Masteron itself is an anabolic steroid that is considered fairly mild in terms of the majority of Masteron side effects. However, there can be areas in which Masteron may have barely any effect at all while other aspects of it may present more pronounced or ‘harsher’ side effects in individuals who are especially sensitive to them.
Estrogenic Side Effects
Masteron is a DHT-derivative, and as such, it does not possess any ability what so ever at any dose to be aromatized by the aromatase enzyme. Therefore, no Estrogenic side effects as a result of Masteron itself should occur or be of any concern to the user. In fact, due to Masteron’s properties as an anti-estrogen and an aromatase inhibitor, it should serve to act as a moderate aromatase inhibitor and reduce Estrogen levels as a result. This is why it is advised to utilize Masteron with other aromatizable androgens, such as Testosterone or Dianabol.
Read also about Masteron acts as an anti-progestin
Androgenic Side Effects
Although Masteron possesses a weaker androgenic strength rating than Testosterone, it is still considered an anabolic androgenic steroid and the risk of androgenic side effects still does exist with Masteron. Masteron in particular was designed for use in female breast cancer patients, which serves as an explanation for the lower androgenic strength rating of it (25 – 40 versus Testosterone’s androgenic rating of 100). Androgenic side effects can still manifest themselves with this anabolic steroid, especially in individuals who are far more sensitive to androgenic side effects than the average anabolic steroid user. Androgenic side effects include the following: increased sebum secretion (oily skin), increased bouts of acne (linked to increased sebum secretion), bodily and facial hair growth, and the increased risk of triggering Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) in individuals that possess the genetic trait required for the condition to manifest itself. Masteron side effects where androgenicity is concerned also includes virilization effects in female users as evidenced by the medical and clinical data involving female breast cancer patients who have been treated with Masteron. Virilization effects can include the development of male secondary sex characteristics (deepening of the voice, growth of body and facial hair), clitoral enlargement, and menstrual irregularities. A positive note here on Masteron side effects is that Masteron does not interact with the 5-Alpha Reductase enzyme (the enzyme responsible for the conversion of Testosterone to the much more androgenic Dihydrotestosterone), and so therefore there is no risk involved in Masteron converting to any metabolite that is stronger in androgenic effects. Therefore, the androgenic strength associated with Masteron should be the androgenic strength that one should experience fairly consistently throughout use.
HPTA and Endogenous Testosterone Production Side Effects
All anabolic steroids when utilized at doses necessary for physique and performance enhancement can and will cause suppression of the HPTA (Hypothalamic Pituitary Testicular Axis) and natural endogenous Testosterone production. Possible total shut-down of these endocrine systems can result as well. Masteron side effects are no exception to this rule for all anabolic steroids. Following the end of any cycle, a thorough and proper Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) program is always necessary, where Testosterone-stimulating ancillary compounds such as Nolvadex and/or HCG are utilized in order to facilitate the normalization of the HPTA and endogenous Testosterone production as quickly as possible. Failure to do so can result in permanent damage to the HPTA, whereby the individual produces insufficient levels of Testosterone, and medical treatment in the form of TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) for life will be required.
Hepatotoxic Side Effects
Masteron is not a C17-alpha alkylated anabolic steroid, and presents no hepatotoxic effects on the body. Liver problems are not known to be an associated with Masteron side effects.
Cariovascular Side Effects
It is an established fact that all anabolic steroids express negative impacts on cholesterol levels in the human body. This involves the reduction of HDL (the good cholesterol) and increases of LDL (the bad cholesterol). The result of such changes involves an increased risk of arteriosclerosis, and the degree to which these changes occur for the worse are usually dose-dependent (with higher doses increasing the negative changes and the risks). Other factors that affect these negative cholesterol changes are: duration of use, and route of administration. This is where oral anabolic steroids hold a negative reputation for exhibiting a far worse negative impact on cholesterol in comparison to injectable anabolic steroids. This is because the liver serves to function as the cholesterol processing center for the human body, and the increased hepatotoxicity associated with anabolic steroids will result in even worse negative cholesterol changes.
Masteron in particular may possibly exhibit even worse effects on the negative cholesterol changes it imparts on the human body. This is due to Masteron’s aromatase inhibiting and anti-estrogenic properties, as the reduction of Estrogen levels below normal physiological levels has been demonstrated in studies to impart an even worse impact on cholesterol profiles than when anabolic steroids are administered alone without an aromatase inhibitor. Testosterone in particular has demonstrated in one clinical study to have only a mild impact on HDL cholesterol after a 12 week period where 280mg of Testosterone Enanthate was administered weekly. The cholesterol profiles had later changed for the worse when an aromatase inhibitor was included, which resulted in a significant 25% drop in HDL cholesterol. This must be remembered by any potential user of Masteron, and Estrogen levels must be closely monitored so as to ensure Masteron does not reduce Estrogen to the point whereby cholesterol profiles are impacted negatively.
Masteron Side Effects:
Like all steroid-related articles, we know it wouldn’t be complete without us taking a detailed look at some of the side effects associated with this steroid.
Though this steroid is fairly well tolerated when compared with others, it is still a steroid and it still poses numerous risks.
Here’s a look at some common side effects associated with Masteron.
- Hair Loss
If you are genetically predisposed to hair loss, I.E, if baldness or hair loss runs in your family, taking this steroid, could speed up the rate in which your hair falls out.
It won’t make regular individuals bald, but it can speed up the rate at which you lose your precious locks. - Suppressed Hair Growth
Another possible side effect of this steroid is suppressed hair growth.
Basically, if you are growing your hair you may want to give this steroid a miss as it will likely cause your hair to grow at a much slower rate.
If however, you wish to save money on haircuts, as your hair will be growing at a much slower rate, you’ll likely save yourself a decent amount. - Mood Swings
Okay, we’ve all heard about ‘roid rage’ but is there any truth to it?
If the TV shows are to be believed, using steroids will cause mild-mannered and polite young boys to transform into angry psychopaths.
That is not the case at all.
Steroids can enhance certain moods and emotions, so if you normally feel slightly irritated at little things, steroids could cause you to feel more irritated than usual, which makes steroids bad.
Using this steroid could cause you to feel slightly more emotional than usual, and you may experience mood swings, so just bear that in mind. - Testosterone Suppression
One of the worse side effects of this steroid is the fact that it has been found to suppress the natural production of testosterone within the body.
In fact, some steroid cycles including this drug can even result in a complete shut down of the testosterone-producing system.
When this occurs, medical attention must be sought out and it may result in the individual being forced to receive testosterone replacement therapy for the rest of their days.
This is why PCT is so important. - Increased Risk Of Infection
Other than the pain of injecting of any kind of injectable steroids, the other major downside to injecting steroids as opposed to consuming them orally is the fact that injections are more susceptible to infection.
All it takes is one wrong injection, or one slightly dirty needle or injection site, and you run the risk of suffering from an infected injection site.
This can be very painful, it may result in surgery being required, and in extreme cases, it could result in the loss of limbs.
Conclusion
Masteron isn’t as strong as some other steroids, but it can provide a number of similar effects without being as drastic in terms of side effects. Hopefully this article has helped you understand a bit more about this interesting compound so you can decide whether or not to include it in your list of bodybuilding supplements.