Methanoplex does not react strongly with the androgen receptor , instead relying on activity not mediated by the receptor for its effects. These include dramatic increases in protein synthesis , glycogenolysis , and muscle strength over a short space of time. . In high doses (30 mg or more per day), side effects such as gynaecomastia , high blood pressure , acne and male pattern baldness may begin to occur. The drug causes severe masculinising effects in women even at low doses. Without the administration of aromatase inhibitors such as Arimiplex , estrogenic effects will appear over time in men. Many users will combat the estrogenic side effects with Tamoxiplex or Clomid . The 17α-methylation of the steroid does allow it to pass through the liver without being broken down allowing it to be taken orally. It also has the effect of decreasing the steroid's affinity for sex hormone binding globulin , a protein that de-activates steroid molecules and prevents them from further reactions with the body. As a result, Methanoplex is significantly more active than an equivalent quantity of testosterone , resulting in rapid growth of muscle tissue. However, the concomitant elevation in estrogen levels - a result of the aromatization of Methanoplex - results in significant water retention. This gives the appearance of great gains in mass and strength, which prove to be temporary once the steroid is discontinued and water weight drops. Because of this, it is often used by bodybuilders only at the start of a "steroid cycle", to facilitate rapid strength increases and the appearance of great size, while compounds such as Testaplex or Decaplex with long acting esters build up in the body to an appreciable amount capable of supporting anabolic function on their own.