Oral 17alpha alkylation (methylated)


Firstly, oral ingestion of the steroid compound via tablet. If you have done any reading or research into steroids, then you may have heard of the term 17 alpha alkylation, especially in lots of reference material. But what exactly does this actually mean? Well 17 alpha alkylation is a process whereby an extra carbon atom has been added to the steroid molecule in the 17th position. This atom occupies a bond needed for the steroid to be reduced into inactive 17-keto. By using this process the oral tablet has totally inhibited this particular method of metabolism. You will learn that the addition of 17 alkylation substantially extends the half life of the steroid compound greatly. Now with the method of 17-alkylation you can measure the half life of these steroids in hours, as apposed to just minutes! This is great news, although the method does present us with some draw backs. These being that the steroid is now less likely to bind to the androgen receptor site. This is where the hormone signals the body to increase metabolism of proteins into muscle tissue, very, very basically. Often this draw back is not acknowledged due to the fact that the two traits actually cancel each other out. Since the 17 alkylation has made the steroid compound far more physiologically active, and is highly favourable for oral dosing. Now, the liver cannot process this molecule very well, since it has been altered, as discussed, and so a very large percentage, this time, will successfully pass through into the blood stream intact. Oral dosing in this manner though has been noted to be liver toxic, and less than ideal, when you consider your alternative is to inject. Orals, of course pass the virtually same dose of drug through the system twice, once upon ingestion, and once from the blood stream. This is extra strain upon your liver organ.