It’s a test some experts consider so good, however, it could blunt the push for the urine-based test sought by some in baseball and football, possibly stalling promising research that has already cost many thousands of dollars.

The new test, called a biomarkers test, scans the blood for chemicals the body produces after HGH use, which are detectable for up to two weeks. The test, expected to be available in the coming weeks or months, is a complement to — or maybe an improvement over — the current test, called an isoform test, which scans blood for synthetic HGH.

The drug clenbuterol is specifically a selective beta-2 sympathomimetic, primarily affecting only one of the three subsets of beta-receptors. Of particular interest is the fact that this drug has little beta-1 stimulating activity. Since beta-1 receptors are closely tied to the cardiac effects of these agents, this allows clenbuterol to reduce reversible airway obstruction (and effect of beta-2 stimulation) with much less cardiovascular side effects compared to nonselective beta agonists. Clinical studies with this drug show it is extremely effective as a bronchodilator, with a low level of user complaints and high patient compliance. Clenbuterol also exhibits an extremely long half-life in the body, which is measured to be approximately 34 hours. This makes steady blood levels easy to achieve, requiring only a single or twice daily dosing schedule at most. This of course makes it much easier for the patient to use, and may tie in to its high compliance rate. In spite that clenbuterol is available in a wide number of other countries however; this compound has never been approved for use in the United States. The fact that there are a number of similar, effective asthma medications already available in this country may have something to do with this, as a prospective drug firm would likely not find it a profitable enough product to warrant undergoing the expense of the FDA approval process. Regardless, foreign clenbuterol preparations are widely available on the U.S. black market.

HOW TO USE CLENBUTEROL: Numerous athletes use Clenbuterol after steroid treatment to balance the resulting catabolic phase and thus obtain maximum strength and muscle mass. A further aspect of Clenbuterol is its distinct fatburning effect. Clenbuterol burns fat without dieting because it increases the body temperature slightly, forcing the body to burn fat for this process. Due to the higher body temperature Clenbuterol magnifies the effect of anabolic/androgenic steroids taken simultaneously

CLENBUTEROL DOSAGE: Athletes usually take 100-140 mcg/day. For women 80-100 mcg/day are usually sufficient, It is important that the athlete begin by taking only one tablet on the first day and then increasing the dosage by one tablet each of the following days until the desired maximum dosage is reached. The compound is usually taken over a period of 8-10 weeks. Since Clenbuterol is not a hormone compound. It has no has no side effects typical of anabolic steroids. For this reason it is also liked by women.

Side Effects of Arimidex: Possible side effects of Clenbuterol include restlessness, palpitations, tremor (involuntary trembling of fingers), headache, increased perspiration, insomnia, possible muscle spasms, increased blood pressure, and nausea. Note that these side effects are of a temporary nature and usually subside after 8-10 days, despite continuation of the product.

Another injectable testosterone compound which is used in power sports circles is Testosterone suspension. In the following we will describe the testerone dissolved in water. For athletes who readily and frequently work with the popular oily testosterone suspensions (Sustanon 250 or Testosterone Depot) this information might be something new. Besides, water-dissolved tes-tosterone was actually the first injectable steroid. In Europe during the 1940’s injectable testosterone was used in the German armed forces to increase aggressiveness and stamina, and also in the recov-ery of undernourished prisoners of war. This was nothing else but crystalline testosterone mixed with water. Russian weightlifters be-gan experimenting with this testosterone compound during the late 1 940’s and broke one world record after another. Since, at the time, pure testosterone without additional esters was used, the substance remained in the body for only a few hours requiring daily injec-tions, and often several per day By first injecting the testosterone molecules with an ester, such as for example isobutyrate (in Agovirin), it was possible to prolong the duration of effect up to about one week.

However, men also use Testosterone suspension during the last 10-14 days before a bodybuilding competition to make an all-out effort for optimal muscle hardness. Athletes report outstand-ing results when Testo -suspension is used together with the car-bohydrate/loading technique. The athlete unloads his body by depriving it of carbohydrates for several days and begins loading carbohydrates three days before a competition with the goal of storing as much glycogen in the muscle cells as possible. He can optimize this process by taking 5 0-100 mg Testosterone suspen-sion/day. Testosterone suspension considerably boosts the stor-ing of glycogen in the muscle cells and, since dissolved in water, becomes effective almost immediately. As is known, glycogen also bonds with water in the muscle cells, which manifests itself in extremely tight and full muscles.

