STEROIDS – A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Deleted member 10413 · Mar 14, 2021

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STEROIDS – A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE.

History of Steroids In order to trace the history and development of anabolic steroids from their beginning to their present day form, we first need to look back towards ancient times, when it was …

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History

In order to trace the history and development of anabolic steroids from their beginning to their present day form, we first need to look back towards ancient times, when it was known that the testicles were required for both the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics. In modernity, this concept was further developed, by a scientist named Berthold and his experiments on cockerels done in 1849. He removed the testes from these birds, and they lost several of the characteristics common to the male of their species, including sexual function. So, we knew as early as 1849 that the testicles functioned to promote what we consider to be primary male sexual properties; in other words, they are what “make men into men”. Berthold also found that if the testicles were removed and then transplanted to the abdomen, the sexual function of the birds was largely unaffected. When the birds were dissected, it was found that no nervous connections were formed, but a vastly extensive series of capillarization took place. (1) This provided strong evidence that “the testes act upon the blood” (2) and he further concluded that this blood then had a systemic effect on the entire organism. Anabolic Steroid history, therefore, can be truly said to have made its first step with this simple series of experiments.

Later, in 1929 a procedure to produce an extract of potent activity from bull’s testicles was attempted, and in 1935 a more purified form of this extract was created. A year later, a scientist named Ruzicka synthesized this compound, testosterone, from cholesterol, as did two other scientists, Butenandt and Hanisch (3). Testosterone was, of course, the first anabolic steroid ever created, and remains the basis for all other derivations we have currently being used in medicine today. Testosterone was then used in 1936, in an experiment demonstrating that nitrogen excretion of the castrated dog could be increased by giving the dog supplemental testosterone, and this would increase its body weight. (4) Shortly after this time, the Nazi´s were rumored to have given their soldiers anabolic steroids, but that rumor seems to be largely undocumented. Later, further experiments were carried out in men, of course showing that testosterone was a potent anabolic substance in humans. Later, between the years of 1948 and 1954, the pharmaceutical firms Searle and Ciba had experimented with the synthesizing of over a thousand different testosterone derivatives and similar analogues (15).

Types of Steroids

There are numerous types of steroids; in-fact, there are hundreds of variations found in nature, but of course, for our purposes we’re only concerned with anabolic androgenic steroids. Within this group, again we have numerous types of steroids; numerous forms, variations and derivatives, and there are so many it can at times seem a little overwhelming. There are anabolic steroids that are strictly used for performance purposes, those used primarily in a therapeutic sense, and of course, those that crossover into both fields; the latter represents the majority. Then we can break down the types of steroids by specific hormone classification or even its form(s) of administration; as you can see, this can create a plethora of options to choose from. Of course, there are certain types of steroids almost no one will ever use; they have long since been pulled off the market, all markets, or they’re simply so rare they can only be found in very specific locations around the world. With all of this in mind, we want to look at the types of steroids you might actually use, ones that are actually a possibility for the majority. In doing so, we have broken down the various forms into several categories; we’ll start with all the actual possibilities, and from there we’ll separate them by common purposes of use as well as plenty of extra bonus information along the way. Without question, this will give you a good idea on how many types of anabolic androgenic steroids we truly have at our disposal

Most common types of Steroids

All-in-all, there are 32 common types of steroids; these 32 represent the anabolic androgenic steroids that can be used by anyone who supplements with such hormones for any reason; while others can be found, they are extremely rare. In some cases, within this 32 you’ll find the same steroidal hormone in play; however, you will find it is unique based on the ester(s) it has attached or in its particular form of administration. The ester(s) or form of administration does not change the hormones specific nature; for example, the testosterone hormone is found in numerous forms, more so than any other, but it’s still testosterone in any case, and its direct mode of action does not change on this basis. We’ll delve into a examples of this concept later on, but for now you simply need to be aware. In any case, we have listed the 32 most common types of steroids below; each one is listed by compound name, its popular trade name where applies, and of course, its mode of administration.

Compound	Popular Trade Name	Administration Form
Oxymetholone	Anadrol	Oral
Nandrolone-Hexyloxyphenylpropionate)	Anadur	Injectable
Oxandrolone	Anavar	Oral
Testosterone	AndroDerm	Transdermal
Testosterone	AndroGel	Transdermal
Testosterone-Undecanoate	Andriol	Oral
Nandrolone-Decanoate	Deca-Durabolin	Injectable
Methandrostenolone	Dianabol	Oral
Nandrolone-Undecanoate	Dynabolan	Injectable
Nandrolone-Cypionate	Dynabol	Injectable
Boldenone-Undecylenate	Equipoise	Injectable
Trenbolone-Acetate	Fina	Injectable
Fluoxymesteron	Halotestin	Oral
Drostanolone-Enanthate	Masteron	Injectable
Drostanolone-Propionate	Masteron	Injectable
Testosterone-Undecanoate	Nebido	Injectable
Nandrolone-Phenylpropionate	NPP or Durabolon	Injectable
Testosterone-Propionate-Phenylpropionate-Isocaproate-Caproate	Omnadren	Injectable
Trenbolone-Hexahydrobenzylcarbonate	Parabolan	Injectable
Methenolone-Acetate	Primobolan	Oral
Methenolone-Enanthate	Primobolan Depot	Injectable
Mesterolone	Proviron	Oral
Testosterone-Propionate-Phenylpropionate-Isocaproate-Decanoate	Sustanon-250	Injectable
Testosterone	Testopel	Subcutaneous Implant
Testosterone-Cypionate	N/A	Injectable
Testosterone-Enanthate	N/A	Injectable
Testosterone-Propionate	N/A	Injectable
Testosterone-Suspension	N/A	Injectable
Trenbolone-Enanthate	N/A	Injectable
4chlorodehydromethyltestosterone	Turinabol	Oral
Stanozolol	Winstrol	Oral
Stanozolol	Winstrol Depot	Injectable

Purpose of use

Within the 32 common types of steroids, we will find numerous purposes of use; in-fact, with these 32, while it’s unlikely anyone will ever use all of them, every last trait associated with anabolic steroidal supplementation can be obtained with even just a few. At any rate, most of the common steroids will carry a primary purpose; traits that specifically meet one primary purpose; however, they’ll often carry secondary characteristics that can serve another purpose quite well. Then we have the truly versatile steroids, and these are the types of steroids that can meet almost any purpose of steroidal supplementation; if not everyone, it will be pretty close. While this is true, we’ll find the mode of administration can affect the compounds versatility; in-fact, this will be more than apparent when looking at the numerous testosterone compounds. In any case, to gain a specific understand of a certain hormones total activity, you are encouraged to look at the steroid profiles here on steroid.com. In the meantime, in-order to provide you a generalized understanding we’ll briefly look at the common 32 regarding their purpose of use. Once again, we have listed the 32 most common types of steroids; this time we have listed them only by their most commonly associated name. Further, we have listed its purpose of use in a therapeutic and performance sense where such applies; this should give you a good idea where to start your educational process depending on the goals and desires you have in mind.

Steroid	Therapeutic	Performance
Anadrol	Commonly used to fight Anemia or muscle wasting Diseases	Used to promote Mass & Strength – can be used to promote fullness in cutting phases
Anadur	Not used for therapeutic purposes	Rarely used – used to promote off-season mass – strong healing and rejuvenating properties – excellent for recovery
Anavar	Used to promote weight gain or fight muscle wasting diseases – sometimes used to treat Osteoporosis	Used to promote conditioning in Cutting Cycles – moderate strength increaser – enhanced recovery – enhanced metabolic rate – used by men and women safely
AndroDerm	Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan	Not used for performance purposes – will not provide a significant performance level boost of testosterone due to poor absorption
AndroGel	Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan	Not used for performance purposes – will not provide a significant performance level boost of testosterone due to poor absorption
Andriol	Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan	Not used for performance purposes – highly inefficient for performance – absorption issues and strong hepatotoxicity
Deca-Durabolin	Commonly used to treat Renal Insufficiency and Anemia – sometimes used to treat severe muscle wasting diseases	Commonly used to promote mass or Tissue Growth – tremendous recovery promotion and rejuvenation – strongly promotes joint relief
Dianabol	Not used for therapeutic purposes	Used to promote Mass, Strength and Muscular Endurance
Dynabolan	Not used for therapeutic purposes	Rarely used – used to promote off-season mass – strong healing and rejuvenating properties – excellent for recovery
Dynabol	Not used for therapeutic purposes	Rarely used – used to promote off-season mass – strong healing and rejuvenating properties – excellent for recovery
Equipoise	Not used for therapeutic purposes	Used to promote Strength, Recovery and to promote enhanced Conditioning – great for recovery and muscular endurance – can be used to promote mass when other mass agents accompany
Fina	Not used for therapeutic purposes	Truly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength and tremendous cutting or Conditioning effects – promotes recovery and rejuvenation at a high rate – extreme metabolic enhancer – can be used for all purposes
Halotestin	Rarely used – can be used to treat delayed puberty – sometimes used to fight specific forms of Breast Cancer – sometimes prescribed to treat severe androgen deficiencies	Primarily used to promote Strength – Will increase Strength more dramatically and rapidly than any steroid – can be used for conditioning aspects when extremely lean
Masteron	Not used for therapeutic purposes	Used almost solely for conditioning purposes such as hardness, dryness and overall definition – strong anti-aromatase like effect
Masteron	Not used for therapeutic purposes	Used almost solely for conditioning purposes such as hardness, dryness and overall definition – strong anti-aromatase like effect
Nebido	Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan	Not used for performance purposes – too slow for performance purposes
NPP or Durabolon	Commonly used to treat Renal Insufficiency and Anemia – sometimes used to treat severe muscle wasting diseases	Commonly used to promote mass or Tissue Growth – tremendous recovery promotion and rejuvenation – strongly promotes joint relief
Omnadren	Not used for therapeutic purposes	Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Parabolan	Not used for therapeutic purposes	Mass, Strength and tremendous cutting or Conditioning effects – promotes recovery and rejuvenation at a high rate – extreme metabolic enhancer – can be used for all purposes
Primobolan	Not used for therapeutic purposes	Used to promote conditioning and recovery – rarely used due to oral form lacking the normal C17-aa nature that accompanies most oral steroids
Primobolan Depot	Not used for therapeutic purposes	Excellent for Conditioning, preservation, recovery and rejuvenation – can promote mass when other mass agents accompany
Proviron	Not used for therapeutic purposes	Used for its anti-estrogenic properties – can promote increases in free testosterone
Sustanon-250	Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan	Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Testopel	Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan – sometimes prescribed to treat libido deficiencies in women	Not used for performance purposes
Testosterone-Cypionate	Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan – sometimes prescribed to treat libido deficiencies in women	Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Testosterone-Enanthate	Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan	Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Testosterone-Propionate	Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan	Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Testosterone-Suspension	Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan	Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Trenbolone-Enanthate	Not used for therapeutic purposes	Mass, Strength and tremendous cutting or Conditioning effects – promotes recovery and rejuvenation at a high rate – extreme metabolic enhancer – can be used for all purposes
Turinabol	Not used for therapeutic purposes	Used to promote Strength – can promote conditioning to a degree – solid recovery steroid
Winstrol	Used to treat Non-Regenerative Anemia, Angioedema and Severe strength loss – sometimes used to fight Obesity although rare	Almost always used for Cutting – great for conditioning – used in athletic for strength enhancement – greatly improves muscular endurance – strong metabolic enhancing properties
Winstrol Depot	Used to treat Non-Regenerative Anemia, Angioedema and Severe strength loss – sometimes used to fight Obesity although rare	Almost always used for Cutting – great for conditioning – used in athletic for strength enhancement – greatly improves muscular endurance – strong metabolic enhancing properties

Choosing the right type

As you can see, there are steroids available for every purpose of use, and as such, making a choice can become quite difficult; after all, sometimes we want it all but this isn’t a realistic approach. Anabolic androgenic steroids are not magical; the rules of nutrition do not go flying out the window just because we choose to supplement; however, the rules of nutrition do reach a level of enhancement. In any case, the types of steroids you will receive for therapeutic purposes will solely be based on your condition; you will have very little say in this matter if any at all. Then we have performance enhancement, the most common reason for steroidal supplementation, and this is where things take on a different tone. With the common types of steroids we have available, the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to the varying combinations we can put together, and of course, the goals that can be obtained. Regardless of this fact, you will find you are best served if you focus on one of three goals at a time; bulking, cutting or enhancing athletic performance. If you try to do two or more at a time, especially if you try to add mass while trying to cut, a virtual impossibility at any significant level, you’re going to find it an extremely frustrating process. Even so, there’s good news; regardless of your goal, if it’s bulking you’ll be able to add more lean mass with less fat accumulation, and if you’re trying to cut you’ll be able to lose more body-fat with less muscle tissue loss that often accompanies hard dieting. As bulking and cutting represent the two primary reasons most people supplement, you will find choosing steroids that promote these ends to be your best bet, but you must ensure you are eating correctly to promote this end. If you can do this, and there’s no reason you can’t you’ll find the numerous types of steroids listed above can serve you in ways that are unimaginable.

Steroid Law

For the performance enhancing athlete the importance of steroid education is paramount; without proper education use will often be highly irresponsible. In order for an individual to weigh cost to benefit ratios properly, to understand how best to supplement with anabolic steroids, how to cycle them, how to stack them and what precautionary measures must be taken and individual must take it upon themselves to self-educate on the matter at hand. While many performance enhancers understand this many fail to understand the importance of educating oneself on steroid law and this may indeed be the most important factor of all. In places such as the United States the laws as they pertain to anabolic androgenic steroids are extremely strict in nature, more so than most countries and as more than six-million adults in the U.S. supplement with anabolic steroids for the purpose of performance enhancement an understanding of these laws proves to be far beyond imperative.

As an understanding of the laws is of great importance there is much to learn; many of the links provided will answer specific questions and focus more directly on a singular issue revolving around anabolic steroid legality. For our purposes here we simply want to give you a general understanding of what youre dealing with, an understanding of the consequences of ignoring anabolic steroid laws. Make no mistake, failure to abide by steroid laws can result in disastrous consequences far reaching what many understand or believe. It is a very common misconception that law enforcement is only interested in dealers, the large suppliers of anabolic steroids and while many think and believe this way that does not make it true. The truth is very simple yet very devastating; mere simple possession can result in a horrific end.

Effects of Steroids

The effects of steroids, it is largely accepted they are strong proponents of muscle mass and strength, but that’s not all. It’s often stated the effects of steroids will rot your liver, lead to heart attacks, strokes and in some cases, even HIV. You’ve heard the stories about raging lunatics; men who’ve supplemented with anabolic androgenic steroids only to have their brain melted and mutated into a crisp pile of evil. Of course, none of these claims revolving the adverse nature hold any truth, and mass and strength while true it’s a little vague. This leaves us with only one question; what are the actual effects of steroids?

Anabolic androgenic steroids are not foreign substances to the body; they share nothing in common with prescription or even recreational drugs. Anabolic steroids are hormones, and they are all hormones based on the primary naturally produced androgen testosterone with the androgen dihydrotestosterone also playing an important role; they are merely synthetic versions. For example, when we supplement with the primary anabolic steroid testosterone, while we are providing testosterone in exogenous fashion our body does not make any distinguishing difference in exogenous testosterone and naturally produced; it’s simply testosterone. If this is the case, and we assure you it is, it raises another important question; why supplement with anabolic steroids?

Positive Effects

There are two primary reasons for anabolic steroid use; therapeutic treatment and performance enhancement. With therapeutic treatment, there are two primary courses of action; your body is lacking a particular hormone and more must be applied to meet its needs, or excess amounts must be provided to remedy a specific condition. Then we have performance enhancement, and in this case, once again the idea is to add excess amounts of specific hormones so that the effects of steroids will yield results at a greater degree akin to such a hormone. In many ways, there’s some strong overlapping as it pertains to therapeutic treatment and performance enhancement; the largest difference rest in the total doses.

When it comes to therapeutic treatment there are 12 common possible reasons for supplementation, and each one is listed below. With some of these, you will begin to easily see how the effects of steroids can enhance performance; after all, as stated there are some strong overlapping factors. At any rate, the effects of steroids as it pertains to therapeutic treatment largely revolve around the following:

Anemia – anemia is a condition where the body is not producing enough red blood cells, and as red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to and through the blood it’s not too hard to see how such a condition would be problematic. Fortunately, one of the primary traits of many anabolic steroids is increasing red blood cell count; common steroids used for this purpose include Anadrol, Anavar, Deca-Durabolin and sometimes Winstrol
Andropause – Andropause is a condition similar to low testosterone as low testosterone is part of the problem; however, those suffering from Andropause are often found to be lacking dehydroepiandrosterone (5-DHEA) and sometimes to a degree some type of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) deficiency. Common steroids used for this purpose include AndroDerm, AndroGel, Andriol, Nebido, Sustanon-250, Testopel, Testosterone-Cypionate, Testosterone-Enanthate, Testosterone-Propionate and to a lesser degree Testosterone-Suspension
Angioedema – angioedema simply refers to severe edema; simply a rapid swelling of the tissue. Common steroids used to treat this condition include Winstrol and Winstrol Depot.
Breast Cancer – while anabolic steroids are rarely used to treat breast cancer, SERM’s and AI’s are far more common, the anabolic steroid Halotestin has been used on occasion when severe measures are needed. The benefit is Halotestin can have a positive anti-estrogenic effect and as estrogen is the enemy of a breast cancer patient it can at times be a welcomed treatment.
Burn Victims – burn victims are often in a state of decreased lean tissue, and as anabolic steroids can promote such a needed increase they can be quite beneficial. Treating severe burn victims is one of the oldest therapeutic based steroid treatments, and the effects of steroids in this regard can prove to be invaluable. Common steroids that can be used to treat this condition include any steroid that promotes mass; see chart below.
Delayed Puberty – it’s no secret; in most all cases children have no business supplementing with anabolic androgenic steroids as such use can severely damage their fragile and developing androgen system; often irreversibly. However, as anabolic steroids are based upon the primary androgens, the very androgens a child may not be producing, if delayed puberty is a problem they are often the only thing that will remedy the situation. Almost all anabolic steroids can be used for this purpose to a degree, but it is normally and should be a last resort.
Low Testosterone – without question, this is the most common reason for therapeutic anabolic steroid treatment, and one millions of men the world over are more than thankful for. If you suffer from low testosterone, you can suffer physically, sexually and even mentally, and as you’re lacking this primary androgen there’s nothing better to correct this lacking condition than pure testosterone; all testosterone compounds discussed under Andropause can be used here.
Muscle Wasting Diseases – all that was said of burn victims applies to muscle wasting diseases.
Osteoporosis – osteoporosis simply refers to a loss of bone density and bone tissue; fortunately, the effects of steroids can reverse such a condition by promoting increases in bone mineral content and collagen synthesis; lean tissue growth can also have a positive impact. In most cases, Anavar is the most commonly prescribed; however, some physicians are beginning to realize Nandrolone hormones such as Deca–Durabolin are far more effective as increases in bone mineral content and collagen synthesis are a primary trait of this steroid that no other steroid carries at such a level.
Renal Insufficiency – renal insufficiency refers to kidney failure; the kidneys are no longer filtering waste and toxins properly. Part of the problem is the kidneys are supposed to produce erythropoietin which plays a massive role in red blood cell production; those who suffer from renal insufficiency often suffer from anemia, a red blood cell deficiency. Once again, one of the primary effects of steroids is their ability to increase red blood cell count; Nandrolone compounds like Deca-Durabolin are most commonly used for this purpose.
Severe Strength Loss – could be caused by a muscle wasting disease and could be caused by some type of hormonal deficiency; there are truly countless possibilities. In any case, the effects of steroids largely surround strength increases; the most common steroids used for this purpose include Winstrol and Winstrol Depot, but almost any DHT steroid could present a benefit.
Weight Loss – anabolic steroids can be used to treat needed weight loss when obesity is caused by a hormone deficiency; Winstrol and Winstrol Depot are the most common prescribed; however, Anavar can be very useful as well as testosterone if the condition is in-part testosterone based.

This takes care of the therapeutic needs, but what about performance enhancement? By now, you should already be able to see how the effects of steroids might enhance performance, but we want to delve in deeper; specifically, we want to look at the primary traits associated with supraphysiological doses. All in all, there are ten primary effects of anabolic androgenic steroids most performance enhancers are concerned with; they are not the only traits, but they are primary. Each and every last anabolic steroid will carry a number of these traits; some will carry more than others, and when it carries a trait each one will carry it at a varying level of power. In many ways, it is the precise combination of traits and the level of power a steroid carries each one that distinguishes one from the next, and there can be quite a few variances. In any case, the primary effects of steroids as it pertains to performance enhancement include:

Increased Bone-Mineral Content – simply refers to increased strength of the skeletal structure and tissue. Stronger bones, greater health and greater performance.
Increased Collagen Synthesis – collagen is the protein that represents the base protein of most connective tissue such as the ligaments, tendons, cartilage, bones and of course within the muscle tissue itself. As this rate of synthesis is increased, repair and rejuvenation of such areas is enhanced.Increased Glycogenolysis – glycogenolysis refers to the rate by which glycogen converts to glucose, and as this rate is increased our body is able to utilize its carbohydrate intake to a greater degree, and as you understand, carbohydrates are a direct energy source.
Increased Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Production – IGF-1 is a potent peptide hormone that carries an extraordinarily anabolic nature as well as a nature that plays a strong role in our body’s recovery process. So important, IGF-1 affects nearly every cell in the human body.Increased Nitrogen Retention – all muscle tissue is comprised of approximately 16% nitrogen, and if our nitrogen levels fall we slip into a catabolic state. Conversely, the more we retain the greater our anabolic activity; this is one of the primary effects of steroids and intrinsic to growth and preservation.
Increased Nutrient Efficiency – through increased nutrient efficiency, each and every nutrient, specifically carbohydrates, fats and proteins become more valuable; in-short, we are able to utilize each gram to a higher degree. As nothing on earth is more anabolic than food, it’s not too hard to see how valuable this effect can be.
Increased Protein Synthesis – of all the effects of steroids, this is one shared by almost all anabolic steroids and simply refers to the rate by-which cells build proteins; proteins representing the building blocks of all lean muscle tissue. As this rate is increased, as was with nitrogen retention it plays an intrinsic role in-regards to growth and preservation; not to mention recovery.
Increased Red Blood Cell Count – as red blood cells carry oxygen to and through the blood, higher levels of oxygenation will result in greater muscular endurance. This increase in red blood cells can also have a positive visually related conditioning effect revolving around vascularity in individuals who are lean enough and desire such a trait.
Decreased Glucocorticoid Production – commonly referred to as stress hormones, cortisol being the most well-known, glucocorticoid hormones represent the hormones that promote fat gain and storage and they even destroy muscle tissue. Further, with a large presence of glucocorticoid hormones, this can make fat-loss extremely difficult and even hinder tissue gains.
Decreased Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) – SHBG is a glycoprotein that binds sex hormones; most notably testosterone. With decreased SHBG, we provide our body with more free testosterone and this simply allows all the traits of testosterone, many of which have just been listed to be all the more enhanced.

