Category: ARTICLES

BPC-157

Repair Damaged Joints and Boost Recovery!

BPC-157 is a peptide that helps alleviate joint pain, improve joint mobility, and boost recovery from injuries. It also increases vascular flow to the tendons and ligaments to increase healing and can also help aid skin burns heal faster and increase blood flow to damaged tissues.

Since BPC-157 is derived from a protein in the stomach, it’s often used to help treat stomach and intestinal conditions including fistulas, ulcers, and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. BPC-157 has also been shown to help people with organ damage.

It’s also ideal for nagging injuries where the tissue needs to be rejuvenated. It appears to work by accelerating the rate of angiogenic repair. Angiogenesis is a key dynamic process for wound healing as it allows the formation of new blood vessels from old ones and is involved in the organization of a microvascular network.

What are BPC-157’s main benefits?

Studies conducted in rodents and cultured cells have suggested that BPC-157 may support the healing of various tissues, including tendons, joints, nerves, the intestinal tract, the stomach, and skin.

What are BPC-157’s main drawbacks?

BPC-157’s potential drawbacks are uncertain, given lack of human evidence. No clear toxicity or negative side effects have been reported in studies conducted in rodents, but this research is limited.

How does BPC-157 work?

BPC-157 has various possible (potentially overlapping) mechanisms of action, including promoting nitric oxide synthesis, activating cells involved in tissue repair, stimulating the synthesis of growth factors, and inhibiting inflammation.

BPC-157 can be taken orally, topically, or via injection. Oral ingestion of peptides like BPC-157 wouldn’t normally be expected to have a direct effect on tissues outside of the gastrointestinal tract (like tendons and nerves) because peptides aren’t easily absorbed into circulation. However, studies in rodents have suggested that oral ingestion can have systemic effects, meaning that the feasibility of this route of delivery can’t be ruled out.

What is BPC-157?

BPC-157 is a peptide consisting of 15 amino acids. It is derived from a protein found in the stomach. Ingestion or injection of BPC-157 is suspected of enhancing the repair of damaged tissues. And though no clinical data exists to support this, real world use by bodybuilders, athletes and many others indicates it is quite effective.

What else is BPC-157 known as?

Note that BPC-157 is also known as:

  • PL 14736
  • PL-10
  • Bepecin

BPC-157 should not be confused with:

  • TB-500

Dosage informationMedical disclaimer

The closest possible recommended dose is based on rat studies where oral administration showed benefit, as most studies administer the supplement via injection. The oral dose that was effective in rats, 10 μg/kg, is estimated to be equivalent to 1.6 μg/kg, or:

  • 110 μg for a 150lb person
  • 145 μg for a 200lb person
  • 180 μg for a 250lb person

Conclusion

BPC-157, which has greatly increased in popularity, is a peptide used by many bodybuilders, athletes and others for the purpose of accelerating muscle growth, wound healing, injury and organ repair and a host of other physical ailments. Real world application shows definitively that it works well for meeting these goals. And though there is no clinical data available for human consumption dosages… our research has found that 250 mcg seems a very effective dose for the average 180-200 lb male.

EPITHALON

Turn Back Time With Epithalon:

Epithalon is a powerful, safe, and effective tetrapeptide that helps your body produce telomerase that protects a body’s cells. This therapy can reverse aging by stimulating your body’s regenerative potential. 

EPITHALON

Epithalon has been called the “fountain of youth” peptide because of its rejuvenating effects. Our patients have also benefited from better sleep and reduced stress with regular Epithalon treatment. It is one of several peptides we offer that might be right for you.

Epithalon (also known as Epitalon or Epithalone) is the synthetic version of the polypeptide Epithalamin which is naturally produced in the pineal gland.

“THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH PEPTIDE”

Epithalon is often regarded as the “fountain of youth” peptide..

Epithalon’s primary role is to increase the natural production of telomerase, a natural enzyme that helps cells reproduce telomeres, which are the protective parts of our DNA. This allows the replication of our DNA so the body can grow new cells and rejuvenate old ones. Younger people produce a relatively large amount of telomerase and longer telomeres. The longer the telomere strands are, the better cell health and replication they provide. However, as people age, the production of telomerase falls and consequently cell replication and health decline. This is the main reason that people age.It also plays a role in regulating metabolism, increasing the sensitivity of hypothalamus to its natural hormonal influences, normalizing the function of the anterior pituitary and regulating the levels of gonadotropins and melatonin in the body.

The implications of what Epithalon can mean to your longevity, fitness, bodybuilding goals as well as improving sleep, appearance and age reduction are obvious!

Benefits of Epithalon Include:

As a result of Epithalon’s effect on telomerase production, the benefits are unique and far-reaching and include:

  • May increase human lifespan by lengthening telomeres in human cells
  • Prevent the effects of Free radicals
  • Promotes Deeper Sleep
  • Delay and prevention of age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia
  • Can act as an antioxidant by reducing lipid oxidation and ROS (Reactive oxygen species) along with normalizing T cell function.
  • Improvement of skin health and appearance
  • Healing of injured and deteriorating muscle cells
  • Has been shown to Restore and normalize melatonin levels in older people who have lost some pineal function due to aging
  • May increases resistance to emotional stress

Epithalon Dosage Calculator and Guide

Insofar as Epithalon is treated as a research chemical, it lacks the type of dosing recommendations that are typically given for officially approved drugs. However, the International Peptide Society has published a dosing protocol based on the extensive work of a renouned professor and his colleagues. This protocol may be administered three times annually for longevity and anti-aging purposes, and is relatively short and more intensive protocol, and is as follows:

Total Required per day: 1mg epithalon

Dosing Schedule: Administer 1mg of Epithalon day. Best taken first thing in the morning.

Duration of Therapy: 10 days

Additional Notes: This protocol is designed to be administered up to three times per year. Each 10-day course should be followed by a pause of at least four months.

CONCLUSION

Epithalon offers a number of benefits that can help combat the symptoms of aging. It also helps with mood, improves sleep, accelerates healing and acts as an antioxidant. 

Numerous studies have shown the importance of telomerase production and telomere rejuvenation in fighting the symptoms of aging. As Epithalon has been shown to increase the production of telomerase which in turn strengthens and lengthens telomeres, this means that Epithalon can play a vital role in decreasing the aging process and thus extend human longevity while improving healing and aiding all fitness / bodybuilding and of course general health efforts.

Contact us if you would like more information about Epithalon!

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The Steroid Family Tree

The anabolic steroid family tree is a framework that simplifies how different steroids impact muscle building and performance.

In general, the most commonly used anabolic steroids fall into one of three different families/categories.

Testosterone and its derivatives, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and its derivatives, and Nandrolone (19-Nortestosterone) and its derivatives.

Expectedly, many of the anabolic steroids in each family have similar attributes to one another.

There are exceptions to this in each family, but in general breaking down anabolic steroids into the three families provides a simplified framework to identify the targeted action of each compound, as well as how they impact muscle building and overall performance.

    How Anabolic Steroids Enhance Muscle Building And Performance

    There are countless processes in the body that are enhanced or inhibited by anabolic steroids.

    To avoid overcomplicating this article with minutia, I will provide a bird’s-eye view of the main mechanisms that drive athletic performance or muscle building via exogenous anabolics.

    When choosing which anabolic agents are most conducive to an athlete’s goals the following mechanisms should be taken into consideration, and compounds that are more heavily levered towards the desired effects should be favored.

    • Anabolic activity via androgen receptor activation, aromatization, 5α-reduction, or the downstream conversion into metabolites that facilitate increases in muscle size and strength
    • Antagonism of glucocorticoid receptors leading to the inhibition of protein breakdown and a net increase in muscle size and strength via muscle sparing
    • Psychoactive effects in the brain leading to stronger training and subsequent increases in muscle size
    • Stimulation of Erythropoietin (EPO) production leading to improved aerobic performance
    The Pathways That Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Improve Muscle And Performance Through MorePlatesMoreDates.com

    When you start going down rabbit holes of how different anabolics impact different functions in the body outside of the basic understanding that drugs = results, it can become very overwhelming to make heads or tails of what the optimal protocol choice is for your personal goals.

    At a higher level, even once you generally understand what compound choices would be wise just based on your goals, you will soon realize afterwards that you also have to factor in your tolerance of side effects with specific compounds, your current state of health, your age, your history of performance enhancing drug use, and a myriad of other factors.

    Wise compound selection to maximize performance varies widely between different sports.

    For example, an optimized protocol for a bodybuilder will likely be completely different than an optimized protocol for a MMA fighter.

    This article will serve as an overarching introduction to how each category can be leveraged in the anabolic steroid family tree, as well as the general approach I would take towards compound selection.

    Testosterone And Testosterone Derivatives

    Testosterone is the parent hormone of this part of the family tree, and is also technically the parent hormone of the entire anabolic steroid family tree because DHT and Nandrolone are both derived from Testosterone.

    The Anabolic Steroid Family Tree - Derek from MorePlatesMoreDates.com

    Among Testosterone, the most notable Testosterone derivatives used for performance enhancement in this family are as follows:

    • Testosterone
    • Equipoise (Boldenone)
    • Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)
    • Halotestin (Fluoxymesterone)
    • Turinabol (Chlorodehydromethyltestosterone)

    The three compounds from this family most commonly used in a bodybuilding context are Testosterone, Boldenone (Equipoise) and Dianabol.

    These three compounds are characterized mainly by their broad spectrum effects on anabolic and androgenic dependent functions, as well as their interaction with aromatase.

    They all have strong influences on red blood cell count, energy systems, and exhibit a hybrid of behaviors in the body analogous to how endogenous steroidogenesis would otherwise regulate balanced activity.

    They are anabolic, but not wildly so.

    In general, this class of compounds facilitates a middle ground level of muscle growth, neurological effects, and enhancement of aerobic mechanisms.

    Testosterone and Dianabol are both substrates for aromatase and can be enzymatically metabolized into potent estrogens.

    Testosterone can be metabolized into Estradiol (E2), and Dianabol can be metabolized into Methylestradiol (17α-methylestradiol).

    Boldenone’s level of estrogenicity is less clear as there is no solid data available that provides details on its interaction with aromatase in humans.

    It has been stated that Boldenone is a less potent substrate for aromatase and is enzymatically metabolized into Estrogen at 50% of the rate of Testosterone.