In the mass-gaining phase Testosterone suspension is only rarely used. With respect to strength and muscle mass the gains, as with all injectable testosterone esters, are very good; however, this testosterone compound requires frequent injections in order to reach a performance-enhancing dosage. With 100 mg every 1-2 days rapid muscle gains can usually be obtained and the strength increase can usually be felt from the first day. However a stale effect remains since the injection of testosterone dissolved in water is not only extremely unpleasant but the pain at the injection area remains for some time. To endure such martyrdom for several weeks is not to everyone’s liking. The gains disappear rapidly after use of the compound is discontinued.

As for side effects, the same is true for Testosterone suspension as it is for other testosterone esters. A considerable part of the com-pound is converted into dihydrotestosterone in the body so that acne and hair loss occur quite frequently. The endogenous test-osterone production is already considerably lower after only a few days of use which during a several week long intake could result in testicular atrophy and temporary impotence. Women experience the usual virilization symptoms. An enormously in-creased sexual drive in both sexes is noted, often from the first day of intake. The same can be said about the influence of Testo suspensions on the aggression potential. Men are also at risk to develop a prostate condition or possible gynecomastia.

Since steroid molecules do not easily bond with water, Test-osterone suspension must be well shaken before the injection. Those who let the injection rest for more than 30 minutes with-out touching it will notice that the testosterone separates from the watery solution in form of a white, crystalline powder. After shaking, an opaque, white mixture is formed in the ampule.

sourse : http://www.domesticgear.com

Do anabolic steroids cause steroids effects?

Even though we hear about them in the news every week most people are not fully aware of steroids effects. They are produced by taking anabolic drugs. Some steroids effects such as increasing strength and size and shedding body fat are actually wanted. But other steroids effects like acne, increased blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol are considered dangerous and unwanted.

How are they created?

All steroids effects are produced after repeated and regular use of anabolic drugs. Although not 100 percent true in all situations generally speaking the longer an individual stays on the drugs the greater the steroids effects. Other variables such as types of drugs, genetics, and dosages, also play a role in the severity of steroids effects.

Who first spotted steroids effects?

The first people to observe steroids effects were doctors and researchers using these drugs to treat patients. The first steroids effects were caused by testosterone drugs but later when anabolic steroids were first invented, other steroids effects became visible.

Who was the first well-known creator of steroid effects?

The first steroids effects were observed in medical patients being treated with testosterone. In the 1950’s Dr Jon Ziegler helped create the first anabolic steroid – Dianabol. Soon a whole host of new steroids effects became visible. Dr Ziegler later came to regret inventing anabolic drugs and the steroids effects they caused.

What were the first steroids effects used to treat?

Despite the media’s attempt to vilify steroids, anabolic drugs and their steroids effects were invented for legitimate medical reasons. These drugs were used to treat victims of the first world war. They were also found useful in treating reproductive problems. Still others used them to treat wasting diseases like cancer.

Do people still look for steroids effects?

Shortly after steroids were invented it was discovered that such other steroids effects as increased muscle size and strength, and fat loss, were also produced. Once bodybuilders, weightlifters, and other strength athletes heard about these steroids effects, the demand went way up. Besides athletic reasons these drugs are still popular for treating cancer, AIDs, and other wasting diseases.

What steroids effects do bodybuilders want from these drugs?

Given that bodybuilding is a sport characterized by maximizing muscle size and decreasing body fat, it’s not surprising that anabolic drugs are taken to increase these steroids effects. Weightlifters and powerlifters use them to increase strength levels

What are some of the steroids effects people try to avoid?

Even though the media and sports’ organizations have blown the issue of steroids effects out of proportion, these drugs do cause a few unwanted side effects. The most common are acne, increased feelings of aggression, and elevated cholesterol levels. These steroids effects, however, usually disappear after the user stops taking steroids.

Are drugs that cause steroids effects legal?