Negative Effects

While the above represents the positive, there are negative effects of steroids we must be aware of; specifically, possible adverse side-effects. As with anything we put into our body, steroids, non-steroidal substances and even many foods and vitamins there are adverse risks, but thankfully when it comes to anabolic androgenic steroids such risks largely fall into the realm of possible and not guaranteed. Of course, factors revolving around an individual’s genetic response, total dosing and genetic predispositions will all play a role, but when it comes to the negative effects of steroids most problems can be avoided when supplementation is undertaken by a healthy adult and in a responsible manner. We have listed all the possible negative effects of steroids below; all in all there are 10 effects of note; some will carry multiple effects within. Each one is listed along with the cause and prevention, and with such information the negative effects of steroids can be avoided. It must be noted; in-order to avoid such negative effects, supplementation should not be undertaken if you suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prostate issues or liver damage. Further, this is all assuming you’re a healthy adult; anabolic steroid use and adolescents simply do not mix due to the androgen damage possibility that is virtually assured unless for the specific case of therapeutic treatment as discussed above.

Acne – while acne is possible, it will largely be a concern for those who are already sensitive to acne to begin with. As is the case, most commonly DHT based anabolic steroids will bring forth the greatest risk; testosterone based steroids can too, but the odds are much stronger with DHT based steroids in genetically sensitive individuals. For this reason, keeping your skin dry and clean at all times is very important; if you are sensitive, you may need an extra shower a day and you should never keep your shirt on after it becomes sweaty; change into a dry shirt. If you are really sensitive, you may need to avoid DHT compounds.
Blood Pressure – one of the most common negative effects of steroids, high blood pressure is also one of the easiest to avoid. The most common cause of such a condition is linked to the aromatizing effect of many steroids; aromatase referring to the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. As estrogen levels rise, this can lead to water retention in-turn leading to high blood pressure. High doses can also play a role as well as your overall lifestyle. Aromatase Inhibitors (AI’s) can be useful in this regard as we’ll see as it pertains to gynecomastia and water retention itself. Further, ensuring your overall lifestyle habits are blood pressure friendly and your steroid doses are of a responsible nature will do a lot to protect you.
Cholesterol – almost all anabolic steroids can have some type of effect on cholesterol; lowering HDL cholesterol and increasing LDL cholesterol are both possibilities. Once again, dosing and lifestyle habits will be very important; it should also be noted the AI’s you may use to combat aromatase can have a negative impact on cholesterol, and this makes your healthy lifestyle habits all the more important. A clean diet that is rich in omega fatty acids is highly advised; omega fatty acids will increase your HDL levels, and this will promote healthy LDL levels as HDL cholesterol regulates LDL cholesterol to a large degree.
Gynecomastia – often referred to as male-breast enlargement or “Gyno” gynecomastia is most commonly caused by an excess estrogen buildup due to a steroid’s aromatizing nature; however, progesterone can also play a role; especially in men who are extremely sensitive to gyno. This is one area an AI will prove to be invaluable; AI’s inhibit the aromatase process and reduce estrogen levels; therefore, there is no estrogen buildup that can cause a problem. Further, they will protect against progesterone, and while many use Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM’s) for this purpose, they’re often not enough, will do nothing to protect against progesterone or any other aromatase based side-effects.
Hair-Loss – of all the negative effects of steroids, hair-loss is completely genetically dependent; meaning, only those who are predisposed to male-pattern baldness risk losing any of their hair. In most cases, DHT steroids will be the prime culprit as DHT can deteriorate the hair follicles and cause related hair-loss; however, testosterone based can also cause this if there is a large enough DHT conversion. At any rate, if you are at risk and concerned about your hair-line, your best bet is to avoid DHT steroids or to use the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor Finasteride. It should go without saying; men who are not predisposed to male-pattern baldness are not at risk of losing any hair; if you are at risk, you were going to lose it any way, but certain anabolic steroids may speed it up.
Liver – liver damage is one of the most blown out of proportion side-effects known to man; it’s often stated as a matter of fact, but most steroids carry no liver toxic effects. For this to be a risk, you must be supplementing with a C17-alpha alkylated (C17-aa) anabolic steroid. The C17-aa nature refers to a structural alteration of the hormone at the 17th carbon position that allows it to survive the first pass through the liver; without it, that particular steroid would largely be destroyed before it could ever provide a benefit to the body. Most oral steroids are C17-aa, with the exception of oral Primobolan and Proviron and mostinjectable steroids are not; Winstrol Depot and injectable Dianabol being the two primary exceptions. At any rate, with the use of a C17-aa steroid, your liver enzyme values will increase; however, if C17-aa steroids are used responsibly most will find their liver enzyme values return to normal shortly after use is discontinued and no damage is done. This responsible use means staying within the recommended dosing and time frames of use, and it also means avoiding alcohol consumption and all over the counter medications where possible. It should be noted; the hepatotoxicity of a C17-aa steroid will vary greatly from one to the next.
Low Testosterone – without question, this is the most common reason for therapeutic anabolic steroid treatment, and one millions of men the world over are more than thankful for. If you suffer from low testosterone, you can suffer physically, sexually and even mentally, and as you’re lacking this primary androgen there’s nothing better to correct this lacking condition than pure testosterone; all testosterone compounds discussed under Andropause can be used here.
Prostate – with a healthy prostate and responsible use, prostate enlargement is very unlikely, but if a large DHT buildup is allowed to remain for extended periods of time it can occur. Obviously, DHT based steroids will be the primary culprit, but once again testosterone based can play a role if there’s a large enough conversion. If prostate enlargement occurs, you should discontinue all steroid use immediately and consider the use of the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor Finasteride; six months of Finasteride therapy has been shown to significantly reduce prostate enlargement.
Testosterone Suppression – most all anabolic androgenic steroids will suppress our natural testosterone production; however, the degree of suppression will be dependent on the steroid(s) being used. For this reason, most men will need to include exogenous testosterone; this can be the only steroid they use, but if they’re using other steroids some form of testosterone will normally need to be applied. This will ensure you do not fall into a low testosterone condition; such a condition is not only extremely unhealthy, it can lead to many symptoms that will severely diminish your overall quality of life. Of course, as your natural testosterone production has been suppressed, your testicles will atrophy; after all, testosterone is manufactured in the testicles; atrophy refers to a loss of fullness; your testicles will not vanish into thin air. Of course, once all anabolic steroid use is discontinued and the exogenous hormones have cleared your system, your testicles will regain their fullness as your natural testosterone production will have begun again. It should be noted; natural testosterone recovery is assuming you did not cause permanent damage to your HPTA during supplementation with improper practices, and that you did not suffer from a low testosterone condition prior to anabolic steroid use.
Virilization – virilization is a negative effect of steroids women will have to concern themselves with as it refers to the promotion of masculine traits; specifically, body-hair growth, a deepening of the vocal chords and clitoral enlargement. Most all anabolic steroids carry a virilization rating, and the key to avoiding such effects is for a woman to choose steroids that carry a low virilization rating, and at a low dose; Anavar should always be the top choice with Primobolan and Winstrol being second options, and sometimes low doses of Equipoise. Of course, as we are all unique to a degree, even with proper use with the proper steroids some may still fall prey; some of us are lactose intolerant, most of us are not and that’s a good way to look at it. In any case, for whatever reason if virilization symptoms occur, if you discontinue use at the onset of symptoms they will fade away rapidly; however, if ignored and allowed to set in, you may find you have a permanent problem.
Water Retention – excess water retention is the final negative effect of steroids that is caused by a buildup of excess water retention due to the use of aromatizing steroids. As this is the case, once again an AI will offer protection; recall from above an AI inhibits aromatase and reduces estrogen levels. Of course, some will still hold water even with the use of an AI; however, in most cases, this is due to the individual overeating; specifically carbohydrates. If you’re supplementing with aromatizing steroids, use an AI and control your diet you will not hold water.

The above represents the primary adverse or negative effects of steroids; however, there are a few more we must mention. While rare, some may fall prey to anxiety, insomnia, night sweats and rapid heart rate; there are only a few anabolic steroids that can cause such effects; most notably Trenbolone. If such effects occur and you’re supplementing responsibly, this will more than likely mean that particular steroid is not for you.

Chart of Effects

For an easy point of reference, we have provided two charts below detailing the effects of steroids. We have listed the most common and popular anabolic steroids by their actual compound name and most popular trade name where such applies. While there are other steroids not mentioned, such steroids are extremely rare and will not be used by most individuals or even be available to them. Within the first chart, we have provided the score each steroid holds in-regards to muscle mass promotion, strength promotion, and cutting effect. The three categories are all measured on a scale of one to ten (1-10); it should be noted, just because a steroid has a lower score does not mean it’s worthless; it simply means other steroids perform the specific action with a higher score. Further, in the second chart, each steroid is also listed in accordance to classification; testosterone or dihydrotestosterone based, 19-nortestosterone, and labeled by its aromatizing or progestin nature as well as hepatotoxicity; this will guide you along as it pertains to side-effects by referencing the negative effects of steroids discussion above. For our female friends, we have also included virilization scores; this time with a high, moderate to low ranking. In the second chart, each steroid is simply listed by its most commonly used name.

Chart 1:

Compound	Trade Name	Mass	Strength	Cutting
Oxymetholone	Anadrol	8	8	3
Oxandrolone	Anavar	2	7	8
Nandrolone-Decanoate	Deca-Durabolin	9	4	5
Methandrostenolone	Dianabol	9	9	2
Nandrolone-Phenylpropionate	Durabolin (NPP)	9	4	6
Boldenone-Undecylenate	Equipoise	5	7	6
Fluoxymesteron	Halotestin	1	10	6
Drostanolone-Propionate	Masteron	3	5	9
Testosterone Mixture	Omnadren	9	9	6
Trenbolone-Hexahydrobenzylcarbonate	Parabolan	10	10	10
Methenolone-Acetate	Oral Primobolan	2	3	4
Methenolone-Enanthate	Primobolan Depot	3	5	7
Mesterolone	Proviron	1	3	5
Testosterone Mixture	Sustanon-250	9	9	6
Testosterone-Cypionate	N/A	9	9	6
Testosterone-Enanthate	N/A	9	9	6
Testosterone-Propionate	N/A	9	9	6
Testosterone-Suspension	N/A	9	9	6
Trenbolone-Acetate	N/A	10	10	10
Trenbolone-Enanthate	N/A	10	10	10
4chlorodehydromethyltestosterone	Turinabol	1	8	5
Stanozolol	Winstrol	2	9	9
Stanozolol	Winstrol Depot	2	9	9

Chart 2:

Steroid	Classification	Nature	Virilization
Anadrol	Dihydrotestosterone	Non-aromatizing yet strongly estrogenic – strong hepatotoxicity	High
Anavar	Dihydrotestosterone	Non-aromatizing – low hepatotoxicity	Extremely Low
Deca-Durabolin	19-nortestosterone	Low aromatase – strong progestin – no hepatotoxicity	Moderate
Dianabol	Testosterone	Strong aromatase – moderately high hepatotoxicity	High
Durabolin (NPP)	19-nortestosterone	Low aromatase – strong progestin – no hepatotoxicity	Moderate
Equipoise	Testosterone	Low aromatase – no hepatotoxicity	Moderately Low
Halotestin	Testosterone	Non-aromatizing – Extremely strong hepatotoxicity	High
Masteron	Dihydrotestosterone	Non-aromatizing – no hepatotoxicity	Moderate
Omnadren	Testosterone	Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity	High
Parabolan	19-nortestosterone	Low aromatase – strong progestin – no hepatotoxicity	High
Oral Primobolan	Dihydrotestosterone	Non-aromatizing – no hepatotoxicity	Low
Primobolan Depot	Dihydrotestosterone	Non-aromatizing – no hepatotoxicity	Low
Proviron	Dihydrotestosterone	Non-aromatizing – no hepatotoxicity	Moderate
Sustanon-250	Testosterone	Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity	High
Testosterone-Cypionate	Testosterone	Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity	High
Testosterone-Enanthate	Testosterone	Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity	High
Testosterone-Propionate	Testosterone	Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity	High
Testosterone-Suspension	Testosterone	Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity	High
Trenbolone-Acetate	19-nortestosterone	Low aromatase – strong progestin – no hepatotoxicity	High
Trenbolone-Enanthate	19-nortestosterone	Low aromatase – strong progestin – no hepatotoxicity	High
Turinabol	Testosterone	Non-aromatizing – moderate hepatotoxicity	Moderate
Winstrol	Dihydrotestosterone	Non-aromatizing – strong hepatotoxicity	Moderately Low
Winstrol Depot	Dihydrotestosterone	Non-aromatizing – strong hepatotoxicity	Moderately Low

Testosterone

While there are numerous hormones we may aptly label important in-terms of proper function and health, for men the hormone testosterone is of great importance. Both men and women require testosterone for a well-functioning body but men do so in far higher amounts then their female counterparts. While a very important hormone and largely misunderstood, testosterone is easily one of the most exciting hormones we can discuss, especially as it pertains to performance enhancing; in-fact, we can confidently say it is the most important hormone in the performance enhancing game. Without adequate levels of testosterone our goals will largely not be met and without increased levels you can in many cases wave goodbye to the idea of surpassing these goals to a great degree. As a very important hormone, in order to make the most of exogenous use, meaning in this case testosterone introduced beyond our natural production, we are best served to first have a general understanding the hormone itself and then how best to maximize its use regarding its various forms.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone belongs to a class of hormones known as androgens; in-fact this is the primary androgenic hormone. A very powerful hormone in its own right, testosterone is largely responsible for testicular and prostate development, as well as the development of muscle tissue, bone density and strength. Beyond these basic functions, testosterone is by-in-large imperative for our overall general health and well-being; low levels of testosterone can not only negatively affect muscle and bone strength but can negatively affect our state of mind.

While a member of the androgenic class of steroidal hormones, testosterone is also highly anabolic. As both androgenic and anabolic, like all steroidal hormones testosterone is derived from cholesterol and is largely regulated in terms of production by luteinizing hormones (LH) and follicle stimulating hormones (FSH). Being regulated by LH and FSH, in order for these hormones to be released the pituitary gland must first be stimulated in order to achieve this purpose; once achieved and LH and FSH are released, testicular stimulation is achieved thereby causing the production of testosterone. As you can easily see, as important as the testicles are in testosterone production, the pituitary gland is of equal importance; without adequate pituitary function natural testosterone production cannot occur.

Testosterone Forms

There are many forms in-which testosterone can be found, as well as application methods. The most common form of application is by way of injection but there are transdermal gels and patches that may be used as well and even orally administered gel caps and tablets. While injectable testosterone is by far the most effective, all forms can be largely found in a hormone replacement plan but for the performance enhancer the injectable administration will prove to be far more efficient and desirable.

Beyond application, ester attachment is the largest difference most testosterones will display and this will be the most important aspect regarding the various types as it pertains to interest and understanding. While there are many types of testosterone, in the grand scheme there are six common forms worth discussing in detail; beyond these six there are other forms included as we will see but the following six will be of the greatest importance to you and they include:

Testosterone-Propionate
Testosterone-Enanthate
Testosterone-Cypionate
Testosterone-Suspension
Sustanon-250
Omnadren

Testosterone-Propionate:

The original testosterone; Testosterone-Propionate is one of the most popularly used forms the world over. This type of testosterone is defined by the fast-acting short ester it has attached known as the Propionate ester. The results and effects caused by this testosterone will largely be identical to all other forms but it is in the half-life it possesses where it differs to the highest degree. Testosterone-Propionate carries with it a half-life of approximately 48 hours; due to this short half-life most users will need to administer the hormone quite frequently; most performance enhancing athletes will inject this testosterone on an every other day schedule in order to maintain stable blood levels.

Milligram for milligram Testosterone-Propionate has been reported to be slightly more potent than many other testosterone forms; however, this difference is very negligible. There is another effect/benefit that is noted by many Test-Prop users as it is commonly called and it revolves around water retention. All testosterones have the ability to cause excess water retention; although very diet dependent, however, many Test-Prop users report less water retention with use as compared to other forms.

Theres no doubt about it; Testosterone-Propionate while a very simple hormonal compound is very effective and a more than solid choice in testosterone for most any athlete. Even so, some users will find this particular form difficult to use; some, the majority will not. Some individuals will find they are very sensitive to the Propionate ester and will find they experience a level of discomfort from the medication. If you fall into this category all hope is not lost; those who experience degrees of pain from Testosterone-Propionate in most all cases will not experience it from other common forms.

– For more info see: Testosterone-Propionate

Testosterone-Enanthate:

Testosterone-Enanthate is a pure testosterone with a slow-acting long ester attached and is a testosterone of high popularity. Like the Propionate version it is one of the most common forms used the world over by performance enhancing athletes. As for the functional properties of Testosterone-Enanthate, the same exact results will generally be obtained in comparison to the Propionate version assuming doses are similar.

As a long ester testosterone, commonly known as Test-E, this steroid carries with it a half-life of approximately 15 days. Due to the long half-life, injections will not need to be of a frequent nature, especially if it is used in a hormone replacement plan. However, for the athlete an administration schedule of 2 injections per week is common place and generally accepted as the best form of application. Most athletes will find 2 injections of equal doses to provide them with the results they are looking for. As this protocol is very effective, increasingly many competitive bodybuilders will opt for a more frequent injection schedule, as often as once every other day. Although this is not necessary when we consider the long half-life and duration of drug activity many bodybuilders report more stable blood levels and a general better feeling by keeping testosterone levels at maximum peak levels.

There are many quality brands you may choose from when using Testosterone-Enanthate but there is one brand that is universally accepted as the premier form and that is Testoviron Depot. While there are many other quality pharmaceutical grade brands available, many just as good, Testoviron Depot has for whatever reason developed a grand mystique behind its name, so much so that it may indeed be the most popular brand of Testosterone-Enanthate or any testosterone of all time.

– For more info see: Testosterone-Enanthate

Testosterone-Cypionate:

Virtually identical in almost every way to Testosterone-Enanthate, Testosterone-Cypionate is another slow-acting long ester testosterone of high popularity. Absolutely everything that can be said of Testosterone-Enanthate can be said of Testosterone-Cypionate with one minor difference. While generally structurally the same as the Enanthate ester, Test-Cyp or simply Cyp as its commonly known possesses a half-life of approximately 24 hours longer. The very slightly longer half-life is of negligible mention when we consider the total half-life time span, so much so that injection frequency schedules will be the same with Cypionate as they were with Enanthate.

There is however a more or less urban legend regarding Testosterone-Cypionate; for one reason or another this legend has really taken hold in the United States. The common story goes and is believed by many that Testosterone-Cypionate is stronger than Testosterone-Enanthate; the truth is thats a lie. You may absolutely find a more powerful Cyp if youre basing your experience on underground versions but as Human Grade pharmaceutical testosterone goes both Test-E and Cyp are virtually twins and this includes the kick they provide.

– For more info see: Testosterone-Cypionate

Testosterone-Suspension:

While Test-E and Cyp are virtually identical and Test-Prop is close to the same except for the shorter ester, while Testosterone-Suspension is simply testosterone too it has perhaps the most notable differences of all; two of importance. Unlike most forms, Testosterone-Suspension does not have an ester attached. Because of the lack of ester the conversion rate or actual usable and absorbed testosterone from each injection is 100% while other common forms carry with them absorption rates of approximately 75%.

Another important aspect regarding Testosterone-Suspension revolving around its lack of an ester is the frequency in-which it must be administered. As you may or may not understand, the ester attached to a steroid will determine its duration of activity; for example, if we inject 100mg of Testosterone-Propionate with a half-life of 48 hours, at the 24 hour mark after injection we now have 50mg of active testosterone left; after another 48 hours we now have 25mg of active testosterone left and so on until there is none left at all. From one 100mg injection of Testosterone-Suspension in less than 24 hours we will have no active testosterone left. For this reason very frequent injections of this steroid must be administered to have any desired effect; athletes will inject this steroid at minimum once per day and often at least twice.

Testosterone-Suspension further carries the trait of being suspended in water; while almost all testosterones are suspended in oil this gives Testosterone-Suspension an even more potent and fast acting effect. It is important to note, as a water based steroid this testosterone can be very painful to inject; so much so that most athletes cannot tolerate the pain. As this pain can be very intense, it is largely an individualistic type of thing; much of steroid use is largely trial and error and while it may be painful to inject this steroid for you, for another there may be no pain at all.

– For more info see: Testosterone-Suspension

Sustanon-250:

Sustanon-250 is not a testosterone in of itself but a mixture of four different testosterones. Like all testosterone, the four various forms mixed together here are simply testosterone; in that there is no difference. However, each form mixed to comprise Sustanon-250 has a different ester attached to it thereby giving a slow steady release of testosterone for an extended amount of time. The composition of Sustanon-250 is as follows:

Testosterone-Propionate: 30mg
Testosterone- Phenylpropionate: 60mg
Testosterone-Isocaproate: 60mg
Testosterone-Decanoate: 100mg

While we are familiar with the Propionate ester the remaining three esters that create Sustanon-250 are almost always found as part of a mixture or compoundedanabolic androgenic steroid.

Developed by Organon, the original idea behind Sustanon-250 was to provide a testosterone form well-suited for hormone replacement therapy that would only needed to be administered once every few weeks and for all intense purposes the idea was a success. For the performance enhancing athlete Sustanon-250 can be a fine choice but the idea of injecting only once or twice a month is not applicable here. As a performance enhancer this testosterone like all forms will need to be administered on a more frequent basis. This mixture carries with it two fast, short esters, Propionate and Pheylpropionate, a longer more moderate ester Isocaproate and the very slow and long Decanoate ester. In order to keep testosterone levels stable and at their peak most athletes will inject Sustanon-250 at a minimum of every 3 days and more commonly every other day for optimal results.

For more info see: Sustanon-250

Omnadren:

Everything that can be said of Sustanon-250 can identically be said of Omnadren. While virtually identical the only difference worth noting is the four esters attached. Like Sustanon-250, Omnadren is comprised of 4 various testosterones each with its own ester, the difference here is in the last ester or longest ester. While the longest ester in Sustanon-250 is that of Decanoate, Omnadrens final ester is Caproate dosed identically at 100mg; beyond this very slight difference there is nothing worth noting regarding Omnadren.

For more info see: Omnadren

Side effects of Testosterone

Testosterone use carries with it the possibility of negative side-effects as do all anabolic steroids. As this may sound unpleasant and any side-effect is, keep in mind, all medications, steroidal and non-steroidal alike carry with them the possibility of adverse reactions. The most common possible side-effects include:

Testicular Atrophy
Water Retention
Gynecomastia
High Blood Pressure
Acne
Adverse Cholesterol Reactions

Of these side-effects only one is certain and it is testicular atrophy; yes, if you are a male and you use exogenous testosterone your testicles will shrink; however, once you discontinue use they will return to their normal size. There is a very simple explanation for this occurrence; our natural testosterone is produced in the testicles, once outside testosterone is introduced into the body our testicles no longer have a need to produce any testosterone and therefore shrink. Once use is discontinued and natural testosterone production begins again our testicles will return to their previous state.

As for the remainder of the side-effects, these are largely avoidable or reversible if they do occur; a simple breakdown would be as follows:

Water Retention: Testosterone use can cause us to hold more water than we would otherwise, this much is true but in most cases this is highly exaggerated. In most all cases and we will see this to be true with most possible side-effects, ones diet will largely affect this outcome. Diets that are too high in carbohydrates will cause you to bloat or hold more water; add in excess testosterone and this will be more pronounced. While some individuals will be far more sensitive than others the use of a good Aromatase Inhibitor (A.I.) will largely eliminate this problem.
Gynecomastia: AKA Gyno or Bitch Tits can occur due to testosterones aromatizing effect. While this is a side-effect no man wants, if we supplement with adequate aromatase inhibitors such as Anastrozole (Arimidex) or Femara (Letrozole) we will largely eliminate any Gyno occurrence. However, some individuals will find they are extremely sensitive to testosterone use and even a good aromatase inhibitor will not save them; while a minority, these individuals will have to have their Gyno surgically removed if they desire to supplement.
Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: Testosterone use can have a negative effect on both of these issues. Keep in mind, if you are already susceptible to either the chances of you being negatively affected will increase. If you already have issues you are highly advised to get them under control before you begin use; for the remainder of you there are things we can do to prevent them from happening. As with so many things regarding anabolic androgenic steroid use, diet and nutritional intake is of the utmost importance. Supplementing with healthy Omega Fatty Acids in many cases can eliminate these side-effects from occurring.
Acne: It is a dreaded side-effect for one simple reason; whats the point of a well-tuned physique if its covered in pimples? While most all forms of anabolic androgenic steroids present this risk, by-in-large it is highly exaggerated. In most cases, not all but most, acne is caused by using gear you shouldnt be using in the first place; were talking about the plethora of underground gear that is nothing short of garbage. Use human grade testosterone and most of you will never see this problem occur.

Doses and Cycles

For the individual who undergoes hormone replacement therapy your doctor will determine your appropriate dose but for the athlete looking for a boost this dose will always be a great deal higher. There is no question, a mere 250mg per week of testosterone can provide a fantastic edge but in most circles 500mg per week is considered the gold standard for optimal results. Yes, doses can range much higher than 500mg per week; it is not uncommon for many athletes to use as much as 1,000mg per week and while less common but certainly not rare even as high as 1,500mg per week. It is important to note, there is a risk to reward ratio highly in effect as it pertains the our testosterone use; the higher the dose the potential for a higher reward but the higher the dose the greater increase of risk in-terms of negative side-effects and risk to our overall health. Most all beginners are advised to never go beyond 500mg per week and many veteran users will find this is all they ever need. If you do desire to chance a higher dose that is a call only you can make but understand the increase in risk is very real.

As for cycles, in this instance were referring to the duration of use, a common minimum length of time is 8 weeks, with 12 weeks being far more optimal for quality results. While a majority of veterans will use at minimum for 16 weeks, although not as common many will use for far extended periods of time; again, greatly increasing the risk to reward ratio. For most athletes, regardless of their level of experience with testosterone use, cycles of 12 weeks to 16 weeks in length will be their best bet and best suited for their long-term overall health.

Low Testosterone

Low testosterone is something that affects most every man at some point in his life regardless of how healthy the individual may be. By age 40 over 50% of all men suffer from low testosterone and by the age of 50 the numbers reach a staggering amount, upwards of 80%. As we age our testosterone levels naturally decline, it is inevitable but we do have the ability to offset the end outcome. You’ve seen the commercials advertising treatment for “Low-T” which is simply a simplified version for saying low testosterone and there is truly only one remedy; anabolic steroids, most notably testosterone therapy. Through sound therapy we can see our levels return to a stable and more efficient range however many men choose to ignore the problem and assume the ill-effects are simply due to natural causes. It is true, age plays an important role but as our lifestyles have increasingly become sedentary coupled with nutritional intake that’s dirty at best, many times the problem is far more exasperated than need be. However, if we can recognize the symptoms and understand low testosterone we can largely eliminate the problems associated.

Aging

As discussed, we age and our natural testosterone levels fall but in many cases the process is so slow and building over time that it largely goes unnoticed. For many men by the time their levels are truly low they have become so accustomed to the slight changes they accept them as “normal”. There are some men who will experience a rapid decline in a very short period of time, even at a much younger age but they are in the minority and for most the effects will not be felt or noticed until we enter into our thirties and much more pronounced as we enter our forties.

Effects of Low Testosterone

There are many negative effects brought on by low testosterone levels and while an inactive lifestyle and poor diet can cause many of these problems low testosterone will only make them worse. From physique and physical related to sexual performance, the effects are vast and often dramatically felt; common effects of low testosterone include but are not limited to:

Erectile Dysfunction
Decreased Libido
Decreases in Strength
Decreases in Lean Muscle Tissue
Increased Body Fat
Depression
Decreased Energy
Increased Irritability

If you suffer from any of these symptoms there’s a very good chance you suffer from low testosterone, however, in most cases if you suffer from one you will suffer from multiple effects listed above; in many cases every single one. The good news is there is treatment and we can largely reverse every single negative effect associated with this problem and the truth is it is rather a very simple process.

Low Testosterone Treatment

There is no cure for low testosterone; once your levels become low they will forever remain naturally low; however there is remedy. While we cannot cure the problem we can treat the symptoms and although we do so by supplementing with the same hormone you now produce in lower levels for all intense purposes this synthetic treatment is just as good. The reactions your body undergoes through its own natural production will be identical when a synthetic version is applied; your body will not know the difference, it simply has a desire and need for testosterone.

Once you begin therapy you will rapidly notice improvements but as there is no permanent cure continuous therapy is of the utmost importance. Once you begin therapy if you decide to discontinue your low testosterone levels will return very quickly. Granted, this is for some a little annoying but ask yourself one question, would you rather undergo therapy that is very simple or suffer from low testosterone?

To increase your testosterone levels you have several options and each one holds its own specific place in the order but some will prove to be more effective and efficient than others. By-in-large the form of testosterone treatment you undergo can be a very individualistic type of thing; what is best for you may not be best for another, however, this will not change the facts associated with each form of treatment. The most common forms of treatment include:

Injectable Testosterone:

This will prove to be the most effective and efficient type of therapy we can use. For most, a single injection of testosterone once every 10 to 14 days will correct the problem and will generally be well-tolerated by most who use it. Some individuals will need more frequent injections but this will largely be dictated by the type of testosterone you use. Some men will find the idea of injections to be bothersome but we can assure you it is a painless process and if you’re looking for an absolute remedy this is and will always be your best option.

AndroGel

AndroGel is a transdermal testosterone cream. This is simply a cream or lotion type substance applied directly to the skin that absorbs into the body. A much higher dose of AndroGel will need to be used in comparison to the injectable form due to topical absorption having a far less efficiency rating. Further, unlike the injectable form you will need to perform treatment every single day; failure to miss a day of treatment will not be the end of the world but for the best results every day is optimal. If you miss multiple days you will find your low testosterone to return very rapidly.

AndroDerm:

Everything that was said of AndroGel can be said of AndroDerm. As a transdermal medication the only difference is in its form; while AndroGel is just that, a gel, AndroDerm is a patch we apply directly to the skin for a 24 hour period of time. Once the 24 hour mark has passed we simply apply a new patch.

Important Note:

With both transdermal medications there is the possibility of skin irritation at the applied area in the form of burns or rashes. If these symptom exists in you injectable testosterone may be your only option, however you will find skin irritation is not a problem when testosterone is administered by intra-muscular injection.

Receiving Treatment:

If you believe you suffer from low testosterone you will need to schedule a visit to your local physician or hormone replacement clinic. If you have a hormone replacement clinic in your area this will many times be your best option as this is what they specialize in. Once you schedule your appointment a simple blood work test will be performed. By sampling our blood we can determine how much active testosterone we have in the body, determine where our levels are and how much therapy we need to increase them to a more stable and normal level.

While treatment will increase your levels there is an interesting fact we cannot ignore. Low testosterone is not easily defined; there is no set standard, no accepted level. Granted, certain readings will be deemed low by all physicians and generally there is a more or less accepted low reading(s) but where they should end up is often highly debated. Due in-part to a lack of education regarding anabolic steroid hormones in general is largely responsible for these discrepancies among many physicians; again, this will make a hormone replacement clinic a far superior choice in most cases.

Steroids and Testosterone

Steroids and testosterone, they are to performance as the bat is to the ball. Without a bat, you cannot have baseball, and without testosterone, you cannot haveanabolic steroids. It may sound simple, and that’s because it is. Anabolic steroids and testosterone share a very special relationship for one simple reason; all anabolic steroids owe their existence to the steroidal testosterone hormone. This makes the testosterone steroid the most important steroid of all; it may not be your favoriteanabolic steroid, but it is without question the most important. Look at it like this; with no air there is no life, and with no testosterone there are no anabolic steroids.

The Relationship:

While steroids and testosterone share this special interconnected relationship it is rather a general coexistence. As you understand, there are numerous anabolic steroids, and within testosterone alone there are numerous forms. With this in mind, a common question is how do we best mix and match various steroids and testosterone, and which ones do we use? This is a fair question to have, for if you don’t know you simply don’t know, but it’s also an easy question to answer. For the vast majority of cases, any testosterone form will stack well with any anabolic steroid. While other steroids may not stack well together, testosterone is one of the few you cannot go wrong with every single time. So where does this leave us, is there anything else to discuss? We know steroids and testosterone share an intrinsic nature, and we know all anabolic steroids stack well with testosterone, so where does this leave us? How about a brief explanation of the hormones so you know what you’re getting into; sounds about right.

Testosterone:

Testosterone has obviously always been around; after all, whether you like it or not you produce it naturally and essentially. Testosterone is the primary androgenichormone in your body and one of the most important hormones your body produces. This simple hormone plays a role in your physical state from strength and tissue size to your overall metabolic function. Further, testosterone plays a key role in your sexual development and later your performance, but it does not end there, not at all. Testosterone also plays a role in your immune system, effects your clarity of mind, focus and even your general sense of well-being. Needless to say, when testosterone levels fall you will suffer greatly, and often in horrific ways.

Steroid Testosterone

Form	Half-Life	Injection Frequency
Testosterone Cypionate	12 Days	2x per Week
Testosterone Enanthate	10.5 Days	2x per Week
Testosterone Propionate	3.5 Days	Every Other Day
Testosterone Suspension	24 Hours	1-2x per Day
Omnadren	11 Days	3x per Week
Sustanon 250	15 Days	3x per Week

Steroid diet and fitness

Without proper diet and fitness while using anabolic steroids, you will have defeated the whole purpose! This section covers a huge range of helpful information. From creating a perfect diet to learning how to workout while using steroids, this section should not be missed.

Training Programs
Diet Programs
Diet & Fitness
Forum
Supplement Reviews
Diet Tips
Nutrition
Facts
Food Profiles – Fast Foods

Deleted member 10413 · Mar 14, 2021

Coming off steroids

When it comes to performance enhancement, most will spend quite a bit of time learning about anabolic steroids, searching out proper supplementation practices and every last aspect they can as it pertains to remaining safe. Many who’ve never touched the first anabolic steroid will spend months and months, maybe even years going back and forth searching out everything they can; such research should be applauded. Even so, while the cycle itself is researched, many fail to consider the post cycle aspect; specifically, how to come off steroids. Of course, at some point in time you’re going to come off; there are those who will stay on cycle for indefinite periods of time, hardcore performance enhancers who will be on cycle for an enormous amount of time, but eventually everyone comes off. Understand this here and now; you need to know how to come off steroids, and you need to know how to come off steroids in the most efficient and healthy way possible.

When we supplement with anabolic androgenic steroids for the purpose of performance enhancement, we are providing our body with a massive amount of hormones; far more than it is naturally accustomed to. Once a cycle is complete, once the exogenous hormones are no longer provided something must be done in-order to help the body normalize; otherwise, complications may arise. In many ways, one of the primary factors is testosterone; anabolic androgenic steroids will suppress our natural testosterone production; the degree of the suppression will vary and be dependent on the steroids we’re using, but it will occur. Once our cycle is complete, our levels are still suppressed; granted, natural production will begin again, but it is going to take quite a bit of time for you natural levels to return to normal. A simple 12-16wk testosterone cycle will take around a full year to recover from if nothing is done, and that means you’ll be living with low levels for quite some time. A low testosterone condition cannot only be extremely bothersome due to the symptoms it can provide, it is extremely unhealthy, and what’s worse is there is absolutely no reason for it. It must be noted; when it comes to post cycle testosterone recovery this is assuming you did not suffer from low testosterone prior to anabolic steroid use, and that you did not severely damage your HPTA with poor or improper supplementation practices.

Steroid Cleanse: Beyond testosterone suppression, you need to know how to come off steroids for simple normalization factors. This is extremely important when and if you reach extreme levels of anabolic steroidal use for long periods of time. We’re referring to hardcore supplementation, and when you discontinue use abruptly and without any thought to the future this can cause a shock to your body that can be quite uncomfortable. Such a case may mean your natural testosterone production will not begin on its own; even your entire endocrine system could be found lacking.

With all of this in mind, we want to look at how to come off steroids; specifically, we want to find out how to come off steroids safely, properly and effectively. We’ll look at post cycle plans for moderate to extreme use, and the options you have; we’ll even look at extreme hardcore scenarios some may be interested in. It should be noted; most of the information provided assumes you’re going to be off-cycle for an extended period of time with a few exceptions that will be noted. An extended period of time will be at least 12 weeks; if you’re going to be off cycle for less than 12 weeks, promoting things like testosterone stimulation is counterproductive since you’ll be suppressing it again shortly. Of course, if you are only going to be off for a short period of time, we have plans for you too.

How to Come off Steroids 101

When your cycle comes to an end and you’re ready to promote recovery, the first thing you need on hand is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) and your top choices will always be Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex) and Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid). You will not need both, and each one can get the job done; simply choose one. You may find its best to try one and then the other the next time and see which one you prefer. At any rate, by their natural mode of action, these SERM’s will stimulate your natural testosterone production through a very simple action. SERM’s like Nolvadex and Clomid stimulate the pituitary to release more Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) which in-turn stimulate the testicles to produce more testosterone. Without LH and FSH, especially LH there is no natural testosterone production.

While a SERM is always needed, there is a second additional option that can be worth your consideration; the potent peptide hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG). By its mode of action, hCG acts to stimulate natural testosterone through an LH mimicking effect; LH isn’t actually released, but your body thinks it is. hCG use isn’t always needed, but it can be a perfect way to prime your body for the SERM therapy to come. Of course, as you want to understand how to come off steroids, you need to know how to implement both hCG and your SERM, and depending on which SERM you use, how your steroid cycle ends and if you include hCG this will determine what is known as your Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) treatment plan. It must be noted; hCG use must be limited; hCG abuse can be more damaging than most other types of performance abuse in a long-term sense. If you use too much or for too long, your body may become dependent on this LH mimicking action, and if this occurs, you may very well find a permanent low testosterone condition.

How to Come off Steroids – The Plans

If your steroid cycle is of a simple or moderate nature, there’s a good chance you’ll only need a SERM for 4 weeks; simple or moderate might refer to 12 weeks of a low dose testosterone cycle. In such an instance, you could use hCG and it won’t hurt anything, but it’s not going to be necessary. Above this, you will need five to six weeks of SERM therapy and ten days of hCG therapy preceding it. In any case, in the chart below we have listed the standard SERM therapy to get you started; if your steroid cycle was of a very moderate nature, simply adjust the doses to meet a four week plan.

Week	Clomid	Nolvadex
1	150mg/ed	40mg/ed
2	150mg/ed	40mg/ed
3	100mg/ed	20mg/ed
4	100mg/ed	20mg/ed
5	50mg/ed	10mg/ed
6 (optional)	50mg/ed	10mg/ed

The above represents a solid SERM plan for most PCT plans; again, you do not need both Clomid and Nolvadex, we have simply laid out the dosing protocol for both; you simply need to pick one. Of course, if you’re going to use hCG, you need to know the dose of this too. For most men, 10 days of hCG therapy at 500iu to 1,000iu per day for 10 straight days is perfect; you may not need 1,000iu’s, but it should never be surpassed. At any rate, how you implement all of this will depend on how your steroid cycle ends, and the bullet points below will display each possibility and exactly how you need to plan things out.

Large Ester & SERM Only: if your anabolic steroid cycle ends with any large ester based steroids, even if it’s a mixture of small and large ester steroids you will begin your SERM therapy approximately 14-18 days after your last injection following the protocol in the SERM chart above. Any steroids that are attached to the Caproate, Cypionate, Enanthate, Decanoate, Heptanoate , Hexanoate, Isocaproate, Nonanoate ,Octanoate or Undecylenate ester meet this large ester definition.
Small Ester & SERM Only: if your anabolic steroid cycle ends with all small ester based steroids, you will begin your SERM therapy approximately 3 days after your last injection following the protocol in the SERM chart above. Any steroids that are attached to the Acetate, Formate, Phenylpropionate or Propionate ester meet this large ester definition. It should be noted; if you have a Butyrate or Valerate based steroid, you might wait a few more days to start SERM therapy; however, the odds are extremely low that you’ll ever come across such a steroid.
Large Ester, SERM & hCG: if your anabolic steroid cycle ends with any large ester based steroids, even if it’s a mixture of small and large ester steroids you will begin your hCG therapy 10 days after your last injection and administer the hCG every day for 10 straight days. Once hCG therapy is complete, you will immediately begin your SERM therapy as laid out in the SERM chart above the very next day.
Small Ester, SERM 7 hCG: if your anabolic steroid cycle ends with all small ester based steroids, you will begin your hCG therapy 2 days after your last injection and administer the hCG every day for 10 straight days. Once hCG therapy is complete, you will immediately begin your SERM therapy as laid out in the SERM chart above the very next day.

Important PCT Notes

You know how to come off steroids, but there’s something you need to understand about a PCT plan. No, the above PCT plans will not take your hormone levels back to normal all on their own; there is no PCT plan on earth that can do such a thing. Even so, it will significantly reduce your total recovery time, maybe in half, but there’s a much more important factor. Through the testosterone stimulation, you will ensure your body has enough testosterone to function properly while your levels continue to naturally rise. This is extremely important as testosterone is one of the most important hormones your body produces; it is absolutely essential to our health, function and well-being. You know how to come off steroids, and if you’re going to be off for an extended period of time, as you can see there is no logical reason for forgoing a solid PCT plan.

There is another important note we must briefly discuss and it’s the use of Aromatase Inhibitors (AI’s) in a PCT plan. AI’s such as Anastrozole (Arimidex) and Letrozole (Femara) and even Exemestane (Aromasin) will stimulate LH and FSH in a similar fashion as a SERM and tremendously so; even so, we do not recommend them for this purpose. As you understand, AI’s will reduce estrogen levels dramatically, and a PCT plan isn’t just about stimulating natural testosterone but normalizing your body. No, estrogen is nowhere near as exciting as testosterone, but you need a fair amount for proper health and function. In the end, save your AI use for when it’s the most beneficial, and that’s for combating estrogenic and progestin related anabolic steroid side-effects when on cycle.

How to Come off Steroids – Short Periods & Bridging

If you’re only going to be off cycle for a short period of time, less than 12 weeks, the PCT plans above are not that beneficial; you’ll only be immediately suppressing production after you’ve stimulated it. If this is the case, you could just stay off everything for a few weeks or a couple months; you will lose a little lean tissue, but if you stay consistent with your training and diet it won’t be much, and it will come right back as soon as you start again. It is important during this time that you back off your training a little bit; do enough training to keep the body functioning properly and in good health, but your recovery abilities will be lower. If you go nuts with your training during this time, you’ll only burn yourself out, and if you’re sloppy with your diet this is the perfect time to gain a lot of excess body-fat.

For many men, if they’re going to be off for a short period of time they will find a low dose of testosterone during that time to be perfect; we’re talking about 200mg to 250mg per week. Of course, technically this isn’t off, but it’s definitely not a full blow cycle. Such testosterone doses will protect your gains during your down time, and such use can be beneficial to the hardcore athlete. Another option is a low dose of Nolvadex and Dianabol; we’re talking about 10mg per day of each for four to five weeks. Is this necessary; probably not if you’re only going to be off for that short of a time, but it is the best option other than testosterone if it’s an option you want. Even so, the best option of all will always be an HRT or TRT level dosing of testosterone as described above.

The Bottom Line

By now, if you don’t know how to come off steroids properly, well, you weren’t paying attention or you have bigger problems. The above represents the truth, and while there’s no magical solution we can give you the above represents the most effective solutions available. Sure, there are other things you can add; regardless of a full blown PCT or a bridging type plan many find the continuation of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) to be quite beneficial; we tend to agree. Of course, HGH is something that needs to be used for a long period of time, and if you weren’t supplementing with it while on cycle there’s no reason to include it as part of your PCT. Then again, you could start HGH use during your PCT plan and continue it to and through your next steroid cycle, but only during the PCT plan is useless.

There is one more important factor we must discuss, and it revolves around hardcore heavy anabolic steroid cycles; we’re talking about cycles that exceed moderate dosing plans extensively. If this is the case, and you’re going to come off cycle and transition into a PCT plan you’ll find a steroid taper at the end of your cycle to be beneficial as it will allow for a smoother transition. If you’ve completed a hardcore cycle, dropping down to a low dose of testosterone, 200mg to 300mg per week for four weeks and then going into a PCT plan will be your best route. Some have argued this tapering method isn’t necessary, but based on the reactions and real life results shown by performance enhancers it appears to be the most efficient. At any rate, when you want to know how to come off steroids properly, doing so in the most efficient way possible is the most important factor, and that’s the bottom line.

Lux · Mar 14, 2021

thanks grimba

Deleted member 10709 · Mar 14, 2021

Dn Rd but bookmarked for later. Ty bro.

Deleted member 10673 · Mar 14, 2021

you get a updoot for effort

Deleted member 10413 · Mar 14, 2021

Xen said:
thanks grimba

It was mostly just reformatting and copypasting tbh but thanks

pizza · Mar 14, 2021

very useful thread

patricknotstar · Mar 14, 2021

Grimba said:
Credit

STEROIDS – A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE.

History of Steroids In order to trace the history and development of anabolic steroids from their beginning to their present day form, we first need to look back towards ancient times, when it was …

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History

In order to trace the history and development of anabolic steroids from their beginning to their present day form, we first need to look back towards ancient times, when it was known that the testicles were required for both the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics. In modernity, this concept was further developed, by a scientist named Berthold and his experiments on cockerels done in 1849. He removed the testes from these birds, and they lost several of the characteristics common to the male of their species, including sexual function. So, we knew as early as 1849 that the testicles functioned to promote what we consider to be primary male sexual properties; in other words, they are what “make men into men”. Berthold also found that if the testicles were removed and then transplanted to the abdomen, the sexual function of the birds was largely unaffected. When the birds were dissected, it was found that no nervous connections were formed, but a vastly extensive series of capillarization took place. (1) This provided strong evidence that “the testes act upon the blood” (2) and he further concluded that this blood then had a systemic effect on the entire organism. Anabolic Steroid history, therefore, can be truly said to have made its first step with this simple series of experiments.

Later, in 1929 a procedure to produce an extract of potent activity from bull’s testicles was attempted, and in 1935 a more purified form of this extract was created. A year later, a scientist named Ruzicka synthesized this compound, testosterone, from cholesterol, as did two other scientists, Butenandt and Hanisch (3). Testosterone was, of course, the first anabolic steroid ever created, and remains the basis for all other derivations we have currently being used in medicine today. Testosterone was then used in 1936, in an experiment demonstrating that nitrogen excretion of the castrated dog could be increased by giving the dog supplemental testosterone, and this would increase its body weight. (4) Shortly after this time, the Nazi´s were rumored to have given their soldiers anabolic steroids, but that rumor seems to be largely undocumented. Later, further experiments were carried out in men, of course showing that testosterone was a potent anabolic substance in humans. Later, between the years of 1948 and 1954, the pharmaceutical firms Searle and Ciba had experimented with the synthesizing of over a thousand different testosterone derivatives and similar analogues (15).

