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SteroidUsage Basics For Beginners. 101
Esters:
You must understand esters. Esters are attached to AAS compounds. The ester acts
as a kind of time releasing vehicle. Esters are broken down in the blood stream
and thus the AAS compound is freed. "Long-acting" esters slowly break down, and
"fast-acting" esters break down more rapidly. Half-life describes this
occurrence.
Ex: If a compound has a half-life of 3-4 days it's generally a long acting ester
since what this means is that it takes 3-4 days for the ester to have been
broken down completely and now the test levels can only be "flushed" from the
blood. Therefore shots are required every 3-4 days to keep the compound levels
constant within the blood.
Common Ester names in no particular order:
* Enanthate
* Cypionate
* Decanoate
* Phenylpropionate
* Propionate
* Isocaproate
There are blends, or mixtures of tests each with their own ester. These are
mutli-esterified. An example is Sustanon 250..
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis (HPTA):
Secondly you must understand the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis and the
affect Anabolic Androgenic steroids has on your HPTA. The use of AAS has a
negative affect on your HPTA, which I'll put in simple terms. For a detailed
explanation see the following link:
http://www.worldclassbodybuilding.com/forums/steroids/59506-interactions-hypothalamus-pituitary-testes.html
The body is always looking to establish homeostasis, a balance in the body. Upon
the introduction of AAS to the body, you begin to reduce your own production.
Some AAS compounds are harsher to your HPTA and shut your natural production
down hard. A rebound from this shutdown is taxing on the body upon discontinuing
use of AAS. Other compounds must be used to help the body return to homeostasis.
The compounds that are harsh on your HPTA will also be harsh on your libido;
your sexual drive, and for men can result in a limp penis.
Such compounds that are harsh on the HPTA are:
Trenbolone (fina)
Deca-Durabolin
It is therefore, advisable for at least the sakes of sex, to keep testosterone
as a base for any AAS cycle.
Testosterone as a base:
There are limits to the length of cycle use. When you being AAS use, it takes
time for the body to "swap" its natural testosterone with the synthetic
compound. The times vary with the particular ester used. However a short AAS
cycle will most likely only result in a shut down of HPTA and not leave the body
exposed to the synthetic testosterone long enough for positive gains. Too long
of a cycle, and your suppressed HPTA will have a harder time recovering.
Further, the body can develop more or less immunities to AAS on cycles ran too
long and cycles ran at too high of a dose.
Secondly, the body has limits for how much it can grow. A longer, higher dosed
cycle will not be more effective simply because of the body's tolerance and
limited ability to grow.
My own guideline for a first and second time user is any cycle ran less than 8
weeks is too short; any cycle ran longer than 15 weeks is excessive. 10-14 weeks
is a good range for a first and second time user.
Estrogen:
Estrogen levels will be elevated during the use of AAS. Remember Homeostasis.
Application of either anti-estrogen or anti-aromatizer.
Anti-Estrogen V. Anti-Aromatizer?
The body has AS receptors and estrogen receptors. Your goal in using AAS is to
flood the AS receptors. Your goal is not to flood the estrogen receptors.
How an anti-estrogen works is that it attaches itself to the estrogen receptors
so that estrogen will not. Therefore the estrogen remains free floating in your
blood stream but unable to leech onto the receptors and take action.
How and anti-aromatizer works is that it prevents the aromatization of steroids.
It prevents the compounds conversion into estrogen. This however has the ability
to weaken the effect of the steroid compound.
Zero estrogen is not desirable. Some estrogen is necessary, but too much can
cause complications such as gynocomastia (man boobies) and water retention to
name a few.
Common side effects while on Anabolic steroids:
Users may experience a number of side effects due to increased synthetic
testosterone levels as well as due to increased estrogen levels.
* Cardiovascular complications: High blood pressure can result from use of AAS
and with heart problems should seek medical consultation. Combined water/sodium
retention and the fact that steroids actually can elevate the cholesterol and
triglyceride levels gives explanation to this condition. It is also why some
athletes experience a reduction in stamina.
� Acne may result from AAS use, but can be combated a number of ways that should
be researched.
* Aggression may also increase while on AAS, however some experience this
aggression during high exertion activities, and will otherwise feel somewhat
lethargic. Feelings of lethargy, sleepiness throughout the day while on AAS may
result. This will be largely affected by the amount of physical activity
performed throughout the day.
* Hair loss on the scalp can occur. This condition, as with the others, is
dependent on the individual. Certain individuals predisposed to premature hair
loss may be at a greater risk for this side effect.
* Hair gain, or activation of hair follicles on the body may also occur. Hair
follicles on the chest, back, arms and other places may be stimulated.
* Certain steroids are I 7-alpha alky-lated and are toxic to the liver. It is
important to note this and limit intake of foods and beverages that will also be
strenuous on the liver.
* As previously noted, AAS use will result in a reduced testosterone production,
a decreased spermatogenesis, and in some cases testicular atrophy. The degree of
suppression depends on the duration of the steroid intake, the administered
steroid, and the dosage of the steroid
* Most steroids cause a water and electrolyte imbalance in the body This results
in an increased storage of water and sodium which further results in a swelling
of tissue (edema)
* Gastrointestinal symptoms such as epigastric fullness, diarrhea, nausea or
even vomiting may result and are associated solely with the use of oral, I
7-alpha alkylated steroids. The oral compounds can be administered with food to
reduce these side effects.
* Feminization may result in males if estrogen levels are not kept in check. The
most popular feminization side effect of estrogen is gynocomastia.
* Females may experience masculinization effects.
* Kidney complications: The kidneys are under more strain during steroid intake.
They are involved in the filtration and excretion of toxic by-products. A high
blood pressure as well as variations in the water and electrolyte balance of the
body can lead to long-term changes in the kidney's function.
There may be more side effects not listed. All side effects should be researched
and understood. There are ways to alleviate some of the symptoms. Remedies and
counter-actions should be researched before use of AAS.
What happens at the end of a cycle:
So now the steroids are leaving your body, and overall testosterone levels are
dropping. Estrogen is still free floating in the bloodstream. You HPTA is under
stimulated. Your body is not in balance and your muscle gains are being
threatened to catabolism. Estrogen is catabolic, and since your test levels are
not yet recovered the estrogen levels must be put into check all while trying to
get your HPTA back as quickly as possible. This is done by some form of Post
Cycle Therapy.
Why the body enters a state of catabolism after a cycles end:
The catabolic state is caused by low levels of testosterone combined with high
levels of cortisol and estrogen. As said before, some of the androgens you take
while on steroids will be converted to estrogen as your body attempts to balance
itself out. After your external souce of androgens is stopped (once the cycle
ends) your body still has all that extra estrogen and cortisol still floating
around.
Along with gyno, high levels of estrogen can also lead to increased fat storage
and the catabolism of lean muscle mass. I will not explain the details as to why
estrogen can cause catabolism of lean muscle.
Cortisol is hormone, now being called a stress hormone. It is an adrenal hormone
that is secreted when the body undergoes physical or psychological stress.
Obviously when you take steroids you are putting your body through stress. When
cortisol is secreted, it causes a breakdown of muscle protein, leading to
release of amino acids (the "building blocks" of protein) into the bloodstream.
It does this to raise blood sugar levels to help the brain. However we are not
trying to help our brains, we're meat heads and want bigger muscles, so cortisol
does not work in our favor.
We can keep the estrogen catabolism in check by using anti-estrogens.
We can keep the cortisol catabolism in check by consuming superfluous levels of
protein and calories.
Post Cycle Therapy (PCT):
An anti-estrogen is needed upon the completion of your cycle for sure. With all
that free floating estrogen you need to prevent the estrogen from attaching to
your receptors and causing their damage. The wrath of estrogen in the aftermath
of a cycle is referred to a back lashing of estrogen.
You also need something to help stimulate your HPTA. Something needs to be done
about your own testosterone production to combat catabolism, to restore libido
and avoid depression.
A very successful compound to stimulate the HPTA is Clomid.
Clomid stimulates
the hypophysis to release more gonadotropin so that a faster and higher release
of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) occurs. This
results in an elevated endogenous (body's own) testosterone level. Sorry I threw
some mighty big words out there.