It’s because of unwanted steroids effects that steroids became controlled drugs in 1990 with the passage of the 1990 the Anabolic Steroid Control Act. This law has made most drugs that cause steroids effects illegal.

If the user is going to give the shot around one cc then it is required to have the one ½ to one 1/1/4, and then tap the case to stimulate the bubbles of air that have been already drawn, it is to be noted here that one can inject 1/ 2 cc and ¼ cc in the vial, and then remove the specific needle, after this doing the user must tap the case and put the syringe upside to get all the inner air bubbles to come at the top, then take the different syringe from the nest and sterilize packing and get the needle of the syringe outside, and then change that syringe with the existing one that was already being injected in the stopper before. Usage of 2 needles for one injection the user can give the effectiveness of sharp pins. The sharpness of the pin could be affected after getting into the rubber of the stopper, the user must not get in touch with the needle, and the needle should not be getting in touch with the alcohol elements.  It is again recommended to swab the site of the injection with the element of alcohol, and again press the stopper to an extent by which the air bubbles could get out. The moment you the user can see the oil at the top you can let it go down and that creates the lubrication, this is the moment when the user can take the syringe and keep it in hands like the particular dart.

After the above mentioned instructions, the user who is going to inject must stretch the skin of the patient on the side of the injection, and then start injecting the needle in the muscles of the person, inject it deeply and then pull it back to some extent through the stopper, be particular that it should not be injected into the vessel of blood and one thing could indicate it if the blood comes into the injection so kindly be careful doing it.

The injector must be careful that the blood should not come out and smoothly and slowly inject the whole oil into the muscle, after doing it then get the syringe out and again use the alcohol swab on the injection side, this would leads to reduce the bleeding if the patient will have and slowly massaging it properly. It is very important fro the injector that while inserting the liquid one must be slowly doing it as it can cause extreme pain. After injecting the injector must properly discard the needles and the injections so it may prevent it used after that. The 2ccs shot would help the injector to remove the risk of having scars on the body of the patient. The injection site is recommended to use only once time in a week not more than that.

Bicep Steroid Injection Bicep Steroid Injection

Chest Steroid Injection Deltoid Steroid Injection

Tricep Steroid Injection Thigh Steroid Injection

For the injectors it is required to know that where they need to inject the specific oil and water based steroids and for sure they need to inject those in the inter muscular part of the body.  The above mentioned statement means that the injector must insert the steroids in the skin and not in the blood vessels. The intra muscular types of injections are used when the quick feedback is required from the patient or when the patient is very much serious. The doctors can give the larger doses cutaneously as well. There are many different sites where the doctors can inject the steroids like the Buttocks, on the thighs; muscles of the arms, the muscles which are thick could be the point of injecting the steroids. The fascia used to have a larger space for absorption and also the injection must have the large surface area, the absorption could further processed by the supply of blood to the specific muscles. In actual the intra muscular injections are given deeply into the specific muscles and not into the blood vessels.

“Gluteus medius muscle” is a best place for the people to have the steroids injections as the site is at the upper of the buttocks. In the adults it is necessary to give steroids injection two to three inches at the below side of the iliac crest. One can easily get the indication of iliac crest which used to be the bony area and these areas are at the above portion of the gluteus muscle. The doctors always wants to inject in the upper quadrant of the buttocks as this area is very much thick and used to have the les nerves which prevents the injection in the blood vessels, that area used to be in the decision by the doctors as it leads to very low chances to get the blood from the blood vessels., and this portion prevents to injure the sciatic nerve in the buttock and remind you it is very important nerve in the body. The essential part of the above paragraph is that it is extremely very important to get away from sciatic nerve as if you inject the injection near to this even then one can have the paralysis attack and on temporary basis the consumer might have extreme pains and which are unbearable.

There are many sites in the human body where one can have the intramuscular injections like the triceps 1, 2, the chest; the thigh could be a good option, the region of Deltoid, the biceps 1 and two. If it is not possible for the person to have the steroids injection on the Gluteus muscle then one can have the injection on the thigh. The children mostly and usually have those injections even the normal intramuscular injections on the thigh. Vastus lateralis is another muscle option in the thighs. It is mostly prohibited not to insert the injections on the front of the specific thigh or in side the particular one as these areas is famous for the blood vessels and that could be very harmful for the people.