Types of Steroids

There are numerous types of steroids; in-fact, there are hundreds of variations found in nature, but of course, for our purposes we’re only concerned with anabolic androgenic steroids. Within this group, again we have numerous types of steroids; numerous forms, variations and derivatives, and there are so many it can at times seem a little overwhelming. There are anabolic steroids that are strictly used for performance purposes, those used primarily in a therapeutic sense, and of course, those that crossover into both fields; the latter represents the majority. Then we can break down the types of steroids by specific hormone classification or even its form(s) of administration; as you can see, this can create a plethora of options to choose from. Of course, there are certain types of steroids almost no one will ever use; they have long since been pulled off the market, all markets, or they’re simply so rare they can only be found in very specific locations around the world. With all of this in mind, we want to look at the types of steroids you might actually use, ones that are actually a possibility for the majority. In doing so, we have broken down the various forms into several categories; we’ll start with all the actual possibilities, and from there we’ll separate them by common purposes of use as well as plenty of extra bonus information along the way. Without question, this will give you a good idea on how many types of anabolic androgenic steroids we truly have at our disposal

Most common types of Steroids

All-in-all, there are 32 common types of steroids; these 32 represent the anabolic androgenic steroids that can be used by anyone who supplements with such hormones for any reason; while others can be found, they are extremely rare. In some cases, within this 32 you’ll find the same steroidal hormone in play; however, you will find it is unique based on the ester(s) it has attached or in its particular form of administration. The ester(s) or form of administration does not change the hormones specific nature; for example, the testosterone hormone is found in numerous forms, more so than any other, but it’s still testosterone in any case, and its direct mode of action does not change on this basis. We’ll delve into a examples of this concept later on, but for now you simply need to be aware. In any case, we have listed the 32 most common types of steroids below; each one is listed by compound name, its popular trade name where applies, and of course, its mode of administration.

Compound Popular Trade Name Administration Form
Oxymetholone Anadrol Oral
Nandrolone-Hexyloxyphenylpropionate) Anadur Injectable
Oxandrolone Anavar Oral
Testosterone AndroDerm Transdermal
Testosterone AndroGel Transdermal
Testosterone-Undecanoate Andriol Oral
Nandrolone-Decanoate Deca-Durabolin Injectable
Methandrostenolone Dianabol Oral
Nandrolone-Undecanoate Dynabolan Injectable
Nandrolone-Cypionate Dynabol Injectable
Boldenone-Undecylenate Equipoise Injectable
Trenbolone-Acetate Fina Injectable
Fluoxymesteron Halotestin Oral
Drostanolone-Enanthate Masteron Injectable
Drostanolone-Propionate Masteron Injectable
Testosterone-Undecanoate Nebido Injectable
Nandrolone-Phenylpropionate NPP or Durabolon Injectable
Testosterone-Propionate-Phenylpropionate-Isocaproate-Caproate Omnadren Injectable
Trenbolone-Hexahydrobenzylcarbonate Parabolan Injectable
Methenolone-Acetate Primobolan Oral
Methenolone-Enanthate Primobolan Depot Injectable
Mesterolone Proviron Oral
Testosterone-Propionate-Phenylpropionate-Isocaproate-Decanoate Sustanon-250 Injectable
Testosterone Testopel Subcutaneous Implant
Testosterone-Cypionate N/A Injectable
Testosterone-Enanthate N/A Injectable
Testosterone-Propionate N/A Injectable
Testosterone-Suspension N/A Injectable
Trenbolone-Enanthate N/A Injectable
4chlorodehydromethyltestosterone Turinabol Oral
Stanozolol Winstrol Oral
Stanozolol Winstrol Depot Injectable

Purpose of use

Within the 32 common types of steroids, we will find numerous purposes of use; in-fact, with these 32, while it’s unlikely anyone will ever use all of them, every last trait associated with anabolic steroidal supplementation can be obtained with even just a few. At any rate, most of the common steroids will carry a primary purpose; traits that specifically meet one primary purpose; however, they’ll often carry secondary characteristics that can serve another purpose quite well. Then we have the truly versatile steroids, and these are the types of steroids that can meet almost any purpose of steroidal supplementation; if not everyone, it will be pretty close. While this is true, we’ll find the mode of administration can affect the compounds versatility; in-fact, this will be more than apparent when looking at the numerous testosterone compounds. In any case, to gain a specific understand of a certain hormones total activity, you are encouraged to look at the steroid profiles here on steroid.com. In the meantime, in-order to provide you a generalized understanding we’ll briefly look at the common 32 regarding their purpose of use. Once again, we have listed the 32 most common types of steroids; this time we have listed them only by their most commonly associated name. Further, we have listed its purpose of use in a therapeutic and performance sense where such applies; this should give you a good idea where to start your educational process depending on the goals and desires you have in mind.

Steroid Therapeutic Performance
Anadrol Commonly used to fight Anemia or muscle wasting Diseases Used to promote Mass & Strength – can be used to promote fullness in cutting phases
Anadur Not used for therapeutic purposes Rarely used – used to promote off-season mass – strong healing and rejuvenating properties – excellent for recovery
Anavar Used to promote weight gain or fight muscle wasting diseases – sometimes used to treat Osteoporosis Used to promote conditioning in Cutting Cycles – moderate strength increaser – enhanced recovery – enhanced metabolic rate – used by men and women safely
AndroDerm Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan Not used for performance purposes – will not provide a significant performance level boost of testosterone due to poor absorption
AndroGel Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan Not used for performance purposes – will not provide a significant performance level boost of testosterone due to poor absorption
Andriol Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan Not used for performance purposes – highly inefficient for performance – absorption issues and strong hepatotoxicity
Deca-Durabolin Commonly used to treat Renal Insufficiency and Anemia – sometimes used to treat severe muscle wasting diseases Commonly used to promote mass or Tissue Growth – tremendous recovery promotion and rejuvenation – strongly promotes joint relief
Dianabol Not used for therapeutic purposes Used to promote Mass, Strength and Muscular Endurance
Dynabolan Not used for therapeutic purposes Rarely used – used to promote off-season mass – strong healing and rejuvenating properties – excellent for recovery
Dynabol Not used for therapeutic purposes Rarely used – used to promote off-season mass – strong healing and rejuvenating properties – excellent for recovery
Equipoise Not used for therapeutic purposes Used to promote Strength, Recovery and to promote enhanced Conditioning – great for recovery and muscular endurance – can be used to promote mass when other mass agents accompany
Fina Not used for therapeutic purposes Truly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength and tremendous cutting or Conditioning effects – promotes recovery and rejuvenation at a high rate – extreme metabolic enhancer – can be used for all purposes
Halotestin Rarely used – can be used to treat delayed puberty – sometimes used to fight specific forms of Breast Cancer – sometimes prescribed to treat severe androgen deficiencies Primarily used to promote Strength – Will increase Strength more dramatically and rapidly than any steroid – can be used for conditioning aspects when extremely lean
Masteron Not used for therapeutic purposes Used almost solely for conditioning purposes such as hardness, dryness and overall definition – strong anti-aromatase like effect
Masteron Not used for therapeutic purposes Used almost solely for conditioning purposes such as hardness, dryness and overall definition – strong anti-aromatase like effect
Nebido Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan Not used for performance purposes – too slow for performance purposes
NPP or Durabolon Commonly used to treat Renal Insufficiency and Anemia – sometimes used to treat severe muscle wasting diseases Commonly used to promote mass or Tissue Growth – tremendous recovery promotion and rejuvenation – strongly promotes joint relief
Omnadren Not used for therapeutic purposes Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Parabolan Not used for therapeutic purposes Mass, Strength and tremendous cutting or Conditioning effects – promotes recovery and rejuvenation at a high rate – extreme metabolic enhancer – can be used for all purposes
Primobolan Not used for therapeutic purposes Used to promote conditioning and recovery – rarely used due to oral form lacking the normal C17-aa nature that accompanies most oral steroids
Primobolan Depot Not used for therapeutic purposes Excellent for Conditioning, preservation, recovery and rejuvenation – can promote mass when other mass agents accompany
Proviron Not used for therapeutic purposes Used for its anti-estrogenic properties – can promote increases in free testosterone
Sustanon-250 Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Testopel Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan – sometimes prescribed to treat libido deficiencies in women Not used for performance purposes
Testosterone-Cypionate Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan – sometimes prescribed to treat libido deficiencies in women Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Testosterone-Enanthate Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Testosterone-Propionate Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Testosterone-Suspension Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Trenbolone-Enanthate Not used for therapeutic purposes Mass, Strength and tremendous cutting or Conditioning effects – promotes recovery and rejuvenation at a high rate – extreme metabolic enhancer – can be used for all purposes
Turinabol Not used for therapeutic purposes Used to promote Strength – can promote conditioning to a degree – solid recovery steroid
Winstrol Used to treat Non-Regenerative Anemia, Angioedema and Severe strength loss – sometimes used to fight Obesity although rare Almost always used for Cutting – great for conditioning – used in athletic for strength enhancement – greatly improves muscular endurance – strong metabolic enhancing properties
Winstrol Depot Used to treat Non-Regenerative Anemia, Angioedema and Severe strength loss – sometimes used to fight Obesity although rare Almost always used for Cutting – great for conditioning – used in athletic for strength enhancement – greatly improves muscular endurance – strong metabolic enhancing properties

Choosing the right type

As you can see, there are steroids available for every purpose of use, and as such, making a choice can become quite difficult; after all, sometimes we want it all but this isn’t a realistic approach. Anabolic androgenic steroids are not magical; the rules of nutrition do not go flying out the window just because we choose to supplement; however, the rules of nutrition do reach a level of enhancement. In any case, the types of steroids you will receive for therapeutic purposes will solely be based on your condition; you will have very little say in this matter if any at all. Then we have performance enhancement, the most common reason for steroidal supplementation, and this is where things take on a different tone. With the common types of steroids we have available, the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to the varying combinations we can put together, and of course, the goals that can be obtained. Regardless of this fact, you will find you are best served if you focus on one of three goals at a time; bulking, cutting or enhancing athletic performance. If you try to do two or more at a time, especially if you try to add mass while trying to cut, a virtual impossibility at any significant level, you’re going to find it an extremely frustrating process. Even so, there’s good news; regardless of your goal, if it’s bulking you’ll be able to add more lean mass with less fat accumulation, and if you’re trying to cut you’ll be able to lose more body-fat with less muscle tissue loss that often accompanies hard dieting. As bulking and cutting represent the two primary reasons most people supplement, you will find choosing steroids that promote these ends to be your best bet, but you must ensure you are eating correctly to promote this end. If you can do this, and there’s no reason you can’t you’ll find the numerous types of steroids listed above can serve you in ways that are unimaginable.

Injectable Steroids

Oral Steroids

Steroid Cream

Steroid Pills

Steroid Tablets

Best Steroids

British Dragon Steroids

Bulking Steroids

Cheap Steroids

Cutting Steroids

Designer Steroids

Doctor Prescribed Steroids

Fat Loss Steroids

Horse Steroids

Illegal Steroids

Mexican Steroids

Muscle Building Steroids

Natural Steroids

Oral Anabolic Steroids

Real Steroids

Safe Steroids

Types of Steroids

Steroid Law

Prison Time

Nubain Laws

Growth Hormone Laws

Siezure Letters

Controlled Deliveries

Get Arrested?

Steroids and the Law

Attorneys

Dietary Supplement & Health Act

Legal Purchase and Possession

Physician Steroid Protocol

Research Chemicals

The Steroid Control Act(s)

DEA

For the performance enhancing athlete the importance of steroid education is paramount; without proper education use will often be highly irresponsible. In order for an individual to weigh cost to benefit ratios properly, to understand how best to supplement with anabolic steroids, how to cycle them, how to stack them and what precautionary measures must be taken and individual must take it upon themselves to self-educate on the matter at hand. While many performance enhancers understand this many fail to understand the importance of educating oneself on steroid law and this may indeed be the most important factor of all. In places such as the United States the laws as they pertain to anabolic androgenic steroids are extremely strict in nature, more so than most countries and as more than six-million adults in the U.S. supplement with anabolic steroids for the purpose of performance enhancement an understanding of these laws proves to be far beyond imperative.

As an understanding of the laws is of great importance there is much to learn; many of the links provided will answer specific questions and focus more directly on a singular issue revolving around anabolic steroid legality. For our purposes here we simply want to give you a general understanding of what youre dealing with, an understanding of the consequences of ignoring anabolic steroid laws. Make no mistake, failure to abide by steroid laws can result in disastrous consequences far reaching what many understand or believe. It is a very common misconception that law enforcement is only interested in dealers, the large suppliers of anabolic steroids and while many think and believe this way that does not make it true. The truth is very simple yet very devastating; mere simple possession can result in a horrific end.

Effects of Steroids

The effects of steroids, it is largely accepted they are strong proponents of muscle mass and strength, but that’s not all. It’s often stated the effects of steroids will rot your liver, lead to heart attacks, strokes and in some cases, even HIV. You’ve heard the stories about raging lunatics; men who’ve supplemented with anabolic androgenic steroids only to have their brain melted and mutated into a crisp pile of evil. Of course, none of these claims revolving the adverse nature hold any truth, and mass and strength while true it’s a little vague. This leaves us with only one question; what are the actual effects of steroids?

Anabolic androgenic steroids are not foreign substances to the body; they share nothing in common with prescription or even recreational drugs. Anabolic steroids are hormones, and they are all hormones based on the primary naturally produced androgen testosterone with the androgen dihydrotestosterone also playing an important role; they are merely synthetic versions. For example, when we supplement with the primary anabolic steroid testosterone, while we are providing testosterone in exogenous fashion our body does not make any distinguishing difference in exogenous testosterone and naturally produced; it’s simply testosterone. If this is the case, and we assure you it is, it raises another important question; why supplement with anabolic steroids?

Positive Effects

There are two primary reasons for anabolic steroid use; therapeutic treatment and performance enhancement. With therapeutic treatment, there are two primary courses of action; your body is lacking a particular hormone and more must be applied to meet its needs, or excess amounts must be provided to remedy a specific condition. Then we have performance enhancement, and in this case, once again the idea is to add excess amounts of specific hormones so that the effects of steroids will yield results at a greater degree akin to such a hormone. In many ways, there’s some strong overlapping as it pertains to therapeutic treatment and performance enhancement; the largest difference rest in the total doses.

When it comes to therapeutic treatment there are 12 common possible reasons for supplementation, and each one is listed below. With some of these, you will begin to easily see how the effects of steroids can enhance performance; after all, as stated there are some strong overlapping factors. At any rate, the effects of steroids as it pertains to therapeutic treatment largely revolve around the following:

Anemia – anemia is a condition where the body is not producing enough red blood cells, and as red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to and through the blood it’s not too hard to see how such a condition would be problematic. Fortunately, one of the primary traits of many anabolic steroids is increasing red blood cell count; common steroids used for this purpose include Anadrol, Anavar, Deca-Durabolin and sometimes Winstrol

Andropause – Andropause is a condition similar to low testosterone as low testosterone is part of the problem; however, those suffering from Andropause are often found to be lacking dehydroepiandrosterone (5-DHEA) and sometimes to a degree some type of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) deficiency. Common steroids used for this purpose include AndroDerm, AndroGel, Andriol, Nebido, Sustanon-250, Testopel, Testosterone-Cypionate, Testosterone-Enanthate, Testosterone-Propionate and to a lesser degree Testosterone-Suspension

Angioedema – angioedema simply refers to severe edema; simply a rapid swelling of the tissue. Common steroids used to treat this condition include Winstrol and Winstrol Depot.

Breast Cancer – while anabolic steroids are rarely used to treat breast cancer, SERM’s and AI’s are far more common, the anabolic steroid Halotestin has been used on occasion when severe measures are needed. The benefit is Halotestin can have a positive anti-estrogenic effect and as estrogen is the enemy of a breast cancer patient it can at times be a welcomed treatment.

Burn Victims – burn victims are often in a state of decreased lean tissue, and as anabolic steroids can promote such a needed increase they can be quite beneficial. Treating severe burn victims is one of the oldest therapeutic based steroid treatments, and the effects of steroids in this regard can prove to be invaluable. Common steroids that can be used to treat this condition include any steroid that promotes mass; see chart below.

Delayed Puberty – it’s no secret; in most all cases children have no business supplementing with anabolic androgenic steroids as such use can severely damage their fragile and developing androgen system; often irreversibly. However, as anabolic steroids are based upon the primary androgens, the very androgens a child may not be producing, if delayed puberty is a problem they are often the only thing that will remedy the situation. Almost all anabolic steroids can be used for this purpose to a degree, but it is normally and should be a last resort.

Low Testosterone – without question, this is the most common reason for therapeutic anabolic steroid treatment, and one millions of men the world over are more than thankful for. If you suffer from low testosterone, you can suffer physically, sexually and even mentally, and as you’re lacking this primary androgen there’s nothing better to correct this lacking condition than pure testosterone; all testosterone compounds discussed under Andropause can be used here.

Muscle Wasting Diseases – all that was said of burn victims applies to muscle wasting diseases.

Osteoporosis – osteoporosis simply refers to a loss of bone density and bone tissue; fortunately, the effects of steroids can reverse such a condition by promoting increases in bone mineral content and collagen synthesis; lean tissue growth can also have a positive impact. In most cases, Anavar is the most commonly prescribed; however, some physicians are beginning to realize Nandrolone hormones such as Deca–Durabolin are far more effective as increases in bone mineral content and collagen synthesis are a primary trait of this steroid that no other steroid carries at such a level.

Renal Insufficiency – renal insufficiency refers to kidney failure; the kidneys are no longer filtering waste and toxins properly. Part of the problem is the kidneys are supposed to produce erythropoietin which plays a massive role in red blood cell production; those who suffer from renal insufficiency often suffer from anemia, a red blood cell deficiency. Once again, one of the primary effects of steroids is their ability to increase red blood cell count; Nandrolone compounds like Deca-Durabolin are most commonly used for this purpose.

Severe Strength Loss – could be caused by a muscle wasting disease and could be caused by some type of hormonal deficiency; there are truly countless possibilities. In any case, the effects of steroids largely surround strength increases; the most common steroids used for this purpose include Winstrol and Winstrol Depot, but almost any DHT steroid could present a benefit.

Weight Loss – anabolic steroids can be used to treat needed weight loss when obesity is caused by a hormone deficiency; Winstrol and Winstrol Depot are the most common prescribed; however, Anavar can be very useful as well as testosterone if the condition is in-part testosterone based.

This takes care of the therapeutic needs, but what about performance enhancement? By now, you should already be able to see how the effects of steroids might enhance performance, but we want to delve in deeper; specifically, we want to look at the primary traits associated with supraphysiological doses. All in all, there are ten primary effects of anabolic androgenic steroids most performance enhancers are concerned with; they are not the only traits, but they are primary. Each and every last anabolic steroid will carry a number of these traits; some will carry more than others, and when it carries a trait each one will carry it at a varying level of power. In many ways, it is the precise combination of traits and the level of power a steroid carries each one that distinguishes one from the next, and there can be quite a few variances. In any case, the primary effects of steroids as it pertains to performance enhancement include:

Increased Bone-Mineral Content – simply refers to increased strength of the skeletal structure and tissue. Stronger bones, greater health and greater performance.

Increased Collagen Synthesis – collagen is the protein that represents the base protein of most connective tissue such as the ligaments, tendons, cartilage, bones and of course within the muscle tissue itself. As this rate of synthesis is increased, repair and rejuvenation of such areas is enhanced.Increased Glycogenolysis – glycogenolysis refers to the rate by which glycogen converts to glucose, and as this rate is increased our body is able to utilize its carbohydrate intake to a greater degree, and as you understand, carbohydrates are a direct energy source.

Increased Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Production – IGF-1 is a potent peptide hormone that carries an extraordinarily anabolic nature as well as a nature that plays a strong role in our body’s recovery process. So important, IGF-1 affects nearly every cell in the human body.Increased Nitrogen Retention – all muscle tissue is comprised of approximately 16% nitrogen, and if our nitrogen levels fall we slip into a catabolic state. Conversely, the more we retain the greater our anabolic activity; this is one of the primary effects of steroids and intrinsic to growth and preservation.

Increased Nutrient Efficiency – through increased nutrient efficiency, each and every nutrient, specifically carbohydrates, fats and proteins become more valuable; in-short, we are able to utilize each gram to a higher degree. As nothing on earth is more anabolic than food, it’s not too hard to see how valuable this effect can be.

Increased Protein Synthesis – of all the effects of steroids, this is one shared by almost all anabolic steroids and simply refers to the rate by-which cells build proteins; proteins representing the building blocks of all lean muscle tissue. As this rate is increased, as was with nitrogen retention it plays an intrinsic role in-regards to growth and preservation; not to mention recovery.

Increased Red Blood Cell Count – as red blood cells carry oxygen to and through the blood, higher levels of oxygenation will result in greater muscular endurance. This increase in red blood cells can also have a positive visually related conditioning effect revolving around vascularity in individuals who are lean enough and desire such a trait.

Decreased Glucocorticoid Production – commonly referred to as stress hormones, cortisol being the most well-known, glucocorticoid hormones represent the hormones that promote fat gain and storage and they even destroy muscle tissue. Further, with a large presence of glucocorticoid hormones, this can make fat-loss extremely difficult and even hinder tissue gains.

Decreased Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) – SHBG is a glycoprotein that binds sex hormones; most notably testosterone. With decreased SHBG, we provide our body with more free testosterone and this simply allows all the traits of testosterone, many of which have just been listed to be all the more enhanced.

Negative Effects

While the above represents the positive, there are negative effects of steroids we must be aware of; specifically, possible adverse side-effects. As with anything we put into our body, steroids, non-steroidal substances and even many foods and vitamins there are adverse risks, but thankfully when it comes to anabolic androgenic steroids such risks largely fall into the realm of possible and not guaranteed. Of course, factors revolving around an individual’s genetic response, total dosing and genetic predispositions will all play a role, but when it comes to the negative effects of steroids most problems can be avoided when supplementation is undertaken by a healthy adult and in a responsible manner. We have listed all the possible negative effects of steroids below; all in all there are 10 effects of note; some will carry multiple effects within. Each one is listed along with the cause and prevention, and with such information the negative effects of steroids can be avoided. It must be noted; in-order to avoid such negative effects, supplementation should not be undertaken if you suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prostate issues or liver damage. Further, this is all assuming you’re a healthy adult; anabolic steroid use and adolescents simply do not mix due to the androgen damage possibility that is virtually assured unless for the specific case of therapeutic treatment as discussed above.

Acne – while acne is possible, it will largely be a concern for those who are already sensitive to acne to begin with. As is the case, most commonly DHT based anabolic steroids will bring forth the greatest risk; testosterone based steroids can too, but the odds are much stronger with DHT based steroids in genetically sensitive individuals. For this reason, keeping your skin dry and clean at all times is very important; if you are sensitive, you may need an extra shower a day and you should never keep your shirt on after it becomes sweaty; change into a dry shirt. If you are really sensitive, you may need to avoid DHT compounds.

Blood Pressure – one of the most common negative effects of steroids, high blood pressure is also one of the easiest to avoid. The most common cause of such a condition is linked to the aromatizing effect of many steroids; aromatase referring to the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. As estrogen levels rise, this can lead to water retention in-turn leading to high blood pressure. High doses can also play a role as well as your overall lifestyle. Aromatase Inhibitors (AI’s) can be useful in this regard as we’ll see as it pertains to gynecomastia and water retention itself. Further, ensuring your overall lifestyle habits are blood pressure friendly and your steroid doses are of a responsible nature will do a lot to protect you.

Cholesterol – almost all anabolic steroids can have some type of effect on cholesterol; lowering HDL cholesterol and increasing LDL cholesterol are both possibilities. Once again, dosing and lifestyle habits will be very important; it should also be noted the AI’s you may use to combat aromatase can have a negative impact on cholesterol, and this makes your healthy lifestyle habits all the more important. A clean diet that is rich in omega fatty acids is highly advised; omega fatty acids will increase your HDL levels, and this will promote healthy LDL levels as HDL cholesterol regulates LDL cholesterol to a large degree.