A good PCT combo is Nolvadex and Clomid. Nolvadex is an anti-estrogen.
Typical of a Nolvadex and Clomid PCT is as such:
Day1 300mg Clomid + 20mg Nolvadex
Day 2-11 100mg Clomid + 20mg Nolvadex
Day12-21 50mg Clomid + 20mg Nolvadex
Timing the PCT correctly:
Back to applying the concept of Esters. Compounds bound to long acting esters
require a longer waiting period for PCT to be administered. Likewise, compounds
bound to short acting esters require a shorter waiting period for PCT to be
administered.
steroid.....Time After Administration.....Clomid Length
Anadrol50/Anapolan50.......8-12 hours.....3 weeks
Deca Durobolan................3 weeks........4 weeks
Dianabol.........................4-8 hours.......3 weeks
Equipoise........................17-21 days.....3 weeks
Finajet/Trenbolone............3 days...........3 weeks
Primobolan Depot..............10-14 days.....2 weeks
Sustanon.........................3 weeks........3 weeks
Test Cypionate.................2 weeks........3 weeks
Test Enthenate/Testoviron..2 weeks........3 weeks
Test Propionate.................3 days..........3 weeks
Test Suspension................4-8 hours......2 weeks
Winstrol...........................8-12 hours.....2 weeks
Nutrition and Sleep:
Calorie levels must be increased during AAS use. For the body to grow it needs
fuel and since it is growing at an incredible rate you will consume an
incredible amount of food. At least you should. Adequate calorie levels for a
bulking cycle should be between 4,500 and 5,500 depending on the individual�s
size. Calories must also be slightly increased during PCT to help counter the
cortisol reactions.
When you sleep you grow. Simple as that. Your muscles are relaxed and the body
is in a state of repair.
I want to end this with a few simple beginner cycles. These can be used as a
reference, or a guide to building your own personal one. Keep in mind your goals
should be reasonable as well as your dosages.
First timer cycles:
#1:
Wk 1-10 Test Enanthate 400mg each week
Wk 1-15 Nolvadex 20mg each day
Wk 12-15 Clomid (dose using the guideline I listed above)
*That is 14 days after last shot.
#2:
Wk 1-10 Test Cypionate 400mg each week
Wk 1-15 Nolvadex 20m each day
Wk 12-15 Clomid
*That is 14 days after last shot.
Second timer cycles:
#1:
Wk 1-13 Test Enanthate/Cypionate 400-500mg each week
Wk 1-12 Equipoise 300-400mg each week
Wk 1-18 Nolvadex 20mg each day
Wk 15-18 Clomid
*That is 14 days after last shot.
*note the Equipoise ran 100mg less than the test also one week shorter
#2:
Wk 1-11 Test Enanthate/Cypionate 400-500mg each week
Wk 1-10 Deca Durabolin 300-400mg each week
Wk 1-16 Nolvadex 20mg each day
Wk 13-16 Clomid
*That is 14 days after last shot.
*note the Deca Durabolin ran 100mg less than the test and also one week shorter
#3:
Wk 1-10 Sustanon 250 500mg each week
Wk 2-10 Anavar 35mg each day
Wk 1-16 Nolvadex 20mg each day
Wk 13-16 Clomid
*That is 21 days after last shot.
I could go on and on, but all would have testosterone as a base.
1ml = 1cc
1g = 1000mg
1g = 1000000mcg
If a vial reads 250mg/ml that means it has 250mg per ml, and each ml is a cc. So
if you withdraw 1cc and inject you are injecting 250mg.
The following is the amount (in grams) of testosterone per 100mg of finished
compound.
testosterone Cypionate: 70mg
testosterone Decanoate: 65mg
testosterone Enantate: 72mg
testosterone Isocaproate: 75mg
testosterone Phenylpropionate: 69mg
testosterone Propionate: 84mg
testosterone Suspension: 100mg
testosterone Undecanoate: 63mg
What this gives you is the concentration that each esterfied testosterone
compound has. So when the ester has been broken down in the body, that�s how
much concentration is released into the blood stream. The higher the
concentration does not necessarily mean a better compound.
docholiday
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