• Table of Contents

  • Mechanism of Action and Usage of Drostanolone for Professional Athletes
  • Pharmacology of Drostanolone
  • Usage of Drostanolone in Professional Sports
  • Administration and Dosage
  • Side Effects and Precautions
  • Real-World Examples
  • Expert Opinion
  • References

Mechanism of Action and Usage of Drostanolone for Professional Athletes

Drostanolone, also known as Masteron, is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) that has gained popularity among professional athletes for its performance-enhancing effects. It is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States and is banned by most sports organizations. Despite its controversial status, drostanolone continues to be used by athletes looking to improve their physical performance and appearance. In this article, we will explore the mechanism of action and usage of drostanolone for professional athletes.

Pharmacology of Drostanolone

Drostanolone is derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a naturally occurring androgen in the body. It is a modified form of DHT with an added methyl group at the carbon-2 position, which increases its anabolic properties and reduces its androgenic effects. This modification also makes drostanolone resistant to metabolism by the enzyme 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, allowing it to remain active in the body for longer periods of time.

Like other AAS, drostanolone works by binding to androgen receptors in various tissues, including muscle, bone, and fat. This binding activates the androgen receptor, leading to an increase in protein synthesis and muscle growth. It also has a strong anti-catabolic effect, preventing the breakdown of muscle tissue during intense training or calorie-restricted diets.

In addition to its anabolic effects, drostanolone also has a number of androgenic effects, such as increased sebum production, body hair growth, and deepening of the voice. These effects are more pronounced in women, which is why drostanolone is not recommended for female athletes.

Usage of Drostanolone in Professional Sports

Drostanolone is primarily used by bodybuilders and other strength athletes to improve their physical appearance and performance. It is commonly used during cutting cycles, where athletes are looking to reduce body fat while maintaining muscle mass. Drostanolone’s anti-catabolic effects make it an ideal choice for athletes who need to maintain their muscle mass while dieting.

Some athletes also use drostanolone during the off-season to help them gain lean muscle mass. However, due to its relatively weak anabolic effects, it is not as effective for this purpose as other AAS, such as testosterone or trenbolone.

In addition to its performance-enhancing effects, drostanolone is also used by athletes to improve their recovery time and reduce the risk of injury. It has been shown to increase collagen synthesis, which is essential for maintaining healthy connective tissue and preventing injuries.

Administration and Dosage

Drostanolone is available in both injectable and oral forms, with the injectable form being the most commonly used by athletes. The recommended dosage for male athletes is 200-400mg per week, divided into two equal doses. Female athletes should not exceed a dosage of 50mg per week to avoid virilization effects.

The half-life of drostanolone is approximately 2-3 days, meaning it should be administered every other day to maintain stable blood levels. The duration of a drostanolone cycle typically ranges from 6-12 weeks, with some athletes using it for longer periods of time. However, prolonged use of drostanolone can increase the risk of side effects, such as liver toxicity and cardiovascular issues.

Side Effects and Precautions

As with any AAS, drostanolone can cause a range of side effects, including acne, hair loss, and increased aggression. It can also have more serious side effects, such as liver damage, high blood pressure, and changes in cholesterol levels. Female athletes may experience virilization effects, such as deepening of the voice and increased body hair growth.

It is important for athletes to be aware of the potential risks associated with drostanolone and to use it responsibly. It is recommended to undergo regular blood tests to monitor liver function and cholesterol levels while using drostanolone. It is also important to follow proper post-cycle therapy protocols to help the body recover from the effects of the drug.

Real-World Examples

Drostanolone has been used by numerous professional athletes in various sports, including bodybuilding, powerlifting, and mixed martial arts. One notable example is former UFC champion Anderson Silva, who tested positive for drostanolone in 2015. Silva claimed that he unknowingly ingested the drug through a contaminated supplement, but was still suspended for one year and fined $380,000.

In another case, former NFL player Shawne Merriman was suspended for four games in 2006 after testing positive for drostanolone. Merriman claimed that he was using the drug to help him recover from a knee injury, but was still suspended and faced backlash from the media and fans.

Expert Opinion

According to Dr. John Hoberman, a professor at the University of Texas and an expert on performance-enhancing drugs in sports, the use of drostanolone by professional athletes is a clear violation of the rules and regulations set by sports organizations. He states, “The use of drostanolone, or any other AAS, gives athletes an unfair advantage over their competitors and undermines the integrity of the sport.”

However, some experts argue that the use of drostanolone and other AAS is a personal choice and should not be banned by sports organizations. They argue that as long as athletes are aware of the potential risks and use the drugs responsibly, it should be their decision to use them or not.

References

1. Johnson, D. L., & Brower, K. J. (2021). Anabolic Steroids and Sports: Winning at any Cost? Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 20(1), 459–465.

2. Kicman, A. T. (2008). Pharmacology of anabolic steroids. British Journal of Pharmacology, 154(3), 502–521.

3. Pope, H. G., & Kanayama, G. (2012). Anabolic-androgenic steroid use in the United States. In R. C. Kuhn (Ed.), Anabolic Steroids (pp. 77-100). Springer, New York, NY.

4. Yesalis, C. E., & Bahrke, M. S. (2000). Anabolic-androgenic steroids: Incidence of use and health implications. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 28(2), 60-64.

5. Zelena, D., & Kicman, A. T. (2016). Anabolic-androgenic steroids: