Superdrol
Also known as: Methyldrostanolone, Methasterone, Sdrol
Oral Anabolic Steroid | Extreme Potency & Liver Stress
Overview
Superdrol (methyldrostanolone, also known as methasterone) is a synthetic oral anabolic-androgenic steroid derived from drostanolone (Masteron) with the addition of a 17-alpha-methyl group for oral bioavailability. It is widely regarded as one of the most potent oral anabolic steroids ever produced, delivering dramatic strength and lean mass gains in very short timeframes. Superdrol was originally marketed in the United States as a "prohormone" dietary supplement beginning in 2005 by Designer Supplements, exploiting a regulatory loophole since it was not explicitly listed as a controlled substance at the time. It was pulled from the market and subsequently classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2014. Despite its remarkable anabolic potency, Superdrol carries an extreme hepatotoxicity profile that distinguishes it from virtually all other commonly used oral steroids. Cases of severe cholestatic jaundice, liver failure, and hospitalizations have been reported even at moderate doses and short cycle lengths. It does not aromatize to estrogen, which means it does not cause water retention or gynecomastia, but this also means it provides no estrogenic support for joints, mood, or libido when used without a testosterone base. Superdrol is strictly an advanced-only compound and is not suitable for beginners under any circumstances.
Key benefits
- Rapid and dramatic increases in lean muscle mass within 2-3 weeks
- Significant strength gains, often among the most pronounced of any oral steroid
- No aromatization to estrogen, producing a dry and hard muscular appearance
- No water retention or estrogen-mediated side effects such as gynecomastia
- Pronounced improvements in muscle fullness, vascularity, and density
- Effective at very low doses relative to other oral anabolic steroids
Mechanism of action
Superdrol exerts its effects through high-affinity binding to the intracellular androgen receptor (AR), stimulating androgen-responsive gene transcription that promotes nitrogen retention, protein synthesis, and glycogenolysis in skeletal muscle. As a DHT derivative, it cannot be aromatized by the CYP19 aromatase enzyme, so it produces no estrogenic metabolites. This accounts for the characteristic dry, hard appearance it produces without subcutaneous water retention. The 2-alpha-methyl group enhances its anabolic potency relative to its parent compound drostanolone, giving it an anabolic-to-androgenic ratio that significantly favors muscle-building effects over androgenic side effects in target tissues. The 17-alpha-methyl group allows it to survive first-pass hepatic metabolism, but this same modification is responsible for its severe hepatotoxicity. Superdrol is metabolized primarily by the liver, placing enormous stress on hepatic conjugation and bile transport pathways. It has been shown to cause dose-dependent cholestasis by disrupting bile salt export pump (BSEP) function, leading to intrahepatic bile acid accumulation. This mechanism underlies the cholestatic jaundice and hepatocellular injury that are disproportionately common with this compound compared to other 17-alpha-alkylated steroids.
Molecular data
- Type
- 17-alpha-alkylated anabolic-androgenic steroid (C20H32O2)
- Half-life
- ~8-9 hours
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Body Composition & Strength
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Delivery method
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 10 mg/day | Once daily or split into 2 doses | — |
| — | 20 mg/day | Split into 2 doses (morning and evening) | — |
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Severe hepatotoxicity (elevated ALT, AST, GGT, and bilirubin -- often dramatically)
- Pronounced lethargy and fatigue, particularly from week 2 onward
- Significant appetite suppression and nausea
- Elevated blood pressure
- Severe lower back pumps and shin splints during physical activity
- HDL cholesterol suppression and LDL elevation (adverse lipid shift)
- Complete suppression of endogenous testosterone production
- Decreased libido without a testosterone base
- Acne and oily skin
Rare side effects
- Cholestatic jaundice requiring hospitalization
- Acute liver failure (documented in case reports even at standard doses)
- Peliosis hepatis (blood-filled hepatic cysts)
- Severe hypertension requiring medical intervention
- Hair loss and accelerated male pattern baldness
- Gynecomastia from progesterone-mediated pathways (uncommon but reported)
- Rhabdomyolysis from extreme training volume combined with hepatic compromise
- Prolonged HPTA suppression requiring extended recovery
Contraindications
- Any pre-existing liver condition or history of liver disease
- Elevated baseline liver enzymes from any cause
- Concurrent use of other hepatotoxic medications or supplements
- Active or recent alcohol use disorder
- History of cholestatic jaundice from any prior anabolic steroid use
- Cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or significant dyslipidemia
- Beginners or intermediates without extensive experience with other anabolic compounds
- Women (virilization risk is extreme at any effective dose)
- Anyone unwilling to obtain pre-cycle and mid-cycle bloodwork
Monitoring
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin, ALP): baseline, 2 weeks into cycle, end of cycle, and 4 weeks post-cycle
- Lipid panel (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides): baseline and 4 weeks post-cycle
- Complete blood count with differential: baseline and end of cycle
- Blood pressure: daily self-monitoring throughout the cycle
- Total and free testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol: baseline and post-cycle to guide PCT
- Fasting glucose: baseline, particularly in individuals with insulin resistance risk factors
- Subjective monitoring: daily self-assessment of appetite, energy levels, urine color, and stool color
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.