Anavar represents one of the most popular oral anabolic steroids of all time, and this is largely due to its well-tolerated nature. This is one of the few anabolic steroids that can be used safely by men and women, and it’s also one of the most side effect friendly. However, in some circles Anavar is greatly underappreciated due to its mild nature, but this is generally due to unrealistic expectations. Many tend to assume all anabolic steroids should yield a set of specific effects at a specific rate of power, but reality tells us varying steroids carry varying results and purposes. Anavar is without question an extremely beneficial anabolic steroid, but in order to appreciate its benefits we must understand it.
Anavar is the popular brand name associated with the dihydrotestosterone derived anabolic steroid Oxandrolone. The Oxandrolone hormone was first released in the early 1960’s under the trade name Anavar by G.D Searle & co. and was touted as carrying numerous therapeutic qualities. However, in 1989 Searle would discontinue the compound; this was largely due to FDA pressure that had tightened its grip on the anabolic steroid market. An important note; Searle also owned the licensing rights to the majority of Oxandrolone products on the global market, which would lead to this steroid nearly disappearing at this time. In 1995 the Oxandrolone hormone would reappear thanks to Bio-Technology General CORP (BTG), now Savient, under the trade name Oxandrin. BTG would hold a monopoly on the product during this time driving its cost through the roof. Thankfully, a few U.S. based pharmacies such as Watson would begin manufacturing generic Oxandrolone in recent years driving the cost down. However, it remains one of the more expensive anabolic steroids on the market, including when purchased from most underground labs. An important note for future purchase; while Anavar remains the common associated name for the Oxandrolone hormone, the Anavar name itself is not used by any human grade pharmaceutical company that manufactures Oxandrolone
Anavar or Oxandrolone is specifically a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone that has been structurally altered. It is DHT with an added oxygen atom replacing the carbon-2 in the A-ring. This alteration greatly increases the hormone’s anabolic activity, as well as prevents it from being metabolically broken down. Anavar also possesses a second alteration at the 17th carbon position by the addition of a methyl group that allows the hormone to be ingested orally officially classifying Anavar as a C17-aa anabolic steroid.
As a therapeutic agent, Anavar has proven to be effective for numerous treatment plans. The most common reason the steroid is prescribed is for the purpose of weight gain necessitated due to surgery or infection or any type of severe weight loss. Anavar has also been proven to be extremely effective for treating over or prolonged exposure to corticosteroids, as well as for treating osteoporosis by the promotion of bone density. However, such uses are rare in the U.S. currently due to strict laws despite this steroid’s tremendously successful and positive track record. Anavar has also proven to be effective for treating hepatitis, as well as promoting growth and development in children who lack the necessary hormone production.
Anavar is also a very popular anabolic steroid among performance enhancing athletes. By looking at its therapeutic benefits, we should already have an understanding or appreciation as to what such benefits might be. While mild on its surface, Anavar carries a massive anabolic that is 3-6 times stronger than testosterone. Anavar’s anabolic rating is 322-630, while testosterone, a powerfully anabolic hormone carries a rating of 100. This would insinuate the muscle building properties of this steroid are tremendous; however, the rating does not translate into real life action quite like you might think. For the off-season male athlete, this will not be what we’d consider a premier bulking steroid; in fact, we’d call it weak for this purpose. But, its anabolic power will translate tremendously in a cutting cycle, or for the purpose of direct athletic enhancement. We will also find that the androgenicity of this hormone is rather low, making one of the friendliest steroids for female use.
When looking at the direct functions and traits of Anavar, the most important revolve around its ability to increase nitrogen retention in the muscle, decrease SHBG and inhibit glucocorticoid hormones. The increase in nitrogen retention will promote the anabolic atmosphere as reduced levels often lead to a catabolic state. The decrease in SHBG will yield a higher level of free testosterone in the body, not only providing more of an anabolic punch but promoting a free or unbound state of all circulating anabolic steroids. In simple terms, this makes the steroids being used more effective. As for the inhibition of glucocorticoid hormones, these are muscle wasting hormones; cortisol being the most well-known. Such hormones promote fat gain, as well as destroy lean muscle tissue. Anavar is also well-known for promoting increases in red blood cell count, which will enhance muscular endurance. Some studies have even shown this steroid has the ability to promote enhanced cardiovascular endurance. Last but not least, Anavar is one of the only true fat burning steroids. Most all anabolic steroids will enhance the metabolic rate, which will promote fat loss, but Anavar has been shown to directly promote lipolysis. Many attribute this to its ability to firmly bind to the androgen receptor, as well as in its ability to reduce thyroid-binding globulin, as well as increase thyroxine-binding prealbumin. This action results in the triiodothyronine hormone or T3 hormone being utilized to a higher degree. The fat burning results of Anavar are not entirely conclusive; there have been a few studies that produced alternate results as it pertains to fat loss. However, most data strongly supports the Oxandrolone hormone being a strong promoter of lipolysis.
Bulking/Off-Season: As the Oxandrolone hormone does not aromatize, any weight gained due to use will be lean muscle mass. Water retention is impossible due to the use of this steroid. However, massive gains often associated with steroid bulking cycles should not be expected with this steroid, it simply isn’t cut out for it. The individual should be able to gain some solid lean tissue and many report Anavar gains are easier to hold onto. But it won’t provide gains similar to well-known mass agents like Anadrol, Dianabol, Nandrolone or Testosterone. Some may find despite moderate gains that is all they want.
While Anavar is not the best off-season bulking steroid for men, when it comes to female use we must make an exception. Women are far more sensitive to Anavar than men, and it can be a very effective off-season agent. Further, most women are not looking for gains in size anywhere near male levels; often a slight increase in muscularity can be transforming.
Regardless of sex, all who use Anavar for off-season mass gaining phases will appreciate its metabolic enhancing traits. Those who supplement with the Oxandrolone hormone will find they gain less off-season body fat than they would have otherwise. Due to the increased levels of free testosterone, individuals will also find other steroids being used to be more potent. It may not be by a lot, but every last bit helps.
Fat Loss: Without question, male or female one of the best times to supplement with Anavar will be during the cutting phase. This will also be the most common purpose of use as the vast majority who use anabolic steroids participate in no competitive sports taking them out of the athletic enhancement category in an official sense. Due to its powerful anabolic nature, Anavar is one of the best steroids on earth for preserving lean tissue during the dieting phase. In order to lose body fat, we must burn more calories than we consume. The key to successful dieting is losing the desired fat while maintaining as much lean tissue as possible; however, muscle loss will occur. It does not matter how well-planned your diet is, some muscle loss will occur if a powerful anabolic agent is not present. Anavar is the agent you need due to the facts discussed above regarding its effects.
Those who supplement with Anavar during the cutting phase will also burn fat at a more efficient rate. Regardless of how powerful the direct lipolysis trait is or isn’t, the metabolic rate will still be greatly enhanced. Once lean, the individual will also find he appears harder and more defined. This is often accompanied by enhanced vascularity, and an overall tighter look.
Anavar is greatly appreciated by many athletes for a few specific reasons. This steroid will increase strength; the total increase will not be as significant as steroids like Dianabol and nowhere near the level of Halotestin, but it will be notable. Strength is one of the primary factors of successful athleticism as it translates into speed and power. Athletes also appreciate Anavar due to the fact that it won’t produce a large buildup in mass. In some cases, added mass might be a hindrance depending on the sport, and in other cases, it will bring about prying eyes that no athlete wants on them. When we further consider this steroid cannot lead to water retention, a possible burden to many athletes, Anavar rest as one of the top athletic choices.
Priority: Regardless of the purpose of use, all those who supplement with Anavar will find their rate of recovery is enhanced, as well as their muscular endurance. The individual will not tire out as fast, and he will be able to push longer and harder. This does not mean we should increase the duration of our training sessions, which may or may not be the case depending on the situation. However, we will make better use of each training session, we will make better use of our time on the field and all in all more quality work will be done.
Unlike another popular dihydrotestosterone derived anabolic steroid in Anadrol, Anavar is what we’d call a rather side effect friendly anabolic steroid. Side effects are certainly possible, but for the healthy adult they can be minimized. In fact, with responsible use, many will find they experience no negative effects at all. In order to understand the side effects of Anavar, we have broken them down into their separate categories with all the related information you’ll need.
The Oxandrolone hormone does not carry any estrogenic related side effects. It does not aromatize and cannot lead to gynecomastia or water retention due to increases in estrogen levels. It further carries no progestin related activity, which again supports no estrogenic related side effects. Due to water retention being impossible with this steroid, this will decrease the risk of high blood pressure. Excess water retention can promote high blood pressure. Some steroids that do not aromatize can lead to high blood pressure, such as Trenbolone, but Anavar is rarely associated with this trait.
Clenbutero Hydrochloride is a powerful bronchodilator that is used to treat breathing disorders like asthma. While it’s been extremely successful in such treatment plans it has never been approved by the U.S. FDA. It is, however, approved and used in most other countries around the world. Some speculate the only reason Clenbuterol has never been approved by the U.S. FDA is due to there being no need. There are several other related medications, very closely related that are already approved for U.S. use.
Beyond treating breathing disorders, Clenbuterol is commonly used as a thermogenic. In fact, you will more than likely find more Clenbuterol use in fat loss plans than anywhere else. It is a very common fat burning tool used by many anabolic steroid users. It is a long standing favorite among competitive bodybuilders and other physique athletes during contest preparation. However, it is also used by non-steroid users for its fat loss properties. You do not have to use anabolic steroids to use this compound for fat loss. We only mention that because this has for some reason become a confusing point for some.
Clenbuterol Hydrochloride is a sympathomimetic that works on the sympathomimetic nervous system. There are several receptors in the body a sympathomimetic can act on. In the case of Clenbuterol, the beta-2 receptor is the area of interest and action. Clen, as it’s commonly known, actively stimulates the beta-2 receptor. Through such stimulation, this actively reverses airway obstructions and provides improved breathing for those who need it. This same stimulation can also be used to enhance the metabolic rate of the individual. Clenbuterol does not actively burn fat by attacking fat cells, but rather stimulates the metabolism by increasing the body’s temperature. This occurs due to the beta-2 stimulation stimulating the mitochondria of the cells to produce and release more heat. In turn, this heats up the body’s temperature (slightly), enhances the metabolism and causes the individual to burn body fat at a greater rate. In reality, the functions and traits of Clenbuterol are very simple and very straightforward.
Clenbuterol has also been noted for having a strong anabolic effect; however, things are not quite like they appear. Due to the potential anabolic effect, this has caused many to use the compound in hopes of gaining lean tissue. Commonly, many steroid users have used it as an anabolic protective agent during their post cycle therapy (PCT). There is, however, a problem with this type of use; it doesn’t work. Studies have shown that Clenbuterol has the ability to promote anabolic activity in animals. There have been several studies that have shown the anabolic activity of rats to increase when Clen is administered. However, there is no data that supports such anabolic activity provided when used by human beings. In fact, it has generally been proven useless in this regard as it pertains to human beings. When it comes to human Clenbuterol use, use as a bronchodilator and thermogenic are the only suitable purposes.
The effects of Clenbuterol on the asthmatic patient are as straightforward as can be. Use of the bronchodilator opens up the airways and enables the individual to breath. There are other breathing disorders that can benefit from Clenbuterol use, but asthma appears to be primary, and it is often a welcomed medication to those who suffer. This same improved breathing could also prove useful to some athletes, especially those who can benefit from enhanced cardiovascular endurance. However, we’re not talking about a strong, notable improvement and there are truly other methods that are far more suited for increasing cardiovascular endurance.
As a thermogenic, the effects of Clenbuterol are again very simple. As the body temperature increases, which again is due to the beta-2 stimulation, the individual is now able to burn calories at an enhanced rate. Body temperature goes up, the metabolism is enhanced, fat cells are stimulated due to the increase in temperature due to the now enhanced metabolism, the breakdown of triglycerides is now enhanced and fat loss occurs. It’s hard to get any simpler than that.
While Clenbuterol is a powerful fat loss agent, it is not magical and will not make a fat physique lean on its own. You still have to diet in order to lose body fat, and if you don’t, no fat loss will occur. In fact, even if you’re using Clenbuterol you will still find you need to diet just as hard as you would without it if you are going to lose body fat. This raises an important question; why use Clen? The idea behind Clenbuterol use as a thermogenic in simple terms it to take what you’re already doing right and to simply do it a little better. It’s not going to melt fat off your frame, but it can rev up the metabolism and help you burn fat at a more effective and efficient rate. If you are obese or at least significantly overweight, your best bet is to forgo Clenbuterol use until you are at least a little leaner. The best time to use Clen is once you’re already fairly lean in an effort to help you rid that last little body fat that often hangs on for dear life. When we dive into the side effects of Clenbuterol, we will find Clen can and should only be used for a set period of time, and it only makes sense to use it when it will be the most beneficial.
Due to Clenbuterol being best served for final touches in a fat loss plan, this is why you’ll see it in many physique based plans such as bodybuilding, figure, fitness or other related endeavors. It’s commonly used the last 8-10 weeks leading up to a competition, sometimes a little longer, but regardless of the specific time frame the individual is normally already fairly lean. For the average gym rat, one who doesn’t compete but is looking to lean out, we can make some slight exceptions. We’re not saying you have to be contest ready lean in order for their to be a benefit. If you’re already in fairly good shape and looking to lean out a little more, absolutely, Clenbuterol can prove useful. But if you truly have a lot of body fat to lose, you’ll be best served by waiting until your body fat is a little more under control.