Gynecomastia – often referred to as male-breast enlargement or “Gyno” gynecomastia is most commonly caused by an excess estrogen buildup due to a steroid’s aromatizing nature; however, progesterone can also play a role; especially in men who are extremely sensitive to gyno. This is one area an AI will prove to be invaluable; AI’s inhibit the aromatase process and reduce estrogen levels; therefore, there is no estrogen buildup that can cause a problem. Further, they will protect against progesterone, and while many use Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM’s) for this purpose, they’re often not enough, will do nothing to protect against progesterone or any other aromatase based side-effects.

Hair-Loss – of all the negative effects of steroids, hair-loss is completely genetically dependent; meaning, only those who are predisposed to male-pattern baldness risk losing any of their hair. In most cases, DHT steroids will be the prime culprit as DHT can deteriorate the hair follicles and cause related hair-loss; however, testosterone based can also cause this if there is a large enough DHT conversion. At any rate, if you are at risk and concerned about your hair-line, your best bet is to avoid DHT steroids or to use the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor Finasteride. It should go without saying; men who are not predisposed to male-pattern baldness are not at risk of losing any hair; if you are at risk, you were going to lose it any way, but certain anabolic steroids may speed it up.

Liver – liver damage is one of the most blown out of proportion side-effects known to man; it’s often stated as a matter of fact, but most steroids carry no liver toxic effects. For this to be a risk, you must be supplementing with a C17-alpha alkylated (C17-aa) anabolic steroid. The C17-aa nature refers to a structural alteration of the hormone at the 17th carbon position that allows it to survive the first pass through the liver; without it, that particular steroid would largely be destroyed before it could ever provide a benefit to the body. Most oral steroids are C17-aa, with the exception of oral Primobolan and Proviron and mostinjectable steroids are not; Winstrol Depot and injectable Dianabol being the two primary exceptions. At any rate, with the use of a C17-aa steroid, your liver enzyme values will increase; however, if C17-aa steroids are used responsibly most will find their liver enzyme values return to normal shortly after use is discontinued and no damage is done. This responsible use means staying within the recommended dosing and time frames of use, and it also means avoiding alcohol consumption and all over the counter medications where possible. It should be noted; the hepatotoxicity of a C17-aa steroid will vary greatly from one to the next.

Low Testosterone – without question, this is the most common reason for therapeutic anabolic steroid treatment, and one millions of men the world over are more than thankful for. If you suffer from low testosterone, you can suffer physically, sexually and even mentally, and as you’re lacking this primary androgen there’s nothing better to correct this lacking condition than pure testosterone; all testosterone compounds discussed under Andropause can be used here.

Prostate – with a healthy prostate and responsible use, prostate enlargement is very unlikely, but if a large DHT buildup is allowed to remain for extended periods of time it can occur. Obviously, DHT based steroids will be the primary culprit, but once again testosterone based can play a role if there’s a large enough conversion. If prostate enlargement occurs, you should discontinue all steroid use immediately and consider the use of the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor Finasteride; six months of Finasteride therapy has been shown to significantly reduce prostate enlargement.

Testosterone Suppression – most all anabolic androgenic steroids will suppress our natural testosterone production; however, the degree of suppression will be dependent on the steroid(s) being used. For this reason, most men will need to include exogenous testosterone; this can be the only steroid they use, but if they’re using other steroids some form of testosterone will normally need to be applied. This will ensure you do not fall into a low testosterone condition; such a condition is not only extremely unhealthy, it can lead to many symptoms that will severely diminish your overall quality of life. Of course, as your natural testosterone production has been suppressed, your testicles will atrophy; after all, testosterone is manufactured in the testicles; atrophy refers to a loss of fullness; your testicles will not vanish into thin air. Of course, once all anabolic steroid use is discontinued and the exogenous hormones have cleared your system, your testicles will regain their fullness as your natural testosterone production will have begun again. It should be noted; natural testosterone recovery is assuming you did not cause permanent damage to your HPTA during supplementation with improper practices, and that you did not suffer from a low testosterone condition prior to anabolic steroid use.

Virilization – virilization is a negative effect of steroids women will have to concern themselves with as it refers to the promotion of masculine traits; specifically, body-hair growth, a deepening of the vocal chords and clitoral enlargement. Most all anabolic steroids carry a virilization rating, and the key to avoiding such effects is for a woman to choose steroids that carry a low virilization rating, and at a low dose; Anavar should always be the top choice with Primobolan and Winstrol being second options, and sometimes low doses of Equipoise. Of course, as we are all unique to a degree, even with proper use with the proper steroids some may still fall prey; some of us are lactose intolerant, most of us are not and that’s a good way to look at it. In any case, for whatever reason if virilization symptoms occur, if you discontinue use at the onset of symptoms they will fade away rapidly; however, if ignored and allowed to set in, you may find you have a permanent problem.

Water Retention – excess water retention is the final negative effect of steroids that is caused by a buildup of excess water retention due to the use of aromatizing steroids. As this is the case, once again an AI will offer protection; recall from above an AI inhibits aromatase and reduces estrogen levels. Of course, some will still hold water even with the use of an AI; however, in most cases, this is due to the individual overeating; specifically carbohydrates. If you’re supplementing with aromatizing steroids, use an AI and control your diet you will not hold water.

The above represents the primary adverse or negative effects of steroids; however, there are a few more we must mention. While rare, some may fall prey to anxiety, insomnia, night sweats and rapid heart rate; there are only a few anabolic steroids that can cause such effects; most notably Trenbolone. If such effects occur and you’re supplementing responsibly, this will more than likely mean that particular steroid is not for you.

Chart of Effects

For an easy point of reference, we have provided two charts below detailing the effects of steroids. We have listed the most common and popular anabolic steroids by their actual compound name and most popular trade name where such applies. While there are other steroids not mentioned, such steroids are extremely rare and will not be used by most individuals or even be available to them. Within the first chart, we have provided the score each steroid holds in-regards to muscle mass promotion, strength promotion, and cutting effect. The three categories are all measured on a scale of one to ten (1-10); it should be noted, just because a steroid has a lower score does not mean it’s worthless; it simply means other steroids perform the specific action with a higher score. Further, in the second chart, each steroid is also listed in accordance to classification; testosterone or dihydrotestosterone based, 19-nortestosterone, and labeled by its aromatizing or progestin nature as well as hepatotoxicity; this will guide you along as it pertains to side-effects by referencing the negative effects of steroids discussion above. For our female friends, we have also included virilization scores; this time with a high, moderate to low ranking. In the second chart, each steroid is simply listed by its most commonly used name.

Chart 1:

Compound Trade Name Mass Strength Cutting
Oxymetholone Anadrol 8 8 3
Oxandrolone Anavar 2 7 8
Nandrolone-Decanoate Deca-Durabolin 9 4 5
Methandrostenolone Dianabol 9 9 2
Nandrolone-Phenylpropionate Durabolin (NPP) 9 4 6
Boldenone-Undecylenate Equipoise 5 7 6
Fluoxymesteron Halotestin 1 10 6
Drostanolone-Propionate Masteron 3 5 9
Testosterone Mixture Omnadren 9 9 6
Trenbolone-Hexahydrobenzylcarbonate Parabolan 10 10 10
Methenolone-Acetate Oral Primobolan 2 3 4
Methenolone-Enanthate Primobolan Depot 3 5 7
Mesterolone Proviron 1 3 5
Testosterone Mixture Sustanon-250 9 9 6
Testosterone-Cypionate N/A 9 9 6
Testosterone-Enanthate N/A 9 9 6
Testosterone-Propionate N/A 9 9 6
Testosterone-Suspension N/A 9 9 6
Trenbolone-Acetate N/A 10 10 10
Trenbolone-Enanthate N/A 10 10 10
4chlorodehydromethyltestosterone Turinabol 1 8 5
Stanozolol Winstrol 2 9 9
Stanozolol Winstrol Depot 2 9 9

Chart 2:

Steroid Classification Nature Virilization
Anadrol Dihydrotestosterone Non-aromatizing yet strongly estrogenic – strong hepatotoxicity High
Anavar Dihydrotestosterone Non-aromatizing – low hepatotoxicity Extremely Low
Deca-Durabolin 19-nortestosterone Low aromatase – strong progestin – no hepatotoxicity Moderate
Dianabol Testosterone Strong aromatase – moderately high hepatotoxicity High
Durabolin (NPP) 19-nortestosterone Low aromatase – strong progestin – no hepatotoxicity Moderate
Equipoise Testosterone Low aromatase – no hepatotoxicity Moderately Low
Halotestin Testosterone Non-aromatizing – Extremely strong hepatotoxicity High
Masteron Dihydrotestosterone Non-aromatizing – no hepatotoxicity Moderate
Omnadren Testosterone Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity High
Parabolan 19-nortestosterone Low aromatase – strong progestin – no hepatotoxicity High
Oral Primobolan Dihydrotestosterone Non-aromatizing – no hepatotoxicity Low
Primobolan Depot Dihydrotestosterone Non-aromatizing – no hepatotoxicity Low
Proviron Dihydrotestosterone Non-aromatizing – no hepatotoxicity Moderate
Sustanon-250 Testosterone Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity High
Testosterone-Cypionate Testosterone Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity High
Testosterone-Enanthate Testosterone Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity High
Testosterone-Propionate Testosterone Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity High
Testosterone-Suspension Testosterone Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity High
Trenbolone-Acetate 19-nortestosterone Low aromatase – strong progestin – no hepatotoxicity High
Trenbolone-Enanthate 19-nortestosterone Low aromatase – strong progestin – no hepatotoxicity High
Turinabol Testosterone Non-aromatizing – moderate hepatotoxicity Moderate
Winstrol Dihydrotestosterone Non-aromatizing – strong hepatotoxicity Moderately Low
Winstrol Depot Dihydrotestosterone Non-aromatizing – strong hepatotoxicity Moderately Low

Testosterone

While there are numerous hormones we may aptly label important in-terms of proper function and health, for men the hormone testosterone is of great importance. Both men and women require testosterone for a well-functioning body but men do so in far higher amounts then their female counterparts. While a very important hormone and largely misunderstood, testosterone is easily one of the most exciting hormones we can discuss, especially as it pertains to performance enhancing; in-fact, we can confidently say it is the most important hormone in the performance enhancing game. Without adequate levels of testosterone our goals will largely not be met and without increased levels you can in many cases wave goodbye to the idea of surpassing these goals to a great degree. As a very important hormone, in order to make the most of exogenous use, meaning in this case testosterone introduced beyond our natural production, we are best served to first have a general understanding the hormone itself and then how best to maximize its use regarding its various forms.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone belongs to a class of hormones known as androgens; in-fact this is the primary androgenic hormone. A very powerful hormone in its own right, testosterone is largely responsible for testicular and prostate development, as well as the development of muscle tissue, bone density and strength. Beyond these basic functions, testosterone is by-in-large imperative for our overall general health and well-being; low levels of testosterone can not only negatively affect muscle and bone strength but can negatively affect our state of mind.

While a member of the androgenic class of steroidal hormones, testosterone is also highly anabolic. As both androgenic and anabolic, like all steroidal hormones testosterone is derived from cholesterol and is largely regulated in terms of production by luteinizing hormones (LH) and follicle stimulating hormones (FSH). Being regulated by LH and FSH, in order for these hormones to be released the pituitary gland must first be stimulated in order to achieve this purpose; once achieved and LH and FSH are released, testicular stimulation is achieved thereby causing the production of testosterone. As you can easily see, as important as the testicles are in testosterone production, the pituitary gland is of equal importance; without adequate pituitary function natural testosterone production cannot occur.

Testosterone Forms

There are many forms in-which testosterone can be found, as well as application methods. The most common form of application is by way of injection but there are transdermal gels and patches that may be used as well and even orally administered gel caps and tablets. While injectable testosterone is by far the most effective, all forms can be largely found in a hormone replacement plan but for the performance enhancer the injectable administration will prove to be far more efficient and desirable.

Beyond application, ester attachment is the largest difference most testosterones will display and this will be the most important aspect regarding the various types as it pertains to interest and understanding. While there are many types of testosterone, in the grand scheme there are six common forms worth discussing in detail; beyond these six there are other forms included as we will see but the following six will be of the greatest importance to you and they include:

Testosterone-Propionate

Testosterone-Enanthate

Testosterone-Cypionate

Testosterone-Suspension

Sustanon-250

Omnadren

Testosterone-Propionate:

The original testosterone; Testosterone-Propionate is one of the most popularly used forms the world over. This type of testosterone is defined by the fast-acting short ester it has attached known as the Propionate ester. The results and effects caused by this testosterone will largely be identical to all other forms but it is in the half-life it possesses where it differs to the highest degree. Testosterone-Propionate carries with it a half-life of approximately 48 hours; due to this short half-life most users will need to administer the hormone quite frequently; most performance enhancing athletes will inject this testosterone on an every other day schedule in order to maintain stable blood levels.

Milligram for milligram Testosterone-Propionate has been reported to be slightly more potent than many other testosterone forms; however, this difference is very negligible. There is another effect/benefit that is noted by many Test-Prop users as it is commonly called and it revolves around water retention. All testosterones have the ability to cause excess water retention; although very diet dependent, however, many Test-Prop users report less water retention with use as compared to other forms.

Theres no doubt about it; Testosterone-Propionate while a very simple hormonal compound is very effective and a more than solid choice in testosterone for most any athlete. Even so, some users will find this particular form difficult to use; some, the majority will not. Some individuals will find they are very sensitive to the Propionate ester and will find they experience a level of discomfort from the medication. If you fall into this category all hope is not lost; those who experience degrees of pain from Testosterone-Propionate in most all cases will not experience it from other common forms.

– For more info see: Testosterone-Propionate

Testosterone-Enanthate:

Testosterone-Enanthate is a pure testosterone with a slow-acting long ester attached and is a testosterone of high popularity. Like the Propionate version it is one of the most common forms used the world over by performance enhancing athletes. As for the functional properties of Testosterone-Enanthate, the same exact results will generally be obtained in comparison to the Propionate version assuming doses are similar.

As a long ester testosterone, commonly known as Test-E, this steroid carries with it a half-life of approximately 15 days. Due to the long half-life, injections will not need to be of a frequent nature, especially if it is used in a hormone replacement plan. However, for the athlete an administration schedule of 2 injections per week is common place and generally accepted as the best form of application. Most athletes will find 2 injections of equal doses to provide them with the results they are looking for. As this protocol is very effective, increasingly many competitive bodybuilders will opt for a more frequent injection schedule, as often as once every other day. Although this is not necessary when we consider the long half-life and duration of drug activity many bodybuilders report more stable blood levels and a general better feeling by keeping testosterone levels at maximum peak levels.

There are many quality brands you may choose from when using Testosterone-Enanthate but there is one brand that is universally accepted as the premier form and that is Testoviron Depot. While there are many other quality pharmaceutical grade brands available, many just as good, Testoviron Depot has for whatever reason developed a grand mystique behind its name, so much so that it may indeed be the most popular brand of Testosterone-Enanthate or any testosterone of all time.

– For more info see: Testosterone-Enanthate

Testosterone-Cypionate:

Virtually identical in almost every way to Testosterone-Enanthate, Testosterone-Cypionate is another slow-acting long ester testosterone of high popularity. Absolutely everything that can be said of Testosterone-Enanthate can be said of Testosterone-Cypionate with one minor difference. While generally structurally the same as the Enanthate ester, Test-Cyp or simply Cyp as its commonly known possesses a half-life of approximately 24 hours longer. The very slightly longer half-life is of negligible mention when we consider the total half-life time span, so much so that injection frequency schedules will be the same with Cypionate as they were with Enanthate.

There is however a more or less urban legend regarding Testosterone-Cypionate; for one reason or another this legend has really taken hold in the United States. The common story goes and is believed by many that Testosterone-Cypionate is stronger than Testosterone-Enanthate; the truth is thats a lie. You may absolutely find a more powerful Cyp if youre basing your experience on underground versions but as Human Grade pharmaceutical testosterone goes both Test-E and Cyp are virtually twins and this includes the kick they provide.

– For more info see: Testosterone-Cypionate

Testosterone-Suspension:

While Test-E and Cyp are virtually identical and Test-Prop is close to the same except for the shorter ester, while Testosterone-Suspension is simply testosterone too it has perhaps the most notable differences of all; two of importance. Unlike most forms, Testosterone-Suspension does not have an ester attached. Because of the lack of ester the conversion rate or actual usable and absorbed testosterone from each injection is 100% while other common forms carry with them absorption rates of approximately 75%.

Another important aspect regarding Testosterone-Suspension revolving around its lack of an ester is the frequency in-which it must be administered. As you may or may not understand, the ester attached to a steroid will determine its duration of activity; for example, if we inject 100mg of Testosterone-Propionate with a half-life of 48 hours, at the 24 hour mark after injection we now have 50mg of active testosterone left; after another 48 hours we now have 25mg of active testosterone left and so on until there is none left at all. From one 100mg injection of Testosterone-Suspension in less than 24 hours we will have no active testosterone left. For this reason very frequent injections of this steroid must be administered to have any desired effect; athletes will inject this steroid at minimum once per day and often at least twice.

Testosterone-Suspension further carries the trait of being suspended in water; while almost all testosterones are suspended in oil this gives Testosterone-Suspension an even more potent and fast acting effect. It is important to note, as a water based steroid this testosterone can be very painful to inject; so much so that most athletes cannot tolerate the pain. As this pain can be very intense, it is largely an individualistic type of thing; much of steroid use is largely trial and error and while it may be painful to inject this steroid for you, for another there may be no pain at all.

– For more info see: Testosterone-Suspension

Sustanon-250:

Sustanon-250 is not a testosterone in of itself but a mixture of four different testosterones. Like all testosterone, the four various forms mixed together here are simply testosterone; in that there is no difference. However, each form mixed to comprise Sustanon-250 has a different ester attached to it thereby giving a slow steady release of testosterone for an extended amount of time. The composition of Sustanon-250 is as follows:

Testosterone-Propionate: 30mg

Testosterone- Phenylpropionate: 60mg

Testosterone-Isocaproate: 60mg

Testosterone-Decanoate: 100mg

While we are familiar with the Propionate ester the remaining three esters that create Sustanon-250 are almost always found as part of a mixture or compoundedanabolic androgenic steroid.

Developed by Organon, the original idea behind Sustanon-250 was to provide a testosterone form well-suited for hormone replacement therapy that would only needed to be administered once every few weeks and for all intense purposes the idea was a success. For the performance enhancing athlete Sustanon-250 can be a fine choice but the idea of injecting only once or twice a month is not applicable here. As a performance enhancer this testosterone like all forms will need to be administered on a more frequent basis. This mixture carries with it two fast, short esters, Propionate and Pheylpropionate, a longer more moderate ester Isocaproate and the very slow and long Decanoate ester. In order to keep testosterone levels stable and at their peak most athletes will inject Sustanon-250 at a minimum of every 3 days and more commonly every other day for optimal results.

For more info see: Sustanon-250

Omnadren:

Everything that can be said of Sustanon-250 can identically be said of Omnadren. While virtually identical the only difference worth noting is the four esters attached. Like Sustanon-250, Omnadren is comprised of 4 various testosterones each with its own ester, the difference here is in the last ester or longest ester. While the longest ester in Sustanon-250 is that of Decanoate, Omnadrens final ester is Caproate dosed identically at 100mg; beyond this very slight difference there is nothing worth noting regarding Omnadren.

For more info see: Omnadren

Side effects of Testosterone

Testosterone use carries with it the possibility of negative side-effects as do all anabolic steroids. As this may sound unpleasant and any side-effect is, keep in mind, all medications, steroidal and non-steroidal alike carry with them the possibility of adverse reactions. The most common possible side-effects include:

Testicular Atrophy

Water Retention

Gynecomastia

High Blood Pressure

Acne

Adverse Cholesterol Reactions

Of these side-effects only one is certain and it is testicular atrophy; yes, if you are a male and you use exogenous testosterone your testicles will shrink; however, once you discontinue use they will return to their normal size. There is a very simple explanation for this occurrence; our natural testosterone is produced in the testicles, once outside testosterone is introduced into the body our testicles no longer have a need to produce any testosterone and therefore shrink. Once use is discontinued and natural testosterone production begins again our testicles will return to their previous state.

As for the remainder of the side-effects, these are largely avoidable or reversible if they do occur; a simple breakdown would be as follows:

Water Retention: Testosterone use can cause us to hold more water than we would otherwise, this much is true but in most cases this is highly exaggerated. In most all cases and we will see this to be true with most possible side-effects, ones diet will largely affect this outcome. Diets that are too high in carbohydrates will cause you to bloat or hold more water; add in excess testosterone and this will be more pronounced. While some individuals will be far more sensitive than others the use of a good Aromatase Inhibitor (A.I.) will largely eliminate this problem.

Gynecomastia: AKA Gyno or Bitch Tits can occur due to testosterones aromatizing effect. While this is a side-effect no man wants, if we supplement with adequate aromatase inhibitors such as Anastrozole (Arimidex) or Femara (Letrozole) we will largely eliminate any Gyno occurrence. However, some individuals will find they are extremely sensitive to testosterone use and even a good aromatase inhibitor will not save them; while a minority, these individuals will have to have their Gyno surgically removed if they desire to supplement.

Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: Testosterone use can have a negative effect on both of these issues. Keep in mind, if you are already susceptible to either the chances of you being negatively affected will increase. If you already have issues you are highly advised to get them under control before you begin use; for the remainder of you there are things we can do to prevent them from happening. As with so many things regarding anabolic androgenic steroid use, diet and nutritional intake is of the utmost importance. Supplementing with healthy Omega Fatty Acids in many cases can eliminate these side-effects from occurring.

Acne: It is a dreaded side-effect for one simple reason; whats the point of a well-tuned physique if its covered in pimples? While most all forms of anabolic androgenic steroids present this risk, by-in-large it is highly exaggerated. In most cases, not all but most, acne is caused by using gear you shouldnt be using in the first place; were talking about the plethora of underground gear that is nothing short of garbage. Use human grade testosterone and most of you will never see this problem occur.

Doses and Cycles

For the individual who undergoes hormone replacement therapy your doctor will determine your appropriate dose but for the athlete looking for a boost this dose will always be a great deal higher. There is no question, a mere 250mg per week of testosterone can provide a fantastic edge but in most circles 500mg per week is considered the gold standard for optimal results. Yes, doses can range much higher than 500mg per week; it is not uncommon for many athletes to use as much as 1,000mg per week and while less common but certainly not rare even as high as 1,500mg per week. It is important to note, there is a risk to reward ratio highly in effect as it pertains the our testosterone use; the higher the dose the potential for a higher reward but the higher the dose the greater increase of risk in-terms of negative side-effects and risk to our overall health. Most all beginners are advised to never go beyond 500mg per week and many veteran users will find this is all they ever need. If you do desire to chance a higher dose that is a call only you can make but understand the increase in risk is very real.

As for cycles, in this instance were referring to the duration of use, a common minimum length of time is 8 weeks, with 12 weeks being far more optimal for quality results. While a majority of veterans will use at minimum for 16 weeks, although not as common many will use for far extended periods of time; again, greatly increasing the risk to reward ratio. For most athletes, regardless of their level of experience with testosterone use, cycles of 12 weeks to 16 weeks in length will be their best bet and best suited for their long-term overall health.

