Superdrol - Pro-Hormone or Steroid?

Superdrol  is marketed as a 'pro-hormone' (PH) in the post-ban era of pro-hormones. Following the ban of most pro-hormonal substances in the States, including the likes of 1-test, 1-AD, 4-AD, M1T, etc, Designer Supplements designed this 'pro-hormone' based on the steroid Masteron, with an additional methyl group attached to the 17th carbon position. It is described as a cross between Anavar and Masteron, with the virtual inability for aromatisation to estrogen. It is highly anabolic (400-800% more so than methyl-test) and a lot less androgenic (~20% of methyl-test). Superdrol has hence been given the name Methasteron.

Despite being marketed as a supplement available legally and deemed another 'pro-hormone' or 'pro-steroid' by many, there is nothing very 'pro' about Superdrol. In reality, Superdrol is a steroid, and that is what the reader must primarily understand. It is methylated, so will cause stress on the liver, and it is an anabolic/androgenic steroid, thus it has the potential to give side effects normally seen with such anabolic steroid use. It will shut your natural testosterone production down, and PCT (post-cycle therapy) is not only recommended, but frankly required.

Cycling Superdrol

Superdrol is sold in 10mg capsules. For those who have not used Superdrol before, it may be a good idea to start off on 10mg as a single dose each day (ed) for at least the first few days/week. Those who have used Superdrol before, or those who are in the range of 200lbs+ or have more experience with other pro-hormones/AAS should most likely want to start with 20mg ed. Dosages should be split where possible, 10mg in the morning, 10mg 12hrs later. Most users report that when running for longer than 3 weeks, the gains seem to cease in the 4th week. This has led to many people thinking that 3 week cycles of Superdrol are the best option in terms of gains and sides and this also is beneficial due to the harsh nature of Superdrol on lipid values.  A good cycle is 20mg ed for 3 weeks, with a 2-3 week PCT. Others have found success employing a 2 week on, 1 week off using a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM; e.g. Nolvadex) or Aromatase Inhibitor during the week off.

PCT will involve either Nolvadex (Tamoxifen, the prescription only medicine)

Side effects of Superdrol

As with all anabolic steroids, Superdrol is not side effect free. However, when comparing to harsher compounds such as M1T, I would have to say Superdrol fairs well in the sides department. Due to virtually zero aromatisation to estrogen, water retention in theory will be low (and in practise is low), and bloating should not occur such as one would see with an anabolic steroid oral like Dianabol. As Superdrol is said to have diuretic properties, you may well experience a loss of water weight during the initial period of use. Also, I have yet to see a case of gynecomastia (gyno - development of breast tissue in males) induced by Superdrol usage. I would not rule this out, and always recommend to anyone who is doing a steroidal cycle of some sort to have Nolvadex on hand in case gyno occurs. Superdrol could perhaps induce gyno through the progesterone route however this is mere speculation, and it certainly is not worth adding an anti-estrogen on cycle. Due to its low androgenic activity, one would expect androgenic sides to be low, and indeed, most users find little in the way of increased bodily hair, acne, hair loss (male pattern baldness - MPB), etc, however as Superdrol does have some androgenic activity, and if you are genetically prone to MPB you may well increase this process while on Superdrol.

The main side effects that seem to occur in many Superdrol users are:

Cramping/painful "pumps" (specifically lower back)
Lethargy - in extreme cases people have reported feeling like they had a hangover for the duration of the cycle.
Painful shin-splints, often making cardio very difficult
Substantial increases in LDL cholesterol levels and reduction of HDL levels
Superdrol is methylated so one must remember liver stress is a possibility
Possible loss in libido near end of cycle

Because of these sides (some being more serious than others) there are certain supplements that in my opinion, one should always employ whilst on a cycle of Superdrol

Diet on Superdrol

Feedback would indicate that Superdrol is not a good steroid to use for cutting. Superdrol works best in a calorific surplus environment, and more specifically, in an environment where carbohydrates are high. For this reason, Superdrol makes more of a good 'bulking' steroid, however one can easily use Superdrol to put on mass whilst putting on little (if any) fat. Obviously this requires manipulation of diet so that protein and carbs are high, with plenty of good Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), but making sure that your calories are clean (good, complex carbs). Glycogen storage is dramatically elevated while on Superdrol and as such, complex carbohydrate consumption should be high, to not only assist in gains, but to potentially reduce the onset of lethargy and the likelihood of hypoglycaemia. You want to ensure intakes that are above maintenance calories. However, Superdrol is not a shield against fat gain and as such it is advisable to consume calories at a level where you were gaining quality weight at a suitable rate before starting the cycle, as opposed to suddenly increasing them well beyond your current intake.

Coming back to the EFAs point - this is very important due to the fact that Superdrol will significantly affect your lipid values. This is not hypothesis, but rather reality as many testers have had blood work done prior to and after using Superdrol, and the vast majority have seen HDL going significantly low and LDL skyrocketing. One's diet on Superdrol should make sure that it is full of EFAs, as the diet of a bodybuilder should always be anyway!