There are several possible side effects to Clenbuterol use, and the primary will surround its stimulating nature. No surprise, after all, Clen is a stimulant. The side effects of Clenbuterol can be very strong and often very annoying to say the least, and they will generally affect most people in one way or another. The most common side effects surround a jittery or wired feeling, shaky hands and increased sweating. Most all who use Clen will experience such effects to a degree, but they will commonly be very pronounced during the early stages of use. As the individual becomes accustomed to the stimulant, such related effects should begin to subside, but they will be so strong in some people that some will not be able to use it.
When using Clenbuterol, many often inaccurately assume that when the stimulating effects of Clen began to fade that the thermogenic effects are no longer working. Most will find that the stimulating effects will greatly subside after a week or so of use, but assuming the fat burning properties have vanished due to this lessened stimulation is highly inaccurate. The same dose of Clenbuterol Hydrochloride can actually keep the metabolism revved for as much as five weeks. Granted, by the fifth week mark it will be minimal as the body does most certainly adapt. Due to the body’s ability to adapt, necessarily adjustments must be made to use. We will go over adjustments, dosing plans and total plans of use in the Clenbuterol in the administration section.
The aforementioned side effects of Clenbuterol are the most common, but there are other possible effects of note. As with many stimulating substances, some will experience headaches as well as possible nausea. One of the more bothersome possible side effects of Clenbuterol Hydrochloride will be muscle cramps. Cramps are not exceedingly common, but they will affect many people. Athletes are often at the greatest risk due to the hard and often intense training they are already undertaking. Staying well hydrated is often enough to avoid or remedy this problem, but supplementing with taurine can also help. Clen has been shown to deplete taurine, so supplementation may be necessary for some. Some may also have issues with insomnia; in fact, some may find sleep becomes extremely difficult. Again, this is very common with many stimulating substances, but with Clen it can, for some, be impossible to avoid. Clen has an active half-life that stretches to the 34 hour mark, and that can make sleep impossible for some people. Many will, however, find if they take their Clen first thing in the morning they will not have any issues with sleep, but due to the long half-life some will find insomnia occurs regardless of when they take it.
The use of Clenbuterol Hydrochloride also carries with it possible side effects that can be severe; in fact, dangerous would be a more accurate description. Such effects are most commonly associated with abuse through high doses and far beyond recommended extended periods of use. The severe side effects of Clenbuterol include high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, trembling and even panic. Some studies have also shown that Clenbuterol abuse can also lead to cardiac hypertrophy, which could potentially lead to death. It is very possible to use this compound without such effects, but as with so many things in life it will require responsible use and a thorough understanding of Clen.
In a therapeutic setting, Clenbuterol doses will most commonly be 20mcg per day, with some requiring 40mcg per day. It is possible for some to need even more, but it is rare and generally only for a short period of time. This should, in most all cases, be enough Clen to correct related breathing issues, if not, alternative treatments may be needed.
In a performance setting as a thermogenic, Clenbuterol doses will start low and generally increase overtime due to a down regulation of the beta-receptor. Most men will find starting at 40mcg per day to be perfect. Many women may also be fine with this starting dose, but many will be far more comfortable with a starting dose of 20mcg per day. As the body adapts, the dose will need to increase in order to maintain the full fat loss benefits. There are several schools of thought on the best way to use Clen in a fat burning setting, but there are only three that really make any sense. All three will work very well, but you may need to try all three at separate times to find which one works best for you.
One of the most common methods of Clenbuterol use for fat loss purposes is two weeks on followed by two weeks off. This type of use will normally continue until the end goal is reached. The individual will start with the initial dose and increase it by 20mcg every few days until he has reached the maximum desired or needed dose. The individual will then hold at this dose the final days of the two week period and then discontinue all Clenbuterol use for two weeks. At the end of the two weeks with no Clen, the individual will begin the process again.
The two week rotation schedule is very effective, but there is also a problem. During the off periods you have no Clen in your system, and as a result, a two week period with a decreased metabolic rate. This does not mean you won’t be burning fat during the off week periods, as long as you’re dieting you should still lose fat, but you are giving up the enhancement.
Due to the body’s ability to adapt to Clenbuterol, continuous use is very hard for some to get their head around. When we consider that the stimulating effects of a noticeable nature began to wane first, the idea of continuous use for some doesn’t make any sense, but we assure you this method of use can work very well. Remember, the same dose of Clen can keep the metabolism revved for up to 5 weeks.
With this type of use, the individual will begin with the starting dose of 20-40mcg per day and hold at that dose for 2-3 weeks. At the end of the 2-3 week period, the individual will increase the dose by 20mcg and hold at that dose for another 2-3 weeks. From here, the individual will increase the dose 20mcg every 2-3 weeks as needed until the diet or total Clen use comes to an end. This type of use will keep your metabolism revved the entire time. It may not experience as great of an increase as would with a massive or very frequent increasing in dose schedule, but it will be a steady and continuous enhancement. There will be no period in the diet during Clenbuterol use that the individual doesn’t enjoy the metabolic enhancement.
The final preferred method of Clenbuterol use falls in-between our other two discussed methods. This type of use will last for 4-6 weeks and can be an excellent way to use it for the individual who is only using it the last few weeks leading up to competition. The individual will start with 40mcg per day and increase periodically until he reaches the maximum desired or needed dose and will hold at the maximum dose the final 7-14 days of the plan. The increases in dosing will not be as dramatic as the two week rotation schedule but stronger than the continuous plan. At this stage, if more Clen is still needed, the individual will need to wait 4-6 weeks before beginning a new phase. This makes this type of use best for those who only need a short period of metabolic enhancement.
Regardless of the type of schedule you use, the maximum Clenbuterol dose will normally be 120mcg per day. Some may find 140mcg per day to be acceptable, especially some men, but no one should for any reason surpass the 140mcg per day mark if they are going to avoid cardiac damage. Regardless of the total dosing or plan of use you use, Clenbuterol use should be kept at no more than 16 weeks of total use. 16 weeks of total use per year should be your guide. For the individual competing in more than one show per year at different stages of the year, we can make exceptions. However, this individual should try to keep the total use as close to a 16 week total every 12 months as possible for safety reasons
Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) is a powerfully effective anti-estrogen officially classified as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). In many ways, it is very similar to another popular SERM in Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate). Clomid first gained worldwide attention in the early 1970’s as a strong fertility aid and is still used for that purpose today. It is also one of the most commonly used SERM’s by anabolic steroid users. No, it is not an anabolic steroid but can be used to combat estrogenic side effects sometimes caused by anabolic steroids. It can also be used as a Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) medication in order to stimulate suppressed testosterone production due to anabolic steroid use. PCT use of Clomid is the most common purpose and most beneficial point of use for the anabolic steroid user.
Clomiphene Citrate is a SERM that is specifically used as a fertility aid due to its ability to enhance the release of gonadotropins. Clomid has the ability to oppose the negative feedback of estrogens on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian-Axis. This will increase the release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) significantly. By increasing gonadotropin release, this can lead to the egg being released, thereby increasing the chance of conception.
