Welcome to the first part of a comprehensive series that will take an in- depth look at various issues surrounding steroids and steroid use. In this on-going series we will cover such issues as liver function, thyroid function, insulin use (for non diabetic trainers), steroids and women, Clenbuterol use, testosterone esters in depth, counterfeit steroids, frequently asked questions etc. We will also take a closer look at mass building drugs, cutting drugs and anti-estrogens.

All in all, this is going to be a pretty comprehensive series! So let’s get started with a lesson in:

BASIC PHARMACOLOGY

Anabolic Steroids are derivatives of the male hormone testosterone and, as such, they exert their effects on many testosterone sensitive tissues within the body. This includes reproductive tissues, muscle, bone, hair follicles, liver, kidneys , white and red blood cells and brain. These effects fall under two classifications:

• ANABOLIC – Promoting muscle growth
• ANDROGENIC – Promoting the development of masculine characteristics

Of primary interest to the athlete of course is the anabolic effect. Testosterone is the primary hormone involved in muscle growth. Put simply, testosterone enters the inside of the muscle cell where it binds with an androgen receptor. It then continues its journey until it reaches the nucleus of the cell. On arrival at this destination the ‘dynamic duo’ turn on or off specific segments within the DNA in order to trigger muscle growth.
In addition to triggering muscle growth, anabolic steroids also prevent muscle breakdown (catabolism) by inhibiting the action of cortisol and other glucocorticoids, which are known for their catabolic effect.

CHEMISTRY

In order to exert maximum effects in the body anabolic steroids need to be chemically altered. When testosterone itself is taken orally it is swiftly broken down and eliminated by enzymes present in the intestines and the liver. In the case of steroids, a process known as 17a-alkylation has structurally altered most oral products, this protects the steroid from being destroyed by these enzymes. This 17a-alkylation, whilst good on paper, does unfortunately result in most oral drugs being harsh on the liver. It also causes negative changes in HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). The advice here would be to ensure that, whilst taking oral steroids, it is wise to include some form of liver protection e.g. Legalon available from www.maximedicine.com.

Oral anabolics are often preferred by drug-tested athletes due to their short clearing time (i.e. the amount of time they are detectable in the system).
In the case of injectable steroids, these are naturally produced androgens (testosterone, nortestosterone, boldenone) bound to a fatty acid by an ester bond at the 17-carbon. This serves, not to protect the substance against enzymes (like the 17a-alkylation) but to increase the amount of time the steroid remains in an oil globule, following injection, before it enters the circulation.

On entering the bloodstream, the fatty acid is split off by enzymes called esterazes. In the case of a long fatty acid this results in a slow release of the steroid over a course of days or weeks.

THE ESTROGEN FACTOR

Many of you will already be familiar with a process known as ‘aromatization’. This is a process by which testosterone is converted into estrogen. Most bodybuilders try to avoid estrogen conversion by taking anti-estrogen drugs such as Arimadex. Arimadex exerts its effect by neutralizing the aromatase enzyme. When you take aromatase out of the equation testosterone can no longer be converted to estrogen. This assists in the reduction of estrogen dependent fat deposition, water retention and gynecomastia (the growth of breast tissue in males).

However, before you go crazy with aromatase inhibitors and anti-estrogens (e.g. Nolvadex) do remember that too little estrogen can slow muscle growth, suppress HDL (good) cholesterol and kill sex drive. Therefore, the key to using these substances is to take them in moderation so that you blunt estrogens effects without removing it completely from your system.

IN SUMMARY

The undisputed fact of the matter is that anabolic steroids are immensely popular with not only professional and recreational athletes, but also those individuals just wishing to improve their performance and overall quality of life. Knowing how they work, how to safely use them and how to protect your health during and after use is vital not only to your success but also to your overall health. There is no denying their effectiveness but there is also no denying the side effects that can result from their abuse/misuse. It is for that reason that, here at Muscle sport, our aim is to educate rather than condemn those who decide to integrate these substances into their fitness regime. So, that said, stay tuned to this spot for much more from the ‘Steroid Insider’ over the following months.

Leigh Penman, in addition to be a staff writer at MuscleSport Mag, has been writing for bodybuilding magazines, websites and nutritional supplement companies since 1985. Whilst residing in the UK, she earned the reputation of being one of the top female writers in bodybuilding-related media. Her credits included being a contributing editor on all the magazines in production as well as filling the shoes of Ladies Editor and Showbiz Editor on two publications (the later being on Arnold’s sanctioned magazine, ‘Bodypower’). During this time she also competed successfully on four occasions (placing in the top four in all contests).

Relocating to New York in the late 1990s she focused her writing attention to crystal healing techniques and metaphysics – however, she still maintained a five day workout schedule during this time and gained her personal training certificate.

This is part of a continuing series provided exclusively by MuscleSport Mag giving information on a variety of performance-enhancing drugs for educational purposes. While it is apparent that people are going to use these substances regardless of the health and legal risks involved, quality information is necessary and learning as much about them as possible can only assist an adult making a decision either way.

Testosterone Enanthate is an oil based injectable steroid, which is designed to slowly release testosterone from the injection site. This slow release delivery leads to an elevation in testosterone levels lasting for approximately two weeks (it may even take as long as three weeks for the drug levels to fully diminish). Due to its relatively long activity level, Testosterone Enanthate is favored by the medical profession and is primarily used to treat cases of hypogonadism and similar disorders where low androgen levels are at fault.
As with all testosterone products it has strong anabolic and androgenic activity. Gains in strength and muscle mass are notable, along with an increase in libido. It has also been noted that a relief in tendon pain and an increase in stamina are direct effects of testosterone administration. This is probably due to increased water retention coupled with an increase in red blood cells – leading to a greater oxygen uptake in the blood.

On the downside, all the usual androgenic side effects can be expected e.g. oily skin, acne, aggressiveness, facial/body hair growth and male pattern baldness. In addition, testestosterone does have a high tendency to convert into estrogen (related side effects being water retention, storage of excess body fat and possible gynecomastia (the development of breast like tissue in males). This can be greatly reduced by adding a drug such as Nolvadex (or, if your budget can stretch to it, the superior Arimidex). However, the use of anti-estrogens during a cycle of testosterone is thought by some to reduce the anabolic effects of the drug, so you may wish to see whether their use is absolutely necessary before using them. You may also choose to add them towards the end of your cycle rather than throwing them into the mix early and risking slightly lower gains.
If you do begin to experience a little puffines in the nipple area, swelling or soreness you should act immediately to treat it by either adding an anti-estrogen or switching to another compound as your main drug.

Although this drug does have a long active life, most athletes choose to inject it on a weekly basis with the dosage ranging from 250mg- 750mg. This is done in an attempt to keep drug levels at a more uniform level throughout the cycle. Just remember, the higher the dose the more likely estrogenic side effects are to develop – so start out low to asses your tolerance.

STACKING TIPS: Those looking for greater bulk could add an oral like Anadrol 50 or Dianabol.

For more quality and definition an injectable like DecaDurabolin or Equipoise may be a better way to go. In this case you can lower the intake of Enanthate in order to keep estrogen build up to a minimum.

USER FEEDBACK: Those who have used this drug find it produces significant weight and strength gains with side effects well within the tolerable range provided dosages are kept at acceptable levels. Greater stamina and an overall feeling of well being have also been widely reported.

Leigh Penman, in addition to be a staff writer at MuscleSport Mag, has been writing for bodybuilding magazines, websites and nutritional supplement companies since 1985. Whilst residing in the UK, she earned the reputation of being one of the top female writers in bodybuilding-related media. Her credits included being a contributing editor on all the magazines in production as well as filling the shoes of Ladies Editor and Showbiz Editor on two publications (the later being on Arnold’s sanctioned magazine, ‘Bodypower’). During this time she also competed successfully on four occasions (placing in the top four in all contests).

Leigh has been working out for close to thirty years so she is clearly a writer who ‘walks her talk.’
She can be contacted personally at zeal2heal@yahoo.com or you can also check her out at New York’s favorite metaphysical store www.stickstoneandbone.com.