Danocrine (danozol)

Danozol is a synthetic androgen which is derived from the hormone ethisterone, which is a synthetic version of oral progestin. Although danozol is steroid like in its structure, this drug is technically classified as an anti-gonadotropin substance. This means that danozol’s main function is to suppress FSH and LH production, which will often also suppress the body’s release of sex hormones.

Danozol was first introduced in the US as a prescription drug in the 1970’s. It was first indicated for the treatment of endometriosis amenable to hormonal management, and only used in patients who failed to respond to, or were unable to take other drugs used for treatment in this area. Danozol works by inhibiting the output of LH and FSH in the body, which may cause normal and ectopic endometriosis tissue to become inactive, causing atrophy and regression of these tissues. More modern uses for this medicine include the treatment of certain breast diseases and hereditary angioedema. Danozol is used to treat hormone related disorders and not to build muscle. Because of this, this drug is not widely used by athletes, offering little benefit to the performance enhancement and bodybuilding community despite its structural similarity to steroids. Because of the low probability of abuse, the drug was never classified as a controlled substance by the US government. Some steroid reference manuals have recommended danozol’s use to combat the feminization caused by other steroids which aromatize. It is assumed by these writings that the drug’s androgenic activity will be enough to counter these symptoms, however it forgets the fact that this drug is a weak androgen. Anti-estrogens are far more appropriate for use in this regard than is danozol. Danocrine is a C17aa oral substance, and therefore can be toxic and prolonged use can cause damage to the liver.

Danazol is used clinically in doses of 200mg 2-3 times per day to treat hereditary angioedema. A lower long term maintenance dose is later established. Danazol is generally not recommended for bodybuilding or performance enhancing uses due to its weak anabolic and androgenic nature and strong tendency to suppress gonadotropin levels.