Clomid also carries strong anti-estrogen properties that could be used therapeutically, but its anti-estrogen properties are most commonly associated with anabolic steroid use. Testosterone and many testosterone derived steroids have the ability to convert to estrogen through testosterone’s interaction with the aromatase enzyme. As estrogen levels rise, this can lead to gynecomastia and excess water retention. Heavy water retention can also promote high blood pressure. By supplementing with Clomid during anabolic steroid use, the SERM will bind to the estrogen receptors, therefore inhibiting the estrogen hormone from binding. This can be very useful in combating gynecomastia, as when Clomid binds to the receptor it prevents estrogen from stimulating the mammary tissue. It can also have a positive impact on water retention, but as it won’t actively reduce serum estrogen levels it’s sometimes not enough.
Clomid also possess functioning traits that are beneficial to the anabolic steroid user post anabolic steroid use. Specifically we’re referring to Post Cycle Therapy (PCT). In men, Clomid also has the ability to stimulate the pituitary to release more LH and FSH, which will in turn stimulate enhanced natural testosterone production. This is extremely beneficial to the anabolic steroid user post cycle as natural testosterone levels will be very low due to suppression caused by anabolic steroid use.
In a therapeutic setting as a fertility aid, the effects of Clomid are simple. The woman is having difficulty becoming pregnant, Clomid enhances the chance of conception and pregnancy occurs. It doesn’t always work and we’ll look at the process in the administration section, but it will greatly increase the odds of conception and is fairly successful.
As an anti-estrogen for on cycle steroid use, Clomid is fairly effective at staving off gynecomastia. It will not reduce estrogen levels or inhibit the aromatization process, but in many cases, binding to the receptors is enough protection for many men. In fact, while there are stronger protective agents, many men would be surprised as to how well a SERM like Clomid can work if they would give it a chance. More importantly, when using Clomid for this purpose it can also have a positive impact on cholesterol levels. While an anti-estrogen, Clomid actually acts as estrogen in the liver, which in turn will promote healthier cholesterol levels. This can be very beneficial to the anabolic steroid user as anabolic steroid use is notorious for promoting unhealthy cholesterol levels.
For many men, especially hardcore anabolic steroid users, Clomid is not enough for estrogenic protection. In this case, an Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) like Arimidex (Anastrozole) or Femara (Letrozole) will be needed. AI’s actively inhibit the aromatase process and will see serum estrogen levels reduced. By far they are the most effective at combating gynecomastia and will have more success in combating water retention. In fact, SERM’s like Clomid often do very little to combat water retention. However, in many cases, many performance athletes would do a better job controlling water retention if they did a better job controlling their diet. In off-season bulking plans this requires excess calories to grow. However, many take it too far, especially carbohydrate consumptions, and this will cause you to hold water with or without anabolic steroid use. Add in aromatizing steroids to the equation and water retention will be even greater. Further, AI’s while effective will have a negative impact on cholesterol, which leads us to only one sane conclusion. Control your diet and if you can control gynecomastia with a SERM like Clomid it should be your first choice.
Then we’re left with the effects of Clomid as they pertain to PCT. When we supplement with anabolic steroids, this will suppress natural testosterone production. The rate of suppression will be dependent on the steroids being used and to a degree the total dosing, but it will generally be substantial. For this reason, most men will always include exogenous testosterone in their steroid cycles. In fact, it’s not uncommon for it to be the only steroid used. This will protect the individual from a low testosterone condition while on cycle. Unfortunately, once steroid use comes to an end natural testosterone levels will be very low. Natural testosterone production will begin again on its own, but it will take a significant amount of time for levels to reach their previous high state. In fact, total recovery can take months to even a year. Further, natural testosterone recovery is dependent on no prior low testosterone condition existing and assumes that no severe damage was done to the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular-Axis (HPTA) through improper anabolic steroid use.
Due to natural testosterone levels being low post cycle, most men are encouraged to implement a PCT program. This will stimulate natural testosterone production greatly and shorten the total recovery time. It will not return your levels to normal on its own; there is no PCT plan on earth that can do this. However, a solid PCT plan will ensure you have enough testosterone for proper bodily function while your levels continue to naturally rise. Clomid is an excellent choice for this purpose and one of the most commonly used PCT medications. Highly successful PCT programs will often include Clomid and Nolvadex as well as the powerful peptide hormone HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin).
Those who forgo Clomid therapy post cycle or any type of PCT plan and are going to be off cycle for an extended period of time will rest in a low testosterone condition for an extended period of time. Not only is this an extremely unhealthy state, it can come with all the traditional low testosterone symptoms. Many will find cortisol levels greatly increase as testosterone levels are low, and as a result, body fat levels go up and strength and muscle mass decrease. If you’re going to be off cycle for an extended period of time, 8 weeks or more there is no reason for forgoing a PCT program. If you are going to be off cycle for less than 8 weeks or bridging with a low dose of exogenous testosterone, which is very common in hardcore bodybuilding circles, this is the only time a PCT would be counterproductive.
Clomid is one of the most well-tolerated SERM’s and anti-estrogens on the market, and this applies to both men and women. While it carries a very high threshold of toleration, side effects of Clomid do exist and are possible. However, “possible” is the key word and a very important one. Anytime anabolic steroids are discussed as well as non-steroidal items used by anabolic steroid users, many seem to enjoy implying side effects are assured. This is not the case; in fact, most should be able to use Clomid side effect free.
When it comes to the possible side effects of Clomid, we will find most are fairly rare. Some women who have used the SERM as a fertility aid have experienced ovarian enlargement, but again this is very rare. Other possible side effects of Clomid use include:
The side effects of Clomid are also well noted for including possible visual disturbances. Data shows that approximately 1.5% of all those who use Clomid may experience some type of visual disturbance normally in the form of blurred or hazy vision. If this occurs, use should be discontinued and alternative medications should be examined. In most all cases, once use is discontinued vision will shortly return to normal. However, there have been a few reported cases over the years of visual disturbances that did not remedy post discontinuation. Normally, such cases have been linked to long term and extremely high dose use. Again, if visual disturbances occur, discontinue use immediately and choose another SERM to meet your needs.
A final note on the side effects of Clomid, some may experience acne. This appears to be most common when the SERM is used as part of a PCT program. In this case, it’s not really the SERM that’s causing the issue but rather the high influx of natural testosterone that is now being produced. Most should not have an issue, but those who are already genetically sensitive to acne may find a few pimples appear on their back, shoulders or chest.
For the purpose of fertility aid, Clomid doses will normally be at 50mg per day. The process is very simple; five days into the menstrual cycle a daily 50mg dose is administered every day once a day for five straight days. If this doesn’t result in conception, the dose is sometimes increased to 100mg per day. This cycle will be repeated 5-6 times over the course of the woman’s menstrual cycles until pregnant. If conception does not occur after 5-6 cycles of therapy, alternative treatments will need to be examined.
