Methandriol Diacetate
Methandriol diacetate is the 3,17-diacetate ester of methandriol (17-alpha-methylandrostenediol), an oral/injectable anabolic-androgenic steroid used historically as a veterinary and human anabolic. The diacetate ester alters solubility and duration relative to the parent methandriol and its dipropionate ester.
01 Overview
Methandriol is a 17-alpha-methylated androstenediol that acts both directly at the androgen receptor and as a prohormone. Its diacetate ester was one of several ester forms produced to modify pharmacokinetics; the acetate groups are cleaved to release the active methandriol.
The compound was employed in veterinary medicine and, historically, in human anabolic preparations. Because it is 17-alpha-methylated it carries hepatic liability, and its androgenic effects are milder than those of testosterone.
02 Mechanism
Prodrug ester hydrolysed to methandriol (17-alpha-methylandrostenediol), which acts as a direct androgen-receptor agonist and prohormone; the 17-methyl group provides oral activity.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historical | 20–50 mg/day | Oral | Approximate range from older methandriol references; ester-dependent. |
Ester comparison
| Ester | Half-life | Injection freq. | Testosterone by mass |
|---|
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modest anabolic effectNitrogen retention and lean tissue support reported in historical use. | small | Observational | |
| Synergy with other androgensTraditionally combined with testosterone esters in veterinary blends. | unquantified | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HepatotoxicityHepatic strain from the 17-alkylated core once esters are cleaved. | Moderate | Class effect | Preclinical | |
| HPTA suppressionSuppression of natural testosterone. | Moderate | Expected | Preclinical |