    This claim is not supported in any of the clinical data I have personally seen, so I would be hesitant to assume that Boldenone can facilitate sufficient Estrogen receptor activation in practical application as the base of a cycle.

    There is also speculation around whether or not certain Boldenone metabolites act as aromatase inhibitors and attenuate the estrogenic activity of the parent hormone.

    While this is certainly possible and warrants further research before we can make any conclusive statements about Boldenone, in general with our knowledge to date it is fairly well accepted in the community that Boldenone is mildly estrogenic, but significantly less so than Testosterone and Dianabol.

    Halotestin and Turinabol are not substrates for aromatase so Testosterone, Dianabol and Boldenone are the only compounds in this section of the anabolic steroid family tree that can fill the role of a “Test base” and be used as the foundation of a steroid cycle.

    Unlike the main three hormones used among bodybuilders in this family, Turinabol and Halotestin are Testosterone derivatives that induce effects analogous to potent DHT derivatives.

    These two anabolics were chemically designed to lack estrogenic activity and a capacity to drive significant gains in mass, and be levered more towards pure protein expression and the neurological side of the spectrum.

    Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) And DHT Derivatives

    The next family in the anabolic steroid family tree is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and DHT derivatives.

    The Anabolic Steroid Family Tree - Derek from MorePlatesMoreDates.com

    DHT is the 5α-reduced metabolite of Testosterone that facilitates sexual differentiation of the male genitalia during embryogenesis and drives the maturation of boys into men during puberty.

    It is much more androgenic than Testosterone, and sufficient amounts of it in androgen dependent tissues is necessary during puberty to ensure full maturation is achieved.

    A common misconception is that steroids derived from DHT are guaranteed to be extremely androgenic simply because they are DHT derivatives.

    On the contrary, DHT derivatives are almost all more tissue selective than Testosterone.

    In general, all anabolic steroids were designed with that exact goal in mind, not just DHT derivatives.

    Anabolic/androgenic ratios were evaluated in preclinical animal models before transitioning to human use in a clinical setting.

    If a steroid did not exhibit a more favorable anabolic/androgenic ratio than Testosterone, it would have been abandoned for any application other than pure androgen replacement in males (e.g. Proviron).

    The DHT derivatives most commonly used for performance enhancement include the following:

    • Masteron (Drostanolone)
    • Primobolan (Metenolone)
    • Anavar (Oxandrolone)
    • Anadrol (Oxymetholone)
    • Winstrol (Stanozolol)
    • Proviron (Mesterolone)
    • Superdrol (Methasterone)
    • DHB (Dihydroboldenone, 1-Testosterone)

    DHT derivatives are often perceived to be poor choices for a mass building phase/offseason because they don’t seem to produce as much hypertrophy as the Testosterone and 19-Nor families.

    This is another misconception, as DHT derivatives simply have more targeted action in the body.

    They are not substrates for aromatase like Testosterone derivatives, they don’t act as potent agonists of a myriad of different receptors in the body like 19-Nors, and they don’t 5α-reduce into more androgenic metabolites.

    DHT derivatives weed out a lot of the less predictable activity associated with the other two families and skew more towards pure protein expression and increased force production.

    There is no water retention, there are no progestogenic side effects, all you get is pure muscle growth and proportionally higher amounts of strength gains relative to Testosterone Derivatives and 19-Nors.

    DHT derivatives more or less exhibit targeted action on contractile tissue, which is why they’re commonly perceived to be “weak” anabolics, when in reality it is the lack of perceived side effects being misinterpreted as “weak.”

    When it comes to nitrogen retention, we’ve seen in clinical studies that there is not a significant difference between the most potent steroids from each category of the anabolic steroid family tree.

    “After 1935 the best method of discovering and measuring the protein-building action of androgenic steroids in humans proved to be metabolic balance studies.

    In 1955, when anabolic steroids with less androgens were developed, the nitrogen-balance method was used again to evaluate and compare the nitrogen-sparing effect of the various preparations.

    The findings of the numerous balance studies that were performed are as follows: The injectable 17 beta-esters, such as nandrolone phenylpropionate, nandrolone decanoate and methenolone enanthate exert a strong anabolic action for several weeks, amounting to 2-2.50 g nitrogen/day, which corresponds to a daily gain of 12-15 g protein or 60-75 g lean body mass.

    The orally active 17-alkyl derivatives induce a dose-dependent nitrogen-saving effect of the same order.”

    Nitrogen retention was roughly the same between all of the steroids evaluated in the study above.

    It is more often than not the side effects themselves that are misinterpreted as one compound being more potent than another in a muscle building context.

    If you gain 5 pounds of pure water retention in a week from using Dianabol, is it a more potent muscle builder than Anavar?

    No, it’s not.

    When everything is said and done, the amount of actual contractile tissue gained will be similar, but what happens to the body and how other mechanisms are augmented during that time span of you getting from point A to point B is what will differ significantly between those two compounds.

    Just because DHT derivatives have more targeted action, it doesn’t mean that they are the ideal choice in all scenarios.

    In fact, sometimes the side effects of certain compounds produce more desirable outcomes, depending on the goal.

    In general, DHT derivatives are dry strength builders with reliable and predictable levels of anabolic activity.

    An example of a sport where DHT derivatives are especially useful is MMA.

    Fighters need to fight at as low of a weight class as possible without compromising their performance, they need to have a favorable ratio of force production relative to their body weight, and they also benefit greatly from increased aggression and neurological enhancement.

    That is a specific scenario where using something that is skewed more towards the accrual of mass and less androgenic activity would be the worst choice.

    For example, Nandrolone is 5α-reduced into DHN, a much less androgenic metabolite, and it also interacts with Progesterone receptors in the body which can have an anti-androgenic effect on the body.

    While that might be a compound ideal for someone seeking maximum hypertrophy with a relative lack of androgenic side effects like hair loss, in this scenario the opposite is what we would be shooting for.

    For a MMA fighter we want high force production and aggression with a relative lack of weight gain.

    This is an example of a scenario where a DHT derivative would be wise to plug in.

    Alternatively, that is an example of a scenario where Turinabol or Halotestin would be good options too, but that is only because they behave more like DHT derivatives than they do like Testosterone derivatives.

    There are exceptions to the rule in every category of the anabolic steroid family tree, and the DHT derivatives are no different as they have Anadrol.

    Despite being a DHT derivative, Anadrol behaves more like a 19-Nor as it drives significantly more pronounced gains in sheer mass (not to be confused with lean muscle mass) than the other DHT derivatives, and it is also an agonist of Estrogen receptors.

    In general though, the DHT derivatives that are most commonly leveraged by athletes are Primobolan, Masteron, Anavar and Winstrol, and they all share similar overlapping effects on body composition and performance.

    Nandrolone (19-Nortestosterone) And 19-Nortestosterone Derivatives

    The last family in the anabolic steroid family tree is Nandrolone (19-Nortestosterone) and 19-Nortestosterone derivatives.

    The Anabolic Steroid Family Tree - Derek from MorePlatesMoreDates.com

    Many don’t even realize that Deca and NPP are not different drugs, and aren’t even representative of the actual drug their respective esters are attached to.

    When someone refers to “Deca” they are referring to Nandrolone with a decanoate ester.

    When someone refers to “NPP” they are referring to Nandrolone with a phenylpropionate ester.

    The parent hormone of this family is Nandrolone (19-Nortestosterone), and all of the anabolic steroids in this category are Nandrolone derivatives.

    Nandrolone derivatives are most commonly referred to simply as “19-Nors” in the bodybuilding community.

    There are quite a few 19-Nors that have been synthesized and documented over the years, most of which are traditionally used at low dosages in women’s birth control.

    The 19-Nors most commonly used for performance enhancement include the following:

    • Nandrolone (19-Nortestosterone)
    • Trenbolone (Trienolone)
    • Trestolone (MENT)

    19-Nors are generally characterized by their anabolism and progestogenic activity.

    They are very anabolic, but they also exhibit significant amounts of satellite interaction with other receptors in the body.

    The most notable being their interaction with the Progesterone receptor.

    19-Nor derived progestins are agonists of the Progesterone receptor, which means that they can bind to the Progesterone receptor and activate it.

    Nandrolone is not a potent substrate for aromatase, and mainly converts to a weaker Estrogen called Estrone (Estradiol is about 10-fold more potent than Estrone).

    Nandrolone is also mildly estrogenic on its own via its ability to act as an Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) agonist.

    Overall, Nandrolone is much less androgenic and estrogenic than Testosterone.

    Trenbolone is not a substrate for aromatase, however, some data suggests that it may interact with Estrogen receptors in a similar way to Nandrolone.

    Trenbolone also facilitates superior muscle sparing via a handful of anti-catabolic mechanisms surrounding the glucocorticoid receptor.

    Trenbolone binds to the glucocorticoid receptor and acts as an antagonist.

    It also significantly suppresses glucocorticoid expression.

    In addition, it lowers corticosterone and cortisol levels, while concurrently inhibiting cortisol from binding to skeletal muscle glucocorticoid receptors.

    Through these mechanisms, Trenbolone exhibits a much more robust inhibition of muscle protein breakdown than Testosterone.

    This is why Trenbolone seems to excel so much more than other anabolic steroids in a calorie deficit.

    Trestolone (MENT) is unique from other 19-Nors in that it is a substrate for aromatase, and it behaves almost like a hybrid of a 19-Nor and Testosterone.

    Because of this interaction with aromatase, Trestolone exhibits therapeutic promise as a potential HRT alternative, and may fill the role of a viable Test base alternative in a cycle.

    The 19-Nors are the most suppressive family of the anabolic steroid family tree, and will keep your HPTA suppressed even at minuscule trace amounts.

    Considering this, it would be prudent to reserve your use of them until you have decided if you will be blasting and cruising for the majority of your life.

    Even one injection of Nandrolone can keep your HPTA suppressed for months, regardless of what you do.

    The 19-Nor family skews more towards hypertrophy than the DHT derivatives, but is also accompanied by a myriad of satellite interaction with other receptors in the body that are less predictable and often warrant a more experienced user to responsibly manage.

    19-Nors also have unique interactions with the GH/IGF-1 pathway that DHT derivatives don’t, which further complicates their responsible application, but can also be leveraged for increased levels of muscle growth in certain scenarios.

    How To Determine Which Anabolics Are Optimal For Your Personal Goals

    Understanding optimal applications of anabolics and side effect management can get very complicated, especially when you get into the weeds of sport specific applications, drug testing, lack of access to certain drugs, and budget limitations.