Winstrol is one of the favorite steroids in general, as confirmed by many positive doping cases. Stanozolol, for example, was one of the substances which enabled Ben Johnson to achieve his magic sprints. It also gave this excep-tional athlete a distinctly visible gain in hard and defined quality muscles, possibly making quite a few bodybuilders envious. During the first doping-tested professional bodybuilding championships, the Arnold’s Classic 1990, the winner, Shawn Ray, and the enormously massive Canadian pro, Nimrod King, tested positive on Winstrol (stanozolol), (FLEX, July 1990). The Track and Field World Champi-onships 1993 in Stuttgart also brought two positive “stanozolol cases” to light. To make a long story short: Winstrol is a very effec-tive steroid when used correctly. It is important to distinguish be-tween the two different forms of administration of stanozolol, since the injectable Winstrol Depot is distinctly more effective than the oral Winstrol. Thus it is preferred by most athletes.What is special about the injectable Winstrol Depot is that its sub-stance is not-as is common in almost all steroids-dissolved in oil; it is dissolved in water. Although almost every steroid-experienced bodybuilder knows this difference, the practical application of this knowledge rarely occurs: the injection-free intervals of the com-pound Winstrol Depot must be distinctly shorter than with the other common steroids. Simplified, this means that Winstrol Depot 50 mg/ml must be injected much more frequently than the oil-dis-solved steroids (e.g. Primobolan, Deca-Durabolin, Sustanon 250, Parabolan, etc.). The reason for this is the relative low half-life time of steroids. Those dissolved in water must be injected at least every second day, and best results are observed at a daily injection of 50 mg. The substance stanozolol is a precursor to the dihydrotestosterone and consequently, it prevents Winstrol Depot from aromatizing into estrogens with water retention occurring only rarely. Based on these characteristics the main application of Winstrol Depot is clearly defined in bodybuilding: preparation for a competi-tion. Together with a calorie-reduced diet which is rich in protein Winstrol Depot gives the muscles a continuously harder appear-ance. Winstrol Depot is usually not used as the only steroid during dieting since, based on its low androgenic component, it does not reliably protect the athlete from losing muscle tissue. The missing, pronounced androgenic effect is often balanced by a combined in-take with Parabolan. Depending on the athlete’s per-formance level, the athlete usually takes 50 mg Winstrol Depot ev-ery 1-2 days and Parabolan 76 mg/1.5 ml every 1-2 day. Although there is no scientific proof of a special combined action between Winstrol Depot and Parabolan, based on several practical examples, a synergetic effect seems likely. Other steroids which athletes suc-cessfully combine with Winstrol Depot during the preparation for a competition include Masteron, Equipoise, Halotestin, Oxandrolone, Testosterone propionate, Primobolan, and HGH.

Winstrol Depot, however, is not only especially suited during prepa-ration for a competition but also in a gaining phase. Since it does not cause water retention rapid weight gains with Winstrol Depot are very rare. However, a solid muscle gain and an over proportionally strong strength increase occur, usually remaining after use of the compound is discontinued. Bodybuilders who want to build up strength and mass often combine Winstrol Depot with Dianabol, Anadrol 50, Testosterone, or Deca-Durabolin. With a stack of 100 mg Anadrol 50/day, 50 mg Winstrol Depot/day, and 400 mg Deca-Durabolin/week the user slowly gets into the dosage range of am-bitious competing athletes. Older athletes and steroid novices can achieve good progress with either Winstrol Depot/Deca-Durabolin or Winstrol Depot/Primobolan Depot. They use quite a harmless stack which normally does not lead to noticeable side effects. This leaves steroid novices with enough room for the “harder” stuff which they do not yet need in this phase. Winstrol Depot is mainly an anabolic steroid with a moderate, androgenic effect which, however, can especially manifest itself in women dosing 50 mg/week and in men dosing higher quantities. Problems in female athletes usually occur when a quantity of 50 mg is injected twice weekly. The effect of Winstrol Depot decreases considerably after a few days and thus an injection at least twice weekly is justified. However, an undesired accumulation of androgens in the female organism can occur, re-sulting in masculinization symptoms – Some deep female voices cer-tainly originated with the intake of Winstrol Depot. However, a dose of 50 mg Winstrol Depot every second day in ambitious female athletes is the rule rather than the exception. Other non-androgenic side effects can occur in men as well as in women, manifesting them-selves in headaches, cramps, changes in the HDL and LDL values, and in rare cases, in high blood pressure. Possible liver damage can be estimated as very low when Winstrol is injected; however, in large doses an elevation in the liver values is possible. Since Winstrol Depot is dissolved in water the injections are usually more uncom-fortable or more painful than is the case with oily solutions.

