(Tetrahydrogestrinone)
THG, also known as Tetrahydrogestrinone and colloquially referred to as “The Clear,” is an anabolic steroid with a unique chemical composition that sets it apart from other substances in its category. It was not manufactured by any known legitimate pharmaceutical company, and its precise origins remain largely obscured, contributing to its mystique and notoriety. The effective dosage for men is reported to be between 2-5 mg per day, though its use is not recommended for women. Both the half-life and detection time of THG in the human body are unknown, which likely contributed to its appeal among athletes seeking to avoid positive doping tests. The steroid exhibits a high anabolic to moderate androgenic ratio, indicating significant muscle-building potential with comparatively moderate masculine effect risks.
Chemical Composition and Mechanism of Action
THG’s structure is a modified version of the anabolic steroid nandrolone, featuring three key structural alterations that enhance its potency and evade detection. The addition of a c-17 alpha methyl group allows the steroid to be more effectively processed by the liver, making THG available in an oral form. Moreover, the introduction of double bonds at the 9th and 11th carbon positions significantly amplifies its steroid activity, making it a powerful agent for muscle growth. Perhaps the most intriguing modification is the inclusion of an 18-homo group, which imparts the compound with pronounced progestational activity, contributing to its unique profile of effects.
The modifications result in a steroid that is highly anabolic, moderately androgenic, and non-estrogenic, with a propensity for high conversion to progesterone. This profile suggests a potent capability for muscle building without the common estrogenic side effects like water retention.
Steroid Form and Usage
THG falls into the category of “Designer Steroids,” substances specifically engineered for performance enhancement that were never intended for medical use or released as prescription medications. Its design was particularly focused on avoiding detection in sports doping tests, which has made it a subject of interest among athletes looking for an edge in competition. Despite its notoriety, THG is still produced in underground laboratories, typically formulated in 1 mg tablets or capsules for oral administration.
Applications and Potential Side Effects
The implications for use, as well as potential side effects of THG, can be understood by looking at profiles for similar steroids like Deca-Durabolin. It is considered potent when used alone or as part of a steroid cycle, fitting well into both bulking and cutting phases. For optimal results, it is often recommended to be combined with a testosterone base and can be effectively paired with a variety of non-nandrolone compounds such as Primobolan, Oxandrolone, Trenbolone, Halotestin, Winstrol, Oral Turinabol, and Dianabol.
The use of THG, like other anabolic steroids, carries risks of side effects, which might include but are not limited to, cardiovascular issues, hormonal imbalances, and liver toxicity. Its non-recommendation for women is largely due to the risk of virilization, or the development of masculine features. Given its powerful nature and the lack of comprehensive research on its long-term effects, caution and responsible use are paramount for those choosing to use this substance for athletic enhancement.