Methepitiostane (Havoc)

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Havoc
Methepitiostane

Androgenic: 91
Anabolic: 1100
Estrogenic Activity: None
Progestational Activity: None
Chemical Name: 2a,3a-epithio-17a-methyl-5a-androstan-17b-ol


Description:
Methepitiostane is an oral anabolic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone. The agent is a c17-alpha alkylated analog of epitiostane, and like this drug also displays a favorable balance between anabolic and androgenic effect. In this case, however, the separation is considerably more pronounced, with the drug exhibiting an anabolic effect that is roughly 12 times more pronounced than its androgenic effect. That is according to the standard animal assays, which often vary somewhat to experiences in humans. This drug was never clinically tested in humans, so what is known of it is based on a small number of animal experiments, and structural and anecdotal observations. What can be stated with certainty is that methepitiostane is a primarily anabolic steroid with a pronounced level of activity, and is effective for the promotion of lean mass and strength gains. It likely also imparts some anti-estrogen effect, further strengthening the association between this agent and dieting, cutting, and lean muscle mass phases of training as opposed to bulking.

How Supplied:
Methepitiostane was never approved as a prescription drug preparation. It is being sold in the US supplement market under the trade name Havoc, and is supplied in the form of capsules containing 10mg of steroid.

Structural Characteristics:
Methepitiostane is a modified form of dihydrotestosterone. It differs by 1) the addition of a 17-alpha methyl group, which helps protect the steroid from metabolism during oral administration, and 2) the replacement of 3-ketp with 2,3alpha-epithio, which increases anabolic strength while reducing relative androgenicity.

Side Effects (Estrogenic):
Methepitiostane is not aromatized by the body, and is not measurably estrogenic. Furthermore, its non-methylated analog mepitiostane is used clinically for its inherent anti-estrogen effect. Some level of anti-estrogenic effect is also assumed with methepitiostane. An anti-estrogen is, likewise, not necessary when using this steroid, as gynecomastia should not be a concern even among sensitive individuals. Since estrogen is the usual culprit with water retention, this steroid instead produces a lean, quality look to the physique with no fear of excess subcutaneous fluid retention. This makes it a favorable steroid to use during cutting cycles, when water and fat retention are major concerns. Note that some users may notice lethargy with this steroid, which may be due, in part to its low androgenic or estrogenic component. Stacking it with an aromatizable androgen like testosterone should alleviate this problem.

Side Effects (Androgenic):
Although classifies as an anabolic steroid, androgenic side effects are still possible 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 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. Methepitiostane is a steroid with very low androgenic activity relative to its tissue-building actions, making the threshold for strong androgenic side effects comparably higher than more androgenic agents such as testosterone, methandrostenolone, or fluoxymesterone. Note that methepitiostane is unaffected by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, so its relative androgenicity is not affected by the concurrent use of finasteride or dutasteride.

Side Effects (Hepatotoxicity):
Methepitiostane is a c17-alpha alkylated compound. This alteration protects the drug from deactivation by the liver, allowing a very high percentage of the drug entry into the bloodstream following oral administration. 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.

Side Effects (Cardiovascular):
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 dependent on the dose, route of administration, type of steroid, and level of resistance to hepatic metabolism. Methepitiostane has a strong effect on the management of cholesterol due to its non-aromatizable nature, structural resistance to liver breakdown, and route of administration. 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.

Side Effects (Testosterone Suppression):
All anabolic/androgenic steroids when taken in dose sufficient to promote muscle gain are expected to suppress endogenous testosterone production. Without the intervention of testosterone-stimulating substances, testosterone levels should return to normal within 1-4 months of drug secession. Note that prolonged hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism can develop secondary to steroid abuse, necessitating medical intervention.

Administration (Men):
Methepitiostane was never approved for use in humans. Prescribing guidelines are unavailable. An effective dosage for physique or performance enhancing purposes falls in the range of 10-20mg daily. This is usually taken for no longer than 6-8 weeks, in an effort to avoid significant liver strain. At this level the drug should impart a measurable but moderate lean-mass-building effect, which, depending on dietary and metabolic factors, may be accompanied by measurable fat loss and an increase in definition. Doses of 30mg per day are also commonly used, however given the high relative potency of the steroid may present significant hepatotoxicity. When administered, higher doses are usually taken for durations lasting no longer than 4-6 weeks.

Administration (Women):
Methepitiostane was never approved for use in humans. Prescribing guidelines are unavailable. An effective dosage for physique or performance enhancing purposes would be around 5mg per day. This would be taken for no longer than 4-6 weeks, in an effort to avoid significant liver strain or virilizing side effects. Given that complete separation of the anabolic and androgenic effect has not been achieved with any steroid, this agent is still capable of producing virilizing activity given the right dose or individual sensitivity.

Availability:
Methepitiostane is currently only produced in the US as a sports nutrition product, sold as Havoc and under numerous other brand names.

[Excerpts taken from: W. Llewellyn – “Anabolics 2009”]