Methandriol Dipropionate
An injectable diester of methandriol (17-alpha-methylandrostenediol), a weakly anabolic steroid historically used both on its own and as an adjunct thought to potentiate other steroids. The dipropionate ester provides a depot release. It is mild, dated and lightly studied, better known as a vintage veterinary and combination product than as a standalone mass-builder.
01 Overview
Methandriol is 17-alpha-methylandrostenediol, related to the DHEA/androstenediol family and bearing a 17-alpha-methyl group. The dipropionate is its injectable diester form; an aqueous suspension form also existed. It has weak intrinsic anabolic activity and was historically promoted as improving the response to other anabolic steroids, a claim resting on limited evidence.
Because it carries a 17-alpha-methyl group there is some hepatic consideration, though as an injectable diester this is less pronounced than with oral 17-alkylated steroids. It can convert to oestrogenic metabolites, so mild oestrogenic effects are possible. Overall it is a mild, old-fashioned compound with a thin evidence base.
02 Mechanism
Weak androgen-receptor agonist of the methylandrostenediol type; the 17-alpha-methyl group slows metabolism, and metabolites can exert mild oestrogenic activity.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common | 100–200 mg/wk | IM | Mild; sometimes combined with other steroids. |
| Heavy | 200–300 mg/wk | IM | Weakly anabolic even at higher doses. |
Ester comparison
| Ester | Half-life | Injection freq. | Testosterone by mass |
|---|
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild lean mass gainModest anabolic effect; historically used as a mild builder and adjunct. Limited data. | Anecdotal | ||
| Possible potentiation of other steroidsTraditionally claimed to enhance the effect of co-administered steroids; not well substantiated. | Unconfirmed |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild oestrogenic effectsWater retention or gynaecomastia possible from oestrogenic metabolites. | Mild | Uncommon | Anecdotal | |
| Hepatic strainSome hepatic consideration from the 17-alpha-methyl group, milder as an injectable than oral 17-alkylated steroids. | Mild | Uncommon | Anecdotal | |
| HPTA suppressionSuppresses endogenous testosterone, though less strongly than potent steroids. | Moderate | Common | Observational |