Metanabol (Methandienone) is an oral anabolic steroid derived from testosterone.

Metanabol (Methandienone) is highly favored by athletes for physique and performance-enhancing purposes.

Estrogenic Side Effects

Metanabol (Methandienone) is aromatized in the body to estradiol (estrogen). Elevated estrogen levels can cause side effects such as increased water retention, body fat gain, and gynecomastia.

Metanabol (Methandienone) is considered a mildly estrogenic steroid with estrogenic side effects usually not pronounced unless this drug is taken in doses above 200mg per week. An anti-estrogen may be necessary to prevent estrogenic side effects. One may alternately use an aromatase inhibitor which more efficiently controls estrogen by preventing its synthesis.

Androgenic Side Effects

Although classified as an anabolic steroid, androgenic side effects are still common with this substance, especially with higher doses. This may include bouts of oily skin, acne, and body/facial hair growth.

Anabolic/androgenic steroids may also aggravate male pattern hair loss.

Women are also warned of the potential virilizing effects of anabolic/androgenic steroids. These may include a deepening of the voice, menstrual irregularities, changes in skin texture, facial hair growth, and clitoral enlargement.

Hepatotoxicity Side Effects

Metanabol (Methandienone) is a c17-alpha alkylated compound. C17-alpha alkylated anabolic/androgenic steroids can be hepatotoxic. Prolonged or high exposure may result in liver damage. In rare instances life-threatening dysfunction may develop. It is advisable to visit a physician periodically during each cycle to monitor liver function and overall health. Intake of c17-alpha alkylated steroids is commonly limited to 6-8 weeks, in an effort to avoid escalating liver strain.

The use of a liver detoxification supplement is advised while taking any hepatotoxic anabolic/androgenic steroids.

Relative hepatotoxicity increases as the dosage escalates, so hepatic dysfunction should still be a concern.

Cardiovascular Side Effects

Anabolic/androgenic steroids can have deleterious effects on serum cholesterol. This includes a tendency to reduce HDL (good) cholesterol values and increase LDL (bad) cholesterol values, which may shift the HDL to LDL balance in a direction that favors greater risk of arteriosclerosis.

The relative impact of an anabolic/androgenic steroid on serum lipids is dependant on the dose, route of administration (oral vs. injectable), type of steroid (aromatizable or non-aromatizable), and level of resistance to hepatic metabolism.

Anabolic/androgenic steroids may also adversely affect blood pressure and triglycerides, reduce endothelial relaxation, and support left ventricular hypertrophy, all potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction.

To help reduce cardiovascular strain, it is advised to maintain an active cardiovascular exercise program and minimize the intake of saturated fats, cholesterol, and simple carbohydrates at all times during active steroid administration. Supplementing with fish oils and a natural cholesterol/antioxidant formula is also recommended.