Norbolethone is a 19-nor anabolic steroid first synthesized in 1966. During the 1960s it was administered to humans in efficacy studies concerned with short stature and underweight conditions. It has never been reported by doping control laboratories prior to 2001. Norbolethone matches the description for what is described as a "designer steroid. " In fact, Norbolethone was given in clinical trials over 30 years ago and never given the green light. No supply was ever manufactured, and no test was ever developed to detect this substance, yet ironically, it was suspected of being used in the 2000 Olympics based on blood and urine assays done by the IOC. Norbolethone was used in the treatment of idiopathic underweight, prevention of indomethacin-induced intestinal ulcers.