Studies on anabolic steroids. The mass spectra of 17 alpha-methyl-17 beta-hydroxy-1,4-androstadien-3-one (Dianabol) and its metabolites.

The metabolism of 17 alpha-methyl-17 beta-hydroxy-1,4-androstadien-3-one (dianabol) in human adults has been studied in detail by computer aided capillary gas chromatography mass spectrometry. After oral administration to man six metabolites were determined in the free fraction of the urine samples, the structures of which have been identified as 17-epidianabol, three isomers of 6-hydroxydianabol, 17 alpha-methyl-17 beta-hydroxy-1,4,6-androstatrien-3-one (delta 6-dianabol) and 18-nor-17,17-dimethyl-1,4,13(14)-androstatrien-3-one, respectively. In agreement with previous observations no measurable amounts of the administered drug itself could be detected in any of the urine samples investigated. The mass spectra of all metabolites and the main fragmentation processes are discussed in detail.