Although there are many fakes of the injectable Winstrol, the origi-nal “Winny ” as it is lovingly called by its users, is easily recognized based on its unusual form of administration. At a first glance the content of the ampule is only a milky, white, watery solution which, however, has distinct characteristics. Original “Winny ” is recognized because the substance separates from the watery injection fluid when the ampule is not shaken for some time. When the ampule is left flat in its ampule box or, for example, stands upright on a table, the substance accumulates as a distinctly visible white layer on the lower side of the glass and can only be mixed with the watery fluid if shaken several times or rolled forward and backward. An ampule containing I ml of suspension and its 50 mg dissolved stanozolol should normally separate a white layer in the size of almost a thumb-nail. The athlete thus can easily determine whether his injectable Winstrol is actually stanozolol or is rather under closed. Do not buy ampules or glass vials which contain more than I ml of suspension since an original injectable Winstrol is only available in one-millili-ter glass ampules. The price for a 50 mg Winstrol Depot ampule lies be-tween $10 – 15 on the black market.

When injected daily Winstrol Depot can become a very expensive compound. It also has the disadvantage that, because of the fre-quent injections, the already-mentioned scar tissue will develop in the gluteal region (buttocks) which leads many athletes to inject Winstrol in their shoulders, arms, legs or even calves. Although this was originally intended as an expedient, injecting Winstrol Depot into certain muscles has become increasingly popular since athletes have noticed that this leads to an accelerated growth of the affected muscle. An American pro bodybuilder who is known for his cross striated, horseshoe- shaped triceps owes this in considerable part to his regular “triceps Winstrol-Depot injections.” A confusion with the also often used Esiclene is excluded. Athletes who want to avoid daily injections usually take 2-3ml Winstrol Depot twice a week. in the U.S. injectable stanozolol is manufactured only for veterinary medicine. It is distributed under the name Winstrol V by Winthrop and Upjohn.

sourse : http://www.domesticgear.com

The term steroid refers to more than just the anabolic drugs that you read about in the papers. Many kinds of steroid compounds occur naturally in nature and they include various hormones and vitamins. Most steroid drugs are synthesized in laboratories and have the same molecular structure as the male sex hormone, testosterone. The muscle-building (anabolic) effects of steroid compounds make them very appealing to bodybuilders and other athletes.

In medicine steroid drugs are primarily used s to promote weight gain and muscle development in individuals with such wasting diseases as cancer and AIDs. Steroid drugs are also used to treat delayed puberty in males and occasionally some types of impotence. Steroid agents may also be used by veterinarians to promote weight gain in cattle.

Where do people get steroid compounds?

Although they are made by pharmaceutical companies and are legally available by prescription, most steroid drugs used by bodybuilders are bought on the black market. This means that they are often smuggled into the country or stolen. Steroid compounds may also be made in clandestine laboratories and believe it or not – people’s kitchens. Such a steroid as Equipoise is obtained at racetracks.

Who uses steroid drugs for performance enhancement?

Athletes who believe that these drugs will help them excel on the playing field or in the case of bodybuilders, builder bigger muscles, use most steroid compounds. Powerlifters and weightlifters use them to greatly increase strength to win contests.

Although most users of steroid drugs are men the highest increase in use is among young women and teenagers. Many people also take steroid agents to simply improve their physique. Besides building muscle steroid drugs also increase fat burning. Given the value of the fat-burning supplement industry it’s not surprising some people would go the extra yard and buy a steroid product to build a leaner body.

How are steroid drugs taken?

Steroid compounds come in various forms including tablets, capsules, and solution for injection. In recent years gels and creams have become available to rub on the skin. Despite the warnings from friends, coaches, and the Internet many bodybuilders still take dosages of steroid agents that are 20, 50 even 100 times greater than those used to treat medical conditions.

