Primobolan (Methenolone Enanthate) – Characteristics of a Mild AAS
Primobolan, whose active substance is **Methenolone**, is a mild anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) valued primarily for its ability to **maintain muscle mass during cutting**. It is considered one of the safest anabolic steroids (in the context of doping) and is popular among beginners, advanced athletes, and women.
Available Forms on the Market:
- Primobolan Depot: Injectable form (**Methenolone Enanthate**). It offers a uniform and slow release.
- Primobolan: Oral form (**Methenolone Acetate**).
Methenolone Properties: No Aromatization and Low Virilization Risk
The key characteristic of Primobolan is its pharmacology:
- No Aromatization: Primobolan **does not aromatize**, meaning it does not convert into estrogens. This eliminates estrogenic side effects such as gynecomastia and water retention.
- No Progestagenic Activity: It also does not cause progesterone-related side effects.
- Low Virilization Index: Due to these properties, Primobolan Depot is one of the few steroids that can be used by **women** (with a low risk of masculinization).
Main Benefits of Use:
Primobolan is very effective in improving **muscle quality** and is ideal for achieving **lean muscle mass** without unnecessary water retention. Additionally, it:
- Firms muscles and improves their shape (body sculpting).
- Accelerates metabolic processes and fat burning, and improves amino acid synthesis.
- Increases strength and endurance relative to body weight.
- Strengthens joint structures and ligaments.
Primobolan – Dosing and Cycles
The primary goal of using Primobolan is to maintain mass and improve definition. Gaining significant muscle mass on this compound is more difficult than on stronger steroids.
Recommended Dosing:
- Beginner Men: 100–300 mg weekly (injectable). These doses are well-tolerated and do not cause serious side effects.
- Advanced Men (Cutting): 500–800 mg weekly (to achieve a significant anabolic effect).
- Professional Bodybuilders (Pre-Contest): 500–1000 mg weekly.
- Women: It is recommended to start with 50–100 mg weekly in the oral form before potentially transitioning to injectable.
Cycle Duration: A cycle should last from **12 to 16 weeks**. Realistic muscle gain during one cycle is 3–5 kg, most of which is retained after discontinuation.
Popular Combinations:
- Bulking Cycles (for quality): Combined with short-acting Testosterone Propionate, Stanozolol, or Trenbolone.
- For Advanced Users (greater anabolic strength): Combined with Nandrolone Decanoate or Boldenone Undecylenate (when Methenolone dose is below 500 mg/week).
Impact on HPTA Axis and PCT
Primobolan suppresses the HPTA axis to a lesser extent than many other AAS. It is only slightly weaker than Nandrolone Decanoate, while still affecting free and active Testosterone levels, and promoting LH and SHBG.
For **Methenolone Enanthate doses above 700 mg per week**, a stronger impact on the HPTA axis should be assumed. In such cases, the use of PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) compounds like **Clomiphene** or **Tamoxifen** is advisable.
