Methenolone (Primobolan) for Mild Anabolic Support — Anabolic Steroids
One of the mildest AAS available with a favorable safety profile. Available in oral and injectable forms.
Overview
Methenolone (Primobolan/Primobolan Depot) is one of the mildest anabolic steroids with an excellent safety profile relative to other AAS. Available as oral methenolone acetate (Primobolan) and injectable methenolone enanthate (Primobolan Depot), it is a DHT derivative that does not aromatize and has minimal hepatotoxicity. The oral form is unique among oral AAS in that it is NOT 17-alpha-alkylated; instead, it uses a 1-methyl group for oral bioavailability, resulting in much lower liver toxicity but also lower oral bioavailability. Methenolone was historically prescribed for muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and malnutrition. It has a mild anabolic-to-androgenic ratio (88:44) and is known for promoting quality lean gains without water retention. Arnold Schwarzenegger famously referenced it as part of his competitive preparation.
Indications
- Muscle wasting and malnutrition (historical medical use)
- Osteoporosis (historical medical use)
- Lean mass preservation during caloric deficit
- Mild anabolic support with favorable safety profile
- Female anabolic therapy (one of the safest AAS for women)
- Conservative body composition optimization
- Immune function support (observed benefit)
Mechanism of Action
Desire for lean mass preservation or gain with the most favorable risk-benefit profile among AAS, or female anabolic therapy
Dosing
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Methenolone Acetate (Primobolan) | 50-100 mg | Daily (split doses) | Oral methenolone acetate; non-hepatotoxic oral form |
| Methenolone Enanthate (Primobolan Depot) | 300-600 mg | Once or twice weekly | Injectable enanthate ester; weekly or split injection |
| Methenolone | 25-50 mg | Daily (oral) or weekly (injectable) | Conservative female dosing with minimal virilization risk |
Evidence Grade
GRADE D
Safety & Contraindications
- Oral form is NOT 17-alpha-alkylated - minimal hepatotoxicity
- Injectable form (enanthate) has no hepatotoxicity
- Schedule III controlled substance
- One of the mildest AAS with the most favorable safety profile
- Does NOT aromatize - no estrogenic side effects
- Mild androgenic effects: lower risk of hair loss and acne than most AAS
- Will still suppress natural testosterone at adequate doses
- Oral bioavailability is low - requires higher oral doses for effect
- Very expensive due to high production costs and counterfeiting prevalence
- High counterfeit rate - quality verification important
- Virilization risk in females at higher doses but lower than most AAS