- Masteron is drostanolone, a DHT-derived injectable that doesn’t convert to estrogen. It’s used for a dry, hard look while cutting rather than for size.
- It comes in two esters: propionate (short-acting, about 2 days) and enanthate (longer-acting, about 5 days).
- As a DHT derivative it’s hard on hair for anyone prone to male-pattern baldness, and it lowers HDL cholesterol.
- It’s Schedule IV in Canada: personal possession isn’t an offence; trafficking, importing and exporting are.
Masteron has a narrower role than most steroids. It won’t add much size, but it has a reputation for making a lean physique look harder and more defined, which is why it’s used mostly in the final weeks before a show or photoshoot. This guide explains what drostanolone is, how the two esters differ, what the risks are, and what to know about buying it in Canada.
What is Masteron?
Drostanolone is a modified form of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with an added methyl group that makes it more resistant to breakdown in muscle. It was developed in the late 1950s and marketed as Masteron and Drolban, mainly to treat advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women, because it opposes estrogen’s effects. It has since been discontinued for medical use.
Two properties explain why bodybuilders use it:
- It doesn’t aromatize, so it can’t convert to estrogen. No estrogen means no added water retention.
- It has mild anti-estrogenic effects of its own, which is why it was used against breast cancer.
Propionate vs enanthate
The drug is the same; the ester attached to it controls how fast it’s released from the injection site.
| Masteron propionate | Masteron enanthate | |
|---|---|---|
| Half-life | About 2 days | About 5 days |
| Injection frequency | Every other day | Once or twice a week |
| Typical strength | 100 mg/ml | 200 mg/ml |
| Clears after stopping | Within days | Over two to three weeks |
| Injection site pain | More common | Less common |
Propionate suits people who want fast control, such as before a competition. Enanthate means fewer injections.
What users report
- A drier, harder, more “grainy” look when body fat is already low
- Strength retention while dieting
- Little to no water retention
- Little visible effect at higher body fat levels
Masteron works best on an already lean physique. At 15 to 20% body fat, most of its visual effect is hidden.
Clinical reference doses
When drostanolone propionate was used for breast cancer, the dose was 100 mg injected three times a week. It was never approved for muscle building or for use in healthy men, so there’s no clinical dose for that purpose.
Side effects
Hair loss
Drostanolone is a DHT derivative, and DHT drives male-pattern baldness. If you’re genetically prone, Masteron can speed up hair loss noticeably. Finasteride doesn’t help here, because drostanolone is already a DHT-type compound. Our hair loss guide covers this in detail.
Cholesterol
Like most androgens, it lowers HDL and can raise LDL, adding to cardiovascular strain.
Natural testosterone
It suppresses LH and FSH, reducing your own testosterone and sperm production. Because it provides no estrogen, using it without testosterone can leave estrogen too low, which affects libido, mood and joints.
Other effects
- Acne and oily skin
- Prostate enlargement in older men
- Virilization in women: deeper voice, facial hair and clitoral enlargement, which can be permanent
- Injection site pain, more often with propionate
Bloodwork in Canada
Check a lipid panel, hematocrit, liver enzymes, blood pressure, and testosterone and estradiol before and during use. Your family doctor can order these, or you can book privately at LifeLabs or Dynacare. Men over 40 should include a PSA test.
Is Masteron legal in Canada?
Drostanolone is an anabolic steroid, listed in Schedule IV of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Possessing it for personal use isn’t an offence; trafficking, importing and exporting without authorization are.
Buying Masteron in Canada
We stock both esters from both brands. At the time of writing:
| Product | Strength | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Zionova Masteron Propionate | 100 mg/ml, 10 ml | $100 |
| Masteron Propionate Genetix | 100 mg/ml, 10 ml | $80 |
| Zionova Masteron Enanthate | 200 mg/ml, 10 ml | $110 |
| Masteron Enanthate Genetix | 200 mg/ml, 10 ml | $135 |
Live prices and stock are on the injectables page.
Frequently asked questions
What is Masteron used for?
Medically it was used for advanced breast cancer. Bodybuilders use it for a harder, drier look while cutting, as it doesn’t convert to estrogen.
Is Masteron propionate or enanthate better?
Same drug, different release speed. Propionate acts and clears fast but needs injections every other day; enanthate needs one or two a week.
Does Masteron cause hair loss?
It can, in people prone to male-pattern baldness, because it’s derived from DHT.
Can Masteron be used alone?
It suppresses natural testosterone and doesn’t provide estrogen, so on its own it can leave both testosterone and estrogen low, with effects on libido, mood and joints.
Is Masteron legal in Canada?
It’s Schedule IV under the CDSA. Personal possession isn’t an offence; trafficking, importing and exporting without authorization are.
Products mentioned in this guide
This article is general information for adults in Canada, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any prescription drug, anabolic steroid or research compound, and get bloodwork done. If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time.
