Methylandrostenediol
Methylandrostenediol (17-alpha-methyl-5-androstene-3-beta,17-beta-diol) is an orally active anabolic steroid and a testosterone prohormone, historically studied as an anabolic agent and later sold as a 'prohormone' supplement. It is the 17-alpha-methylated analogue of androstenediol.
01 Overview
Methylandrostenediol was investigated from the 1950s onward as an oral anabolic and later re-emerged in the prohormone-supplement market before regulatory scheduling. The 17-alpha-methyl group grants oral activity, and the 5-ene-3-beta,17-beta-diol backbone allows partial conversion toward more potent androgens in the body.
Its anabolic potency is modest and its androgenicity relatively low, but as an orally active methylated steroid it carries hepatic liability. Older clinical literature examined it for osteoporosis and catabolic states.
02 Mechanism
Weak direct androgen-receptor agonist and prohormone; the 17-alpha-methyl group provides oral bioavailability while the diol backbone permits limited conversion to active androgens.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historical | 25–50 mg/day | Oral | Range from older anabolic and prohormone-era references; poorly standardised. |
Ester comparison
| Ester | Half-life | Injection freq. | Testosterone by mass |
|---|
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modest anabolic effectWeak nitrogen-retaining action documented in older clinical use. | small lean-mass changes | Observational | |
| Low androgenicityRelatively mild virilising potential compared with testosterone. | unquantified | Preclinical |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HepatotoxicityHepatic strain from the 17-alkylated structure. | Moderate | Class effect | Preclinical | |
| HPTA suppressionSuppression of natural testosterone. | Moderate | Expected | Preclinical |