Iron Game

Veteran
Description

Primobolan Depot is an injectable version of the steroid methenolone. This is the same constituent in Primobolan orals (methenolone acetate), although here an enanthate ester is used to slow the steroid’s release from a site of injection. Methenolone enanthate offers a similar pattern of steroid release as testosterone enanthate, with blood hormone levels remaining markedly elevated for approximately two weeks. Methenolone itself is a moderately strong anabolic steroid with very low androgenic properties. Its anabolic effect is considered to be slightly less than Deca-Durabolin (nandrolone decanoate) on a milligram-for-milligram basis. Methenolone enanthate is most commonly used during cutting cycles, when lean mass gain, not a raw mass increase, is the main objective.



How Supplied

Methenolone enanthate is usually supplied in the form of 1 ml ampules and 10 ml vials containing 100 mg/ml of steroid in oil.



Effective Dosages

When used for physique- or performance-enhancing purposes, the usual administration protocols among male athletes call for a 200-400 mg per week dosage, which is taken for six to 12 weeks. It is not unusual, however, to see the drug taken in doses as high as 600 mg per week or more, although such amounts are likely to highlight a more androgenic side of methenolone, as well as exacerbate its negative effects on serum lipids. Female athletes generally respond well to a dosage of 50-100 mg per week. If both oral and injectable versions are available, the oral is often given preference, as it allows for greater control over blood hormone levels. As with all anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), even though this is regarded as a milder anabolic agent, virilizing side effects cannot be excluded.



Side Effects

Estrogenic: Methenolone is not aromatized by the body,and is not measurably estrogenic. Estrogen-linked side effects should not be seen when administering this steroid. Sensitive individuals need not worry about developing gynecomastia, nor should they be noticing any appreciable water retention with this drug.



Androgenic: Although classified as an anabolic steroid, androgenic side effects are still possible with this substance. This may include bouts of oily skin, acne and body/facial hair growth. Anabolic-androgenic steroids may also aggravate male pattern hair loss. Women are warned of the potential virilizing effects of AAS. These may include a deepening of the voice, menstrual irregularities, changes in skin texture, facial hair growth and clitoral enlargement. Methenolone is still a very mild steroid, however, and strong androgenic side effects are typically related to higher doses. Women often find this preparation an acceptable choice, observing it to be a very comfortable and effective anabolic.



Liver Toxicity:Methenolone is not considered a hepatotoxic steroid; liver toxicity is unlikely. Studies have failed to produce appreciable changes in markers of hepatic stress when the drug was given in therapeutic levels.



Cardiovascular: Anabolic-androgenic steroids can have deleterious effects on serum cholesterol, increasing the risk of arteriosclerosis. They 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. People with high cholesterol or a familial history of heart disease should be especially careful when considering AAS abuse. 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. It is of note that methenolone should have a stronger negative effect on the hepatic management of cholesterol than testosterone or nandrolone due to its non-aromatizable nature, yet a weaker impact than c-17 alpha alkylated steroids.



Testosterone Suppression: All AAS, when taken in doses sufficient to promote muscle gain, are expected to suppress endogenous testosterone production. At a moderate dosage of 100-200 mg weekly, methenolone should offer measurably less testosterone suppression than an equal dose of nandrolone or testosterone, due to its non-aromatizable nature. This may result in a shorter recovery time with moderate use.

The above side effects are not inclusive.



Availability

Pharmaceutical preparations containing methenolone enanthate remain scarce. The bulk of the supply for this compound comes from underground steroid manufacturers.



References:

Wiechert R, et al. Chem Ber 93 (1960):1710.


Methenolone enanthate, summary of information for clinical investigators. New Brunswick, NJ. The Squibb Institute for Medical Research, April 15,
1962.


Anabolic effects of methenolone enanthate and methenolone acetate in underweight, premature infants and children. New York State Journal of Medicine, March 1, 1965, 645-8.


Proc Intern Congr Hormonal Steroids, Milan, 1962. Excerpta Med Intern Congr. Ser No. 51, p. 209. Excerpta Med Found, Amsterdam, 1962.

Failure of non-17-alkylated anabolic steroids to produce abnormal liver function tests. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1964 Dec;24:1334-6.



About the Author

William Llewellyn
 
Back
Top