Masteron is considered a relatively mild anabolic steroid in terms of most side effects, but the side effects that occur from its use can vary from person to person.
Some side effects may be more pronounced or severe in particularly sensitive individuals, while conversely, there may be areas that Masteron does not affect.
Estrogenic Side Effects
As a DHT derivative, Masteron does not aromatize via the aromatase enzyme at any dosage.
Therefore, no estrogen-related side effects occur due to Masteron itself, and there are no concerning side effects for the user.
In fact, Masteron demonstrates anti-estrogenic properties and acts as an aromatase inhibitor, effectively lowering estrogen levels.
Accordingly, it is ideal to use in combination with aromatizing drugs such as Testosterone or Dianabol.
Androgenic Side Effects
Although Masteron has a lower androgenicity rating than Testosterone, it is still an anabolic steroid with androgenic properties, posing a risk of androgenic side effects.
Masteron’s androgenicity rating is 25-40, compared to Testosterone’s 100.
This steroid can affect individuals who are particularly sensitive to androgenic side effects.
Primary side effects include increased sebum production, acne, body and facial hair growth, and an increased risk of Male Pattern Baldness (MPB).
Furthermore, Masteron can cause virilization effects in female users, which may include voice deepening, body and facial hair growth, clitoral enlargement, and menstrual irregularities.
However, since Masteron does not interact with the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, there is no risk of it converting into a metabolite with stronger androgenic potency.
Therefore, the androgenic potency associated with Masteron will remain consistent throughout the period of use.
HPTA and Endogenous Testosterone Production Side Effects
All anabolic steroids, including Masteron, when used at doses for physique enhancement and performance improvement, will suppress the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis (HPTA) and endogenous testosterone production.
This can lead to a complete shutdown of the endocrine system.
To avoid these side effects, a thorough Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is necessary after cycle cessation, utilizing testosterone-stimulating ancillary drugs like Nolvadex or HCG to ensure the HPTA and endogenous testosterone production recover as quickly as possible.
Neglecting this can lead to permanent HPTA damage, resulting in low testosterone levels and potentially necessitating lifelong Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).
Hepatotoxic Side Effects
Masteron is not a C17-aa anabolic steroid, therefore it does not cause hepatotoxic side effects.
This results in Masteron having no negative impact on the liver and it is known not to be associated with liver issues.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
It is a well-established fact that all anabolic steroids negatively impact cholesterol levels.
Specifically, they cause a decrease in HDL (good cholesterol) and an increase in LDL (bad cholesterol), changes which elevate the risk of atherosclerosis.
The extent of these changes depends on the dosage used, with higher doses carrying greater risk.
Furthermore, oral anabolic steroids have a more adverse effect on cholesterol compared to injectable ones.
This is because the increased hepatotoxicity of oral anabolic steroids leads to a more negative impact on cholesterol levels.
In the case of Masteron, its aromatase inhibition and anti-estrogenic properties can lead to an even more significant impact on the cholesterol profile by abnormally lowering estrogen levels.
Research findings indicate that combining Testosterone with an aromatase inhibitor results in a reduction of HDL cholesterol by over 25%. [1]
When using Masteron, it is crucial to monitor its impact on cholesterol levels and manage estrogen levels to prevent them from becoming excessively low.
Masteron References
[1] High-density lipoprotein cholesterol is not decreased if an aromatizable androgen is administered. Friedl K, Hannan C et al. Metabolism 39(1) 1990;