Although not proven medically it is believed that by cycling periods of use with non-use is the best way to lessen the odds of developing serious side effects.

Are they legal?

There was a time when steroid drugs were sold right on the counters of the bigger gyms in North America – but these days are no more. Since the passing of the 1990 Steroid Control Act these drugs have been reclassified as illegal drugs. This places them in much the same category as such street drugs as cocaine and heroin. Simple possession could get you jail time and possession with the intent to traffic could mean serious long-term prison time. You must keep this in mind if you plan on buying or using steroid drugs.

Antiestrogens

Because of their ability to reduce risk of gynecomastia (abnormal growth of breast tissue in males) and enhance recovery of natural testosterone production after a cycle, use of antiestrogens such as aminoglutethimide (Cytadren) and clomiphene (Clomid) has become popular in bodybuilding. Antiestrogens also can reduce bloating associated with anabolic/androgenic steroid use, and may avoid health risks associated with elevated estrogen levels. Medically, the drugs are used not only for treatment of breast cancer but also for improvement of fertility in both men and women, and occasionally for increasing testosterone levels in men such as endurance athletes with low testosterone. There are two categories of antiestrogens: aromatase inhibitors and receptor blockers. Both shall be considered here.

Estrogens

As with androgens, where any hormone that has the activity of testosterone is an androgen and therefore all anabolic steroids are androgens, any hormone that has the activity of estradiol, the principal female sex hormone, is an estrogen. The most active natural estrogens in humans are estradiol and estrone.

These hormones are related to each other rather similarly to how the andro prohormones are related to each other. Just as androdiol has a hydroxy (or –ol) group at both the 3- and 17- positions, estradiol likewise has a hydroxy group at those positions. Estrone, like androstenedione, has keto (or –one, pronounced “oan”) groups at those positions.

Estradiol is the most potent (effective per milligram) of the natural estrogens. It is produced either from testosterone via the aromatase enzyme, or from estrone via the estrogenic 17b-HSD enzyme.

Estrone is less potent, but all this means is that one needs more of it to accomplish the same job. It is produced either from androstenedione via aromatase, or from estradiol via the same 17b-HSD enzyme working in reverse.

From the standpoint of the bodybuilder using anabolic/androgenic steroids (AAS), if nothing is done about the situation, high estrogen levels can cause gynecomastia, will inhibit natural testosterone production, and will cause bloating. High estrogen levels also make it more difficult to lose fat, and tend to cause female pattern fat distribution even in males.

Estradiol also has carcinogenic metabolites, and a liver problem sometimes associated with AAS use, hepatic cholestasis, is caused not by androgen but by an estrogen metabolite.

It is also not unusual for bodybuilders to feel poorly on beginning a cycle of high dose testosterone without antiestrogens, and for this reason many have advocated starting with a low dose and building up. However, I strongly suspect that the real problem is estrogenic effect on mood, and the problem can be avoided with use of an aromatase inhibitor.

Aromatizable steroids

Though most bodybuilders feel they know which steroids aromatize and which do not, sometimes the beliefs are in error. This is because progestogenic activity (activity like that of progesterone, another female hormone) is easily mistaken for estrogenic activity. Both hormones can cause bloating, and both can cause gyno. So AAS which are capable of activating not only the androgen receptor but also the progesterone receptor are often mistakenly assumed to aromatize. (Note: these androgens do not “convert to progesterone” but rather are themselves, without any change needed, able to act on that receptor.)

Nandrolone is proven to be a progestin. This fact is of clear importance in bodybuilding, because while moderate Deca-only use actually lowers estrogen levels as a consequence of reducing natural testosterone levels and thus allowing the aromatase enzyme less substrate to work with, Deca nonetheless can cause gyno in some individuals. Furthermore, just as progesterone will to a point increase sex drive in women, and then often decrease it as levels get too high, high levels of progestogenic steroids can kill sex drive in male bodybuilders, though there is a great deal of individual variability as to what is too much.

Incidentally, this progestogenic activity also inhibits LH production, and contrary to common belief, even small amounts of Deca are quite inhibitory, approximately as much so as the same amount of testosterone.

What relevance does this have to an article on antiestrogens? Well, antiestrogens can do nothing about these side effects of Deca.

The same appears to be true of oxymetholone (Anadrol®) and of norethandrolone (Nilevar).

Methenolone (Primobolan), stanozolol (Winstrol), dromostanolone (Masteron), oxandrolone (Anavar), mesterolone (Proviron), stenbolone (Anatrofin), trenbolone, and DHT do not aromatize, and thus, antiestrogens are not relevant to these AAS either.

The steroids where aromatization is of particular concern are testosterone, methandrostenolone (Dianabol), boldenone (Equipoise), and to some extent fluoxymesterone (Halotestin). However the latter is usually used in doses low enough that aromatization is not an issue.

Among the prohormones, androstenedione is the principal offender with regard to aromatization, being readily converted to estrone. With androdiol, only that small portion which converts to testosterone can be converted further to estradiol, and that will occur only in the same percentage that other testosterone converts to estradiol.

Norandrodiol cannot convert directly to estrogen, and even after conversion to nandrolone is not readily converted to estrogen.

Norandrostenedione can be converted to estrone by aromatase, but is a very poor substrate for that enzyme. It can actually act as a competitive inhibitor, blocking better substrates such as androstenedione or testosterone. It is possible then, though unproven, that norandrostenedione might have some value as an aromatase inhibitor in bodybuilding. I do think, however, that the pharmaceuticals designed for the purpose should be assumed to be better choices.

Aromatase inhibitors

The most commonly used aromatase inhibitor in bodybuilding is aminoglutethimide (Cytadren). This drug also inhibits an enzyme (desmolase) necessary for synthesis of cortisol, but fortunately, aromatase can be inhibited with levels of drug that cause only limited inhibition of desmolase.

Contrary to popular belief, it is generally not desirable to inhibit cortisol production. Doing so will likely lead to joint problems, and furthermore once the inhibition ends, the price of above-normal cortisol production must usually be paid.

For an average male, a dose of 250 mg/day (one tablet) appears optimal. The half-life is 8 hours, so the drug is better taken in divided doses. The best plan seems to be to take half a tablet on arising, and quarter tabs six and twelve hours later. This keeps levels generally fairly constant, but allows a small drop in the hours shortly before arising, which is then compensated for by the higher dose on arising. With this scheme, inhibition of cortisol production is generally too low to be noticed, and generally there is no rebound effect on discontinuance. However it is not a bad idea nonetheless to taper off, first omitting the midday quarter tab dose for a few days, then omitting both quarter tab doses, then reducing the initial dose to one quarter tab, and then ending completely. A week is sufficient for the taper.

Some people suffer a degree of lethargy or sedation from aminoglutethimide, even at this low dose, but most do not.

Anastrozole (Arimidex) is a superior aromatase inhibitor which does not have the above side effects. It is, however, very expensive. With moderate doses of testosterone it seems that 1 mg/day is sufficient, and some have claimed half a tab to be sufficient. I do not have blood test data to verify that, however.

Receptor blockers

Clomiphene (Clomid) and tamoxifen (Nolvadex) are the most popular drugs of this class. They are more precisely referred to as “selective estrogen receptor modulators.” This is because their mode of action is not so simple as merely blocking the estrogen receptor. Estrogen receptors require not only hormone but also activation of regions of the receptor called AF-1 and AF-2. AF-1, to be activated, requires phosphorylation, while AF-2 can be activated by any of a number of cofactors, such as IGF-1.

As it happens, clomiphene and tamoxifen are estrogen receptor antagonists (blockers) in cells that depend on activation of the AF-2 region, while in cells which activate AF-1, these compounds are estrogens.

In some cells these drugs activate one of the types of estrogen receptor (ERa ) but are antagonists of the other type (ERb ).

The result is that these compounds are antiestrogenic in breast tissue, fat tissue, and in the hypothalamus, which is what we want in bodybuilding, but are estrogenic in bone tissue and with respect to favorable effect on blood lipid profile, both of which are, again, desirable. They also appear to have some estrogenic effect on mood, though this may be in only parts of the brain (the matter is not studied.)

