Bolasterone
Bolasterone is an anabolic androgenic steroid developed in the 1960s. It’s a modified form of testosterone with added methyl and ethyl groups to increase its oral bioavailability and anabolic potency. The addition of these groups was intended to make the steroid more effective in promoting muscle growth and strength gains with fewer androgenic side effects compared to other steroids.
Bolasterone is known for its powerful anabolic effects, but it’s also associated with significant side effects, including potential liver toxicity due to its alkylated structure, cardiovascular issues, and hormonal imbalances that can affect the body’s natural testosterone production. Its use in competitive sports and bodybuilding has been controversial and is banned by many sports organizations. Due to its potent effects and risk profile, Bolasterone is a controlled substance in many countries, and its use without a prescription is illegal.
Its a veterinary steroid
Bolasterone, known under the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) and the United States Adopted Name (USAN), and marketed as Myagen and Methosarb, with a developmental code of U-19763, is identified as 7α,17α-dimethyltestosterone. It’s a modified androgen/anabolic steroid (AAS), 17α-alkylated for oral use, primarily utilized in veterinary practices. Its structure bears a close resemblance to testosterone, incorporating a methyl group at the C17α position to enhance oral bioavailability. Additionally, it features a 7α-methylation, akin to the structurally similar calusterone. Bolasterone exhibits a low to moderate anabolic to androgenic activity ratio, paralleling that of fluoxymesterone.
This medication is listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of banned substances, rendering it prohibited in most major sports competitions.
Info for Bodybuilders
Bolasterone, especially in the context of bodybuilding, is noteworthy for its unique chemical structure that makes it particularly potent among anabolic steroids. Its modification includes the addition of a methyl group at the 17th carbon position (17-alpha-alkylation), which allows it to be orally active and resist breakdown by the liver. Additionally, the incorporation of an ethyl group at the 7-alpha position and a hydrazine group increases its anabolic activity. This combination of modifications is designed to enhance muscle building effects while attempting to minimize androgenic side effects, although the latter is still significant.
For bodybuilders, the allure of Bolasterone lies in its potent anabolic effects, which can lead to rapid gains in muscle mass and strength. This makes it attractive during bulking phases, where the goal is to build as much muscle as possible. The steroid is known for its ability to promote protein synthesis and nitrogen retention in muscle tissues, which are critical processes in muscle growth.
However, the use of Bolasterone comes with significant risks:
- Liver Toxicity: Like other 17-alpha-alkylated steroids, Bolasterone is hepatotoxic, meaning it can damage the liver. This risk necessitates monitoring liver function and limits the duration for which Bolasterone can be safely used.
- Cardiovascular Risks: Anabolic steroids can negatively impact cholesterol levels, increasing LDL (bad cholesterol) and decreasing HDL (good cholesterol). This alteration in lipid profiles can lead to an increased risk of arteriosclerosis and other cardiovascular issues.
- Hormonal Imbalance: The use of exogenous androgens like Bolasterone can suppress natural testosterone production through negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This suppression can lead to testicular atrophy and decreased sperm production, potentially affecting fertility. Post-cycle therapy (PCT) is often employed by steroid users to help restore natural hormone levels.
- Estrogenic Effects: Despite efforts to reduce estrogenic side effects, Bolasterone and other steroids can aromatize, converting into estrogen in the body. This can lead to gynecomastia (breast tissue growth in men) and water retention, which are undesirable for bodybuilders, especially when preparing for competitions.
- Legal and Ethical Considerations: The use of anabolic steroids like Bolasterone for performance enhancement is banned in most competitive sports and is illegal without a prescription in many jurisdictions. Athletes caught using such substances can face sanctions, including bans from competition, damage to their reputation, and legal consequences.
Given these considerations, bodybuilders who choose to use Bolasterone or other anabolic steroids should be aware of the potential benefits and the significant risks. The decision to use such substances should not be taken lightly, and it is highly recommended to seek medical advice before considering their use.