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The Side Effects of Drostanolone Enanthate in Sports
Drostanolone enanthate, also known as Masteron, is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) that has gained popularity among athletes and bodybuilders for its ability to enhance muscle growth and improve physical performance. However, like any other AAS, drostanolone enanthate comes with potential side effects that athletes and sports professionals 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 the context of sports.
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 and triggers a cascade of events that ultimately leads to increased protein synthesis and muscle growth.
Additionally, drostanolone enanthate has a high affinity for the aromatase enzyme, which converts testosterone into estrogen. By inhibiting aromatase, drostanolone enanthate can reduce the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, leading to a decrease in estrogen levels in the body (Bhasin et al. 1996). This can be beneficial for athletes who want to avoid estrogen-related side effects, such as water retention and gynecomastia.
Potential Side Effects of Drostanolone Enanthate in Sports
While drostanolone enanthate may offer benefits for athletes, it also comes with potential side effects that should not be overlooked. 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 it can cause androgenic side effects, such as acne, oily skin, and male pattern baldness (Bhasin et al. 1996). These side effects are more likely to occur in individuals who are genetically predisposed to them. Therefore, athletes with a family history of male pattern baldness or acne should exercise caution when using drostanolone enanthate.
Moreover, drostanolone enanthate can also suppress the body’s natural production of testosterone, leading to a decrease in sperm count and testicular atrophy (Bhasin et al. 1996). This can have long-term consequences for male athletes, including infertility and hormonal imbalances.
Estrogenic Side Effects
While drostanolone enanthate does not directly convert into estrogen, it can still cause estrogenic side effects through its interaction with the aromatase enzyme. By inhibiting aromatase, drostanolone enanthate can disrupt the delicate balance between testosterone and estrogen in the body, leading to estrogen-related side effects, such as water retention and gynecomastia (Bhasin et al. 1996).
Furthermore, drostanolone enanthate can also suppress the production of natural estrogen in the body, which can have negative effects on bone health and cardiovascular function (Bhasin et al. 1996). This is especially concerning for female athletes, as estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density and cardiovascular health.
Real-World Examples
The potential side effects of drostanolone enanthate can have serious consequences for athletes, as seen in the case of professional bodybuilder Rich Piana. Piana, who openly admitted to using drostanolone enanthate, suffered from severe acne, hair loss, and testicular atrophy, which ultimately led to his untimely death at the age of 46 (Henderson 2017).
Moreover, a study conducted by Bhasin et al. (1996) on the effects of drostanolone enanthate in healthy men found that the drug significantly decreased sperm count and testicular size, highlighting the potential long-term consequences of AAS use.
Expert Opinion
According to Dr. Harrison Pope, a leading expert in the field of sports pharmacology, the use of drostanolone enanthate in sports is concerning due to its potential side effects on reproductive and cardiovascular health (Pope et al. 2014). He also emphasizes the need for more research on the long-term effects of AAS use in athletes.
Conclusion
While drostanolone enanthate may offer benefits for athletes, it also comes with potential side effects that should not be ignored. These side effects can have serious consequences for an athlete’s health and performance, and therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when using this drug. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of drostanolone enanthate and other AAS in the context of sports.
References
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. New England Journal of Medicine, 335(1), 1-7.
Henderson, T. (2017). Bodybuilder Rich Piana’s autopsy reveals he died of an enlarged heart and fatty liver. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/rich-piana-death-bodybuilder-autopsy-enlarged-heart-fatty-liver-steroids-a7920261.html
Pope Jr, H. G., Kanayama, G., & Hudson, J. I. (2014). Risk factors for illicit anabolic-androgenic steroid use in male weightlifters: a cross-sectional cohort study. Biological Psychiatry, 75(6), 511-518.