For the anabolic steroid user, standard Clomid doses for on cycle estrogenic protection will normally be 50mg per day throughout the duration of the cycle. If this doesn’t do the trick it’s unlikely any amount of Clomid will work. If this does not provide the protection you need, keep in mind many have reported greater success with the SERM Nolvadex for on cycle protection. However, you may very well need an AI like Arimidex.
Then we’re left with PCT Clomid use. Standard PCT Clomid doses will normally start at 100-150mg per day for 1-2 weeks. From here the dose will drop to 50-100mg per day for 1-2 weeks and finish with 1-2 weeks at 50mg per day. Total Clomid therapy should last 4-6 weeks, so dosing should be based and considered on that total schedule. Most will also be far more successful in their PCT recovery by including Nolvadex and HCG. Timing is also important when planning your Clomid PCT use, and this timing factor will vary depending on the inclusion of HCG:
Dianabol represents one of the most popular and one of the most important anabolic steroids of all time. Without question, this is the most popular oral steroid to ever hit the market and one of the most popular steroids in any form. While almost always found as an oral tablet, Dianabol can be found as an injectable solution, but the tablets represent the primary route of administration. Why is this steroid so important? In many ways it gave birth to the age of modern performance enhancement. It was not the first anabolic steroid used for that purpose, that would belong to testosterone, but Dianabol would open the door to a new wave of steroid use that has grown beyond what anyone expected.
Dianabol represents one of the only anabolic steroids that was developed for the sole purpose of performance enhancement. The compound did carry listed therapeutic uses at one time, but performance was the true reason this steroid was given life. Through the 1940’s and 50’s the Soviet Union had begun to dominate the Olympic games, and the use of testosterone by many of its athletes left the rest of the world lagging far behind. During this time, U.S. Olympic team Dr. John Ziegler would learn of the U.S.S.R.’s steroid use, and quickly would aid in ensuring his athletes would match up. In 1958, with the help of Dr. Ziegler, Ciba Pharmaceuticals would release the first batches of Methandrostenolone under the trade name Dianabol. The compound was designed in an effort to maintain the anabolic properties of testosterone with less androgenicity in a fast acting, powerful method. Seemingly overnight the steroid was a massive success, giving many U.S. athletes a distinct advantage over their Soviet rivals.
After its inception, Dianabol would quickly find its way into nearly every competitive sport imaginable. In conjunction with exogenous testosterone, this would birth an age of performance unlike the world had ever seen. The steroid would also rapidly become a staple in competitive bodybuilding where it has remained a favorite to this day. However, shortly after its release the U.S. FDA would begin to put a lot of pressure on Ciba in an effort to push the company to list true medical benefits of the steroid. The FDA would approve its use for the treatment osteoporosis in post-menopausal women as well as pituitary-deficient dwarfism, but the latter was withdrawn in the early 1980’s. Again the FDA would pressure Ciba for more information, but in 1983 under mounting pressure Ciba would discontinue the Dianabol tab. A few years later, the FDA would pull all Methandrostenolone brands from the shelf. Since that time Dianabol has not been legally manufactured in the United States, but is still manufactured heavily all over the world.
Methandrostenolone is a testosterone derived anabolic androgenic steroid. Officially, it is a structurally altered form of the primary male androgen testosterone. Dianabol is the testosterone hormone with an added double bond at the carbon one and two position. This slight alteration reduces the hormone’s androgenic nature. It also carries an added methyl group at the 17th carbon position that allows the hormone to survive oral ingestion, officially classifying Dianabol as a C17-alpha alkylated steroid. An important note, injectable Dianabol is also C17-alpha alkylated. The end result gives us an anabolic steroid with an androgenic rating of 40-60 with a much lower binding affinity to the androgen receptor compared to testosterone. However, it will also share a much weaker relationship for serum binding protein, which results in an extremely powerful anabolic steroid. If there’s any doubt, this is one extremely powerful anabolic steroid carrying a potent anabolic nature.
On a functional basis, Dianabol is one of the easier anabolic steroids to understand. This steroid will largely provide its anabolic benefits by enhancing protein synthesis, nitrogen retention and glycogenolysis. Protein synthesis represents the rate by which cells build proteins, the building blocks of muscle. Nitrogen retention, this is important as all muscle tissue is comprised of approximately 16% nitrogen. The more nitrogen we retain, the more anabolic we remain. Conversely, a nitrogen deficiency results in a catabolic or muscle wasting state. Then we’re left with glycogenolysis, which refers to the relationship and conversion between glycogen and glucose. Through enhanced glycogenolysis, we are able to make better use of our total carbohydrate consumption. While in many ways these traits are quite simple, they are strong enough to make Dianabol a remarkably powerful anabolic steroid.
Another important trait of Dianabol and perhaps one of the most important of all is the relationship it shares with other anabolic steroids. Dbol as it’s often called is not what we’d label as a base steroid. This is not an anabolic steroid we build a cycle around, but rather one we add to a well-planned stack. Dianabol has the ability to create unbelievable synergy when conjoined with other anabolic steroids. For example, you could supplement with 100mg of Trenbolone, Masteron or Equipoise per day (doses and steroids are simply being used as an example, not actual recommendations) and the results you’d receive from 50mg per day of Trenbolone, Masteron or Equipoise along side 50mg of Dianabol per day would be far more dramatic. You would have an identical amount of total milligrams of anabolic steroids with or without Dianabol, but the added Dianabol would provide greater enhancement.
The effects of Dianabol can be summed up as fast acting and dramatic. In fact, it is more than possible for the individual to gain as much as 20lbs of mass in only a few weeks of Dianabol use. Total dosing will play a role, as will total caloric consumption, but a 20lb gain is very realistic. This makes Dianabol a premier off-season bulking steroid, and that will be its most common purpose of use. During this phase of use, the individual should also expect his strength to increase significantly. Dbol is actually one of the best strength increasing steroids on the market and along with mass can produce this result rapidly.
The effects of Dianabol are also greatly appreciated by many athletes; however, it is not as common as it once was in athletic enhancement circles. Due to the possible rapid increases in mass, many athletes will opt for steroids like Anavar or Winstrol, but it generally depends on the purpose of use. Due to the rapid and pronounced increases in strength, which can translate into more power and speed, this can be a solid athletic enhancer. The individual should also experience a level of enhanced recovery and endurance. When it comes to the weight gain, it’s important to remember that this will largely revolve around total caloric intake. While the steroid can promote enormous amounts of mass, you have to feed the body enough calories to reach this end. We wouldn’t call this the best athletic enhancing steroid due to other options, but if strength is the only true concern it could be a decent option.
Then we’re left with the cutting cycle, and you will not find Dianabol in such plans too often. Some competitive bodybuilders will use it early on in a cutting phase in order to maintain fullness, and it will provide lean tissue protection; however, there are better options. One problem with cutting cycle use can be the level of water retention this steroid can provide, which is normally the last thing you want when cutting. Such retention can be controlled, and the ability for this steroid to maintain strength can be appreciated, but there are better options.