Low Testosterone

Low testosterone is something that affects most every man at some point in his life regardless of how healthy the individual may be. By age 40 over 50% of all men suffer from low testosterone and by the age of 50 the numbers reach a staggering amount, upwards of 80%. As we age our testosterone levels naturally decline, it is inevitable but we do have the ability to offset the end outcome. You’ve seen the commercials advertising treatment for “Low-T” which is simply a simplified version for saying low testosterone and there is truly only one remedy; anabolic steroids, most notably testosterone therapy. Through sound therapy we can see our levels return to a stable and more efficient range however many men choose to ignore the problem and assume the ill-effects are simply due to natural causes. It is true, age plays an important role but as our lifestyles have increasingly become sedentary coupled with nutritional intake that’s dirty at best, many times the problem is far more exasperated than need be. However, if we can recognize the symptoms and understand low testosterone we can largely eliminate the problems associated.

Aging

As discussed, we age and our natural testosterone levels fall but in many cases the process is so slow and building over time that it largely goes unnoticed. For many men by the time their levels are truly low they have become so accustomed to the slight changes they accept them as “normal”. There are some men who will experience a rapid decline in a very short period of time, even at a much younger age but they are in the minority and for most the effects will not be felt or noticed until we enter into our thirties and much more pronounced as we enter our forties.

Effects of Low Testosterone

There are many negative effects brought on by low testosterone levels and while an inactive lifestyle and poor diet can cause many of these problems low testosterone will only make them worse. From physique and physical related to sexual performance, the effects are vast and often dramatically felt; common effects of low testosterone include but are not limited to:

Erectile Dysfunction

Decreased Libido

Decreases in Strength

Decreases in Lean Muscle Tissue

Increased Body Fat

Depression

Decreased Energy

Increased Irritability

If you suffer from any of these symptoms there’s a very good chance you suffer from low testosterone, however, in most cases if you suffer from one you will suffer from multiple effects listed above; in many cases every single one. The good news is there is treatment and we can largely reverse every single negative effect associated with this problem and the truth is it is rather a very simple process.

Low Testosterone Treatment

There is no cure for low testosterone; once your levels become low they will forever remain naturally low; however there is remedy. While we cannot cure the problem we can treat the symptoms and although we do so by supplementing with the same hormone you now produce in lower levels for all intense purposes this synthetic treatment is just as good. The reactions your body undergoes through its own natural production will be identical when a synthetic version is applied; your body will not know the difference, it simply has a desire and need for testosterone.

Once you begin therapy you will rapidly notice improvements but as there is no permanent cure continuous therapy is of the utmost importance. Once you begin therapy if you decide to discontinue your low testosterone levels will return very quickly. Granted, this is for some a little annoying but ask yourself one question, would you rather undergo therapy that is very simple or suffer from low testosterone?

To increase your testosterone levels you have several options and each one holds its own specific place in the order but some will prove to be more effective and efficient than others. By-in-large the form of testosterone treatment you undergo can be a very individualistic type of thing; what is best for you may not be best for another, however, this will not change the facts associated with each form of treatment. The most common forms of treatment include:

Injectable Testosterone

AndroGel

AndroDerm

Injectable Testosterone:
This will prove to be the most effective and efficient type of therapy we can use. For most, a single injection of testosterone once every 10 to 14 days will correct the problem and will generally be well-tolerated by most who use it. Some individuals will need more frequent injections but this will largely be dictated by the type of testosterone you use. Some men will find the idea of injections to be bothersome but we can assure you it is a painless process and if you’re looking for an absolute remedy this is and will always be your best option.

AndroGel
AndroGel is a transdermal testosterone cream. This is simply a cream or lotion type substance applied directly to the skin that absorbs into the body. A much higher dose of AndroGel will need to be used in comparison to the injectable form due to topical absorption having a far less efficiency rating. Further, unlike the injectable form you will need to perform treatment every single day; failure to miss a day of treatment will not be the end of the world but for the best results every day is optimal. If you miss multiple days you will find your low testosterone to return very rapidly.

AndroDerm:
Everything that was said of AndroGel can be said of AndroDerm. As a transdermal medication the only difference is in its form; while AndroGel is just that, a gel, AndroDerm is a patch we apply directly to the skin for a 24 hour period of time. Once the 24 hour mark has passed we simply apply a new patch.

Important Note:
With both transdermal medications there is the possibility of skin irritation at the applied area in the form of burns or rashes. If these symptom exists in you injectable testosterone may be your only option, however you will find skin irritation is not a problem when testosterone is administered by intra-muscular injection.

Receiving Treatment:
If you believe you suffer from low testosterone you will need to schedule a visit to your local physician or hormone replacement clinic. If you have a hormone replacement clinic in your area this will many times be your best option as this is what they specialize in. Once you schedule your appointment a simple blood work test will be performed. By sampling our blood we can determine how much active testosterone we have in the body, determine where our levels are and how much therapy we need to increase them to a more stable and normal level.

While treatment will increase your levels there is an interesting fact we cannot ignore. Low testosterone is not easily defined; there is no set standard, no accepted level. Granted, certain readings will be deemed low by all physicians and generally there is a more or less accepted low reading(s) but where they should end up is often highly debated. Due in-part to a lack of education regarding anabolic steroid hormones in general is largely responsible for these discrepancies among many physicians; again, this will make a hormone replacement clinic a far superior choice in most cases.

Steroids and Testosterone

Steroids and testosterone, they are to performance as the bat is to the ball. Without a bat, you cannot have baseball, and without testosterone, you cannot haveanabolic steroids. It may sound simple, and that’s because it is. Anabolic steroids and testosterone share a very special relationship for one simple reason; all anabolic steroids owe their existence to the steroidal testosterone hormone. This makes the testosterone steroid the most important steroid of all; it may not be your favoriteanabolic steroid, but it is without question the most important. Look at it like this; with no air there is no life, and with no testosterone there are no anabolic steroids.

The Relationship:
While steroids and testosterone share this special interconnected relationship it is rather a general coexistence. As you understand, there are numerous anabolic steroids, and within testosterone alone there are numerous forms. With this in mind, a common question is how do we best mix and match various steroids and testosterone, and which ones do we use? This is a fair question to have, for if you don’t know you simply don’t know, but it’s also an easy question to answer. For the vast majority of cases, any testosterone form will stack well with any anabolic steroid. While other steroids may not stack well together, testosterone is one of the few you cannot go wrong with every single time. So where does this leave us, is there anything else to discuss? We know steroids and testosterone share an intrinsic nature, and we know all anabolic steroids stack well with testosterone, so where does this leave us? How about a brief explanation of the hormones so you know what you’re getting into; sounds about right.

Testosterone:
Testosterone has obviously always been around; after all, whether you like it or not you produce it naturally and essentially. Testosterone is the primary androgenichormone in your body and one of the most important hormones your body produces. This simple hormone plays a role in your physical state from strength and tissue size to your overall metabolic function. Further, testosterone plays a key role in your sexual development and later your performance, but it does not end there, not at all. Testosterone also plays a role in your immune system, effects your clarity of mind, focus and even your general sense of well-being. Needless to say, when testosterone levels fall you will suffer greatly, and often in horrific ways.

Steroid Testosterone

Form Half-Life Injection Frequency
Testosterone Cypionate 12 Days 2x per Week
Testosterone Enanthate 10.5 Days 2x per Week
Testosterone Propionate 3.5 Days Every Other Day
Testosterone Suspension 24 Hours 1-2x per Day
Omnadren 11 Days 3x per Week
Sustanon 250 15 Days 3x per Week

Steroid diet and fitness

Without proper diet and fitness while using anabolic steroids, you will have defeated the whole purpose! This section covers a huge range of helpful information. From creating a perfect diet to learning how to workout while using steroids, this section should not be missed.

Training Programs
Diet Programs
Diet & Fitness
Forum
Supplement Reviews
Diet Tips
Nutrition
Facts
Food Profiles – Fast Foods

If you can’t get girls just being sub 15% all the roids in the world not gonna ascend u , might be looksmin as many rape collagen and accelerate Norwooding

Growth Plate · Mar 14, 2021

bookmarked but will never read

Deleted member 4383 · Mar 14, 2021

Didnt read

OOGABOOGA · Mar 15, 2021

I might just go trt gang. 1000 ng/dl exogenous mogs 1000 ng/dl endogenous. I’d stay low dose to avoid sides, mainly hair loss. I want to be lean and athletic and dom. Pin some T, get shredded, lift a bit, do mma kind of approach to fitness

gamma · Mar 15, 2021

OOGABOOGA said:
1000 ng/dl exogenous mogs 1000 ng/dl endogenous

Why??

OOGABOOGA · Mar 15, 2021

gamma said:
Why??

first off you better rep me for this. But natural T fluctuates throughout the day. That’s why bloods are done fasted and in the morning when they are peaked. Someone who tests at 1000 ng/dl isn’t at 1000 all day. Whereas someone pinning to 1000 has that level steady in their blood all day. The other main reason is that T production crashes when you get lean so you feel like shit and lose your muscle. That’s why there’s the trifecta where you can only pick 2 out of the three options: big, lean, natural. I’m not tryna be that big but I want to keep my muscle and feel good at 10% bc I naturally store a lot of fat in my face. Those reasons are also why ex BBs like Greg doucette can stay jacked and shredded on trt doses, like he claims he cruised at like 600 ng/dl iirc

spark · Mar 22, 2021

Nice guide bookmared!

oldcelloser · Mar 30, 2021

patricknotstar said:
If you can’t get girls just being sub 15% all the roids in the world not gonna ascend u , might be looksmin as many rape collagen and accelerate Norwooding

false; just inject is legit; also we must remember that due to xeno estrogens and shit we have the test of our 80 yr old grandpas ; our male ancestors had probs 1000 ng/dl naturally since they lifted and ran all day erryday; we must compensate for the betaness

Soalian · Mar 30, 2021

Are we gonna age faster facially with higher Test (mtor activation,etc,...) ?

Deleted member 9391 · May 4, 2021

MOGGED

Deleted member 10330 · May 4, 2021

1 word to describe steroid users. Copers.

Deleted member 16061 · Nov 20, 2021

Steriilol

Real · Nov 23, 2021

I am a roid-newb and looking for something pretty hair-safe and safe in general (something that I could do next 10 years) and just a tiny boost.

Watched some More Plates More Dates Videos regarding sublingual administration
-> see down there with the notes

My plan, superfirst draft:
5mg anavar sublingual 1hour before training, 3x a week
6 weeks on, 6 weeks off

Do you think it’s hair-safe and kinda non-problematic to take?
Should I do bloodwork and when? Probably before, during and after. I read test kidney, liver, hdl, ldl, total test, free test, e2, estradiol and basic CBC.
Do i need testosterone trt or hcg as a base?

Would you expect any sides? If you respond, thanks already

ps Notes of the vids:

Sublingual Anavar And Anadrol
33min

oral is swallowing
sublingual is leaving it under the tonge and get directly into the bloodstream there

also substance stays more pure than going through digestion
in total: much more effect than through digestion
-> kicks in faster, there is much more in your system at a quick spike, but goes out of system also much faster

also more safe and tolerable

anavar is less toxic than anadrol

use it only before your workouts, eg 3x a week

how long do this? 6 weeks?
hold tablet under tongue for like 15min till it dissolves
take about 20mg anavar probably

Pre-Workout Anadrol Vs. Dbol Vs. Superdrol Vs. Anavar Vs. TNE
anadrol makes more bald than superdrol
anadrol makes more cancer than anavar

long term:
5mg anavar sublingual

Sondern · Feb 15, 2023

g

Deleted member 10413 said:
Credit

STEROIDS – A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE.

History of Steroids In order to trace the history and development of anabolic steroids from their beginning to their present day form, we first need to look back towards ancient times, when it was …

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History

In order to trace the history and development of anabolic steroids from their beginning to their present day form, we first need to look back towards ancient times, when it was known that the testicles were required for both the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics. In modernity, this concept was further developed, by a scientist named Berthold and his experiments on cockerels done in 1849. He removed the testes from these birds, and they lost several of the characteristics common to the male of their species, including sexual function. So, we knew as early as 1849 that the testicles functioned to promote what we consider to be primary male sexual properties; in other words, they are what “make men into men”. Berthold also found that if the testicles were removed and then transplanted to the abdomen, the sexual function of the birds was largely unaffected. When the birds were dissected, it was found that no nervous connections were formed, but a vastly extensive series of capillarization took place. (1) This provided strong evidence that “the testes act upon the blood” (2) and he further concluded that this blood then had a systemic effect on the entire organism. Anabolic Steroid history, therefore, can be truly said to have made its first step with this simple series of experiments.

Later, in 1929 a procedure to produce an extract of potent activity from bull’s testicles was attempted, and in 1935 a more purified form of this extract was created. A year later, a scientist named Ruzicka synthesized this compound, testosterone, from cholesterol, as did two other scientists, Butenandt and Hanisch (3). Testosterone was, of course, the first anabolic steroid ever created, and remains the basis for all other derivations we have currently being used in medicine today. Testosterone was then used in 1936, in an experiment demonstrating that nitrogen excretion of the castrated dog could be increased by giving the dog supplemental testosterone, and this would increase its body weight. (4) Shortly after this time, the Nazi´s were rumored to have given their soldiers anabolic steroids, but that rumor seems to be largely undocumented. Later, further experiments were carried out in men, of course showing that testosterone was a potent anabolic substance in humans. Later, between the years of 1948 and 1954, the pharmaceutical firms Searle and Ciba had experimented with the synthesizing of over a thousand different testosterone derivatives and similar analogues (15).

Types of Steroids

There are numerous types of steroids; in-fact, there are hundreds of variations found in nature, but of course, for our purposes we’re only concerned with anabolic androgenic steroids. Within this group, again we have numerous types of steroids; numerous forms, variations and derivatives, and there are so many it can at times seem a little overwhelming. There are anabolic steroids that are strictly used for performance purposes, those used primarily in a therapeutic sense, and of course, those that crossover into both fields; the latter represents the majority. Then we can break down the types of steroids by specific hormone classification or even its form(s) of administration; as you can see, this can create a plethora of options to choose from. Of course, there are certain types of steroids almost no one will ever use; they have long since been pulled off the market, all markets, or they’re simply so rare they can only be found in very specific locations around the world. With all of this in mind, we want to look at the types of steroids you might actually use, ones that are actually a possibility for the majority. In doing so, we have broken down the various forms into several categories; we’ll start with all the actual possibilities, and from there we’ll separate them by common purposes of use as well as plenty of extra bonus information along the way. Without question, this will give you a good idea on how many types of anabolic androgenic steroids we truly have at our disposal

Most common types of Steroids

All-in-all, there are 32 common types of steroids; these 32 represent the anabolic androgenic steroids that can be used by anyone who supplements with such hormones for any reason; while others can be found, they are extremely rare. In some cases, within this 32 you’ll find the same steroidal hormone in play; however, you will find it is unique based on the ester(s) it has attached or in its particular form of administration. The ester(s) or form of administration does not change the hormones specific nature; for example, the testosterone hormone is found in numerous forms, more so than any other, but it’s still testosterone in any case, and its direct mode of action does not change on this basis. We’ll delve into a examples of this concept later on, but for now you simply need to be aware. In any case, we have listed the 32 most common types of steroids below; each one is listed by compound name, its popular trade name where applies, and of course, its mode of administration.

Compound Popular Trade Name Administration Form
Oxymetholone Anadrol Oral
Nandrolone-Hexyloxyphenylpropionate) Anadur Injectable
Oxandrolone Anavar Oral
Testosterone AndroDerm Transdermal
Testosterone AndroGel Transdermal
Testosterone-Undecanoate Andriol Oral
Nandrolone-Decanoate Deca-Durabolin Injectable
Methandrostenolone Dianabol Oral
Nandrolone-Undecanoate Dynabolan Injectable
Nandrolone-Cypionate Dynabol Injectable
Boldenone-Undecylenate Equipoise Injectable
Trenbolone-Acetate Fina Injectable
Fluoxymesteron Halotestin Oral
Drostanolone-Enanthate Masteron Injectable
Drostanolone-Propionate Masteron Injectable
Testosterone-Undecanoate Nebido Injectable
Nandrolone-Phenylpropionate NPP or Durabolon Injectable
Testosterone-Propionate-Phenylpropionate-Isocaproate-Caproate Omnadren Injectable
Trenbolone-Hexahydrobenzylcarbonate Parabolan Injectable
Methenolone-Acetate Primobolan Oral
Methenolone-Enanthate Primobolan Depot Injectable
Mesterolone Proviron Oral
Testosterone-Propionate-Phenylpropionate-Isocaproate-Decanoate Sustanon-250 Injectable
Testosterone Testopel Subcutaneous Implant
Testosterone-Cypionate N/A Injectable
Testosterone-Enanthate N/A Injectable
Testosterone-Propionate N/A Injectable
Testosterone-Suspension N/A Injectable
Trenbolone-Enanthate N/A Injectable
4chlorodehydromethyltestosterone Turinabol Oral
Stanozolol Winstrol Oral
Stanozolol Winstrol Depot Injectable

Purpose of use

Within the 32 common types of steroids, we will find numerous purposes of use; in-fact, with these 32, while it’s unlikely anyone will ever use all of them, every last trait associated with anabolic steroidal supplementation can be obtained with even just a few. At any rate, most of the common steroids will carry a primary purpose; traits that specifically meet one primary purpose; however, they’ll often carry secondary characteristics that can serve another purpose quite well. Then we have the truly versatile steroids, and these are the types of steroids that can meet almost any purpose of steroidal supplementation; if not everyone, it will be pretty close. While this is true, we’ll find the mode of administration can affect the compounds versatility; in-fact, this will be more than apparent when looking at the numerous testosterone compounds. In any case, to gain a specific understand of a certain hormones total activity, you are encouraged to look at the steroid profiles here on steroid.com. In the meantime, in-order to provide you a generalized understanding we’ll briefly look at the common 32 regarding their purpose of use. Once again, we have listed the 32 most common types of steroids; this time we have listed them only by their most commonly associated name. Further, we have listed its purpose of use in a therapeutic and performance sense where such applies; this should give you a good idea where to start your educational process depending on the goals and desires you have in mind.

Steroid Therapeutic Performance
Anadrol Commonly used to fight Anemia or muscle wasting Diseases Used to promote Mass & Strength – can be used to promote fullness in cutting phases
Anadur Not used for therapeutic purposes Rarely used – used to promote off-season mass – strong healing and rejuvenating properties – excellent for recovery
Anavar Used to promote weight gain or fight muscle wasting diseases – sometimes used to treat Osteoporosis Used to promote conditioning in Cutting Cycles – moderate strength increaser – enhanced recovery – enhanced metabolic rate – used by men and women safely
AndroDerm Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan Not used for performance purposes – will not provide a significant performance level boost of testosterone due to poor absorption
AndroGel Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan Not used for performance purposes – will not provide a significant performance level boost of testosterone due to poor absorption
Andriol Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan Not used for performance purposes – highly inefficient for performance – absorption issues and strong hepatotoxicity
Deca-Durabolin Commonly used to treat Renal Insufficiency and Anemia – sometimes used to treat severe muscle wasting diseases Commonly used to promote mass or Tissue Growth – tremendous recovery promotion and rejuvenation – strongly promotes joint relief
Dianabol Not used for therapeutic purposes Used to promote Mass, Strength and Muscular Endurance
Dynabolan Not used for therapeutic purposes Rarely used – used to promote off-season mass – strong healing and rejuvenating properties – excellent for recovery
Dynabol Not used for therapeutic purposes Rarely used – used to promote off-season mass – strong healing and rejuvenating properties – excellent for recovery
Equipoise Not used for therapeutic purposes Used to promote Strength, Recovery and to promote enhanced Conditioning – great for recovery and muscular endurance – can be used to promote mass when other mass agents accompany
Fina Not used for therapeutic purposes Truly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength and tremendous cutting or Conditioning effects – promotes recovery and rejuvenation at a high rate – extreme metabolic enhancer – can be used for all purposes
Halotestin Rarely used – can be used to treat delayed puberty – sometimes used to fight specific forms of Breast Cancer – sometimes prescribed to treat severe androgen deficiencies Primarily used to promote Strength – Will increase Strength more dramatically and rapidly than any steroid – can be used for conditioning aspects when extremely lean
Masteron Not used for therapeutic purposes Used almost solely for conditioning purposes such as hardness, dryness and overall definition – strong anti-aromatase like effect
Masteron Not used for therapeutic purposes Used almost solely for conditioning purposes such as hardness, dryness and overall definition – strong anti-aromatase like effect
Nebido Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan Not used for performance purposes – too slow for performance purposes
NPP or Durabolon Commonly used to treat Renal Insufficiency and Anemia – sometimes used to treat severe muscle wasting diseases Commonly used to promote mass or Tissue Growth – tremendous recovery promotion and rejuvenation – strongly promotes joint relief
Omnadren Not used for therapeutic purposes Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Parabolan Not used for therapeutic purposes Mass, Strength and tremendous cutting or Conditioning effects – promotes recovery and rejuvenation at a high rate – extreme metabolic enhancer – can be used for all purposes
Primobolan Not used for therapeutic purposes Used to promote conditioning and recovery – rarely used due to oral form lacking the normal C17-aa nature that accompanies most oral steroids
Primobolan Depot Not used for therapeutic purposes Excellent for Conditioning, preservation, recovery and rejuvenation – can promote mass when other mass agents accompany
Proviron Not used for therapeutic purposes Used for its anti-estrogenic properties – can promote increases in free testosterone
Sustanon-250 Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Testopel Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan – sometimes prescribed to treat libido deficiencies in women Not used for performance purposes
Testosterone-Cypionate Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan – sometimes prescribed to treat libido deficiencies in women Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Testosterone-Enanthate Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Testosterone-Propionate Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Testosterone-Suspension Used to treat Low Testosterone or as part of an Andropause treatment plan Highly versatile – can promote Mass, Strength, Conditioning – Preserve tissue, promote recovery and rejuvenation – tremendous metabolic enhancer
Trenbolone-Enanthate Not used for therapeutic purposes Mass, Strength and tremendous cutting or Conditioning effects – promotes recovery and rejuvenation at a high rate – extreme metabolic enhancer – can be used for all purposes
Turinabol Not used for therapeutic purposes Used to promote Strength – can promote conditioning to a degree – solid recovery steroid
Winstrol Used to treat Non-Regenerative Anemia, Angioedema and Severe strength loss – sometimes used to fight Obesity although rare Almost always used for Cutting – great for conditioning – used in athletic for strength enhancement – greatly improves muscular endurance – strong metabolic enhancing properties
Winstrol Depot Used to treat Non-Regenerative Anemia, Angioedema and Severe strength loss – sometimes used to fight Obesity although rare Almost always used for Cutting – great for conditioning – used in athletic for strength enhancement – greatly improves muscular endurance – strong metabolic enhancing properties

Choosing the right type

As you can see, there are steroids available for every purpose of use, and as such, making a choice can become quite difficult; after all, sometimes we want it all but this isn’t a realistic approach. Anabolic androgenic steroids are not magical; the rules of nutrition do not go flying out the window just because we choose to supplement; however, the rules of nutrition do reach a level of enhancement. In any case, the types of steroids you will receive for therapeutic purposes will solely be based on your condition; you will have very little say in this matter if any at all. Then we have performance enhancement, the most common reason for steroidal supplementation, and this is where things take on a different tone. With the common types of steroids we have available, the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to the varying combinations we can put together, and of course, the goals that can be obtained. Regardless of this fact, you will find you are best served if you focus on one of three goals at a time; bulking, cutting or enhancing athletic performance. If you try to do two or more at a time, especially if you try to add mass while trying to cut, a virtual impossibility at any significant level, you’re going to find it an extremely frustrating process. Even so, there’s good news; regardless of your goal, if it’s bulking you’ll be able to add more lean mass with less fat accumulation, and if you’re trying to cut you’ll be able to lose more body-fat with less muscle tissue loss that often accompanies hard dieting. As bulking and cutting represent the two primary reasons most people supplement, you will find choosing steroids that promote these ends to be your best bet, but you must ensure you are eating correctly to promote this end. If you can do this, and there’s no reason you can’t you’ll find the numerous types of steroids listed above can serve you in ways that are unimaginable.

