in
weight-restricted sports like wrestling, powerlifting, and
William Llewellyn's ANABOLleS, 8th ed.
boxing, due to the fact that strength gained from the drug
is usually not accompanied by great increases in
bodyweight. When properly used, it can allow a
competitor to stay within a specified weight range, yet
drastically improve his performance. Fluoxymesterone is
also commonly used for bodybuilding contest
preparation. When the competitor has an acceptably low
body fat percentage, the strong androgen level (in
absence of excess estrogen) can elicit an extremely hard
and defined ("ripped") look to the muscles. The shift in
androgen/estrogen ratio additionally seems to bring
about a state in which the body may be more inclined to
burn off excess fat and prevent new fat storage. The
"hardening" effect of fluoxymesterone would, therefore,
be somewhat similar to that seen with trenbolone,
although it will be without the same level of mass gain.
In cutting phases, a milder anabolic such as DecaDurabolin
® or Equipoise® is commonly stacked with
fluoxymesterone, as they provide good anabolic effect
without excessive estrogen buildup. Here,
fluoxymesterone provides a well-needed androgenic
component, helping to promote a more solid and defined
gain in muscle mass, with less interference with energy
and libido, than might be obtained with a primarily
anabolic agent alone. Perhaps Primobolan®-Depot would
be an even better choice, as with such a combination
there is no buildup of estrogen, and likewise even less
worry of water and fat retention. For mass, one might
alternately use an injectable testosterone. A mix of 400 mg
per week of testosterone enanthate and 20-30 mg daily of
fluoxymesterone, for example, often provides exceptional
increases in strength and lean muscle mass. A more
significant level of androgenic side effects usually
accompanies such a combination, however, as both
compounds exhibit strong androgenic activity in the
body.
Administration (Women):
Fluoxymesterone is most often used as a secondary
medication during inoperable androgen-sensitive breast
cancer, when other therapies have failed to produce a
desirable effect.The dosage used for this application is 1040
mg per day. Virilizing effects are common at doses of
only 10-15 mg per day in these patients. Fluoxymesterone
is not recommended for women for physique- or
performance-enhancing purposes due to its strong
androgenic nature and tendency to produce virilizing side
effects.
Availability:
Since fluoxymesterone is only used for a few specific
purposes, it is not in high demand among athletes.
Likewise it is not a very popular item on the black market. Investing in the manufacture of a counterfeit version
would probably not payoff well, no doubt the reason we
haven't seen much yet. Most forms of fluoxymesterone
found in circulation will, therefore, be legitimate, though
the occasional counterfeits are located. Currently, the
most popular item found on the black market is the
Stenox brand from Mexico, which is sold in boxes of 20
tablets. Although the dosage of these tablets is only 2.5
mg, the low price usually asked for this preparation more
than compensates.
 
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