There are several possible side effects of Dianabol use. This is not the most dangerous anabolic steroid of all time, but it can carry a host of potential problems. A healthy adult male can manage the side effects of Dianabol, but you must understand them and how to combat them to pull this off. In order to achieve successful supplementation, we have broken down the possible side effects of Dianabol into their related categories along with all you need to know:
Dianabol is a relatively strong estrogenic anabolic steroid due to the moderate level of aromatase activity it carries. While its aromatase activity is only moderate, this conversion actually leads Methandrostenolone to be converted to methylestradiol rather than estradiol, which is far more powerful than estradiol. This can make side effects like gynecomastia and water retention very possible with this steroid; in fact, they can appear seemingly overnight. Heavy water retention can also promote high blood pressure, which Dianabol is notorious for causing. Such effects can be controlled, and when it comes to high blood pressure this is something you’ll need to put some effort into ensuring does not become a problem.
In order to combat the estrogenic side effects of Dianabol, anti-estrogens are commonly recommended when supplementing with this steroid. You have two choices in anti-estrogens, Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM’s) like Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate) and Aromatase Inhibitors (AI’s) like Femara (Letrozole). SERM’s can be enough for some men and should be your first choice if they can get the job done. However, AI’s will be far more effective as they will directly inhibit aromatization and reduce serum estrogen levels. Unfortunately, AI’s can negatively affect cholesterol, as can Dianabol, and when conjoined this can prove potentially problematic. If an AI is used cholesterol management will be a priority, and it will be possible. However, SERM’s, while not always as effective will actually promote healthier cholesterol levels due to their estrogenic like activity in the liver.
Dianabol is not an extremely androgenic steroid, its androgenicity has been structurally reduced, but androgenic side effects are still possible. Such side effects of Dianabol use include acne, accelerated hair loss in those predisposed to male pattern baldness and body hair growth. Most men should not have a problem with such effects, response will be the final dictator, but most will remain clear. Although the odds are in your favor, such effects are brought on by Methandrostenolone being metabolized by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. This is the same enzyme responsible for the reduction of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, but the overall conversion here will result in very low amounts of dihydromethandrostenolone. This tells us 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like Finasteride that are often used to combat androgenic side effects will have very little if any affect on Dianabol.
Despite its reduced androgenicity, Dianabol can promote virilization symptoms in women. Such symptoms include body hair growth, a deepening of the vocal chords and clitoral enlargement. It is possible for some women to use this steroid without virilization symptoms with extremely low doses, but the odds are not favorable. Most all women should choose anabolic steroids with less translating androgenic activity to meet their needs.
Dianabol can have a pronounced negative effect on cholesterol. This includes HDL cholesterol suppression and increases in LDL cholesterol, and the total changes can be significant. It is possible for total cholesterol levels to remain in a healthy range, but it is also possible for this healthy total reading to be misleading if HDL is suppressed heavily. Managing cholesterol during Dianabol use will be extremely important. Repeated use of this steroid as with many anabolic steroids could potentially lead to plaque buildup in the arteries overtime. It’s also extremely important to keep in mind the very possible additional strain on cholesterol brought on by the use of an AI when supplementing with Dianabol as total estrogen reductions will have a negative effect. Again, cholesterol maintenance will be extremely important.
As discussed, Dianabol can also play a negative role on blood pressure, which can be controlled by controlling water retention in most cases. When it comes to the blood pressure and cholesterol issues, the ultimate key to success will be your lifestyle. You should not supplement with this steroid if you already suffer from high blood pressure or cholesterol. If you are healthy enough for use, you should ensure your lifestyle is conducive to their maintenance. This should include a healthy diet that is rich in omega fatty acids, plenty of cardiovascular activity and an avoidance of any activity that promotes the opposite, negative end. Proper estrogen maintenance and control will also be important as estrogen plays an important role in cholesterol management. Yes, it is more than possible to supplement with Dianabol without high blood pressure and cholesterol, but you must put in the effort.
All anabolic steroids suppress natural testosterone production. While the total rate of suppression varies from one steroid to the next, with Dianabol it is very pronounced. For this reason, most men are encouraged to include some form of exogenous testosterone with their Dianabol use. Failure to include exogenous testosterone, regardless of your genetics or rumors you have heard will lead to a low testosterone condition. Such a condition comes with a host of possible symptoms and is extremely unhealthy. Even if symptoms do not show or are moderate at best, a low level condition will remain an unhealthy one. If you include exogenous testosterone, this problem is solved as the body will have all the testosterone it needs.
Once the use of Dianabol is complete and all the exogenous steroidal hormones have cleared your system, natural testosterone recovery will begin again. Natural recovery assumes no prior low testosterone condition. It also assumes no damage was done to the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular-Axis (HPTA) due to improper anabolic steroid use. While natural recovery will begin on its own, it will be slow. For this reason, most are encouraged to implement a Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) plan after anabolic steroid use. Such a plan will commonly include the SERM’s Nolvadex and Clomid, and often additional HCG. This will greatly speed up the recovery process, as well as its overall efficiency. It will not return your natural testosterone levels to normal on its own, if this is something you’ve been told it is a myth. However, it will ensure you have enough testosterone for proper bodily function while your levels continue to naturally rise. Total recovery will still take several months, but this will cut the total time down dramatically and ensure a smooth recovery.
Dianabol represents one of the most popular and one of the most important anabolic steroids of all time. Without question, this is the most popular oral steroid to ever hit the market and one of the most popular steroids in any form. While almost always found as an oral tablet, Dianabol can be found as an injectable solution, but the tablets represent the primary route of administration. Why is this steroid so important? In many ways it gave birth to the age of modern performance enhancement. It was not the first anabolic steroid used for that purpose, that would belong to testosterone, but Dianabol would open the door to a new wave of steroid use that has grown beyond what anyone expected.
Dianabol represents one of the only anabolic steroids that was developed for the sole purpose of performance enhancement. The compound did carry listed therapeutic uses at one time, but performance was the true reason this steroid was given life. Through the 1940’s and 50’s the Soviet Union had begun to dominate the Olympic games, and the use of testosterone by many of its athletes left the rest of the world lagging far behind. During this time, U.S. Olympic team Dr. John Ziegler would learn of the U.S.S.R.’s steroid use, and quickly would aid in ensuring his athletes would match up. In 1958, with the help of Dr. Ziegler, Ciba Pharmaceuticals would release the first batches of Methandrostenolone under the trade name Dianabol. The compound was designed in an effort to maintain the anabolic properties of testosterone with less androgenicity in a fast acting, powerful method. Seemingly overnight the steroid was a massive success, giving many U.S. athletes a distinct advantage over their Soviet rivals.