    To simplify things, I highly recommend that you start your education on anabolic steroids by splitting them into the three families and working your way from the ground up.

    Start in the Testosterone family and learn why a Testosterone base is used in the majority of enhancement protocols.

    Delve into the mechanisms of Testosterone in the body, and how its aromatization into Estrogen and 5α-reduction into DHT facilitates a balancing act of anabolic and androgenic activity in the body, while simultaneously providing neuro and cardioprotection.

    The majority of those reading this article will not have sport specific applications or drug tests they need to get around.

    Considering this, the majority of you will be best served by learning about Testosterone thoroughly before even moving on to the other two families.

    Testosterone is the bioidentical anabolic androgen we endogenously produce and rely on, and is more often than not the most intelligent hormone to use for a first cycle.

    Only once you have fully leveraged the Testosterone family should you then move on to adding DHT derivatives in subsequent cycles.

    If you have goals that cannot be met via Testosterone and DHT derivatives, or you experience undesirable side effects from Testosterone and/or DHT derivatives, then looking to the Nandrolone family would be warranted.

    For a more elaborate explanation of how I would approach my first steroid cycle and each subsequent cycle thereafter if I could go back in time, I highly recommend you contact someone knowledgeable.

    Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to learn everything at once.

    Learn about Testosterone and its derivatives.

    Once you understand that family and know how to responsibly implement that information to achieve your goals, start learning about DHT derivatives.

    Once you understand that family too and know how to responsibly implement that information to achieve your goals, start learning about Nandrolone and its derivatives.

    Look, I totally understand this all can be quite overwhelming.. and you definitely don’t want to make mistakes where your body and health are concerned, so I again repeat… it is totally OK (and actually quite wise actually) to contact a more knowledgeable person on this subject. Someone who can guide you and make sure you are doing things right!

    Here’s to your health.. and making great gains!

    Arimidex Bodybuilding Guide: Dosage, Effects

    Arimidex Bodybuilding Guide: Dosage, Effects

    Some things outgrow their original purpose. Researchers worked on nuclear energy in the 1940’s and 50’s hoping that it could one day produce electricity for commercial use. Sure, we now have many electric plants running on nuclear energy. But what we also have is the nuclear bomb.

    Similar is the case with Arimidex. The FDA approved this drug in 1995 as a treatment for breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Arimidex fights breast cancer by decreasing the production of estrogen, the female hormone whose growth stimulates cancer tumors in females.

    Many bodybuilders skip the last part in favor of the former. The moment they hear that there is an FDA-approved, estrogen-blocking drug, they pounce onto it. Want to know why? To treat the swelling of breast tissues (gynecomastia) among anabolic steroid users.

    Anabolic steroids help increase muscle mass. That’s where the good news ends. Research has shown that our body converts anabolic steroids into estrogen. The elevated estrogen levels, in turn, lead to gynecomastia. That’s where Arimidex comes in.

    What Is Arimidex?

    arimidex molecule

    Arimidex, known by its chemical name Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor. Why should that concern bodybuilders? The aromatase enzyme is responsible for the production of estrogens in the body. By inhibiting it, Arimidex lowers estrogen levels in the body.

    Here’s why that is important. Many bodybuilders use anabolic steroids to build muscle, lose fat and improve athletic performance. What most anabolic steroid users may not know is that they increase estrogen levels in the body, exposing your body to serious side effects.

    That is where Arimidex enters the picture. By inhibiting the aromatase enzyme and slowing the production of estrogen, this drug helps prevent gynecomastia. That’s because estrogen is to the breast tissue as gasoline is to your car. The latter needs the former to function.

    Keep in mind that the benefits of Arimidex aren’t limited to preventing gynecomastia. This drug may also prevent infertility, erectile dysfunction, and depression in the male population. All of these are the side effects of the anabolic steroid cycles.

    Overview of Benefits and Side Effects

    If you’re in a hurry and want to have a quick overview of the benefits and side effects of Arimidex PCT, this section has you sorted.

    Benefits

    • Prevents Gynecomastia
    • Might Treat Erectile Dysfunction
    • Might Treat Male Infertility

    Side Effects

    • Headache
    • Vomiting
    • Hot Flashes
    • Allergic Reaction (In Rare Cases)

    Remember that most of these side effects tend to be mild, as long as you stick to the recommended dosage (more on this below).

    Also, if you’re looking for an alternative to anabolic steroids, one that could boost your body’s natural testosterone production, check out our guide on selective androgen receptor modulators.

    Why Do Bodybuilders Use Arimidex?

    Bodybuilders use Arimidex as a Post Cycle Therapy because it inhibits the production of estrogen. This hormone has many vital functions in the body, both male and female. But its elevated levels in men’s system lead to gynecomastia, or breast growth. That’s what Arimidex helps prevent.

    Arimidex does that by reducing estrogen production in the body. This, in turn, lowers the supply of the female hormone to the breast tissue. With the incoming supply of fuel (estrogen) that it needs to grow depleted, the ability of the breast tissue to expand nosedives.

    Arimidex Benefits for Men

    One of the major benefits of Arimidex is that it might help or treat gynecomastia. However, its utility doesn’t end there. This aromatase inhibitor has also shown promise in treating erectile dysfunction, infertility and depression among the male population.

    Here are the major benefits you may expect from Arimidex:

    Prevents Gynecomastia

    According to an estimate, gynecomastia is one of the most common male breast disorders. Up to 70% of boys and men develop ‘man boobs’ in early to mid-puberty. Most of them develop gynecomastia due to regular hormone changes. Some, however, get it due to anabolic steroids use.

    Regardless of the cause, Arimidex helps prevent this condition. It does that by slowing down the production of the fuel (estrogen) that breast tissues need to grow. In doing so, this drug helps treat a ‘problem’ that has been nagging bodybuilders for ages.

    Might Treat Infertility

    Peer reviewed studies have shown that high estrogen levels might cause infertility in males. When your estrogen levels are high, they may cause sperm levels to drop. The resulting reduction in sperm count might lead to infertility. Estrogen control is thus necessary.

    The good news is that Arimidex, originally developed as breast cancer treatment, has shown promise in getting male fertility back on track. It does that by a) inhibiting aromatase and b) by slowing the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. This helps Arimidex improve sperm production in males.

    Might Treat Erectile Dysfunction

    For bodybuilders who are suffering from erectile dysfunction, they aren’t facing this problem because they’re lifting weights. Instead, it’s their usage of anabolic steroids and similar unsafe drugs that might have hurt their ability to achieve and retain an erection firm enough for sex.

    One study has shown that Arimidex Anastrozole might improve sexual dysfunction in men. Carried out on male subjects facing sexual issues with hypogonadism and epilepsy, the study found that 3-month treatment with Arimidex normalized sexual function in 72 per cent of the participants.

    Arimidex Side Effects

    As is the case with other drugs out there, there are side effects associated with Arimidex use. Keep in mind, though, that unlike research chemicals, Arimidex is FDA approved. This means you can count on it to be much safer than most other aromatase inhibitors out there.

    Most of the side effects associated with Arimidex use are on the mild side. These adverse effects include headaches, fatigue, joint pain, hot flashes, weakness and nausea. Again, most of these side effects will be mild in nature and will go away on their own if you stick to the recommended dosage.

    Having said that, it’s possible for you to develop an allergic reaction to Arimidex. That is not unusual as people out there have allergic reactions to drugs as benign as aspirin. Still, the fact that drug allergic reactions are common doesn’t mean their effects won’t be dangerous.

    If you develop an allergic reaction to Arimidex, the symptoms you might experience include breast pain, chest pain, rapid heart rate, blurred vision, and rashes. If you experience these symptoms or they start to worsen, we recommend you immediately consult with your physician.

    Arimidex Dosage & Cycles

    Having looked at what Arimidex is, why bodybuilders use this aromatase inhibitor and the benefits it could offer to the general male population, it’s time we turn our attention to the most crucial question: how much Arimidex should you be taking on a daily basis?

    Users indicate that you should aim for 0.5 to 1mg Arimidex or Arimistane per day. That is extremely easy given that this drug is mostly available in 1 mg tablets. If you feel that the recommended dosage is too much for you, you can take Arimidex every other day.

    Since you’d be using it to prevent gynecomastia, make sure you continue your Arimidex cycle in tandem with your anabolic steroid cycle. That isn’t to say that you should start both cycles at the same time. In fact, users suggest starting your Arimidex cycle when you’re already two weeks into the steroid cycle.

    Doing this will provide you with two benefits. The fact that you’re already on the steroid/supplement cycle by the time you start taking Arimidex will help you avoid this drug’s symptoms. At the same time, it will allow Arimidex to deliver the intended results.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does Arimidex lower estrogen?

    According to the FDA, taking 1 mg Arimidex tablet lowers estrogen by 70 per cent over the first 24 hours. After a fortnight of daily dosing, this drug can reduce estrogen by 80%. The suppressed levels won’t go back up for up to 6 days after you’ve completed the Arimidex cycle.

    How fast does Arimidex lower estrogen?

    Health experts tell us that Arimidex starts lowering estrogen within 24 hours of the first dose. Still, it might take the drug as much as seven days to attain peak levels in the blood plasma.

    Users on testosterone replacement therapy suggest taking 0.5mg to 1mg Arimidex once every three days. Keep in mind that this isn’t doctor advice. If you’re on testosterone replacement therapy, consult with your therapist before you start taking Arimidex.

    Summary

    Arimidex was initially developed to treat breast cancer in post menopausal women. Over the years, though, its aromatase inhibiting properties have caught the attention of bodybuilders, eager for a safe drug that could naturally lower their estrogen levels.

    Multiple pieces of evidence suggest that it does precisely that. Keep in mind that there are yet to be any human studies to verify the effects of Arimidex on the male breast tissue. That’s why we suggest you consult with your healthcare professional before starting Arimidex post cycle therapy.

    HCG

    HCG is effective when used with other compounds rather than it being used alone and while it has seen some mainstream promotion as a failed (and illegal) weight loss ingredient, HCG’s real power lies in its ability to help steroid users achieve a major goal after a steroid cycle: to get natural testosterone back on track again.

    What is HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)?

    Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is a hormone naturally found in women and has an important role to play in pregnancy; in fact the hormone is only formed once a woman is pregnant as it is produced after implantation by the placenta and once HCG levels rise enough it is enough to confirm if a woman is pregnant.

    Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Structure
    Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Structure

    If you’re a male steroid user you might then wonder how or why such a hormone could possible be of use to you. HCG does have a medical role for men: to treat low testosterone or hypogonadism.

    Steroid users find HCG useful because it functions almost exactly like luteinizing hormone (LH). LH can be described as a pituitary analog to HCG because they are hormones produced in different parts of the body (luteinizing hormone forms in the pituitary gland) but have a similar function.

    This is where HCG becomes very relevant to men: LH is vital for stimulating natural testosterone production. This is what makes HCG a popular option for PCT usage in particular, where the recovery of normal testosterone function following anabolic steroid suppression is required.

    While SERMs and aromatase inhibitors are generally widely accepted as a necessary addition for any steroid user, HCG comes under much more debate with some anabolic steroid users swearing by its use, and others finding that it is not necessary or useful or comes with a greater risk than the other drugs.

    In any case, when HCG is used it is rarely used alone but in conjunction with SERMs in post cycle therapy and only at low doses for short periods of time if used during a steroid cycle.

    Although considered a side effect friendly hormone for most people, HCG comes with one particular risk factor that we need to be concerned about, and this revolves around dependence.

    Thankfully this can be well controlled through sensible dosing and is a critical reason why HCG shouldn’t be taken until you’ve done adequate research into just how much you should be taking so you don’t put yourself at risk of dependence.

    HCG and Steroids

    For steroid users who make use of HCG while using anabolic steroids the intent is to use this hormone to address the suppression of natural hormones that takes place when you use most types of steroids.

    During this time your normal testosterone production and levels will be extremely low or even non-existent and the use of HCG during steroid use can prevent the problem of testicular atrophy but more importantly, taking HCG during a steroid cycle helps prime the body for recovery once your cycle ends.

    So what’s the downside to HCG and why doesn’t everyone just use it during a cycle? One of the commonly overlooked issues is the way the male body can become dependent on HCG’s supply of what is basically exogenous luteinizing hormone. Guys who take too much HCG or don’t seriously regulate use of it are at higher risk of dependence.

    Those men who go overboard with their use of HCG during a steroid cycle, either through lack of knowledge or a false belief that more equals better, can quickly find themself suffering with a low testosterone condition. Those who know how to use HCG responsibly during a steroid cycle however will reap the benefits and avoid the problem of dependence occurring.

    HCG vs Aromatase Inhibitors vs SERMs

    HCG is very different from both SERMs and aromatase inhibitors (AIs).

    Both SERMs and AIs are medications that have been designed to either block specific estrogen receptors (in the case of SERMs), or to lower overall estrogen levels (AIs). HCG on the other hand is a naturally occurring hormone produced in women once they fall pregnant.

    HCG does not target estrogen in any way, but instead is able to directly help stimulate testosterone in men because it works in a very similar way to luteinizing hormone.

    Both SERMs and AIs are mainly used to treat breast cancer in women. HCG is used medically to treat low testosterone and infertility and men, as well as fertility problems in women. All three categories of substances are therefore available with a prescription. While both SERMs and AIs are available as different products with slightly differing chemical structures and effects between them, HCG is the only one of the three that is a single hormone with no variation between products.

    HCG is available in injection form only, while AI and SERM drugs are oral tablets that need to be taken more regularly than the once or twice weekly injections that HCG is normally administered by.

    HCG is not intended to replace either SERMs or AIs at any point during or after a steroid cycle. Instead it is can be a very useful addition but one that needs to be used carefully and with knowledge of both how to dose it properly and what it can and can’t do both in benefits and side effects. Over-use of HCG can have the opposite of your intended effect: instead of improving or restoring your testosterone you could find yourself back in a low testosterone state.

    HCG for Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)

    Post cycle therapy use of HCG is the most common reason guys will use this hormone for the purpose of optimizing recovery after a steroid cycle. The power of this hormone for PCT use comes with taking it before starting a SERM cycle.

    Most PCT plans will include either or both of the SERMs Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate) and Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) and while these are generally very effective on their own, many steroid users find that adding HCG to the PCT phase provides enhanced recovery benefits.

    The strategy here is to make use of HCG prior to starting your regular SERM dosage, with HCG essentially acting as a kick start to the hormone production process thanks to the way it mimics luteinizing hormone. The SERMs then take over for the rest of your PCT cycle, providing a more efficient and effective recovery.

    This type of PCT plan provides for the two main purposes of post cycle therapy: to help you maintain your gains and to speed up the restart of natural testosterone production; this hormone will be in a greatly suppressed state at the end of your steroid cycle in most cases and without a proper PCT plan the rate of recovery is extremely slow which puts you in the certain position of low testosterone and the associated symptoms and muscle loss.

    HCG will usually be started within a 4 to 6 week period after the end of your steroid cycle but the timing will depend on the steroid compounds you’ve used. Those who are concerned about possible estrogenic side effects from using HCG during PCT, because of increased aromatase activity, might also choose to include an aromatase inhibitor into their PCT plan.

    This is not always an effective idea because AIs come with their own set of issues when it comes to potentially negatively impacting on testosterone levels because of powerful estrogen suppression; in general, HCG is utilized for a short time frame during PCT so side effects are not a great concern for most users.

    HCG Dosage

    Whichever purpose you are using HCG for – on cycle or for PCT – the dosage and administration of this hormone is very sparse and controlled and unlike that of any other compound you will be using whether that be steroids themselves or drugs like SERMs and AIs.

    When buying HCG from your chosen source you will normally receive a small packet of powder containing the active ingredients and another with sterile water in it. These two items are to be mixed together to form your injectable ingredient. Any left over must be refrigerated for later use – do not store the solution at room temperature.

    HCG Dosage During Anabolic Steroid Use

    When using HCG during your steroid cycle you will want to take it no more than once every 3 to 5 days at a maximum. This will come as some relief since HCG is an injection so you won’t have to be adding an extra injection to your steroid program too often.

    A very low dose of HCG during this time is considered sufficient and this is usually in the realm of 250iu. There is no benefit to increasing the dose beyond this level, nor the frequency of administration.

    This modest dosage is enough to give you all the benefits you want from HCG without putting your future testosterone restoration at risk by having the body become dependent on HCG which is an increased risk when you increase the dose – therefore, 250iu once every 5 days is suitable for the vast majority of male steroid users while on cycle.

    HCG Dosage for Increased Endogenous Testosterone Secretion and PCT

    HCG is most commonly used as a kick start to your PCT cycle in preparation for the use of SERMs afterwards. The length and dose of HCG during this time should be determined on how powerful your steroid cycle was and the level of testosterone suppression it is likely to have caused. This can be difficult for new steroid users to gauge initially so a lower HCG dose is advised in those circumstances.

    Many users will take HCG for a period of two to three weeks with doses every 3 or 4 days starting at 1000iu at the low end right up to 4000iu. This higher dosage is advised only for advanced users who have used HCG previously and understand its effects. Following this short HCG cycle, SERM administration can begin to carry through the rest of your PCT phase.

    Female HCG Dosage

    HCG is very useful medically for females for the purpose of improving fertility, but it has no use for women who are using steroids. Men experience suppressed testosterone from most steroids but this is clearly not an issue that female steroid users need to be concerned with, therefore the use of HCG is not warranted by women outside of medical use.

    HCG Side Effects

    One of the great positive about HCG is that side effects are rare to non-existent. Unlike other substances used by steroid users like SERMs and AIs, HCG is not a drug developed in a lab but instead is a naturally occurring hormone. This means we don’t have to worry about adverse effects like headaches, upset stomach or other common problems that come about with the use of powerful medications.

    HCG can raise testosterone levels so the main effects to watch out for relate to rising levels of the hormone and these can actually come in the form of an estrogenic nature. Water retention and gynecomastia are possible but are considered rare particularly because HCG is not often used on its own but instead combined with anti-estrogen drugs that will themselves mitigate these side effects when you are on a steroid cycle.

    Because of the increase in circulating testosterone and DHT, androgenic side effects can be a concern and this might include increased oily skin and acne, increased body hair growth, and hair loss on the head but the risk of these adverse effects is highly individual and usually only affect men who are genetically predisposed to them, in the same way that androgenic side effects come about from steroid use.

    With the use of HCG during post cycle therapy you are likely to be using it at higher doses, this is balanced by the fact that your use of HCG is also likely to be only for a short period of time so the risk of side effects during PCT is again quite low. All of these factors make HCG a hormone that is unlikely to cause you many or any problems at all and possibly is the most side effect friendly substance you will take at any time of anabolic steroid use.

    The greatest risk with HCG is not in the form of traditional types of side effects that we see with steroids or other drugs, but rather whether the body starts becoming dependent on the external form of luteinizing hormone that you’re consuming.

    When this happens you will have the reverse effect occur – instead of testosterone levels rising or maintaining at a healthy level with the help of HCG, you’ll be back down to low testosterone because the testicles have become reliant on the amount of HCG you’re taking in. This is avoided with low dosing and only using HCG for a minimal period of time.

    In Conclusion:

    HCG can be a short term and extremely helpful addition to any PCT regimen when used properly. But because of it’s tricky nature and it’s many nuances we think it wise to consult an experienced person in regards to it’s proper use!

    For more information on to how to properly incorporate HCG into a post cycle therapy regimen (PCT) protocol, feel free to shoot us a message.

    PCT – BEST PRACTICES

    • Please note – Post Cycle Therapy protocols are always evolving. The below article is a generalization, and may not cover every possible avenue of therapy that would be ideal for YOUR particular situation. We highly recommend contacting a qualified and experienced person for guidance as to the latest and most efficacious protocol for YOU and YOUR individual situation. For this, we strongly suggest that you email the experts here who will be glad to offer you assistance with this matter!

    Post cycle therapy (PCT) is the phase when a bodybuilder utilizes medication(s) to restore endogenous (natural) testosterone production.

    Anabolic steroids impair HPT (hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular) axis function, as the body detects excessively high serum testosterone levels.

    Consequently, the body signals to cease testosterone production in a bid to keep homeostasis, by inhibiting GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone).

    This decreases the release of LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) — two hormones crucial for testosterone synthesis.

    Thus, when a bodybuilder comes off steroids and exogenous testosterone is removed, natural testosterone often becomes shut down.

    This can result in various psychological and physiological side effects, such as:

    • Decreased well-being
    • Low libido
    • Erectile dysfunction
    • Catabolism (muscle loss)
    • Decreased sperm count
    • Testicular atrophy

    The severity of the above effects depends on the anabolic steroids used, the dosages and the length of a cycle.

    Low testosterone can persist for several weeks or months post-cycle, increasing the likelihood of addiction, due to strong withdrawal symptoms lingering.

    The aim of a PCT is to dramatically shorten this process, thus accelerating the recovery of natural testosterone production. Bodybuilders typically utilize any or all of the following medications:

    • Clomid (clomiphene)
    • Nolvadex (tamoxifen)
    • HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

    Best PCT Protocol

    Referencing one of the leading medical experts in hormone therapy, having specialist knowledge in regards to ASIH (anabolic steroid-induced hypogonadism).

    After treating hundreds of patients, the Dr. developed a PCT protocol that was used in a clinical report to treat 19 healthy men. All of these men had extremely suppressed testosterone levels, as a result of using Testosterone and Deca Durabolin for 12 weeks.

    The following protocol successfully treated 100% of the male subjects, bringing their serum testosterone back to normal levels (within 45 days). This is quite a feat, considering it is common for bodybuilders to experience low testosterone for up to 4 months, following a steroid cycle.

    • hCG – 2000IU administered every other day for 20 days
    • Tamoxifen (nolvadex) – 2 x 20mg for 45 days
    • Clomiphene (clomid) – 2 x 50mg for 30 days

    The above post cycle therapy plan should be viewed as aggressive. Thus, if potent AAS are used, it is necessary and very effective.

    However, if milder steroids are used (such as Anavar, Primobolan or Turinabol), testosterone levels may only be moderately suppressed (rather than completely shut down).

    In this case, all three of these PCT medications taken simultaneously may not be necessary. Instead, one or two of these drugs can be used with great success.

    The timing of a PCT is crucial in regards to its effectiveness. If began too early, it may be ineffective, due to exogenous testosterone still being present in the body. If started too late, the body will have already entered a catabolic state, with withdrawal symptoms occurring.

    The timing of a PCT should be tailored to the half-life of the steroid(s) taken. If users are taking multiple AAS simultaneously, then a PCT should begin after the last compound clears out of the body i.e. the slowest.

    Here is a guide so users know when to start their PCT:

    pct guide

    Clomid

    Clomid is a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator), often prescribed to women as a fertility drug, acting as an ovulatory stimulant.

    Clomid increases the secretion of gonadotropins (LH and FSH), via the inhibition of estrogen in various tissues, leading to an increase in endogenous testosterone.

    Despite blocking estrogenic effects in many parts of the body, Clomid increases estrogen activity in the liver, causing a positive shift in cholesterol levels. This is particularly useful in regulating blood lipids and easing cardiovascular strain following a cycle.

    Clomid Side Effects

    Visual changes sometimes occur on Clomid, particularly in high doses or lengthy cycles.

    This may include flashes or blurring; however, these are often temporary and subside within a few days/weeks post-cycle.

    It is unknown what causes such changes, and in rare cases, they may even be irreversible. If such visual side effects start to occur, users should discontinue Clomid supplementation and visit an ophthalmologist for urgent examination.

    More common side effects of Clomid, include:

    • Flushes
    • Abdominal discomfort
    • Nausea
    • Headaches
    • Liver stress
    • Impaired eyesight

    Nolvadex

    Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate) is a SERM, commonly prescribed to women with breast cancer, and is regarded as one of the main reasons why the mortality rate for breast-cancer sufferers has significantly dropped in the last decade.

    Nolvadex was first synthesized in 1962 and initially prescribed to treat female infertility.

    However, it was later observed to have anti-mitogenic effects, reducing the stimulation of breast tissue — beneficial for slowing the growth of breast cancer.

    Nolvadex also exhibited cancer-killing properties, due to the blocking of protein kinase C (PKC) via oxidative stress mechanisms.

    Today, bodybuilders commonly use Nolvadex to prevent the onset of gynecomastia (accumulation of breast tissue).

    As a PCT, Nolvadex works in the same way as Clomid, stimulating LH and FSH production, via the inhibition of estrogen’s negative effects in the hypothalamus (and thus restoring the HPTA axis).

    Nolvadex Side Effects

    • Skin rash
    • Hot flashes
    • Decreased white blood cell count
    • Visual disturbances
    • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
    • Liver stress

    Uterine sarcoma and endometrial cancer have also been linked with Nolvadex use; however, the risk is very low, being approximately 1 in 500 cases. Such side effects are also correlated with long-term use (more than 2 years).

    HCG

    HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone produced by women in high quantities in the early stages of pregnancy, facilitating an increase in progesterone, helping to nurture the developing fetus and its surrounding environment (preventing miscarriage).

    Bodybuilders take hCG post-cycle due to its ability to elevate luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, thus stimulating the Leydig cells to produce more endogenous testosterone.

    HCG has not only been used in the treatment of male hypogonadism but also obesity. It was previously believed that hCG may have a stimulating effect on T3 levels; however, this is not known. Instead, hCG has an appetitive suppressant effect, meaning people could eat very-low-calorie diets, without feeling excessive hunger.

    In 1957, hCG became the most prescribed medication for weight loss, due to this powerful (yet indirect) effect on satiety.

    Thus, hCG may be particularly beneficial after a cutting cycle to minimize any potential weight gain following steroids.

    HCG is regarded as the most effective post cycle therapy medication for treating testicular atrophy (shrinkage), due to its spermatogenesis-inducing effects.

    PCT for Women

    Post-cycle therapy is often deemed unnecessary for women, which may stem from them having smaller quantities of endogenous testosterone.

    As with men, women’s endogenous testosterone production will also shut down, due to the body detecting an excess of this male hormone.

    Testosterone remains a crucial hormone in females; greatly affecting their libido, well-being, energy and muscle mass.

    With testosterone declining, estrogen will also drop significantly, due to less aromatization (conversion of testosterone into estrogen).

    There is anecdotal evidence of female steroid-users experiencing: very low estrogen levels, low mood, diminished libido and depression post-cycle.

    Nolvadex has been used as a PCT among women, in a dose range of 5-15mg for up to 4 weeks. Many women are reporting this to have a positive effect on their mood and to accelerate regulation in hormone levels.

    However, some of these women are still experiencing 3-6 month delays before menstrual cycles return.

    HCG is not an optimal PCT medication for women, with it potentially causing virilization and enlargement of the ovaries.

    Clomid may also not be optimal due to ovarian hypersensitivity.

    The medical treatment for women deficient in androgens is DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), which is one of the most critical hormones in females, being a key precursor of androgen and estrogen synthesis.

    One study found that 50mg/day of DHEA ‘significantly increased’ libido in women over 70 years old when taken for 1 year.

    Another study found that a 6-week cycle of DHEA improved sexual function in women, including arousal, orgasm quality and libido. They also found that depression symptoms decreased by 50%, significantly improving mood.

    These women took 90mg/day of DHEA for the first 3 weeks, followed by 450mg/day of DHEA for the remaining 3 weeks.

    Other research has shown that 50mg/day of DHEA when administered for 3 months, improves well-being in women by 82%. They also reported: greater relaxation, improved sleep, less stress and higher energy levels.

    Thus, an effective post cycle therapy for women is:

    • 50mg/day of DHEA for 12 weeks.

    FAQs

    Is a PCT essential?

    A post-cycle therapy is not essential, as natural testosterone levels will eventually recover.

    However, a better question may be: ‘Is a PCT optimal?‘. The answer to this is yes, as not only will users retain more of their gains from a cycle, but they will also improve their mental and sexual health.

    A PCT may be deemed less essential when taking mild AAS, such as Anavar, with studies showing a moderate reduction of just 45% when taking 20-40mg/day for 12 weeks.

    How Do I Know If I Need a PCT?

    The most accurate way to know if you need a PCT is to get your testosterone levels checked.

    However, if you have reasons for not wanting to see a doctor, you can often tell from the following signs:

    • Depression
    • Low libido
    • Testicular atrophy (shrinkage)

    Where Do Bodybuilders Buy PCT medications?

    Bodybuilders will either make an appointment with a doctor and hope they will be prescribed necessary PCT medications, or they will purchase them on the black market (in the same way they buy anabolic steroids).

    The second method involves asking around and finding a source where you can pay with cash, or by making a payment online (which is riskier if entering your card details).

    How Much Do PCT Medications Cost?

    A reliable supplier of anabolic steroids has provided us with the UK market price for PCT drugs. We have done a rough conversion into dollars for our American readers. 

    • Clomid 50 (50mg) tablets – $50 / $80
    • Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) 50 (20mg) tablets – $50 / $80
    • HCG 10,000iu –  $220 / $320

    Do SARMS Require a PCT?

    Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are suppressive, thus a PCT is necessary. However, the severity of the decline in testosterone will determine the PCT protocol and how aggressive it should be.

    As with steroids, some SARMs cause greater declines in endogenous testosterone than others.

    However, as a general rule if users take one SARM, stick to a low to moderate dosage and cycle it for 8 weeks or less — only a moderate decline in testosterone is likely to occur.

    In this case, 3 weeks of Nolvadex will be sufficient in bringing endogenous testosterone levels back to normal, with 30mg/day taken for week 1, 20mg/day for week 2 and 10mg/day for week 3.

    If slightly higher dosages are taken or/and lengthier cycles are utilized, Nolvadex can be taken for 4 weeks, starting on 40mg for week 1, then decreasing the dosage by 10mg each week for the remaining 3 weeks.

    For a high-dosed SARM cycle, a 4-week Nolvadex PCT may be necessary, being: 40mg/day during weeks 1 and 2, then 20mg/day during week 3 and 4.

    Some individuals take more risks with SARMs i.e. stacking multiple compounds together, such as combining Ostarine, RAD-40 and LG simultaneously and utilizing excessive cycles, lasting 12-16 weeks. In this case a more drastic PCT protocol is needed, being Dr. Michael Scally’s combination of:

    • hCG – 2000IU administered every other day for 20 days
    • Tamoxifen (nolvadex) – 2 x 20mg for 45 days
    • Clomiphene (clomid) – 2 x 50mg for 30 days

    Note: Some people mistake certain compounds as SARMs, such as cardarine and MK-677. These are not SARMs, and thus do not require a PCT, with cardarine being a fat burner and MK-677 a growth hormone secretagogue. Both of these products are not suppressive.

    How Much Muscle Will a PCT Help Keep?

    As a general rule, a PCT can help to retain anywhere from 50-75% of lean muscle gains from a cycle.

    Mild compounds, such as Anavar or Primobolan, may enable users to retain high amounts of muscle tissue, due to less dramatic peaks in exogenous testosterone levels on-cycle (and thus less endogenous shut down).

    Note: It is normal to lose some weight when coming off steroids, particularly when utilizing wet, bulking compounds; with users losing some intracellular and extracellular fluid (that previously accumulated due to high estrogen levels). This should not be confused with losing muscle weight.

    PCT Diet & Supplementation

    A person’s diet can also help to increase testosterone and anabolism post-cycle.

    Doctors recommend eating a diet rich in meat and egg yolks, with cholesterol being a steroid hormone that synthesizes testosterone. Research has also found a link between higher HDL levels and high testosterone males.

    Doctors also state that ZMA, D-aspartic acid, Tribulus Terrestris, Maca and Vitamin D3 and Bulbine Natalensis supplements can help to maximize natural testosterone production.

    PCT Pros and Cons

    Pros:

    • Increases testosterone production
    • Improves well-being
    • Enhances energy
    • Helps to retain lean muscle
    • Increases testicular size
    • Increases libido and erection quality
    • Improves fertility
    • Affordable

    Cons:

    • More expense (on top of steroids)
    • Some medications come with side effects (in sensitive users)

    AOD-9604 vs SEMAGLUTIDE

    AOD9604 (Growth Hormone Analogue)

    AOD9604 is a peptide derived from human growth hormone (HGH) fragment 176-191, itself a derivative of human growth hormone. AOD9604 is a weight loss peptide in the truest sense of the term as it is a targeted fat burner (lipolytic) with limited additional effects. This peptide was specifically developed to maintain the lipolytic (fat burning) fragment of growth hormone without retaining any of the parent molecule’s ability to promote lean body mass accumulation. Research out of Australia shows that AOD9604 increases weight loss 3-fold compared to placebo. It affects beta-3-adrenergic receptors on white fat to boost fat breakdown and may indirectly activate apoptosis (programmed cell death) in white fat cells as well. AOD1604 is one of the most effective peptides for weight loss yet developed, with studies showing as much as a 50% reduction in weight gain over just three-weeks of administration.

    This peptide is extremely safe, it is FDA approved, and there are no known health risks associated with AOD 9604 injections, especially when compared to traditional hormone-based weight loss treatments. As with any injection, some common side effects include pain, reddening, and swelling near the injection site.

    Semaglutide (GLP-1 Agonist)

    Semaglutide is similar in many ways to Liraglutide and is FDA approved for weight management and the treatment of metabolic syndrome. It acts as an agonist of the GLP-1 receptor. Research shows that semaglutide and similar peptides for weight loss work in two different ways. First, Semaglutide can delay gastric emptying and slow intestinal motility to increase feelings of fullness and decrease the rate of rise of blood sugar. Second, Semaglutide can act as a neurotransmitter to reduce the drive to eat in the central nervous system via reductions in the sensation of hunger as well as enhanced feelings of satiety. Semaglutide has been shown to produce a 5% weight loss over 6 months. At one year, average weight loss with semaglutide is 15% of total body weight.

    You may know semaglutide as Ozempic, an injectable medication used in people with Type 2 diabetes. Ozempic can help manage blood sugar, and it can also lower the risk of heart attack and stroke if you also have heart disease. You can also find it as an oral pill, called Rybelsus. And Wegovy, a higher-strength version, is approved to help people lose weight.

    Semaglutide works by mimicking a gut hormone that causes your pancreas to release insulin, blocks your liver from releasing sugar, and slows down how fast food leaves your stomach. While these actions can be beneficial for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss, they can also cause some side effects.

    Some semaglutide side effects can be bothersome and make the medication difficult to tolerate. But the good news is that they usually subside over time. Although rare, there are also some serious side effects to know about. Keep reading to learn more about 10 semaglutide side effects to know about and how to manage them. 

    1. Nausea and vomiting

    Nausea is the most common semaglutide side effect. Up to 20% of people taking it for Type 2 diabetes reported nausea in clinical trials. Nausea is even mire common if you’re taking the higher-dose version for weight loss. Vomiting tends to be less common than nausea.

    You’re more likely to experience these side effects with higher doses of semaglutide. That’s why your healthcare provider will raise your dose slowly over a few weeks to minimize these effects. For most people, these side effects should improve over time as your body gets used to the medication.

    Eating smaller meals, avoiding high-fat foods, and remaining upright after you eat can also help manage potential nausea and vomiting from semaglutide. But if these side effects are accompanied by severe stomach pain that may or may not spread to your back, get medical attention right away. This could be a signs of pancreatitus, a rare but serious side effect. More on that later.

    2. Diarrhea

    Diarrhea is another common semaglutide side effect. Around 9% of people taking it for Type 2 diabetes and 30% of people taking it for weight loss reported diarrhea during clinical trials. 

    Similar to nausea and vomiting, you’re more likely to experience diarrhea with higher doses of semaglutide. As mentioned above, your healthcare provider will slowly raise your dose over time to minimize this side effect. Constipation can also happen, but it tends to be less common than diarrhea.

    3. Stomach pain

    Mild stomach pain is another common stomach-related side effect of semaglutide. Similar to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, this should subside over time. Using the tips listed above can also help minimize this side effect. 

    Severe stomach pain can be a sign of other side effects, like pancreatitis or gallbladder problems (like gallstones). Contact your healthcare provider right away if this develops.

    4. Fatigue

    Fatigue is a common side effects of Wegovy, affecting 11% of people taking it in clinical trials. Fatigue was also reported in less than 5% of people taking Ozempic, and it wasn’t reported at all with Rybelsus.

    Semaglutide works for weight loss by making you feel less hungry. And eating fewer calories may cause you to feel more tired. Feelings of fatigue should subside as your body adjusts to potential changes in your diet. 

    5. Low blood sugar

    Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) isn’t very common if you’re taking semaglutide on its own. That’s because it works by telling your body to release insulin in response to a meal specifically. 

    But taking semaglutide with other blood sugar-lowering medications, like insulin and sulfonylureas, raises the risk of hypoglycemia. So, your healthcare provider may need to change the dose of these medications when starting semaglutide. 

    If you have Type 2 diabetes, it’s important to regularly check your blood sugar levels to help avoid hypoglycemia. You may be advised to have an emergency glucagon or glucagon-like product to raise your blood sugar quickly if severe hypoglycemia happens.

    6. Pancreatitis

    Although rare, pancreatitis has been reported with semaglutide. If it happens, it can be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and/or jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes). 

    Let your healthcare provider know before starting semaglutide if you have a history of acute pancreatitis. They may recommend a different medication for you.

    7. Gallbladder disease

    Gallbladder disease, including gallstones, is possible with semaglutide, but it isn’t common. It was reported in less than 2% of people taking it in clinical trials. 

    Symptoms of gallbladder problems include upper stomach pain, fever, and jaundice. You may also notice clay-colored stools. Let your healthcare provider know right away if these develop. 

    Talk to your healthcare provider about ways you can avoid gallbladder problems while taking semaglutide. This may include dietary changes and routine physical activity.

    8. Kidney damage

    Studies have suggested that semaglutide may have some kidney benefits if you have Type 2 diabetes. But in rare cases, kidney damage has also been reported. This is more likely if you have severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea leading to dehydration. 

    Kidney damage is also more common if you already have kidney problems. Taking medications that cause you to get rid of excess water, like diuretics (water pills), also puts you at risk. 

    Your healthcare provider may monitor your kidneys if you’re experiencing a lot of stomach-related side effects. Let them know right away if you’re not urinating very much or at all, or notice swelling in your arms or legs.

    9. Allergic reactions

    Severe allergic reactions to semaglutide are rare, but possible. Call 911 or get immediate medical attention if you have swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, or shortness of breath after your dose. 

    Mild allergic reactions can include itching, rash, or redness at the injection site. Stopping semaglutide isn’t always necessary with mild reactions. But make sure to still tell your healthcare provider about your reaction. 

    Don’t use oral or injectable semaglutide if you’re allergic to any of their ingredients. And there’s a chance you could have an allergic reaction to semaglutide if you’ve had a reaction to a medication in the same class.

    10. Thyroid tumors

    Semaglutide has a boxed warning (the strictest warning) from the FDA about a risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. This is because animal studies found that rodents developed thyroid tumors when exposed to GLP-1 agonists. However, human studies have yet to confirm this risk.

    Still, you shouldn’t take semaglutide if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice signs or symptoms of thyroid cancer. These include a lump in your neck, and neck or jaw pain.

    All this being said, and speaking strictly for myself (I know there will always be some who will argue to the contrary)… I personally feel it is a no-brainer which one to use if your looking for an EFFECTIVE, PROVEN and SAFE fat burning peptide… In my mind it’s AOD-9604 all the way!

    Furthermore, there is a lot of evidence to back up these claims that AOD-9604 is the MUCH safer way to go. And truth be known, most of the resources I have personally checked seem to feel AOD-9604 is actually more effective than Semaglutide overall as well.

    Safer… More Effective… You do the math.

    I just felt it was important information to bring to you, being that these 2 peptides have gained so much attention in recent months… and these are definitely things you want to consider if you’re looking for such a product to help you with your fat loss goals.

    … best of luck to you!

    3 SAFEST STEROIDS

    Disclaimer: The following article is for educational purposes only and NOT to promote the use of illegal steroids. If you have any questions or concerns, our staff is available to help you with additional information.

    Given the sensitive nature of this article topic, we’d like to clarify that no steroid can be considered 100% safe; especially when bought on the black market for cosmetic purposes.

    Anabolic steroids are also illegal, thus unless utilized by a doctor in a strict medical setting; AAS have the potential to cause dangerous side effects to users.

    However, certain steroids are safer than others, hence why several AAS are approved by the FDA in medicine (whilst others are not).

    It’s worth noting that bodybuilders often consume significantly higher dosages of anabolic steroids, compared to in medical settings; thus increasing the risk of side effects.

    Furthermore, bodybuilders often take steroids without having regular checkups with a medical doctor, which is a further risk.

    However, below are the mildest and least destructive steroids a bodybuilder can take:

    Testosterone

    Anavar

    Deca Durabolin

    Testosterone

    Testosterone is an FDA-approved injectable steroid, used to treat millions of men all over the world, who are deficient in natural testosterone.

    This is known as testosterone replacement therapy or TRT.

    Testosterone was included in the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, regarded as crucial for treating endocrine disorders.

    In 2017, it was the 132nd most prescribed medication throughout the U.S; with over 5 million prescriptions.

    From 2001 to 2011 testosterone prescriptions have tripled, indicating a current low testosterone epidemic.

    In bodybuilding, testosterone is predominantly used in bulking cycles to add large amounts of muscle and strength; however, it’s also utilized in cutting cycles to retain muscle hypertrophy.

    When injected correctly, it can be argued that testosterone is one of the safest steroids available.

    Testosterone causes hefty gains in muscle size (20-30lbs) and remains one of the most popular steroids in bodybuilding; despite coming to market over 80 years ago.

    If injected incorrectly, any steroid or medication can be dangerous (or fatal).

    However, there is oral testosterone available (undecanoate) for those wanting to avoid needles. Oral testosterone is less commonly used in bodybuilding, compared to injectables, due to its higher market price.

    Testosterone Side Effects

    Testosterone poses little to no hepatic concern (liver stress), due to it being injectable and thus entering the bloodstream immediately; instead of the liver having to filter it.

    Oral testosterone (undecanoate) is also safe for the liver, with it being absorbed via the intestinal lymphatic route; thus preventing hepatic strain. One study gave 2,800mg per week of testosterone undecanoate to male subjects for 21 days; yet none of them experienced any hepatotoxic stress, despite such an exceedingly large dose.

    Blood Pressure

    Testosterone is likely to increase blood pressure, due to a redistribution of HDL/LDL cholesterol levels. However, such cholesterol fluctuations are mild, compared to other anabolic steroids.

    There are a couple of reasons why testosterone doesn’t negatively affect blood pressure significantly. Firstly, it converts to estrogen, with the female hormone having a positive effect on blood lipids.

    Secondly, testosterone doesn’t pass through the liver, thus failing to stimulate hepatic lipase, an enzyme that can skew cholesterol levels in the wrong direction.

    There is evidence oral testosterone may even improve cardiovascular health, when therapeutic doses are administered in overweight men. This however is likely to be correlative, with a reduction in fat mass likely being the culprit for such reductions in BP.

    For most bodybuilders taking moderate to high dosages of testosterone, blood pressure will rise; with the severity depending on the dose and cycle duration.

    In research, 280mg/week of testosterone enanthate had a very slight negative effect on HDL cholesterol, after 12 weeks.

    300mg/week of testosterone (enanthate), when taken for 20 weeks, caused HDL levels to drop by just 13%.

    Meanwhile, 600mg/week caused a reduction of 21%.

    Note: Taking an AI (aromatase inhibitor) will further spike blood pressure, by inhibiting testosterone to estrogen conversion, thus further decreasing HDL levels.

    Estrogenic Side Effects

    Testosterone has the ability to cause gynecomastia and water retention, due to its estrogenic nature; however, a SERM (such as Nolvadex) significantly reduces the chances of gyno forming.

    Incidents of gynecomastia are particularly rare when combining low doses of testosterone with a SERM.

    Androgenic Side Effects

    Androgenic side effects, such as hair loss on the scalp, prostate enlargement and acne are possible on testosterone.

    Such side effects inspired Dr. Ziegler to create Dianabol, after understanding the Soviet strongmen had to use urinary catheters, as a result of cycling testosterone in the Olympic games.

    Thus, Dianabol was formulated to be less androgenic than testosterone — yet more anabolic.

    Therefore, despite testosterone’s mild properties, it may not be suitable for someone with existing prostate issues or someone looking to avoid hair loss.

    Testosterone Suppression

    As with all anabolic steroids, testosterone will decrease endogenous testosterone levels.

    Low testosterone thus can be experienced for several months after, unless a PCT (post cycle therapy) is administered to shorten this recovery period.

    HCG, Clomid or/and Nolvadex can be taken post-cycle to resurrect a male’s testosterone production.

    Anavar (Oxandrolone)

    Anavar is an oral steroid, often used in cutting cycles to enhance fat loss and lean muscle gains.

    Anavar is one of the few steroids that is adept at building muscle and burning fat simultaneously.

    Muscle gains are not extreme on Anavar; however, an increase of 10-15lbs is common.

    Anavar is a mild steroid, that remains FDA-approved for medicinal purposes. It is commonly prescribed to patients suffering from bone pain due to osteoporosis; and those needing to gain weight quickly (as a consequence of trauma, infection or surgery).

    Interestingly, Anavar can be prescribed to women and children, without them experiencing any notable negative effects.

    This demonstrates Anavar’s mild properties, with other steroids causing masculinization in women or/and being too toxic for minors.

    In bodybuilding circles, Anavar is nicknamed the ‘girl steroid’, due to it being generally safe for women to take (in low to moderate doses). Many AAS in comparison will enlarge the clitoris, shrink the breasts, cause hair growth on the body; and deepen the voice.

    However, many men also take Anavar, not just for bodybuilding purposes; but to dramatically increase muscular strength, power and endurance.

    Anavar Side Effects

    Liver toxicity

    Oral steroids generally don’t have a positive reputation when it comes to liver health.

    This is because orals are c-17 alpha alkylated, meaning they are processed by the liver before entering the bloodstream. Consequently, the organ becomes stressed with ALT and AST liver enzymes rising.

    However, Anavar is one of the few exceptions to this rule, with it posing considerably less liver toxicity (compared to other orals).

    It is not entirely known why this is the case; however, the kidneys playing more of a role in processing oxandrolone, compared to other compounds, may be a reasonable explanation. Thus, decreasing the liver’s workload.

    Cholesterol levels

    Cholesterol levels will shift in a negative way, thought to be notably less than other steroids; albeit greater than testosterone.

    For an oral steroid, Anavar is certainly not the worst compound for the heart; however, its effects are notable.

    Research has shown that men taking 20mg/day of Anavar for 12 weeks, experienced a 30% decrease in HDL cholesterol (8).

    A 40mg/day dose of Anavar only reduced HDL levels by a further 3% (33% in total).

    When taking 80mg/day the reduction was severe, dropping by 50%.

    LDL levels also increased in each of the groups, at a similar rate to the drop in HDL. 

    The typical bodybuilding dose for men is 20mg of Anavar per day. Also is not commonly taken for long periods of time (such as 12 weeks), but more often 6-8 weeks. Thus, a common Anavar cycle will likely yield less than a 30% decrease in HDL cholesterol; likely being closer to 20-25%.

    This is not an alarming drop, however certainly something to monitor and take precautions against. Taking 4g/day of fish oil can help prevent such rises in BP, offering some level of cardiovascular protection on-cycle.

    Virilization in Women

    Although Anavar is viewed as a ‘female friendly’ steroid, virilization (or masculinization) can still occur in women taking high doses of it.

    Doses over 10mg/day will increase the likelihood of undesirable effects, plus a cycle lasting beyond 6 weeks.

    Doesn’t Aromatize

    Anavar doesn’t convert to estrogen which is a positive in regards to body composition, as there will be no water retention. Consequently, this creates dry and full muscle bellies.

    Also, there is no risk of gynecomastia on Anavar, due to a lack of aromatization activity.

    However, low estrogen is one reason why cholesterol levels are worse on Anavar, compared to testosterone.

    Testosterone Suppression

    Significant decreases in natural testosterone production is a certainty when taking any steroid.

    However, Anavar will not completely shut down users; but instead, cause moderate suppression.

    One study reported a 45% reduction in testosterone when male subjects took 20mg and 40mg for 12 weeks.

    This is a high dose and an excessive period of time, even by bodybuilding standards.

    In comparison, a small dose of Dianabol (15mg), taken for 8 weeks can cause testosterone to drop by 69%.

    Users can expect testosterone function to recover within several weeks post-cycle (without a PCT).

    However, a PCT may be utilized to speed up this process, which also applies to female users.

    Deca Durabolin

    Deca Durabolin (Nandrolone) is an FDA-approved injectable steroid, used in medicine to treat anemia, osteoporosis and those suffering from various muscle-wasting diseases.

    Deca Durabolin is favoured in medicine and the bodybuilding community, due to its mild nature; yet potent ability to add lean muscle and strength. It is anabolic, like testosterone, yet lacks strong estrogenic and androgenic properties.

    In a trial in Sydney (Australia), 17 HIV-positive men took Deca Durabolin for 16 weeks.

    They experienced ‘significant increases in weight’ (in the form of lean body mass), whilst ‘no subject experienced toxicity.

    Deca Durabolin is one of the most heart-friendly anabolic steroids, with research showing it producing a subtle decrease in HDL cholesterol.

    Studies administering 600mg/week of Deca for 10 weeks, saw a 26% reduction in HDL levels.

    This effect is slightly worse than testosterone and similar to a moderate dose of Anavar.

    Deca Durabolin has weak androgenic properties, thus male pattern baldness, prostate enlargement, and oily skin/acne are unlikely to trouble users.

    Deca Durabolin Side Effects

    Although Deca Durabolin is considered a ‘safer’ steroid in bodybuilding, it can cause some problematic side effects in other areas.

    Arguably the most notorious side effect is ‘Deca dick’, which essentially is erectile dysfunction or impotence. There are two components affected, which are: the inability to get an erection and reduced libido.

    One reason why Deca Durabolin may have a particularly negative effect on sexual libido/performance is due to it significantly increasing prolactin levels in the bloodstream.

    Prolactin inhibits the production of GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), causing less endogenous testosterone production. This naturally leads to less desire for sex.

    Due to Deca Durabolin’s low androgenicity, users can experience less nitric oxide production; which is crucial for optimal blood flow. Thus, erections may become less frequent, or more difficult to attain/sustain.

    This is why some bodybuilders stack androgenic compounds with Deca Durabolin, such as testosterone, helping to keep nitric oxide levels high. Also supplementing with cabergoline can keep prolactin levels stable and thus prevent ‘Deca dick’.

    Estrogen

    Although Deca Durabolin is not regarded as estrogenic, it converts to estrogen at 20% of testosterone.

    Deca however has strong progesterone properties, which can stimulate estrogen receptors in the mammary glands; thus still posing a risk of gynecomastia.

    High progesterone can also contribute to water retention, causing the typical smooth look bodybuilders possess when taking Deca in the off-season.

    Testosterone suppression

    A common dose of Deca is 300-400mg per week, whilst stacked with other steroids.

