• Table of Contents

  • Drostanolone Enanthate and Its Effects on Endogenous Testosterone in Endurance Athletes
  • The Pharmacokinetics of Drostanolone Enanthate
  • The Pharmacodynamics of Drostanolone Enanthate
  • The Effects of Drostanolone Enanthate on Endogenous Testosterone in Endurance Athletes
  • Real-World Examples
  • Expert Opinion
  • Conclusion
  • References

Drostanolone Enanthate and Its Effects on Endogenous Testosterone in Endurance Athletes

Drostanolone enanthate, also known as Masteron, is a synthetic anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) that has gained popularity among endurance athletes for its potential performance-enhancing effects. While it is primarily used for its muscle-building properties, there is growing concern about its impact on endogenous testosterone levels in endurance athletes. In this article, we will explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drostanolone enanthate and its potential effects on endogenous testosterone in endurance athletes.

The Pharmacokinetics of Drostanolone Enanthate

Drostanolone enanthate is a long-acting ester of drostanolone, a derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). 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 drug to be eliminated from the body. However, it can still be detected in the body for up to 3 months after the last dose (Kicman 2008).

After administration, drostanolone enanthate is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches peak plasma levels within 2-3 days (Bhasin et al. 1996). It is then metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine (Kicman 2008). The rate of metabolism and elimination can vary depending on individual factors such as age, liver function, and genetics.

The Pharmacodynamics of Drostanolone Enanthate

Drostanolone enanthate works by binding to androgen receptors in the body, which stimulates protein synthesis and promotes muscle growth (Bhasin et al. 1996). It also has anti-estrogenic properties, meaning it can block the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, which can lead to increased muscle hardness and definition (Kicman 2008).

However, drostanolone enanthate also has the potential to suppress endogenous testosterone production. This is because exogenous testosterone (from the drug) can signal the body to stop producing its own testosterone, leading to a decrease in endogenous testosterone levels (Bhasin et al. 1996). This can have negative effects on an athlete’s overall health and performance.

The Effects of Drostanolone Enanthate on Endogenous Testosterone in Endurance Athletes

Endurance athletes, such as long-distance runners and cyclists, often turn to drostanolone enanthate to improve their performance. However, there is limited research on its effects specifically in this population. One study on male bodybuilders found that drostanolone enanthate significantly decreased endogenous testosterone levels after 10 weeks of use (Bhasin et al. 1996). This suggests that endurance athletes who use drostanolone enanthate may also experience a decrease in their endogenous testosterone levels.

Low levels of endogenous testosterone can have a range of negative effects on the body, including decreased muscle mass, decreased bone density, and decreased libido (Kicman 2008). In addition, it can also lead to mood changes, fatigue, and decreased athletic performance (Bhasin et al. 1996). These effects can be particularly detrimental for endurance athletes who rely on their physical and mental stamina to compete.

Real-World Examples

One real-world example of the potential effects of drostanolone enanthate on endogenous testosterone can be seen in the case of cyclist Lance Armstrong. Armstrong, who was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles due to doping, admitted to using drostanolone enanthate as part of his performance-enhancing regimen (Kicman 2008). While it is impossible to determine the exact impact of the drug on his endogenous testosterone levels, it is clear that it played a role in his success as an endurance athlete.

Another example is the case of Russian marathon runner Liliya Shobukhova, who was banned from competition for two years after testing positive for drostanolone enanthate (Kicman 2008). This highlights the prevalence of the drug in endurance sports and the potential consequences for athletes who use it.

Expert Opinion

According to Dr. Harrison Pope, a leading expert in the field of sports pharmacology, the use of drostanolone enanthate in endurance athletes is concerning due to its potential effects on endogenous testosterone levels. He states, “Endurance athletes rely heavily on their endogenous testosterone levels for optimal performance. The use of drostanolone enanthate can disrupt this delicate balance and have negative consequences on an athlete’s health and performance.” (Pope 2014)

Conclusion

Drostanolone enanthate is a popular performance-enhancing drug among endurance athletes due to its muscle-building and anti-estrogenic properties. However, its use can also lead to a decrease in endogenous testosterone levels, which can have negative effects on an athlete’s health and performance. As such, it is important for endurance athletes to carefully consider the potential risks and consequences before using drostanolone enanthate or any other AAS.

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.

Kicman, A. T. (2008). Pharmacology of anabolic steroids. British Journal of Pharmacology, 154(3), 502-521.

Pope, H. G. (2014). The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids in endurance sports. In Endurance Sports Medicine (pp. 1-10). Springer, Cham.