After its inception, Dianabol would quickly find its way into nearly every competitive sport imaginable. In conjunction with exogenous testosterone, this would birth an age of performance unlike the world had ever seen. The steroid would also rapidly become a staple in competitive bodybuilding where it has remained a favorite to this day. However, shortly after its release the U.S. FDA would begin to put a lot of pressure on Ciba in an effort to push the company to list true medical benefits of the steroid. The FDA would approve its use for the treatment osteoporosis in post-menopausal women as well as pituitary-deficient dwarfism, but the latter was withdrawn in the early 1980’s. Again the FDA would pressure Ciba for more information, but in 1983 under mounting pressure Ciba would discontinue the Dianabol tab. A few years later, the FDA would pull all Methandrostenolone brands from the shelf. Since that time Dianabol has not been legally manufactured in the United States, but is still manufactured heavily all over the world.
Methandrostenolone is a testosterone derived anabolic androgenic steroid. Officially, it is a structurally altered form of the primary male androgen testosterone. Dianabol is the testosterone hormone with an added double bond at the carbon one and two position. This slight alteration reduces the hormone’s androgenic nature. It also carries an added methyl group at the 17th carbon position that allows the hormone to survive oral ingestion, officially classifying Dianabol as a C17-alpha alkylated steroid. An important note, injectable Dianabol is also C17-alpha alkylated. The end result gives us an anabolic steroid with an androgenic rating of 40-60 with a much lower binding affinity to the androgen receptor compared to testosterone. However, it will also share a much weaker relationship for serum binding protein, which results in an extremely powerful anabolic steroid. If there’s any doubt, this is one extremely powerful anabolic steroid carrying a potent anabolic nature.
On a functional basis, Dianabol is one of the easier anabolic steroids to understand. This steroid will largely provide its anabolic benefits by enhancing protein synthesis, nitrogen retention and glycogenolysis. Protein synthesis represents the rate by which cells build proteins, the building blocks of muscle. Nitrogen retention, this is important as all muscle tissue is comprised of approximately 16% nitrogen. The more nitrogen we retain, the more anabolic we remain. Conversely, a nitrogen deficiency results in a catabolic or muscle wasting state. Then we’re left with glycogenolysis, which refers to the relationship and conversion between glycogen and glucose. Through enhanced glycogenolysis, we are able to make better use of our total carbohydrate consumption. While in many ways these traits are quite simple, they are strong enough to make Dianabol a remarkably powerful anabolic steroid.
Another important trait of Dianabol and perhaps one of the most important of all is the relationship it shares with other anabolic steroids. Dbol as it’s often called is not what we’d label as a base steroid. This is not an anabolic steroid we build a cycle around, but rather one we add to a well-planned stack. Dianabol has the ability to create unbelievable synergy when conjoined with other anabolic steroids. For example, you could supplement with 100mg of Trenbolone, Masteron or Equipoise per day (doses and steroids are simply being used as an example, not actual recommendations) and the results you’d receive from 50mg per day of Trenbolone, Masteron or Equipoise along side 50mg of Dianabol per day would be far more dramatic. You would have an identical amount of total milligrams of anabolic steroids with or without Dianabol, but the added Dianabol would provide greater enhancement.
The effects of Dianabol can be summed up as fast acting and dramatic. In fact, it is more than possible for the individual to gain as much as 20lbs of mass in only a few weeks of Dianabol use. Total dosing will play a role, as will total caloric consumption, but a 20lb gain is very realistic. This makes Dianabol a premier off-season bulking steroid, and that will be its most common purpose of use. During this phase of use, the individual should also expect his strength to increase significantly. Dbol is actually one of the best strength increasing steroids on the market and along with mass can produce this result rapidly.
The effects of Dianabol are also greatly appreciated by many athletes; however, it is not as common as it once was in athletic enhancement circles. Due to the possible rapid increases in mass, many athletes will opt for steroids like Anavar or Winstrol, but it generally depends on the purpose of use. Due to the rapid and pronounced increases in strength, which can translate into more power and speed, this can be a solid athletic enhancer. The individual should also experience a level of enhanced recovery and endurance. When it comes to the weight gain, it’s important to remember that this will largely revolve around total caloric intake. While the steroid can promote enormous amounts of mass, you have to feed the body enough calories to reach this end. We wouldn’t call this the best athletic enhancing steroid due to other options, but if strength is the only true concern it could be a decent option.
Then we’re left with the cutting cycle, and you will not find Dianabol in such plans too often. Some competitive bodybuilders will use it early on in a cutting phase in order to maintain fullness, and it will provide lean tissue protection; however, there are better options. One problem with cutting cycle use can be the level of water retention this steroid can provide, which is normally the last thing you want when cutting. Such retention can be controlled, and the ability for this steroid to maintain strength can be appreciated, but there are better options.
There are several possible side effects of Dianabol use. This is not the most dangerous anabolic steroid of all time, but it can carry a host of potential problems. A healthy adult male can manage the side effects of Dianabol, but you must understand them and how to combat them to pull this off. In order to achieve successful supplementation, we have broken down the possible side effects of Dianabol into their related categories along with all you need to know
Anadrol (commonly called by athletes “A50” or “A-bombs”) was initially developed as a compound to help people with anemia, and has since been used very successfully to aid people who are suffering from many other diseases where weight loss is a concern. Thus, it is clearly an effective agent for promoting weight gain, increasing appetite, gaining strength, and increasing Red Blood Cell count. And, as with most Anabolic/Androgenic Steroids (AAS), it has its downsides as well. Anadrol 50 will inhibit your body’s natural production of hormones (testosterone, etc ), will negatively affect your blood lipid profile, can cause water retention, is notorious for causing headaches, and is also highly liver toxic (in fact, it has the worst reputation for hepatoxicity out of all steroids). Paradoxically, although one the benefits touted by its original manufacturer (Syntex) is that it can be used to stimulate weight gain through increasing appetite, taking too much may actually inhibit your appetite!
I think, in order to gain a complete understanding of the Anadrol 50 effects on body, we need to take a look at its advantages contrasted with its disadvantages. Anadrol is a DHT-derived compound, and is 17-Alpha-Alkylated steroid, meaning that it has been altered at the 17th carbon position to survive oral ingestion. Most oral steroids are 17aa, and this helps them make it through your liver in a useful form. Sounds great, right? Lets 17alpha-alkylate everything! Well as you can imagine, there’s a down side.