    Research has shown 100mg of Deca per week can reduce testosterone by 57%.

    The same trial also found 300mg per week lowered test by 70%, thus a PCT should be of high priority post-cycle.

    FAQ

    What is the Safest Oral Steroid?

    The safest oral steroid would be oral testosterone (undecanoate). However, Anavar and Primobolan are also very mild compounds with few side effects.

    The most important organs to protect during a steroid cycle are the heart and liver, and these three oral steroids are the least destructive in this regard.

    For women, the safest oral is Anavar, with it arguably being the most desirable compound for preserving their femininity.

    What is the Safest Steroid Cycle?

    Generally, the more steroids you stack together in a cycle — the greater the side effects.

    Thus, a testosterone-only cycle is believed to be the mildest protocol, hence why it’s used as the first steroid cycle among beginners. Below is a cautiously dosed testosterone cycle, suitable for novices:

    testosterone first cycle

    The above testosterone cycle would be classed as a bulking one, with users experiencing large increases in muscular strength and hypertrophy.

    An Anavar-only cycle is another popular option for users prioritizing their safety. Male bodybuilders typically take the following dosages, to keep side effects at bay:

    anavar only cycle

    This would be seen as a cutting cycle, taken predominantly to enhance fat burning. Anavar is also suitable for users looking to gain small to moderate amounts of muscle simultaneously.

    Note: Women on Anavar should take no more than 10mg/day. Below is a typical female Anavar cycle:

    female anavar only cycle

    Summary

    Although no anabolic steroid is 100% safe, some are classed as essential medicines from leading health organizations. Several steroids are also approved by the FDA, yet remain illegal today in most countries. Steroid use only becomes legal when they are prescribed by a medical doctor for underlying health problems.

    IMPORTANT NOTE – Another steroid which could easily be added to this list is HEXADRONE. Given that it gives good results for lean muscle building… it is exceptionally mild to the body, plus it helps you shed a little bit of fat at the same time… but it also has the added bonus of acting as a mild aromatase inhibitor. to control estrogen side effects. A truly nice add to many cycle considerations!

    Window Shoppers

    A pet peeve of almost any supplier is “window shoppers”.

    DON’T BE ONE!

    Those are people who come to the supplier asking endless questions, with no intentions of ever really wanting to buy from them.

    These are people who either have no real money, or are just looking for free information because they are too lazy to do all the hard research themselves.

    Now, if you put yourself in the shoes of the supplier, who are often very busy performing the duties of their trade PLUS helping actual paying customers who deserve their help… this can be very frustrating.

    And while most suppliers are good natured and want to help their fellow man with simple issues that they might know the answer to but the less experienced might not… that is all well and good. But savvy, experienced suppliers can and MUST quickly weed out these “tire kickers” and “window shoppers”… those who will ask a ton of questions, but never buy.

    They are simply wasting the suppliers time!

    So, before you go and start asking your local supplier a ton of endless questions to save yourself the effort of finding things out for yourself with proper research (often which leads to wrong info anyway)… take into consideration the supplier.

    Make sure you are serious about buying from them, and are prepared to make your purchase BEFORE you start asking a supplier a bunch of questions!

    If you are just looking for information to set up your next planned purchase… and as long as you are going to be BUYING from the supplier you are asking… tell that to your supplier up front so they know how to allocate their time. Many suppliers are very busy!

    It isn’t right to ask any supplier a bunch of “help me” questions if you have no intention of BUYING from that supplier. You are just wasting their time. Time that supplier will definitely feel is better spent giving help to those who actually purchased from them.

    In short… Don’t be a dick!

    Have some common courtesy… if you’re not going to BUY from a supplier, don’t ask him or her a ton of questions looking for free help. You’re just rude and inconsiderate if you do.

    Again, most suppliers don’t mind helping a little.. but if you have no intentions of buying from that supplier you should go away and do your research yourself. It’s not fair (or right) to bother a supplier if you are not going to give them your business.

    Just think if the shoe were on the other foot… how would you like people swamping you with questions on what to do, how to do it etc… all day… every day… and then they give their business to someone else? That is totally wasting that suppliers time, and that’s screwed up!

    If the people you buy from are not there to answer your questions and give you proper support… maybe you’re with the wrong supplier. You should be changing who you deal with!

    And it is not unreasonable for a supplier to expect that you will order from him or her if you are there asking them a bunch of questions. Especially if you have done it on more than one occasion. That would only be fair! If they are kind enough to give you the benefit of their time and experience, you should pay back in kind by giving them your business.

    If you can’t and don’t see it that way… there is something inherently wrong with you and you probably need your head examined. You’re simply not seeing things right.

    … rant over.

    Test/Deca/Dianabol Bulking Cycle

    Testosterone

    Due to its versatility, testosterone is known as the perfect ‘base of a steroid stack’. It has solid androgenic and anabolic traits, which make it an essential part of a bulking cycle. As a matter of fact, testosterone is popularly used for hormone or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) that is prescribed to those who are incapable of producing their own hormones as a result of steroid abuse, age, or other medical issues. However, it is important to remember that testosterone aromatizes heavily into estrogen once it is injected.

    As you may already know, there are several versions of testosterone with different esters attached to them. In this particular cycle (test/deca/dbol), it is most logical to use a long esthered testosterone such as cypionate, enanthate, or the sustanon 250 blend (which is mostly made up of long esters). The reason for this is that we already have a kick-starting oral compound (dbol), and deca durabolin is also a long acting ester, so choosing testosterone with a long ester will help us keep injections to a minimum. Therefore, any of those compounds can be injected just twice per week without any problem, and you can mix in deca durabolin in the same syringe with testosterone.

    Regarding the dosage of testosterone, typically it starts at 400 milligrams (mgs) per week, with some individuals choosing to run a lower or a higher dose (200mgs +/-). The recommended cycle duration for testosterone is approximately 12-14 weeks.

    Deca Durabolin

    Deca Durabolin is a nandrolone based steroid (nandrolone decanoate) that has been widely used since the 60’s because of its mild side effects and a much lower rate of aromatization when compared to testosterone. Remember, back in those days bodybuilders did not have access to aromatase inhibitors, so they had to rely on luck, diet, and smarts in order to avoid getting estrogenic side effects. This is why they turned to deca durabolin over testosterone.

    One of the greatest benefits of deca is its ability to improve mood and increase appetite, making it an incredible addition to the test/dbol bulking stack. Furthermore, it can be ran at moderate dosages without the fear of losing head hair, or causing joint discomfort, as it will not raise DHT in the body. In addition, the joint smoothing property makes it ideal powerlifting.

    What’s more, deca durabolin has a long half life, so it will linger for many weeks after you stop using it, allowing you to easily get away with only 2 injections per week. However, due to this long action, deca is a very dangerous steroid to use if you are a tested athlete because it can be detectable for a whopping 18 months. For instance, Shawne Merriman, a former pro bowl LB in the NFL, was busted for the deca he used several years ago, which was a major error on his behalf.

    Interestingly, dosages for deca are very debated, with some guys recommending to keep testosterone levels higher, whilst others saying that it does not matter. The reality is that deca overwhelms DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the body, so you run the risk of having some issues in the sexual department if you do not stack something that converts to DHT strongly enough to offset that. Usually, proviron is a good compound for solving the issue, but in this precise case testosterone will be sufficient. Deca durabolin dose in this stack can range from 200 to 400mgs per week, and the suggested cycle duration is approximately 12 weeks.

    Dianabol

    Dianabol (methandrostenolone) was created by Dr. Ziegler to help American athletes keep up with their Russian counterparts in the 1960’s. At the time, Americans complained about injecting testosterone, so he wanted to create an oral version of testosterone that would be easier to take. Hence, essentially dianabol was supposed to be an oral testosterone. The difference is that it has an added double carbon bond, so it can withstand the first liver pass – 17 alpha alkylated (17aa).

    Nevertheless, the main problem with dianabol is the rapid aromatization into estrogen that will occur after taking it. Meanwhile, the benefit is that dianabol is a great kick-start to the test/deca stack because it levels out the longer injectable esters.

    Dianabol should be used at 20-40mgs per day split dose, and it should be ran only for the first 4-6 weeks of this cycle.

    Who should run this cycle

    • Those that have trouble with appetite and want to bulk will enjoy this cycle.
    • Those who want to powerlift and who have a history of joint discomfort (although you should never use steroids to cover up joint problems).
    • Those individuals who have hit weight or strength plateau’s, will rave about this class steroid stack, pushing them their barriers.

    Who shouldn’t run this cycle

    Those that are sensitive to estrogenic side effects like gynecomastia, water retention, high blood pressure, or insomnia should not run this cycle. Additionally, those who struggle with high appetite, or are carrying too much body fat, should look elsewhere. Finally, those preparing for a contest or photo shoot need to be ‘shredded’ and vascular, so they will not like their smooth results from this stack either.

    Ancillaries to use

    Because all three (3) of these compounds are considered ‘wet compounds,’ meaning they convert to estrogen, an aromatase inhibitor is essential, or you will face tremendous water retention. Therefore, I recommend using aromasin, or arimidex, in order to prevent those issues. In addition, keeping letrozole on hand in case of emergency is a wise thing to do.

    Furthermore, since dianabol is liver toxic, you should run a liver support supplement for the first 4-6 weeks of the cycle. Besides, due to the strong likelihood of an increase in blood pressure and heart strain, a comprehensive support supplement like N2Guard should be ran (which also contains liver support and TUDCA).

    User results

    I have personally ran this stack a couple times, and I put on over 10-15 pounds, which is a lot of strain to put on the body. Thus, it is important to remember that a portion of these gains will be muscle, but also a large amount will be water and body fat. My strength rose across the board on my lifts, and I had such an incredible appetite that I would eat 2 entrees. Therefore, expect mood to go up, an increase in libido, and extreme motivation. Also, these results are typically the norm according to the steroid forum community.

    PCT

    In spite of the fact that this cycle is a lot of fun, coming off can be brutal. One of the reasons for such a difficult ending of the cycle is that the long esters can linger for many more weeks than you expect. In fact, it can take 6-7 weeks to finally rid your body of active steroid, so you will keep making gains and feeling good even 4-5 weeks after your last injection. However, remember that even a tiny amount leftover is still suppressive. Therefore, it is essential you do not go cheap on post cycle therapy (PCT) and run the perfect PCT for at least 8-10 weeks after this cycle.