Androxine

Product Description

Androxine is a trade name primarily associated with the synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) methandriol, also known as methylandrostenediol or 17α-methylandrost-5-ene-3β,17β-diol. It is an orally active, 17α-methylated androgen that was developed in the mid-20th century. In some older European pharmaceutical markets, “Androxine” (or a similar spelling, e.g., “Androxin”) was used as a brand name for this compound. It is now largely obsolete and rarely manufactured legitimately.

Note: Because product naming in the underground market is inconsistent, “Androxine” could occasionally refer to other androgens. The description below refers specifically to methandriol, the most commonly accepted identity of the name.

Chemical identity and structure

• IUPAC name: 17α-methylandrost-5-ene-3β,17β-diol
• Molecular formula: C₂₀H₃₂O₂
• Structural features: Methandriol is a derivative of androstenediol with a methyl group added at the 17α position (to allow oral administration) and a double bond between C5 and C6. It is structurally close to both methyltestosterone (from which it differs by having a 3β-hydroxyl group and a 5-ene double bond rather than a 4-ene-3-one) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The 17α-methyl group protects the molecule from rapid hepatic breakdown, making it effective when taken by mouth.

Mechanism of action

Methandriol is a prodrug with relatively weak intrinsic androgen receptor (AR) binding. Much of its activity comes from its conversion in the body into more potent metabolites:

• It is metabolized to methyltestosterone (a strong, orally active androgen) and to 17α-methylestradiol (an estrogen).
• As a result, the clinical response is a blend of androgenic, anabolic, and estrogenic effects.

Because of this dual conversion, methandriol was sometimes used medically as a “weak” androgen with some estrogenic support, but this also meant it could cause estrogenic side effects such as water retention and gynecomastia.

Historical and clinical context

• Methandriol was introduced in the 1950s and used in some countries for conditions such as protein wasting, osteoporosis, and as palliative therapy in breast cancer.
• It was never as popular or effective as testosterone or methandienone (Dianabol) and fell out of use as better-tolerated androgens became available.
• Today, methandriol is not approved for human use in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, or most of the EU. Any “Androxine” found on the black market is likely produced by underground labs (UGLs) or is old stock.

Effects (pharmacological)

• Anabolic effects: Weak to moderate. Users may experience a mild increase in protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, but it is widely considered far less potent than testosterone or methandienone for building muscle. Some bodybuilders historically used it as a “starter” oral steroid, but it is generally regarded as underwhelming.
• Androgenic effects: Low to moderate. Can cause acne, oily skin, increased aggression, and in women, virilization (e.g., voice deepening, hirsutism).
• Estrogenic effects: Because methandriol converts to methylestradiol, estrogenic side effects such as water retention, elevated blood pressure, and gynecomastia are possible. This is somewhat unusual for an anabolic steroid and is often considered undesirable.
• Prolonged half-life: The 17α-methyl group makes it resistant to liver breakdown, and the compound has a relatively short elimination half-life (hours), requiring daily dosing.

Side effects and risks

• Hepatotoxicity: As a 17α-methylated steroid, methandriol is inherently liver-stressful. Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) are common, and prolonged use can lead to cholestatic jaundice, and in rare cases, liver damage or tumors.
• Cardiovascular: Like most oral AAS, it negatively affects the lipid profile (lowers HDL, raises LDL), increases blood pressure, and may promote platelet aggregation and left ventricular hypertrophy.
• Endocrine suppression: Methandriol suppresses natural testosterone production, leading to testicular atrophy, low libido, and fatigue when not on cycle. Post-cycle therapy (PCT) with SERMs is typically needed.
• Estrogenic side effects: Water retention, bloating, and gynecomastia. Unlike some AAS, these are due to direct estrogen receptor stimulation from its metabolite, so aromatase inhibitors may not fully control them.
• Other: Insomnia, mood swings, and potential negative effects on prostate health.

Legal and regulatory status

• In the United States, methandriol is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act. It is illegal to possess or distribute for human consumption without a prescription.
• Most other Western countries similarly control methandriol as a prescription-only medicine or outright prohibit its sale.
• Because it is no longer produced by major pharmaceutical companies, any product labeled “Androxine” is unregulated and entirely unverified in terms of purity, dose, and safety.

Important caveats

• “Androxine” is not a dietary supplement and should not be confused with prohormones like DHEA or androstenedione.
• Its chemical conversion to methylestradiol and methyltestosterone makes its effects unpredictable; individual responses can vary substantially.
• Given its weak anabolic properties, significant risk of estrogenic side effects, and liver burden, Androxine (methandriol) is widely considered an obsolete and potentially hazardous steroid with little practical advantage over better-studied alternatives.
• Black-market tablets are often counterfeit, misdosed, or may contain a completely different drug.