Norbolethone is an obscure anabolic steroid that was developed by the drug manufacturer Wyeth in the mid 1960's. It is an orally active derivative of nandrolone, displaying a high ratio of anabolic to androgenic effect. This drug was reviewed favorably during early investigations with children, however it was never released as a commercial prescription agent. It remained lost in steroid journal obscurity until just very recently, when it was revealed that athletes were using it during drug-tested competitions. Because norbolethone was never sold as a commercial steroid, the athletic bodies were not looking for it during their tests. A private chemist realized this, and manufactured it for the specific purpose of beating the drug screen. The norbolethone doping scandal was the first modern reappearance of the ages old "designer steroid" phenomenon. These are non-commercial steroids that do not show up on a drug screen by virtue of their anonymity. For as long as they remain anonymous, drugs like norbolethone are highly valued commodities among competitive athletes.
As a primarily anabolic agent, norbolethone fits in well among the nandrolone family. Although we have no study examining this, it is reasonable to think that this agent does aromatize to some degree, similar to its parent nandrolone. Estradiol (or in this case 17alpha-ethyl estradiol) levels should be increased somewhat at higher levels, but estrogenic side effects should not be as measurable as a testosterone based compound of similar structure would produce. Norbolethone should also display some moderate progestational activity, making it less than ideal for quality lean mass gains. It is likely to produce some measurable water retention in its user, which may also be accompanied by fat gain. However, it should not be excessive in either regard. Clinical tests have shown norbolethone to be effective as an anabolic in doses of approximately 7.5mg daily113, which suggests that on the outside, maybe 10-15mgs per day would be recommended as a starting point for a male bodybuilder. Women would want to start off with much less, maybe 2.5-5mg,for fear of virilizing side effects. Even though this is more of an anabolic than an androgenic agent on paper, women should still be careful with its use. All steroids can be virilizing at the right dose, and often the dosage threshold is a lot lower than you originally think.
The commonplace side effects associated with norbolethone as likely to be similar to most anabolic/androgenic steroids. Oily skin and acne should occur to some degree, but depending on the dose should be much less pronounced than with a more androgenic steroid like Dianabol. Although the 20 to 1 anabolic to androgenic ratio cited in the studies is probably an overly optimistic paper analysis (it will undoubtedly not hold true to real-world human use), we can still expect a pretty favorable balance of effect based on its nandrolone-type structure. Its anabolic to androgenic propensities are probably going to be on par with milder anabolic agents such as oxandrolone,Winstrol or Primobolan, much more favorable than something like (again) Dbol. It is also probably easier on the hairline than even these others anabolics, falling closer to injectable Deca in this regard. As a CI 7-alpha alkylated oral, however, it is still going to present some level of liver toxicity. This will probably be similar mg for mg to most common commercial alkylated oral steroids. It is therefore worthy of keeping an eye on liver functioning, with regular blood tests during each cycle.
As suggested in the opening of this profile, norbolethone no longer holds any value as an undetectable designer steroid. It has been "discovered" so to speak, and is now being actively screened for during standard steroid urinalysis tests. There is little doubt that most of the athletes that were using this compound have long since abandoned it. The scandal surrounding the use of this compound broke in the media in mid 2002, when it was announced that Dr. Don Catlin of the UCLA Analytical Laboratories had discovered that athletes were using this drug to beat the drug screens being conducted at his facility. Catlin promptly devised and released a method for the detection of norbolethone metabolites in the urine. Several world-class athletes were ultimately suspended for using this drug during competition, including U.S. Olympic Cyclist Tammy Thomas. Although there is still no commercial source for this agent, I suspect it will be available again sooner or later in the ever-expanding global steroid market.