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.

Methyl-1-testosterone(M1T)(17alpha-hydroxy-17-methyl- 5-androst-1-en-3-one) is a new designer steroid that is most likely produced to circumvent the legal restrictions. It is advertised to be highly anabolic and moderately androgenic and not convertible to estrogens. However, in scientific literature, it was reported to show anabolic properties of 25% and androgenic properties of 50% compared with testosterone propionate after im injection in castrated rats. In February 2006, Health Canada (Federal Department) warned consumers not to use M1T-containing products because of potentially serious health risks such as liver disorders and hardening of the arteries. Since 2006, M1T is explicitly listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency list of prohibited substances, and therefore, its use by athletes is prohibited.