Superdrol Overview, Dosing & Safety | Peptide Database

Superdrol (Methyldrostanolone)

Oral Anabolic Steroid | Extreme Potency & Liver Stress

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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.

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

Research Indications

Superdrol produces substantial lean mass gains in compressed timeframes, typically 8-12 pounds of lean tissue in a 3-4 week cycle. These gains are notably dry and devoid of water retention due to the absence of estrogenic activity.

Widely reported to produce some of the most dramatic strength increases of any oral steroid. Users commonly report significant personal records within the first 2-3 weeks of use.

As a non-aromatizing DHT derivative, Superdrol promotes a dense, dry, and grainy muscular appearance without subcutaneous water retention. Often used in the final weeks before a bodybuilding competition.

Dosing Protocols

Superdrol is administered exclusively by the oral route as a 17-alpha-alkylated steroid. It was historically available in capsule or tablet form, typically dosed at 10 mg per unit. Due to its extreme hepatotoxicity, cycle lengths must be kept as short as possible and liver support supplementation is mandatory rather than optional. There is no injectable formulation in common use.

Performance - Conservative / First-Time Users

10 mg/day

Once daily or split into 2 doses

Oral

Performance - Standard

20 mg/day

Split into 2 doses (morning and evening)

Interactions

What to Expect

Side Effects & Safety

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

Stop Signs - Discontinue if:

Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) -- seek medical attention immediately

Dark brown or tea-colored urine

Clay-colored or pale stools

Severe or persistent right upper quadrant abdominal pain

Extreme fatigue disproportionate to training or sleep patterns

Persistent nausea, vomiting, or complete loss of appetite

Unexplained itching (pruritus), which may indicate cholestasis

Chest pain, severe headache, or visual disturbances suggesting hypertensive crisis

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

Quality Checklist

Good Signs

Product from a reputable underground lab with consistent third-party testing history

Third-party certificate of analysis confirming identity and potency as methasterone

Properly dosed at 10 mg per tablet or capsule with consistent unit weight

Packaging includes lot number, manufacturing date, and expiration date

Tablets or capsules are uniform in size, color, and appearance

Warning Signs

Product labeled at doses above 10 mg per unit (increases risk of accidental overdosing)

No third-party testing or certificate of analysis available

Source with limited track record or unverifiable reputation

Inconsistent tablet or capsule sizing suggesting poor manufacturing quality control

Labeled as a 'prohormone' or 'dietary supplement' (no longer legally sold as such)

Bad Signs

No labeling, lot number, or any identifying information

Lab testing reveals substituted compound or significant underdosing/overdosing

Presence of contaminants, heavy metals, or undisclosed active ingredients

Product sold as a legal supplement (Superdrol has been a controlled substance since 2014)

Severe or unexpected adverse effects suggesting adulterated or mislabeled product

Frequently Asked Questions

Is superdrol worth the extreme hepatotoxicity risk for 8-12 pounds of lean mass?

Superdrol produces faster and more dramatic lean gains than most compounds, but the cholestatic liver injury risk—even at moderate doses over short cycles—requires serious consideration. Documented hospitalizations and liver failure cases mean this is only defensible for advanced users who understand and accept the risk, with mandatory bloodwork monitoring.

Does liver support (TUDCA/NAC) actually prevent superdrol's liver damage?

TUDCA protects against cholestasis by supporting bile acid transport, and NAC provides antioxidant support, but neither eliminates superdrol's hepatotoxic potential. They reduce severity of liver enzyme elevation and cholestasis symptoms, but cannot guarantee safety—pre-existing liver issues, concurrent alcohol, or genetic sensitivity can override any protection.

Why is superdrol more hepatotoxic than other oral steroids like anadrol?

Superdrol's 2-alpha-methyl modification disrupts bile salt export pump (BSEP) function specifically, causing intrahepatic cholestasis—a uniquely toxic mechanism compared to other 17-alpha-alkylated steroids. This cholestatic pattern is harder to manage than simple hepatocellular elevation from compounds like anadrol.

Can I run superdrol without a testosterone base?

Technically yes for pure anabolic effect, but terrible idea practically. Superdrol doesn't aromatize, so without a test base you have zero circulating estrogen—causing severe joint pain, lethargy, sexual dysfunction, and crashed mood. A TRT dose of testosterone (100-200mg/week) is mandatory for livable sides and joint lubrication.

References

Case report documenting severe cholestatic hepatitis in a bodybuilder following a short course of Superdrol, with bilirubin levels exceeding 20 mg/dL. Full recovery occurred after several weeks of supportive care and cessation of the compound. Highlights the disproportionate hepatotoxicity of methasterone relative to other oral anabolic steroids.

Systematic review of anabolic steroid-induced liver injury identifying methasterone (Superdrol) as one of the most frequently implicated compounds in cases of severe cholestatic jaundice. The review found that 17-alpha-alkylated steroids as a class carry hepatotoxic risk, but methasterone was overrepresented in serious adverse event reports relative to its prevalence of use.

Case report describing concurrent cholestatic jaundice and IgA nephropathy in a young male following Superdrol use, demonstrating that the compound's toxicity can extend beyond hepatic injury to include renal complications. Both conditions resolved after discontinuation and supportive treatment.

Review of designer anabolic steroids sold as over-the-counter supplements, including Superdrol, detailing the regulatory failures that allowed potent anabolic steroids to be marketed as dietary supplements. Discusses the clinical consequences including hepatotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and cardiovascular risk.

Federal legislation that added methasterone (Superdrol) and numerous other designer steroids to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, closing the regulatory loophole that had allowed these potent anabolic agents to be sold legally as dietary supplements.

Related Peptides

A testosterone base is considered essential when running Superdrol. Because Superdrol does not aromatize, users will have no circulating estrogen if testosterone is absent, leading to crashed estrogen symptoms including severe joint pain, lethargy, mood disturbance, and sexual dysfunction. A TRT dose of testosterone (100-200 mg/week) provides the necessary estrogenic support while Superdrol delivers the primary anabolic effect.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.