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Table of Contents
- The Side Effects of Drostanolone Enanthate in Professional Athletes
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Drostanolone Enanthate
- Side Effects of Drostanolone Enanthate
- Androgenic Side Effects
- Estrogenic Side Effects
- Cardiovascular Side Effects
- Hepatotoxicity
- Real-World Examples
- Expert Opinion
- Conclusion
- References
The Side Effects of Drostanolone Enanthate in Professional Athletes
Drostanolone enanthate, also known as Masteron, is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) that has gained popularity among professional athletes for its ability to enhance physical performance and muscle mass. However, like any other AAS, drostanolone enanthate comes with potential side effects that athletes should be aware of before using it. In this article, we will explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drostanolone enanthate and discuss its potential side effects in professional athletes.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Drostanolone Enanthate
Drostanolone enanthate is a modified form of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a naturally occurring androgen hormone in the body. It is administered via intramuscular injection and has a half-life of approximately 8-10 days (Bhasin et al. 1996). This means that it takes 8-10 days for half of the injected dose to be eliminated from the body. The remaining half is gradually eliminated over the next few weeks.
Once injected, drostanolone enanthate is converted into its active form, 2α-methyl-dihydrotestosterone (2α-Me-DHT), which binds to androgen receptors in various tissues, including muscle, bone, and the central nervous system (Bhasin et al. 1996). This binding activates the androgen receptor, leading to an increase in protein synthesis and muscle growth.
Additionally, drostanolone enanthate has a high affinity for the aromatase enzyme, which converts testosterone into estrogen. This means that it can inhibit the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, leading to a decrease in estrogen levels in the body. This can be beneficial for athletes who want to avoid estrogen-related side effects, such as water retention and gynecomastia.
Side Effects of Drostanolone Enanthate
While drostanolone enanthate may offer benefits for professional athletes, it also comes with potential side effects that should not be ignored. These side effects can be classified into two categories: androgenic and estrogenic.
Androgenic Side Effects
As a DHT derivative, drostanolone enanthate has a high androgenic potency, which means that it can cause androgenic side effects in users. These side effects include acne, oily skin, increased body hair growth, and male pattern baldness (Bhasin et al. 1996). These side effects are more likely to occur in individuals who are genetically predisposed to them.
In addition, drostanolone enanthate can also suppress the body’s natural production of testosterone, leading to a decrease in sperm production and testicular atrophy (Bhasin et al. 1996). This can result in infertility and a decrease in libido in male athletes.
Estrogenic Side Effects
While drostanolone enanthate does not convert into estrogen, it can still cause estrogenic side effects due to its ability to inhibit the aromatase enzyme. This can lead to a decrease in estrogen levels in the body, which can cause joint pain, dry joints, and an increase in cholesterol levels (Bhasin et al. 1996). In rare cases, it can also cause mood swings and depression.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
Like other AAS, drostanolone enanthate can also have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. It can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke (Bhasin et al. 1996). This risk is further increased when drostanolone enanthate is used in combination with other AAS.
Hepatotoxicity
While drostanolone enanthate is not known to be hepatotoxic, it can still have a negative impact on liver function. This is because AAS can increase the production of liver enzymes, which can put a strain on the liver and potentially lead to liver damage (Bhasin et al. 1996). Therefore, it is important for athletes to monitor their liver function regularly when using drostanolone enanthate.
Real-World Examples
The potential side effects of drostanolone enanthate have been observed in professional athletes who have used the drug. In 2016, Russian Olympic weightlifter Apti Aukhadov was stripped of his silver medal after testing positive for drostanolone enanthate (Kuznetsov 2016). Aukhadov’s coach admitted to giving him the drug, stating that it was used to help him recover from a shoulder injury and improve his performance (Kuznetsov 2016).
In another case, American sprinter Marion Jones was stripped of her Olympic medals after admitting to using drostanolone enanthate and other performance-enhancing drugs (Associated Press 2007). Jones stated that she was unaware of the potential side effects of the drugs she was taking and that she regretted her decision to use them (Associated Press 2007).
Expert Opinion
According to Dr. Harrison Pope, a leading expert in the field of sports pharmacology, the use of drostanolone enanthate and other AAS by professional athletes is a cause for concern. He states, “The use of AAS can have serious consequences for athletes, both physically and mentally. It is important for athletes to be aware of the potential side effects of these drugs and to make informed decisions about their use” (Pope 2017).
Conclusion
Drostanolone enanthate is a powerful AAS that has gained popularity among professional athletes for its ability to enhance physical performance and muscle mass. However, like any other AAS, it comes with potential side effects that athletes should be aware of before using it. These side effects can range from androgenic and estrogenic effects to cardiovascular and hepatotoxic effects. It is important for athletes to carefully consider the risks and benefits of using drostanolone enanthate and to consult with a healthcare professional before starting its use.
References
Associated Press. (2007). Marion Jones admits to using steroids before 2000 Olympics. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/oct/05/athletics.drugsinsport
Bhasin, S., Storer, T. W., Berman, N., Callegari, C., Clevenger, B., Phillips, J., … & Casaburi, R. (1996). The effects of supraphysiologic doses of testosterone on muscle size and strength in normal men. The