This 17aa alteration, which makes it possible for Anadrol to survive its first pass through your liver, also makes it very taxing on your liver. How taxing is Anadrol and how much weight can you gain from its use? Well, there was a 30 week study done on Anadrol and, as you can expect, a reasonable amount of side effects were noted. The fact that Anadrol causes some side effects has really never been in debate. But how effective was the drug? Well, first it should be mentioned that this study was done on people with AIDS related wasting, and they actually gained weight (8+kg) while the control group lost weight, and had increased mortality rates. (1). I suppose, if you’re in a study because you have a wasting disease which is also a terminal illness, you don’t want to end up in the control group. Anyway, weight gain in this study peaked at 19-20 weeks, though, so the last 10 weeks weren’t very productive in this respect. Clearly, you wouldn’t want to run Anadrol 50 for 20 weeks, given its toxicity, but after that, any effect in terms of weight and strength gains would be negligible. So, with regards to sides from Anadrol, and the sheer fact that this study lasted so long (30 weeks), it should be apparent that they can be kept under control and the drug can be used safely. People are commonly told to limit their intake of Anadrol to 4 weeks or less I’m a bit less conservative and think you can easily run Anadrol for 6 weeks or more.
From personal experience, however, I can tell you that gains from Anadrol are quite dramatic for the first 3 weeks and then quickly level off. Unfortunately, I find that the side effects experienced from Anadrol (which include a headache, bloating, elevated blood pressure, and a general “unwell” feeling for me) remain for the entire duration of use. But I find as usual, side effects for this drug are pretty much half legend and half truth. Since Anadrol 50 is derived from DHT, it cant actually convert to estrogen (via the aromatase enzyme), and its not a progestin or a compound with progestenic activity so the estrogenic (?) side effects produced by it are of a very mysterious nature. It has been speculated that perhaps it can stimulate the estrogen receptor without actually being converted to estrogen and that’s about as plausible an explanation as Ive heard. However, things really get strange, when Oxymetholone has been used in studies to alter the female reproductive/menstrual cycle; in those cases, it has lowered plasma progesterone levels! (7)One would expect that an AI (aromatase inhibitor) wouldn’t be of much use with this drug, but many have found that Letrozole (which has, in some cases been shown to reduce estrogen in the body to an undetectable amount)(6) can greatly reduce or even eliminate many of the more noticeable side effects of Anadrol, such as the bloating.
As I’ve stated, however, the sides from this drug are certainly no joke, but are easily preventable, and controllable. One study even showed very few sides for subjects using up to 100mgs of Oxymetholone (2). In the original UnderGround Steroid Hand Book, Dan Duchaine states that he used it at doses up to 150mgs/day. Clearly, Anadrol’s hepatoxicity has been a bit exaggerated, in some circles. Be that as it may, my suggestion is still to limit Anadrol’s use to 6 weeks, at a maximum even if just to err on the side of caution. Of course, I have personally run this drug for much longer..
How should we use Anadrol? Id probably be willing to include Anadrol in a cycle including injectable steroids, but not other 17aa compounds. Id make any 6-week-run of this compound begin at the start of a cycle, as a form of “jumpstart” towards seeing gains quickly. The quick gains you will get from Anadrol (up to a pound per day for the first 2 weeks are not uncommon in Steroid.com members) are also just as quick to disappear upon cessation of use .unless you are simply using it as a kickstarter, while waiting for your other compounds to kick-in. Ill go out on a limb here and say that utilizing Anadrol as a “Jumpstart” is the most popular use of this drug for athletes and bodybuilders today. Ill also say that this drug is immensely popular with strength athletes who dont have to worry about weight classes (Field athletes and strongmen), and with powerlifters in the heavier weight brackets. Its also important to note that in one study by Schroder et. Al (2) Anadrol showed that it has the ability to lower serum SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin which binds to your free test and makes it no longer useful for anabolism, among other things) concentrations by 54.9 25.8 and 45 16.2 nmol/l in the 50- and 100-mg treatment groups. This means there will be more free test circulating around your body when you take this drug and clearly, this would produce some synergy when stacked with other steroids. Given the large amounts of weight and strength which can be gained in a relatively short time span on this drug, I’m sure this comes as no surprise to many.
Another important and often understated characteristic of this compound is that Oxymetholone doesn’t bind well to the androgen receptor (Relative Binding Affinity = too low to be determined) (3) which is the lowest Ive ever read about. Basically, what this tells me is that there are a lot of non-receptor mediated effects from this steroid, making it a very potent addition to ANY BULKING stack, because it wont be competing for the receptor sites with the other steroids you’re using. Its also, as you may have guessed a very poor choice for a cutting stack.
What is an Anadrol Cycle? How much should you use? Well, this is actually one of the most interesting facts about Anadrol 50. You see, most steroids produce what we call a “dose respondent curve” which is a fancy way of saying “the more you use, the more you gain.”
Anadrol is one of the few steroids where the dose respondent curve flattens out very quickly. When you take 50mgs of Anadrol, you’ll make some very good gains. When you take 100mgs of Anadrol, you’ll make even more gains. However, it has been found that 100mgs/day is as effective for weight gain as 150mgs/day but produces less side effects and was less toxic (4). I feel that the jump from 50mgs to 100mgs constitutes an acceptable rise in benefit vs. cost, but this is not the case as dosages get over 100mgs. Now, lets see how 50mgs and 100mgs of Oxymetholone actually effect strength, when compared with each other:
Relative (%) changes in strength are shown for the groups receiving placebo (filled bars), 50 mg/day oxymetholone (open bars), and 100 mg/day oxymetholone (gray bars). Nos. above bars represent relative change (%) from baseline to week 12 for the 1-repetition maximum tests of strength. Error bars represent 1 SE from the mean. * Significant difference from placebo, P < 0.05; significant difference from placebo by Wilcoxon test, P < 0.02. See text for additional statistical analyses.
As you can see, in this study, doubling the dose of Anadrol 50 nearly doubled the strength gains of the test subjects. Now, when we look at changes in body composition from Oxymetholone (chart below) we can see that although the guys taking the 100mgs (vs. the 50mgs group) had more fat lost and more Lean Body Mass gained, it wasn’t as dramatic as the differences in strength gains between the two groups:
Changes in body composition are shown for the groups receiving placebo (filled bars), 50 mg of oxymetholone per day (open bars), and 100 mg per day (gray bars). Numbers above the bars represent the mean absolute changes and the error bars are 1 SE. For total lean body mass (LBM) and total fat, differences among the 3 groups were significant (P < 0.0001, one-way ANOVA). * Significant differences from placebo, P 0.001.
Although I am usually not inclined to posit speculations on why a particular drug does or doesn’t do something, in this case I will. Im guessing that the higher doses of Anadrol cause enough appetite suppression (at least anecdotally) to make eating rather difficult. It can also increase insulin resistance and glucose intolerance (5). This has the effect of making macronutrient absorption more inefficient, and could also be a factor in reducing gains when the dosage goes over 100mgs/day. Unfortunately, Anadrol also has a reasonably profound effect on your body’s natural hormonal system, on par with most other oral steroids, but not as bad as most injectables, and its certainly not as harsh on your lipid profile as many anabolics are
(2). As an interesting side note, some of the medical literature on this compound suggests a dose of 1-5mgs per kg of bodyweight. Ill pause a second here for you to figure out how absurdly high of a dose that would translate to for the average bodybuilder!