Drostanolone

Drostanolone is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication which was used to treat breast cancer in women but is now no longer marketed. It is given by injection into muscle.

Medical Uses

Drostanolone was used for the treatment of advanced inoperable breast cancer in postmenopausal women as a second-line therapy. It was administered when there was a progression of the disease after initial treatment with other therapies.

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Drostanolone is a synthetic androgen, or male hormone, similar to testosterone. It works by inhibiting the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells which require androgens to grow. Additionally, Drostanolone has been shown to have a moderate anabolic effect, which contributes to its use in bodybuilding and athletics, although this is not an approved use.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of Drostanolone, such as its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, have not been fully detailed in the literature. However, like other AAS, it is likely to be metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine.

Adverse Effects

The use of Drostanolone can lead to several side effects, including but not limited to, virilization (development of male characteristics) in women, alterations in cholesterol levels, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, liver toxicity, and suppression of natural testosterone production in men. It is important for users to monitor for these side effects under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Chemistry

Drostanolone, also known as 2α-methyl-5α-dihydrotestosterone (2α-methyl-DHT), is a synthetic derivative of DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Its chemical structure makes it resistant to the enzyme 5α-reductase, which converts testosterone into the more potent DHT.

History

Drostanolone was first described in 1959 and was introduced for medical use in the early 1960s. Despite its initial promise in the treatment of breast cancer, the availability of more effective treatments led to a decline in its use, and it was eventually discontinued.

Society and Culture

Legal Status

The legal status of Drostanolone varies from country to country. In some jurisdictions, it is a controlled substance, which means its possession, use, and distribution are restricted or illegal without a prescription.

See Also

• Anabolic steroid
• Testosterone
• Breast cancer
• Androgen deprivation therapy