Cyclofenil is a similar drug to the above two. Clomiphene will do everything that the other two will do, but for some unknown reason, has been found more effective than tamoxifen both medically and in bodybuilding for increasing LH production.

Raloxifene (Evista) is a new selective estrogen receptor modulator that, for women, has the advantage of being an antiestrogen in the uterus, whereas clomiphene and tamoxifen are estrogens in that tissue. For this reason, the latter two drugs can promote uterine cancer, while raloxifene actually should help prevent it, and is therefore a superior drug for women. It is not known how effective it may be in increasing LH production.

While on high dose androgens it is impossible to maintain LH production in any case, and clomiphene can do no good in that regard. As androgen levels return to normal, however, a dose of 50 mg/day of clomiphene if estrogen levels are reasonable, or 100 mg/day if estrogen levels are high, is usually effective in restoring natural testosterone production.

Because the drug has a long half-life, when one takes 50 mg/day the amount in the system is not only the 50 mg just taken, but also approximately another 250 mg from previous days. Thus, to immediately arrive at the therapeutic level, one would take 300 mg (50 mg six times) on the first day, and then continue with 50 mg/day.

A small percentage of individuals suffer vision problems from use of clomiphene, which is generally reversible upon discontinuance. These persons, of course, should not use the drug after discovering the problem.

It also must be pointed out that these are prescription drugs, and should be obtained and used only by precription with medical advice, though the selective estrogen receptor modulators have excellent safety records.

After a cycle, it is reasonable to continue clomiphene use until at least four weeks after the last injection of long acting ester, or at least two weeks after the last use of an oral, or until natural testosterone production is clearly back to normal, whichever comes last.

Conclusion

Other than acne and accelerated hair loss, the two most common problems of AAS use are gynecomastia and difficulty in recovering natural testosterone production. Antiestrogenic drugs can effectively i both problems and are safe for most individuals. Ideally, if aromatizable drugs are used, the problem is corrected at the source by limiting production of estrogen by using an aromatase inhibitor. However, it is also effective to use a selective estrogen receptor modulator such as Clomid. The latter drug is also of particular use in helping to restore natural testosterone production after a cycle.

How common are anabolic steroids side effects?

We hear all the time that steroids can produce anabolic steroids side effects. But don’t forget that hormones play vital roles in the body including regulating the important processes that ensure normal functioning of our numerous systems. If the body over or under produces one of these hormones it could lead to disastrous consequences in our life – sometimes fatal. Given that anabolic steroids are closely related to hormones, it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that these drugs can also cause anabolic steroids side effects if used incorrectly.

Who first experienced anabolic steroids side effects?

The first people to experience anabolic steroids side effects were medical patients back in the 1930’s and 1940’s. These patients were being treated with testosterone derivatives to treat reproductive problems and wounds suffered during the two world wars. It didn’t take doctors long to discover that some patients developed effects other than the ones that were wanted. Surprisingly some of these anabolic steroids side effects became the basis for modern sport’s pharmacology.

Who first wrote about anabolic steroids side effects?

While some of the doctors using steroids to treat patients in the 1930’s and 1940’s published their findings in medical journals, it was Dr John Ziegler of the Ciba corporation that became famous for his knowledge of anabolic steroids side effects. Dr Ziegler developed the first true anabolic steroid, Dianabol, in 1958. After giving it to his weightlifting students he started noticing anabolic steroids side effects or than the increased size and strength effects that he was expecting. Most of the effects disappeared after the drugs were stopped.

How to take anabolic drugs to avoid anabolic steroids side effects?

There is no fool-proof method of taking anabolic drugs to avoid developing anabolic steroids side effects. Most user find that off the two common routes of delivery (oral and injectable) injectable drugs cause the fewest anabolic steroids side effects. Because of their chemical modification to survive digestion, oral steroids cause more side effects especially in the liver. It should be added that most anabolic steroids side effects disappear after steroid use is stopped.

Beware of the law

If developing anabolic steroids side effects wasn’t enough, using anabolic steroids could get you locked up with cocaine and heroin dealers. In an attempt to combat anabolic steroids side effects, legislators made steroids illegal drugs. But this has only made things worse as instead of using real steroids, users now have to turn to the blackmarket for the drugs. And this only increases the risk of developing anabolic steroids side effects.