Compound profile
Drostanolone
Also known as Masteron, Mast, Drostanolone propionate, Drolban
Last reviewed October 2026
Educational only. A summary of published research, not medical advice or a recommendation. No doses are listed.
Quick take
An injectable DHT-derived steroid, used in bodybuilding mostly during cutting phases.
- Class
- Anabolic steroids
- Status
- Previously approved
- Evidence
- Early or small human studies
- Half-life
- Not well documented
Mechanism fingerprint
What it acts on, and how. Each chip links to that pathway on the map.
A modified form of DHT that binds the androgen receptor and doesn't convert to estrogen.
What makes it different
An injectable DHT derivative that can't convert to estrogen, used in bodybuilding mostly during cutting phases.
Compare side by side
Mechanism & pathways
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Agonist
Androgen receptor
Receptor for testosterone and DHT. Activating it builds muscle and drives male traits such as body hair and a deeper voice. Every anabolic steroid binds it.
Evidence overview
Early or small human studies
Studied decades ago as a breast cancer treatment; no modern trials.
A breakdown into human, animal and cell studies hasn't been added for this compound yet.
Why it's used
Medically, it was used to treat advanced breast cancer. Bodybuilders use it mostly while dieting, for a harder look and to hold on to strength.
Side effects & risks
Reported side effects
- Hair loss in people prone to it
- Acne and oily skin
- Lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol
Risks and warnings
- Lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol and raises LDL, adding to heart disease risk.
- Long-term use is linked to high blood pressure, heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy), heart attacks and early death.
- Shuts down the body's own testosterone production: testicles shrink and sperm counts fall, and recovery after stopping can take months or be incomplete.
- In women: masculinizing effects (deeper voice, facial and body hair, clitoral enlargement) that can be permanent.
- Underground-lab products are often mislabeled or contaminated, and non-sterile injections can cause abscesses and infections.
- Schedule III controlled substance in the US: illegal to possess without a prescription.
- Prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
FAQ
Short answers taken from this profile.
What is Drostanolone?
An injectable DHT-derived steroid, used in bodybuilding mostly during cutting phases.
How does Drostanolone work?
A modified form of DHT that binds the androgen receptor and doesn't convert to estrogen.
What receptors or pathways does Drostanolone act on?
androgen receptor (agonist).
How is Drostanolone different from similar compounds?
An injectable DHT derivative that can't convert to estrogen, used in bodybuilding mostly during cutting phases.
Is Drostanolone approved?
Once used to treat advanced breast cancer in women; no longer marketed in the US.
What has Drostanolone been studied for?
Medically, it was used to treat advanced breast cancer. Bodybuilders use it mostly while dieting, for a harder look and to hold on to strength.
How strong is the evidence?
Early or small human studies. Studied decades ago as a breast cancer treatment; no modern trials.
What are the main risks?
Lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol and raises LDL, adding to heart disease risk. Long-term use is linked to high blood pressure, heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy), heart attacks and early death. Shuts down the body's own testosterone production: testicles shrink and sperm counts fall, and recovery after stopping can take months or be incomplete. More are listed under risks and warnings.
Sources
- Kicman AT. Pharmacology of anabolic steroids. Br J Pharmacol 2008.
- Pope HG et al. Adverse health consequences of performance-enhancing drugs: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocr Rev 2014.