Injectable Steroids

Oral Steroids

Steroid Cream

Steroid Pills

Steroid Tablets

Best Steroids

British Dragon Steroids

Bulking Steroids

Cheap Steroids

Cutting Steroids

Designer Steroids

Doctor Prescribed Steroids

Fat Loss Steroids

Horse Steroids

Illegal Steroids

Mexican Steroids

Muscle Building Steroids

Natural Steroids

Oral Anabolic Steroids

Real Steroids

Safe Steroids

Types of Steroids

Steroid Law

Prison Time

Nubain Laws

Growth Hormone Laws

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For the performance enhancing athlete the importance of steroid education is paramount; without proper education use will often be highly irresponsible. In order for an individual to weigh cost to benefit ratios properly, to understand how best to supplement with anabolic steroids, how to cycle them, how to stack them and what precautionary measures must be taken and individual must take it upon themselves to self-educate on the matter at hand. While many performance enhancers understand this many fail to understand the importance of educating oneself on steroid law and this may indeed be the most important factor of all. In places such as the United States the laws as they pertain to anabolic androgenic steroids are extremely strict in nature, more so than most countries and as more than six-million adults in the U.S. supplement with anabolic steroids for the purpose of performance enhancement an understanding of these laws proves to be far beyond imperative.

As an understanding of the laws is of great importance there is much to learn; many of the links provided will answer specific questions and focus more directly on a singular issue revolving around anabolic steroid legality. For our purposes here we simply want to give you a general understanding of what youre dealing with, an understanding of the consequences of ignoring anabolic steroid laws. Make no mistake, failure to abide by steroid laws can result in disastrous consequences far reaching what many understand or believe. It is a very common misconception that law enforcement is only interested in dealers, the large suppliers of anabolic steroids and while many think and believe this way that does not make it true. The truth is very simple yet very devastating; mere simple possession can result in a horrific end.

Effects of Steroids

The effects of steroids, it is largely accepted they are strong proponents of muscle mass and strength, but that’s not all. It’s often stated the effects of steroids will rot your liver, lead to heart attacks, strokes and in some cases, even HIV. You’ve heard the stories about raging lunatics; men who’ve supplemented with anabolic androgenic steroids only to have their brain melted and mutated into a crisp pile of evil. Of course, none of these claims revolving the adverse nature hold any truth, and mass and strength while true it’s a little vague. This leaves us with only one question; what are the actual effects of steroids?

Anabolic androgenic steroids are not foreign substances to the body; they share nothing in common with prescription or even recreational drugs. Anabolic steroids are hormones, and they are all hormones based on the primary naturally produced androgen testosterone with the androgen dihydrotestosterone also playing an important role; they are merely synthetic versions. For example, when we supplement with the primary anabolic steroid testosterone, while we are providing testosterone in exogenous fashion our body does not make any distinguishing difference in exogenous testosterone and naturally produced; it’s simply testosterone. If this is the case, and we assure you it is, it raises another important question; why supplement with anabolic steroids?

Positive Effects

There are two primary reasons for anabolic steroid use; therapeutic treatment and performance enhancement. With therapeutic treatment, there are two primary courses of action; your body is lacking a particular hormone and more must be applied to meet its needs, or excess amounts must be provided to remedy a specific condition. Then we have performance enhancement, and in this case, once again the idea is to add excess amounts of specific hormones so that the effects of steroids will yield results at a greater degree akin to such a hormone. In many ways, there’s some strong overlapping as it pertains to therapeutic treatment and performance enhancement; the largest difference rest in the total doses.

When it comes to therapeutic treatment there are 12 common possible reasons for supplementation, and each one is listed below. With some of these, you will begin to easily see how the effects of steroids can enhance performance; after all, as stated there are some strong overlapping factors. At any rate, the effects of steroids as it pertains to therapeutic treatment largely revolve around the following:

Anemia – anemia is a condition where the body is not producing enough red blood cells, and as red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to and through the blood it’s not too hard to see how such a condition would be problematic. Fortunately, one of the primary traits of many anabolic steroids is increasing red blood cell count; common steroids used for this purpose include Anadrol, Anavar, Deca-Durabolin and sometimes Winstrol

Andropause – Andropause is a condition similar to low testosterone as low testosterone is part of the problem; however, those suffering from Andropause are often found to be lacking dehydroepiandrosterone (5-DHEA) and sometimes to a degree some type of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) deficiency. Common steroids used for this purpose include AndroDerm, AndroGel, Andriol, Nebido, Sustanon-250, Testopel, Testosterone-Cypionate, Testosterone-Enanthate, Testosterone-Propionate and to a lesser degree Testosterone-Suspension

Angioedema – angioedema simply refers to severe edema; simply a rapid swelling of the tissue. Common steroids used to treat this condition include Winstrol and Winstrol Depot.

Breast Cancer – while anabolic steroids are rarely used to treat breast cancer, SERM’s and AI’s are far more common, the anabolic steroid Halotestin has been used on occasion when severe measures are needed. The benefit is Halotestin can have a positive anti-estrogenic effect and as estrogen is the enemy of a breast cancer patient it can at times be a welcomed treatment.

Burn Victims – burn victims are often in a state of decreased lean tissue, and as anabolic steroids can promote such a needed increase they can be quite beneficial. Treating severe burn victims is one of the oldest therapeutic based steroid treatments, and the effects of steroids in this regard can prove to be invaluable. Common steroids that can be used to treat this condition include any steroid that promotes mass; see chart below.

Delayed Puberty – it’s no secret; in most all cases children have no business supplementing with anabolic androgenic steroids as such use can severely damage their fragile and developing androgen system; often irreversibly. However, as anabolic steroids are based upon the primary androgens, the very androgens a child may not be producing, if delayed puberty is a problem they are often the only thing that will remedy the situation. Almost all anabolic steroids can be used for this purpose to a degree, but it is normally and should be a last resort.

Low Testosterone – without question, this is the most common reason for therapeutic anabolic steroid treatment, and one millions of men the world over are more than thankful for. If you suffer from low testosterone, you can suffer physically, sexually and even mentally, and as you’re lacking this primary androgen there’s nothing better to correct this lacking condition than pure testosterone; all testosterone compounds discussed under Andropause can be used here.

Muscle Wasting Diseases – all that was said of burn victims applies to muscle wasting diseases.

Osteoporosis – osteoporosis simply refers to a loss of bone density and bone tissue; fortunately, the effects of steroids can reverse such a condition by promoting increases in bone mineral content and collagen synthesis; lean tissue growth can also have a positive impact. In most cases, Anavar is the most commonly prescribed; however, some physicians are beginning to realize Nandrolone hormones such as Deca–Durabolin are far more effective as increases in bone mineral content and collagen synthesis are a primary trait of this steroid that no other steroid carries at such a level.

Renal Insufficiency – renal insufficiency refers to kidney failure; the kidneys are no longer filtering waste and toxins properly. Part of the problem is the kidneys are supposed to produce erythropoietin which plays a massive role in red blood cell production; those who suffer from renal insufficiency often suffer from anemia, a red blood cell deficiency. Once again, one of the primary effects of steroids is their ability to increase red blood cell count; Nandrolone compounds like Deca-Durabolin are most commonly used for this purpose.

Severe Strength Loss – could be caused by a muscle wasting disease and could be caused by some type of hormonal deficiency; there are truly countless possibilities. In any case, the effects of steroids largely surround strength increases; the most common steroids used for this purpose include Winstrol and Winstrol Depot, but almost any DHT steroid could present a benefit.

Weight Loss – anabolic steroids can be used to treat needed weight loss when obesity is caused by a hormone deficiency; Winstrol and Winstrol Depot are the most common prescribed; however, Anavar can be very useful as well as testosterone if the condition is in-part testosterone based.

This takes care of the therapeutic needs, but what about performance enhancement? By now, you should already be able to see how the effects of steroids might enhance performance, but we want to delve in deeper; specifically, we want to look at the primary traits associated with supraphysiological doses. All in all, there are ten primary effects of anabolic androgenic steroids most performance enhancers are concerned with; they are not the only traits, but they are primary. Each and every last anabolic steroid will carry a number of these traits; some will carry more than others, and when it carries a trait each one will carry it at a varying level of power. In many ways, it is the precise combination of traits and the level of power a steroid carries each one that distinguishes one from the next, and there can be quite a few variances. In any case, the primary effects of steroids as it pertains to performance enhancement include:

Increased Bone-Mineral Content – simply refers to increased strength of the skeletal structure and tissue. Stronger bones, greater health and greater performance.

Increased Collagen Synthesis – collagen is the protein that represents the base protein of most connective tissue such as the ligaments, tendons, cartilage, bones and of course within the muscle tissue itself. As this rate of synthesis is increased, repair and rejuvenation of such areas is enhanced.Increased Glycogenolysis – glycogenolysis refers to the rate by which glycogen converts to glucose, and as this rate is increased our body is able to utilize its carbohydrate intake to a greater degree, and as you understand, carbohydrates are a direct energy source.

Increased Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Production – IGF-1 is a potent peptide hormone that carries an extraordinarily anabolic nature as well as a nature that plays a strong role in our body’s recovery process. So important, IGF-1 affects nearly every cell in the human body.Increased Nitrogen Retention – all muscle tissue is comprised of approximately 16% nitrogen, and if our nitrogen levels fall we slip into a catabolic state. Conversely, the more we retain the greater our anabolic activity; this is one of the primary effects of steroids and intrinsic to growth and preservation.

Increased Nutrient Efficiency – through increased nutrient efficiency, each and every nutrient, specifically carbohydrates, fats and proteins become more valuable; in-short, we are able to utilize each gram to a higher degree. As nothing on earth is more anabolic than food, it’s not too hard to see how valuable this effect can be.

Increased Protein Synthesis – of all the effects of steroids, this is one shared by almost all anabolic steroids and simply refers to the rate by-which cells build proteins; proteins representing the building blocks of all lean muscle tissue. As this rate is increased, as was with nitrogen retention it plays an intrinsic role in-regards to growth and preservation; not to mention recovery.

Increased Red Blood Cell Count – as red blood cells carry oxygen to and through the blood, higher levels of oxygenation will result in greater muscular endurance. This increase in red blood cells can also have a positive visually related conditioning effect revolving around vascularity in individuals who are lean enough and desire such a trait.

Decreased Glucocorticoid Production – commonly referred to as stress hormones, cortisol being the most well-known, glucocorticoid hormones represent the hormones that promote fat gain and storage and they even destroy muscle tissue. Further, with a large presence of glucocorticoid hormones, this can make fat-loss extremely difficult and even hinder tissue gains.

Decreased Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) – SHBG is a glycoprotein that binds sex hormones; most notably testosterone. With decreased SHBG, we provide our body with more free testosterone and this simply allows all the traits of testosterone, many of which have just been listed to be all the more enhanced.

Negative Effects

While the above represents the positive, there are negative effects of steroids we must be aware of; specifically, possible adverse side-effects. As with anything we put into our body, steroids, non-steroidal substances and even many foods and vitamins there are adverse risks, but thankfully when it comes to anabolic androgenic steroids such risks largely fall into the realm of possible and not guaranteed. Of course, factors revolving around an individual’s genetic response, total dosing and genetic predispositions will all play a role, but when it comes to the negative effects of steroids most problems can be avoided when supplementation is undertaken by a healthy adult and in a responsible manner. We have listed all the possible negative effects of steroids below; all in all there are 10 effects of note; some will carry multiple effects within. Each one is listed along with the cause and prevention, and with such information the negative effects of steroids can be avoided. It must be noted; in-order to avoid such negative effects, supplementation should not be undertaken if you suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prostate issues or liver damage. Further, this is all assuming you’re a healthy adult; anabolic steroid use and adolescents simply do not mix due to the androgen damage possibility that is virtually assured unless for the specific case of therapeutic treatment as discussed above.

Acne – while acne is possible, it will largely be a concern for those who are already sensitive to acne to begin with. As is the case, most commonly DHT based anabolic steroids will bring forth the greatest risk; testosterone based steroids can too, but the odds are much stronger with DHT based steroids in genetically sensitive individuals. For this reason, keeping your skin dry and clean at all times is very important; if you are sensitive, you may need an extra shower a day and you should never keep your shirt on after it becomes sweaty; change into a dry shirt. If you are really sensitive, you may need to avoid DHT compounds.

Blood Pressure – one of the most common negative effects of steroids, high blood pressure is also one of the easiest to avoid. The most common cause of such a condition is linked to the aromatizing effect of many steroids; aromatase referring to the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. As estrogen levels rise, this can lead to water retention in-turn leading to high blood pressure. High doses can also play a role as well as your overall lifestyle. Aromatase Inhibitors (AI’s) can be useful in this regard as we’ll see as it pertains to gynecomastia and water retention itself. Further, ensuring your overall lifestyle habits are blood pressure friendly and your steroid doses are of a responsible nature will do a lot to protect you.

Cholesterol – almost all anabolic steroids can have some type of effect on cholesterol; lowering HDL cholesterol and increasing LDL cholesterol are both possibilities. Once again, dosing and lifestyle habits will be very important; it should also be noted the AI’s you may use to combat aromatase can have a negative impact on cholesterol, and this makes your healthy lifestyle habits all the more important. A clean diet that is rich in omega fatty acids is highly advised; omega fatty acids will increase your HDL levels, and this will promote healthy LDL levels as HDL cholesterol regulates LDL cholesterol to a large degree.

Gynecomastia – often referred to as male-breast enlargement or “Gyno” gynecomastia is most commonly caused by an excess estrogen buildup due to a steroid’s aromatizing nature; however, progesterone can also play a role; especially in men who are extremely sensitive to gyno. This is one area an AI will prove to be invaluable; AI’s inhibit the aromatase process and reduce estrogen levels; therefore, there is no estrogen buildup that can cause a problem. Further, they will protect against progesterone, and while many use Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM’s) for this purpose, they’re often not enough, will do nothing to protect against progesterone or any other aromatase based side-effects.

Hair-Loss – of all the negative effects of steroids, hair-loss is completely genetically dependent; meaning, only those who are predisposed to male-pattern baldness risk losing any of their hair. In most cases, DHT steroids will be the prime culprit as DHT can deteriorate the hair follicles and cause related hair-loss; however, testosterone based can also cause this if there is a large enough DHT conversion. At any rate, if you are at risk and concerned about your hair-line, your best bet is to avoid DHT steroids or to use the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor Finasteride. It should go without saying; men who are not predisposed to male-pattern baldness are not at risk of losing any hair; if you are at risk, you were going to lose it any way, but certain anabolic steroids may speed it up.

Liver – liver damage is one of the most blown out of proportion side-effects known to man; it’s often stated as a matter of fact, but most steroids carry no liver toxic effects. For this to be a risk, you must be supplementing with a C17-alpha alkylated (C17-aa) anabolic steroid. The C17-aa nature refers to a structural alteration of the hormone at the 17th carbon position that allows it to survive the first pass through the liver; without it, that particular steroid would largely be destroyed before it could ever provide a benefit to the body. Most oral steroids are C17-aa, with the exception of oral Primobolan and Proviron and mostinjectable steroids are not; Winstrol Depot and injectable Dianabol being the two primary exceptions. At any rate, with the use of a C17-aa steroid, your liver enzyme values will increase; however, if C17-aa steroids are used responsibly most will find their liver enzyme values return to normal shortly after use is discontinued and no damage is done. This responsible use means staying within the recommended dosing and time frames of use, and it also means avoiding alcohol consumption and all over the counter medications where possible. It should be noted; the hepatotoxicity of a C17-aa steroid will vary greatly from one to the next.

Low Testosterone – without question, this is the most common reason for therapeutic anabolic steroid treatment, and one millions of men the world over are more than thankful for. If you suffer from low testosterone, you can suffer physically, sexually and even mentally, and as you’re lacking this primary androgen there’s nothing better to correct this lacking condition than pure testosterone; all testosterone compounds discussed under Andropause can be used here.

Prostate – with a healthy prostate and responsible use, prostate enlargement is very unlikely, but if a large DHT buildup is allowed to remain for extended periods of time it can occur. Obviously, DHT based steroids will be the primary culprit, but once again testosterone based can play a role if there’s a large enough conversion. If prostate enlargement occurs, you should discontinue all steroid use immediately and consider the use of the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor Finasteride; six months of Finasteride therapy has been shown to significantly reduce prostate enlargement.

Testosterone Suppression – most all anabolic androgenic steroids will suppress our natural testosterone production; however, the degree of suppression will be dependent on the steroid(s) being used. For this reason, most men will need to include exogenous testosterone; this can be the only steroid they use, but if they’re using other steroids some form of testosterone will normally need to be applied. This will ensure you do not fall into a low testosterone condition; such a condition is not only extremely unhealthy, it can lead to many symptoms that will severely diminish your overall quality of life. Of course, as your natural testosterone production has been suppressed, your testicles will atrophy; after all, testosterone is manufactured in the testicles; atrophy refers to a loss of fullness; your testicles will not vanish into thin air. Of course, once all anabolic steroid use is discontinued and the exogenous hormones have cleared your system, your testicles will regain their fullness as your natural testosterone production will have begun again. It should be noted; natural testosterone recovery is assuming you did not cause permanent damage to your HPTA during supplementation with improper practices, and that you did not suffer from a low testosterone condition prior to anabolic steroid use.

Virilization – virilization is a negative effect of steroids women will have to concern themselves with as it refers to the promotion of masculine traits; specifically, body-hair growth, a deepening of the vocal chords and clitoral enlargement. Most all anabolic steroids carry a virilization rating, and the key to avoiding such effects is for a woman to choose steroids that carry a low virilization rating, and at a low dose; Anavar should always be the top choice with Primobolan and Winstrol being second options, and sometimes low doses of Equipoise. Of course, as we are all unique to a degree, even with proper use with the proper steroids some may still fall prey; some of us are lactose intolerant, most of us are not and that’s a good way to look at it. In any case, for whatever reason if virilization symptoms occur, if you discontinue use at the onset of symptoms they will fade away rapidly; however, if ignored and allowed to set in, you may find you have a permanent problem.

Water Retention – excess water retention is the final negative effect of steroids that is caused by a buildup of excess water retention due to the use of aromatizing steroids. As this is the case, once again an AI will offer protection; recall from above an AI inhibits aromatase and reduces estrogen levels. Of course, some will still hold water even with the use of an AI; however, in most cases, this is due to the individual overeating; specifically carbohydrates. If you’re supplementing with aromatizing steroids, use an AI and control your diet you will not hold water.

The above represents the primary adverse or negative effects of steroids; however, there are a few more we must mention. While rare, some may fall prey to anxiety, insomnia, night sweats and rapid heart rate; there are only a few anabolic steroids that can cause such effects; most notably Trenbolone. If such effects occur and you’re supplementing responsibly, this will more than likely mean that particular steroid is not for you.

Chart of Effects

For an easy point of reference, we have provided two charts below detailing the effects of steroids. We have listed the most common and popular anabolic steroids by their actual compound name and most popular trade name where such applies. While there are other steroids not mentioned, such steroids are extremely rare and will not be used by most individuals or even be available to them. Within the first chart, we have provided the score each steroid holds in-regards to muscle mass promotion, strength promotion, and cutting effect. The three categories are all measured on a scale of one to ten (1-10); it should be noted, just because a steroid has a lower score does not mean it’s worthless; it simply means other steroids perform the specific action with a higher score. Further, in the second chart, each steroid is also listed in accordance to classification; testosterone or dihydrotestosterone based, 19-nortestosterone, and labeled by its aromatizing or progestin nature as well as hepatotoxicity; this will guide you along as it pertains to side-effects by referencing the negative effects of steroids discussion above. For our female friends, we have also included virilization scores; this time with a high, moderate to low ranking. In the second chart, each steroid is simply listed by its most commonly used name.

Chart 1:

Compound Trade Name Mass Strength Cutting
Oxymetholone Anadrol 8 8 3
Oxandrolone Anavar 2 7 8
Nandrolone-Decanoate Deca-Durabolin 9 4 5
Methandrostenolone Dianabol 9 9 2
Nandrolone-Phenylpropionate Durabolin (NPP) 9 4 6
Boldenone-Undecylenate Equipoise 5 7 6
Fluoxymesteron Halotestin 1 10 6
Drostanolone-Propionate Masteron 3 5 9
Testosterone Mixture Omnadren 9 9 6
Trenbolone-Hexahydrobenzylcarbonate Parabolan 10 10 10
Methenolone-Acetate Oral Primobolan 2 3 4
Methenolone-Enanthate Primobolan Depot 3 5 7
Mesterolone Proviron 1 3 5
Testosterone Mixture Sustanon-250 9 9 6
Testosterone-Cypionate N/A 9 9 6
Testosterone-Enanthate N/A 9 9 6
Testosterone-Propionate N/A 9 9 6
Testosterone-Suspension N/A 9 9 6
Trenbolone-Acetate N/A 10 10 10
Trenbolone-Enanthate N/A 10 10 10
4chlorodehydromethyltestosterone Turinabol 1 8 5
Stanozolol Winstrol 2 9 9
Stanozolol Winstrol Depot 2 9 9

Chart 2:

Steroid Classification Nature Virilization
Anadrol Dihydrotestosterone Non-aromatizing yet strongly estrogenic – strong hepatotoxicity High
Anavar Dihydrotestosterone Non-aromatizing – low hepatotoxicity Extremely Low
Deca-Durabolin 19-nortestosterone Low aromatase – strong progestin – no hepatotoxicity Moderate
Dianabol Testosterone Strong aromatase – moderately high hepatotoxicity High
Durabolin (NPP) 19-nortestosterone Low aromatase – strong progestin – no hepatotoxicity Moderate
Equipoise Testosterone Low aromatase – no hepatotoxicity Moderately Low
Halotestin Testosterone Non-aromatizing – Extremely strong hepatotoxicity High
Masteron Dihydrotestosterone Non-aromatizing – no hepatotoxicity Moderate
Omnadren Testosterone Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity High
Parabolan 19-nortestosterone Low aromatase – strong progestin – no hepatotoxicity High
Oral Primobolan Dihydrotestosterone Non-aromatizing – no hepatotoxicity Low
Primobolan Depot Dihydrotestosterone Non-aromatizing – no hepatotoxicity Low
Proviron Dihydrotestosterone Non-aromatizing – no hepatotoxicity Moderate
Sustanon-250 Testosterone Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity High
Testosterone-Cypionate Testosterone Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity High
Testosterone-Enanthate Testosterone Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity High
Testosterone-Propionate Testosterone Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity High
Testosterone-Suspension Testosterone Strong aromatase – no hepatotoxicity High
Trenbolone-Acetate 19-nortestosterone Low aromatase – strong progestin – no hepatotoxicity High
Trenbolone-Enanthate 19-nortestosterone Low aromatase – strong progestin – no hepatotoxicity High
Turinabol Testosterone Non-aromatizing – moderate hepatotoxicity Moderate
Winstrol Dihydrotestosterone Non-aromatizing – strong hepatotoxicity Moderately Low
Winstrol Depot Dihydrotestosterone Non-aromatizing – strong hepatotoxicity Moderately Low

Testosterone

While there are numerous hormones we may aptly label important in-terms of proper function and health, for men the hormone testosterone is of great importance. Both men and women require testosterone for a well-functioning body but men do so in far higher amounts then their female counterparts. While a very important hormone and largely misunderstood, testosterone is easily one of the most exciting hormones we can discuss, especially as it pertains to performance enhancing; in-fact, we can confidently say it is the most important hormone in the performance enhancing game. Without adequate levels of testosterone our goals will largely not be met and without increased levels you can in many cases wave goodbye to the idea of surpassing these goals to a great degree. As a very important hormone, in order to make the most of exogenous use, meaning in this case testosterone introduced beyond our natural production, we are best served to first have a general understanding the hormone itself and then how best to maximize its use regarding its various forms.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone belongs to a class of hormones known as androgens; in-fact this is the primary androgenic hormone. A very powerful hormone in its own right, testosterone is largely responsible for testicular and prostate development, as well as the development of muscle tissue, bone density and strength. Beyond these basic functions, testosterone is by-in-large imperative for our overall general health and well-being; low levels of testosterone can not only negatively affect muscle and bone strength but can negatively affect our state of mind.

While a member of the androgenic class of steroidal hormones, testosterone is also highly anabolic. As both androgenic and anabolic, like all steroidal hormones testosterone is derived from cholesterol and is largely regulated in terms of production by luteinizing hormones (LH) and follicle stimulating hormones (FSH). Being regulated by LH and FSH, in order for these hormones to be released the pituitary gland must first be stimulated in order to achieve this purpose; once achieved and LH and FSH are released, testicular stimulation is achieved thereby causing the production of testosterone. As you can easily see, as important as the testicles are in testosterone production, the pituitary gland is of equal importance; without adequate pituitary function natural testosterone production cannot occur.

Testosterone Forms

There are many forms in-which testosterone can be found, as well as application methods. The most common form of application is by way of injection but there are transdermal gels and patches that may be used as well and even orally administered gel caps and tablets. While injectable testosterone is by far the most effective, all forms can be largely found in a hormone replacement plan but for the performance enhancer the injectable administration will prove to be far more efficient and desirable.

Beyond application, ester attachment is the largest difference most testosterones will display and this will be the most important aspect regarding the various types as it pertains to interest and understanding. While there are many types of testosterone, in the grand scheme there are six common forms worth discussing in detail; beyond these six there are other forms included as we will see but the following six will be of the greatest importance to you and they include:

Testosterone-Propionate

Testosterone-Enanthate

Testosterone-Cypionate

Testosterone-Suspension

Sustanon-250

Omnadren

Testosterone-Propionate:

The original testosterone; Testosterone-Propionate is one of the most popularly used forms the world over. This type of testosterone is defined by the fast-acting short ester it has attached known as the Propionate ester. The results and effects caused by this testosterone will largely be identical to all other forms but it is in the half-life it possesses where it differs to the highest degree. Testosterone-Propionate carries with it a half-life of approximately 48 hours; due to this short half-life most users will need to administer the hormone quite frequently; most performance enhancing athletes will inject this testosterone on an every other day schedule in order to maintain stable blood levels.

Milligram for milligram Testosterone-Propionate has been reported to be slightly more potent than many other testosterone forms; however, this difference is very negligible. There is another effect/benefit that is noted by many Test-Prop users as it is commonly called and it revolves around water retention. All testosterones have the ability to cause excess water retention; although very diet dependent, however, many Test-Prop users report less water retention with use as compared to other forms.

Theres no doubt about it; Testosterone-Propionate while a very simple hormonal compound is very effective and a more than solid choice in testosterone for most any athlete. Even so, some users will find this particular form difficult to use; some, the majority will not. Some individuals will find they are very sensitive to the Propionate ester and will find they experience a level of discomfort from the medication. If you fall into this category all hope is not lost; those who experience degrees of pain from Testosterone-Propionate in most all cases will not experience it from other common forms.

– For more info see: Testosterone-Propionate

Testosterone-Enanthate:

Testosterone-Enanthate is a pure testosterone with a slow-acting long ester attached and is a testosterone of high popularity. Like the Propionate version it is one of the most common forms used the world over by performance enhancing athletes. As for the functional properties of Testosterone-Enanthate, the same exact results will generally be obtained in comparison to the Propionate version assuming doses are similar.

As a long ester testosterone, commonly known as Test-E, this steroid carries with it a half-life of approximately 15 days. Due to the long half-life, injections will not need to be of a frequent nature, especially if it is used in a hormone replacement plan. However, for the athlete an administration schedule of 2 injections per week is common place and generally accepted as the best form of application. Most athletes will find 2 injections of equal doses to provide them with the results they are looking for. As this protocol is very effective, increasingly many competitive bodybuilders will opt for a more frequent injection schedule, as often as once every other day. Although this is not necessary when we consider the long half-life and duration of drug activity many bodybuilders report more stable blood levels and a general better feeling by keeping testosterone levels at maximum peak levels.

There are many quality brands you may choose from when using Testosterone-Enanthate but there is one brand that is universally accepted as the premier form and that is Testoviron Depot. While there are many other quality pharmaceutical grade brands available, many just as good, Testoviron Depot has for whatever reason developed a grand mystique behind its name, so much so that it may indeed be the most popular brand of Testosterone-Enanthate or any testosterone of all time.

– For more info see: Testosterone-Enanthate

Testosterone-Cypionate:

Virtually identical in almost every way to Testosterone-Enanthate, Testosterone-Cypionate is another slow-acting long ester testosterone of high popularity. Absolutely everything that can be said of Testosterone-Enanthate can be said of Testosterone-Cypionate with one minor difference. While generally structurally the same as the Enanthate ester, Test-Cyp or simply Cyp as its commonly known possesses a half-life of approximately 24 hours longer. The very slightly longer half-life is of negligible mention when we consider the total half-life time span, so much so that injection frequency schedules will be the same with Cypionate as they were with Enanthate.

There is however a more or less urban legend regarding Testosterone-Cypionate; for one reason or another this legend has really taken hold in the United States. The common story goes and is believed by many that Testosterone-Cypionate is stronger than Testosterone-Enanthate; the truth is thats a lie. You may absolutely find a more powerful Cyp if youre basing your experience on underground versions but as Human Grade pharmaceutical testosterone goes both Test-E and Cyp are virtually twins and this includes the kick they provide.

– For more info see: Testosterone-Cypionate

Testosterone-Suspension:

While Test-E and Cyp are virtually identical and Test-Prop is close to the same except for the shorter ester, while Testosterone-Suspension is simply testosterone too it has perhaps the most notable differences of all; two of importance. Unlike most forms, Testosterone-Suspension does not have an ester attached. Because of the lack of ester the conversion rate or actual usable and absorbed testosterone from each injection is 100% while other common forms carry with them absorption rates of approximately 75%.

Another important aspect regarding Testosterone-Suspension revolving around its lack of an ester is the frequency in-which it must be administered. As you may or may not understand, the ester attached to a steroid will determine its duration of activity; for example, if we inject 100mg of Testosterone-Propionate with a half-life of 48 hours, at the 24 hour mark after injection we now have 50mg of active testosterone left; after another 48 hours we now have 25mg of active testosterone left and so on until there is none left at all. From one 100mg injection of Testosterone-Suspension in less than 24 hours we will have no active testosterone left. For this reason very frequent injections of this steroid must be administered to have any desired effect; athletes will inject this steroid at minimum once per day and often at least twice.

Testosterone-Suspension further carries the trait of being suspended in water; while almost all testosterones are suspended in oil this gives Testosterone-Suspension an even more potent and fast acting effect. It is important to note, as a water based steroid this testosterone can be very painful to inject; so much so that most athletes cannot tolerate the pain. As this pain can be very intense, it is largely an individualistic type of thing; much of steroid use is largely trial and error and while it may be painful to inject this steroid for you, for another there may be no pain at all.

– For more info see: Testosterone-Suspension

Sustanon-250:

Sustanon-250 is not a testosterone in of itself but a mixture of four different testosterones. Like all testosterone, the four various forms mixed together here are simply testosterone; in that there is no difference. However, each form mixed to comprise Sustanon-250 has a different ester attached to it thereby giving a slow steady release of testosterone for an extended amount of time. The composition of Sustanon-250 is as follows:

Testosterone-Propionate: 30mg

Testosterone- Phenylpropionate: 60mg

Testosterone-Isocaproate: 60mg

Testosterone-Decanoate: 100mg

While we are familiar with the Propionate ester the remaining three esters that create Sustanon-250 are almost always found as part of a mixture or compoundedanabolic androgenic steroid.

Developed by Organon, the original idea behind Sustanon-250 was to provide a testosterone form well-suited for hormone replacement therapy that would only needed to be administered once every few weeks and for all intense purposes the idea was a success. For the performance enhancing athlete Sustanon-250 can be a fine choice but the idea of injecting only once or twice a month is not applicable here. As a performance enhancer this testosterone like all forms will need to be administered on a more frequent basis. This mixture carries with it two fast, short esters, Propionate and Pheylpropionate, a longer more moderate ester Isocaproate and the very slow and long Decanoate ester. In order to keep testosterone levels stable and at their peak most athletes will inject Sustanon-250 at a minimum of every 3 days and more commonly every other day for optimal results.

For more info see: Sustanon-250

Omnadren:

Everything that can be said of Sustanon-250 can identically be said of Omnadren. While virtually identical the only difference worth noting is the four esters attached. Like Sustanon-250, Omnadren is comprised of 4 various testosterones each with its own ester, the difference here is in the last ester or longest ester. While the longest ester in Sustanon-250 is that of Decanoate, Omnadrens final ester is Caproate dosed identically at 100mg; beyond this very slight difference there is nothing worth noting regarding Omnadren.

For more info see: Omnadren

Side effects of Testosterone

Testosterone use carries with it the possibility of negative side-effects as do all anabolic steroids. As this may sound unpleasant and any side-effect is, keep in mind, all medications, steroidal and non-steroidal alike carry with them the possibility of adverse reactions. The most common possible side-effects include:

Testicular Atrophy

Water Retention

Gynecomastia

High Blood Pressure

Acne

Adverse Cholesterol Reactions

Of these side-effects only one is certain and it is testicular atrophy; yes, if you are a male and you use exogenous testosterone your testicles will shrink; however, once you discontinue use they will return to their normal size. There is a very simple explanation for this occurrence; our natural testosterone is produced in the testicles, once outside testosterone is introduced into the body our testicles no longer have a need to produce any testosterone and therefore shrink. Once use is discontinued and natural testosterone production begins again our testicles will return to their previous state.

As for the remainder of the side-effects, these are largely avoidable or reversible if they do occur; a simple breakdown would be as follows:

Water Retention: Testosterone use can cause us to hold more water than we would otherwise, this much is true but in most cases this is highly exaggerated. In most all cases and we will see this to be true with most possible side-effects, ones diet will largely affect this outcome. Diets that are too high in carbohydrates will cause you to bloat or hold more water; add in excess testosterone and this will be more pronounced. While some individuals will be far more sensitive than others the use of a good Aromatase Inhibitor (A.I.) will largely eliminate this problem.

Gynecomastia: AKA Gyno or Bitch Tits can occur due to testosterones aromatizing effect. While this is a side-effect no man wants, if we supplement with adequate aromatase inhibitors such as Anastrozole (Arimidex) or Femara (Letrozole) we will largely eliminate any Gyno occurrence. However, some individuals will find they are extremely sensitive to testosterone use and even a good aromatase inhibitor will not save them; while a minority, these individuals will have to have their Gyno surgically removed if they desire to supplement.

Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: Testosterone use can have a negative effect on both of these issues. Keep in mind, if you are already susceptible to either the chances of you being negatively affected will increase. If you already have issues you are highly advised to get them under control before you begin use; for the remainder of you there are things we can do to prevent them from happening. As with so many things regarding anabolic androgenic steroid use, diet and nutritional intake is of the utmost importance. Supplementing with healthy Omega Fatty Acids in many cases can eliminate these side-effects from occurring.

Acne: It is a dreaded side-effect for one simple reason; whats the point of a well-tuned physique if its covered in pimples? While most all forms of anabolic androgenic steroids present this risk, by-in-large it is highly exaggerated. In most cases, not all but most, acne is caused by using gear you shouldnt be using in the first place; were talking about the plethora of underground gear that is nothing short of garbage. Use human grade testosterone and most of you will never see this problem occur.

Doses and Cycles

For the individual who undergoes hormone replacement therapy your doctor will determine your appropriate dose but for the athlete looking for a boost this dose will always be a great deal higher. There is no question, a mere 250mg per week of testosterone can provide a fantastic edge but in most circles 500mg per week is considered the gold standard for optimal results. Yes, doses can range much higher than 500mg per week; it is not uncommon for many athletes to use as much as 1,000mg per week and while less common but certainly not rare even as high as 1,500mg per week. It is important to note, there is a risk to reward ratio highly in effect as it pertains the our testosterone use; the higher the dose the potential for a higher reward but the higher the dose the greater increase of risk in-terms of negative side-effects and risk to our overall health. Most all beginners are advised to never go beyond 500mg per week and many veteran users will find this is all they ever need. If you do desire to chance a higher dose that is a call only you can make but understand the increase in risk is very real.

As for cycles, in this instance were referring to the duration of use, a common minimum length of time is 8 weeks, with 12 weeks being far more optimal for quality results. While a majority of veterans will use at minimum for 16 weeks, although not as common many will use for far extended periods of time; again, greatly increasing the risk to reward ratio. For most athletes, regardless of their level of experience with testosterone use, cycles of 12 weeks to 16 weeks in length will be their best bet and best suited for their long-term overall health.

Low Testosterone

Low testosterone is something that affects most every man at some point in his life regardless of how healthy the individual may be. By age 40 over 50% of all men suffer from low testosterone and by the age of 50 the numbers reach a staggering amount, upwards of 80%. As we age our testosterone levels naturally decline, it is inevitable but we do have the ability to offset the end outcome. You’ve seen the commercials advertising treatment for “Low-T” which is simply a simplified version for saying low testosterone and there is truly only one remedy; anabolic steroids, most notably testosterone therapy. Through sound therapy we can see our levels return to a stable and more efficient range however many men choose to ignore the problem and assume the ill-effects are simply due to natural causes. It is true, age plays an important role but as our lifestyles have increasingly become sedentary coupled with nutritional intake that’s dirty at best, many times the problem is far more exasperated than need be. However, if we can recognize the symptoms and understand low testosterone we can largely eliminate the problems associated.

Aging

As discussed, we age and our natural testosterone levels fall but in many cases the process is so slow and building over time that it largely goes unnoticed. For many men by the time their levels are truly low they have become so accustomed to the slight changes they accept them as “normal”. There are some men who will experience a rapid decline in a very short period of time, even at a much younger age but they are in the minority and for most the effects will not be felt or noticed until we enter into our thirties and much more pronounced as we enter our forties.

Effects of Low Testosterone

There are many negative effects brought on by low testosterone levels and while an inactive lifestyle and poor diet can cause many of these problems low testosterone will only make them worse. From physique and physical related to sexual performance, the effects are vast and often dramatically felt; common effects of low testosterone include but are not limited to:

Erectile Dysfunction

Decreased Libido

Decreases in Strength

Decreases in Lean Muscle Tissue

Increased Body Fat

Depression

Decreased Energy

Increased Irritability

If you suffer from any of these symptoms there’s a very good chance you suffer from low testosterone, however, in most cases if you suffer from one you will suffer from multiple effects listed above; in many cases every single one. The good news is there is treatment and we can largely reverse every single negative effect associated with this problem and the truth is it is rather a very simple process.

Low Testosterone Treatment

There is no cure for low testosterone; once your levels become low they will forever remain naturally low; however there is remedy. While we cannot cure the problem we can treat the symptoms and although we do so by supplementing with the same hormone you now produce in lower levels for all intense purposes this synthetic treatment is just as good. The reactions your body undergoes through its own natural production will be identical when a synthetic version is applied; your body will not know the difference, it simply has a desire and need for testosterone.

Once you begin therapy you will rapidly notice improvements but as there is no permanent cure continuous therapy is of the utmost importance. Once you begin therapy if you decide to discontinue your low testosterone levels will return very quickly. Granted, this is for some a little annoying but ask yourself one question, would you rather undergo therapy that is very simple or suffer from low testosterone?

To increase your testosterone levels you have several options and each one holds its own specific place in the order but some will prove to be more effective and efficient than others. By-in-large the form of testosterone treatment you undergo can be a very individualistic type of thing; what is best for you may not be best for another, however, this will not change the facts associated with each form of treatment. The most common forms of treatment include:

Injectable Testosterone

AndroGel

AndroDerm

Injectable Testosterone:
This will prove to be the most effective and efficient type of therapy we can use. For most, a single injection of testosterone once every 10 to 14 days will correct the problem and will generally be well-tolerated by most who use it. Some individuals will need more frequent injections but this will largely be dictated by the type of testosterone you use. Some men will find the idea of injections to be bothersome but we can assure you it is a painless process and if you’re looking for an absolute remedy this is and will always be your best option.

AndroGel
AndroGel is a transdermal testosterone cream. This is simply a cream or lotion type substance applied directly to the skin that absorbs into the body. A much higher dose of AndroGel will need to be used in comparison to the injectable form due to topical absorption having a far less efficiency rating. Further, unlike the injectable form you will need to perform treatment every single day; failure to miss a day of treatment will not be the end of the world but for the best results every day is optimal. If you miss multiple days you will find your low testosterone to return very rapidly.

AndroDerm:
Everything that was said of AndroGel can be said of AndroDerm. As a transdermal medication the only difference is in its form; while AndroGel is just that, a gel, AndroDerm is a patch we apply directly to the skin for a 24 hour period of time. Once the 24 hour mark has passed we simply apply a new patch.

Important Note:
With both transdermal medications there is the possibility of skin irritation at the applied area in the form of burns or rashes. If these symptom exists in you injectable testosterone may be your only option, however you will find skin irritation is not a problem when testosterone is administered by intra-muscular injection.

Receiving Treatment:
If you believe you suffer from low testosterone you will need to schedule a visit to your local physician or hormone replacement clinic. If you have a hormone replacement clinic in your area this will many times be your best option as this is what they specialize in. Once you schedule your appointment a simple blood work test will be performed. By sampling our blood we can determine how much active testosterone we have in the body, determine where our levels are and how much therapy we need to increase them to a more stable and normal level.

While treatment will increase your levels there is an interesting fact we cannot ignore. Low testosterone is not easily defined; there is no set standard, no accepted level. Granted, certain readings will be deemed low by all physicians and generally there is a more or less accepted low reading(s) but where they should end up is often highly debated. Due in-part to a lack of education regarding anabolic steroid hormones in general is largely responsible for these discrepancies among many physicians; again, this will make a hormone replacement clinic a far superior choice in most cases.

Steroids and Testosterone

Steroids and testosterone, they are to performance as the bat is to the ball. Without a bat, you cannot have baseball, and without testosterone, you cannot haveanabolic steroids. It may sound simple, and that’s because it is. Anabolic steroids and testosterone share a very special relationship for one simple reason; all anabolic steroids owe their existence to the steroidal testosterone hormone. This makes the testosterone steroid the most important steroid of all; it may not be your favoriteanabolic steroid, but it is without question the most important. Look at it like this; with no air there is no life, and with no testosterone there are no anabolic steroids.

The Relationship:
While steroids and testosterone share this special interconnected relationship it is rather a general coexistence. As you understand, there are numerous anabolic steroids, and within testosterone alone there are numerous forms. With this in mind, a common question is how do we best mix and match various steroids and testosterone, and which ones do we use? This is a fair question to have, for if you don’t know you simply don’t know, but it’s also an easy question to answer. For the vast majority of cases, any testosterone form will stack well with any anabolic steroid. While other steroids may not stack well together, testosterone is one of the few you cannot go wrong with every single time. So where does this leave us, is there anything else to discuss? We know steroids and testosterone share an intrinsic nature, and we know all anabolic steroids stack well with testosterone, so where does this leave us? How about a brief explanation of the hormones so you know what you’re getting into; sounds about right.

Testosterone:
Testosterone has obviously always been around; after all, whether you like it or not you produce it naturally and essentially. Testosterone is the primary androgenichormone in your body and one of the most important hormones your body produces. This simple hormone plays a role in your physical state from strength and tissue size to your overall metabolic function. Further, testosterone plays a key role in your sexual development and later your performance, but it does not end there, not at all. Testosterone also plays a role in your immune system, effects your clarity of mind, focus and even your general sense of well-being. Needless to say, when testosterone levels fall you will suffer greatly, and often in horrific ways.

Steroid Testosterone

Form Half-Life Injection Frequency
Testosterone Cypionate 12 Days 2x per Week
Testosterone Enanthate 10.5 Days 2x per Week
Testosterone Propionate 3.5 Days Every Other Day
Testosterone Suspension 24 Hours 1-2x per Day
Omnadren 11 Days 3x per Week
Sustanon 250 15 Days 3x per Week

Steroid diet and fitness

Without proper diet and fitness while using anabolic steroids, you will have defeated the whole purpose! This section covers a huge range of helpful information. From creating a perfect diet to learning how to workout while using steroids, this section should not be missed.

Training Programs
Diet Programs
Diet & Fitness
Forum
Supplement Reviews
Diet Tips
Nutrition
Facts
Food Profiles – Fast Foods

GOD DAMN, this guide is HUGE!, some better formatting and pictures would be good but still bumping just for the reignition. tag me in high effort guides like this pls. thanks man!

STEROIDS – A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

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STEROIDS – A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE.

Chart 1:​

Chart 2:​

Testosterone-Propionate:​

Testosterone-Enanthate:​

Testosterone-Cypionate:​

Testosterone-Suspension:​

Sustanon-250:​

Omnadren:​

Injectable Testosterone:​

AndroGel​

AndroDerm:​

Important Note:​

Receiving Treatment:​

The Relationship:​

Testosterone:​

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How to Come off Steroids 101​

How to Come off Steroids – The Plans​

Important PCT Notes​

How to Come off Steroids – Short Periods & Bridging​

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STEROIDS – A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE.

Chart 1:​

Chart 2:​

Testosterone-Propionate:​

​

Testosterone-Enanthate:​

Testosterone-Cypionate:​

Testosterone-Suspension:​

Sustanon-250:​

Omnadren:​

Injectable Testosterone:​

AndroGel​

AndroDerm:​

Important Note:​

Receiving Treatment:​

The Relationship:​

Testosterone:​

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Chart 1:

Chart 2:

Testosterone-Propionate:

Testosterone-Enanthate:

Testosterone-Cypionate:

Testosterone-Suspension:

Sustanon-250:

Omnadren:

Injectable Testosterone:

AndroGel

AndroDerm:

Important Note:

Receiving Treatment:

The Relationship:

Testosterone:

How to Come off Steroids 101

How to Come off Steroids – The Plans

Important PCT Notes

How to Come off Steroids – Short Periods & Bridging

Chart 1:

Chart 2:

Testosterone-Propionate:

Testosterone-Enanthate:

Testosterone-Cypionate:

Testosterone-Suspension:

Sustanon-250:

Omnadren:

Injectable Testosterone:

AndroGel

AndroDerm:

Important Note:

Receiving Treatment:

The Relationship:

Testosterone:

Chart 1:

Chart 2:

Testosterone-Propionate:

Testosterone-Enanthate:

Testosterone-Cypionate:

Testosterone-Suspension:

Sustanon-250:

Omnadren:

Injectable Testosterone:

AndroGel

AndroDerm:

Important Note:

Receiving Treatment:

The Relationship:

Testosterone: