If you are at the level of using hCG, especially after heightened levels of testosterone has shown up in previous tests, then you are certainly not a beginner or just happened to take something by accident. Ask anyone associated with bodybuilding about PCT (Post Cycle Therapy, in case Webber or Deese happen to be reading this) and they will tell you that it is an essential part of the cycle to prevent the drastic ‘downfall’ that can follow, and to trick the male body to produce its own testosterone again after ingesting an amount of the synthetic version. That plus to prevent ‘ball shrinkage,’ which does not need to be explained.

It is also kind of ironic that the news of Ramirez being suspended for 50 games comes the day before Alex Rodriguez is scheduled to make his comeback with the Yankees following hip surgery performed during Spring Training. 

Photo by Bill Menzel

What the report did state was that Rodriguez had tested positive for Primobolan and testosterone. Fast forward to today’s Bronx Bombers mini-circus that was held under a tent (literally) and even though he didn’t acknowledge seeing the report, A-Rod says that he used injectible Primo, which he mistakenly said was called ‘Boli” or “Bali.” There was not one question concerning the testosterone. I’ll get back to this in a little while.

Rodriguez also brings a mysterious “cousin” into the picture and said that it was he who was his source, purchasing the steroids “over the counter in the Dominican Republic.” Here is where not knowing a thing about steroids showed once again. Throughout Latin America, steroids can be purchased at any “Pharmacia” as easy as a box of condoms. Even if you need to get a prescription, one can be had very easily. Still having trouble? Just pick up veterinary steroids “for your dog.”

By A-Rod telling a group of middle-aged, wide-waisted reporters that it was an over the counter, he is trying to semi-legitimize it.

Casper the friendly cousin and Rodriguez used these steroids for three years and, according to what he said today, used them only “two times a month.” Later on, he said it may have been “even once or three times a month.” He said that he wasn’t really sure of what he was taking (“I didn’t think that they were steroids“) and that “all these years I didn’t know that I did anything that was wrong,” but later on said, “We knew we weren’t taking tic tacs.”

Out of the many problems that we should have with this is that Rodriguez claims that he shot up so infrequently that he isn’t even sure if he benefited from it, only admitting that he felt more energy from it.

By using both Primo and test, A-Rod was stacking steroids and please don’t try to tell us that you had no idea what you were doing. That is as lame as Andy Pettitte saying he used HGH “only once.” If you are at the level that you’re stacking, you have graduated to a different level of steroid use.

The mere fact that A-Rod admitted to two other years different from the 2003 positive tests indicates that there is something still yet to come out. It would seem that A-Rod dabbled in 2001 and took it to another level two years later using a strong and expensive drug in Primo and stacking it with the granddaddy of them all, test.

Primo is a good cutting agent and stacking it with a mass builder such as test makes for a strong cycle. Using small amounts of Primo, such as “twice a month,” will not benefit the user too much, thus the seed A-Rod planted today. Injecting 350 mgs every other day is common and the stack with test propionate or enanthate is recommended.

Hardly the stuff of “amateur hour,” as A-Rod said he and his cousin went through.

Photo by Bill Menzel

I have received several questions recently on the subject of Turanabol. It seems I was right when I said this drug has a strong ‘cult’ following! The most common question by far concerns the dosing procedure….

Q: I am currently using Turanabol (T-Bol) and would like to know the best way to take it. My current dose is 40mg/day. Should I take this all at the same time or split it up throughout the day?

A: Turanabol is very similar to Dianabol in terms of its half- life in the body (i.e. around 6 hours). With this in mind, and in order to maintain a steady level of the drug in the system, I would recommend that you space it out evenly throughout the day. This would mean taking 10mg every 3-4 hours.

Q: How long before I start feeling results from Turanabol and how long can I safely take it for?

A: Most people notice an almost immediate increase in vascularity with this drug. However, in terms of strength and weight gains, you will usually have to wait for two or three weeks for those to kick in. As far as how long you should use it for, the golden rule with oral compounds is no longer than 6-8 weeks. This helps you to avoid undue liver stress.

And now for something completely different….

Q: What is the difference between Viagra and Cialis? My source has both of them and I am not sure which one to go for?\

A: Cialis has a longer half-life in the body compared to Viagra, which leads to a longer duration of action. This is where Cialis picks up its nickname, ‘The Weekend Pill’. The molecular structure of Cialis differs significantly from Viagra and it does not cause the visual disturbances often associated with Viagra.

Cialis also has the added benefit of producing better muscle pumps while in the gym due to its stronger effect on nitric oxide production. There have also been reports that Cialis raises testosterone levels and it may do this by reducing estrogen levels. So, if you haven’t figured it out yet, my vote would be for Cialis.

Finally, a question on thyroid hormone supplementation…

Q: I recently read your review of ‘Cytomix’ and was concerned by the high amount of T3 it contains relative to T4. At 60mcg T3 per tablet I am a little worried that, as a first time user, this would be too high. Any help would be appreciated.

A: You are right on track with what I was thinking when I came across this product. My first thought was that either the manufacturer got the T3 – T4 ratio mixed up on the label or it was significantly under dosed. Either way, thyroid medication is not for the beginner and it is not something you want to mess around with. If you are used to taking high doses of T3 then this product should pose no problems. However, for anyone just experimenting and looking for a safe way to start, hold on for a week or so and I will be highlighting a compound with more favorable ratios. Oh, and for those who can’t wait that long, go to www.maximedicine.com I believe they are now listing their new T4/T3 mix product.

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.

Having also studied pharmacology in relation to sports performance, her writing began taking her in that direction until the present day which sees her embarking on a return to the magazine world, as well as extending her web-related work in the bodybuilding and fitness field.

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.

By Leigh Penman

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED..

I recently received some questions in connection with my steroid profile section so I thought I would take the time to address a few of them here. The first one was in relation to Finasteride:

Q: I have heard that Finasteride causes impotence and erectile dysfunction, is this true?

A: Well I have heard this being said about drugs such as Finasteride (Propecia) but it would seem that this is a rare side effect rather than a standard expectation from its use. The fact is that Finasteride is a very valuable DHT blocker, which can provide men with significant benefits as long as it is used correctly.

High levels of DHT can trigger hair loss and promote prostate growth in some men with a genetic susceptibility. It would therefore seem wise to utilize drugs such as Finasteride if this in an area of concern. And what about those side effects? Well, according to research conducted by the John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, DHT blocking drugs do not cause erectile dysfunction even when used by men for as long as two years. On the other hand, the use of these substances did prove effective in reducing DHT levels by up to 93%. So you may want to give it a second chance.

The next area of concern was Equipoise:

Q: Is it likely that an Equipoise product claiming to have 300mg per ml is counterfeit?

A: Although I have never seen a product with this dosage I am not saying that a legit product doesn’t exist. However, EQ is usually found in 200mg/ml and 250mg/ml vials. It also depends on the source and the manufacturer. I am asking around on this so I will let you know of any updates. Personally I would stick to the 200 and 250 versions from a reputable source and lab just to be on the safe side.

Finally we have one about Testosterone:

Q: I just read the Testosterone Depot (Nebido) profile. Is this a better product than say Cypionate or Sustanon?

A: The sheer length of its active life (10-14 weeks) makes it a very attractive product. Of course bodybuilders who use it choose to take it more frequently and in different amounts than those used in medical situations (see full profile for details). As to whether it is better than Sustanon or Cypionate, I have heard it causes less injection site irritation, is faster acting and, of course creates more stable levels of hormone in the long term. Of course everyone has their favorite and indeed responses can vary from individual to individual. However, if you have never tried it you may want to check it out. In the long term it means less frequent injections(even on ‘bodybuilder doses’) and is more cost effective. Another very important point is that it is subject to far less aromatization than any other injectable testosterone.

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.

Depot Testosterone is the first long-acting testosterone to be introduced to the market. It’s primary objective is the treatment of male hypogonadism. This is a condition where there is a reduced or absent secretion of testosterone from the testes. Decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, muscle loss and weakness and depression are all associated with hypogonadism. There is also an increased risk of developing osteoporosis.

Depot Testosterone is currently available under the brand name NEBIDO. It is designed to be injected every three months. Nebido contains Testosterone Undecanoate as its active ingredient. You may be familiar with this compound as it is also used in the oral steroid Andriol.

Nebido is injected slowly into the gluteal muscle, where it forms a reservoir of the drug. The compound then gradually releases from the injection site and is cleaved by serum esterases into testosterone and undecanoic acid.
On administration of Nebido serum concentrations of testosterone rapidly increase with notable elevations observed the very next day after injection.

This form of testosterone is also well-tolerated, local irritation being moderate and lasting for no more than three days. Another bonus with this form of testosterone is the fact that – unlike short acting esters- fluctuations in androgen levels are unlikely to be a problem. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit levels – although elevated – remain within the normal range and bone density shows a marked improvement.

THE BENEFITS

So, now you know the (condensed) science behind the product, what are its possible applications in the bodybuilding world?

Well, for a start there is the benefit of less frequent injections. There is also the convenience of steady serum testosterone levels. Depot testosterone (Nebido) also appears to have less influence on blood pressure and a lower tendency towards estrogen conversion. It also seems to have a favorable influence on cholesterol levels with studies reporting a slight decline in total cholesterol in patients who were given this substance.

DOSAGES

In medical trials, hypogonadal men were given an initial injection of 750mg Nebido, followed 4 weeks later by an additional 750mg ‘loading’ injection and then 750mg every 10 weeks thereafter. For bodybuilding purposes, there have been reports of competitors injecting anything from 1000 – 3000mg. This would lead to a sustained level of testosterone in the body lasting 10-12 weeks. On top of the testosterone they may add anabolic agents like Deca Durabolin, Equipoise or Trenbolone Acetate.

Nebido is distributed in multi-use vials, each containing 1000mg testosterone Undecanoate in a 4-ml solution for injection (250mg testosterone Undecanoate/ml).

N.B. Nebido is still relatively hard to find in comparison to the other testosterone esters. However, it is currently available from Maxi Medicine and you can find it at www.maximedicine.com

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.

Having also studied pharmacology in relation to sports performance, her writing began taking her in that direction until the present day which sees her embarking on a return to the magazine world, as well as extending her web-related work in the bodybuilding and fitness field.

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.

Andriol represents a very unique approach to testosterone administration. It is the first real attempt to create an oral testosterone since Methyl Testosterone. It is also a viable alternative to injectable testosterone and other oral forms of test (which are often very harsh on the liver).

Andriol is presented in the form of a capsule in which 40mg of Testosterone Undecanoate is encapsulated along with oleic acid (an oil). This design offers many advantages over traditional oral compounds, as it is not c-17 alpha alkylated. Not using this structure in the case of Andriol removes the risk of liver toxicity commonly associated with oral steroids. The active steroid totally bypasses your liver and therefore does not harm this organ. Andriol is in fact absorbed through the lymphatic system, allowing it to avoid the first-pass through the liver – a process which could destroy most of the active compound as well as stressing the liver. It is also rapidly absorbed, with a noted testosterone peak in the blood approximately 2 hours after administration.!

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ANDRIOL: THE GOOD NEWS

The fact that Andriol has a rapid turnover rate in the system (levels peaking in 2 hours and reaching baseline by 12 hours) leads to it being relatively easy on the system. It is not bad for your blood pressure and displays no adverse effects on the prostate. Another benefit when it comes to testosterone undecanoate is the fact that it does not aromatize (convert into estrogen) at the same rate as other testosterones. Studies have also pointed to the fact that this form of testosterone does not reduce levels of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), which are the hormones that tell your body to make more testosterone. It is also doubtful whether Andriol could be too damaging to your HPTA (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testicular-Axis) another regulator of your body’s natural testosterone production. In addition, it has even proven beneficial to lipid profiles and cholesterol levels.

GETTING THE BEST RESULTS

Since Andriol operates via association with your small intestine and lymphatic pathways, taking it with food greatly enhances its bioavailability. Another important factor when considering the use of this substance is the fact that, although it will raise your testosterone levels within 2 hours, they will return to baseline by 10-12 hours. Therefore, should you want to see significant anabolic effects from this product, it is best to consume 4-8 capsules, spaced out evenly, 2-3 times a day.
You will not see the huge gains that can be obtained by the heavier injectable testosterones; then again, you will see significantly less in the way of side effects.

POST CYCLE THERAPY

Should you decide to experiment with a cycle of this drug there is less of a concern over post cycle therapy involved. This is due to the fact that Testosterone Undecanoate does not have the same potential to disrupt the HPTA. However, the use of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) and or Clomid/Nolvadex may be added as an insurance policy against any hormonal imbalances.

FINAL THOUGHTS

As mentioned, Andriol is not a huge mass builder but it is a worthy supplement for those concerned with the side effects normally observed with the use of anabolic steroids. In addition, the fact that it produces such a rapid rise in testosterone levels upon administration may just make it a very worthwhile pre-workout supplement.

N.B. ANDRIOL capsules, manufactured by Genesis Meds, is currently available at a specially reduced price for a limited time at www.maximedicine.com

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.

(Testosterone Propionate – 50mg, Drostanolone Propionate – 50mg, Trenbolone Acetate – 50mg)

One look around the various muscle forums hanging out on the web will tell you that this ready-made stack is rapidly gaining cult status.

A run down of the ingredients lets you know right away that this is an excellent pre-contest stack. Testosterone Propionate is a fast acting testosterone which gives you all the major benefits of the longer acting ‘tests’ but with significantly less water retention. It also clears the body relatively quickly (levels peaking after 24-36 hrs with a 3 day active life) making it the testosterone of choice for drug-tested athletes. You can check elsewhere on this site for more details on Testosterone Propionate.

Cut Stack also contains 50mg Drostanolone Propionate (Masteron). This is a DHT derivative which is fast acting and quickly broken down. It has the benefit of being immune from aromatization (conversion to estrogen) therefore water retention and fat deposition do not present themselves as issues to be dealt with. Since it is a strong androgenic it assists training strength and aggression – which can often be lacking in dieting athletes. It also produces a noticeable increase in muscle density and hardness – attributes necessary come contest time.

The final ingredient in ‘Cut-Stack’ is Trenbolone Acetate. This is a highly anabolic substance and provides the ‘missing link’ when it comes to quality gains. Many athletes who use testosterone only cycles fail to maximize their muscle growth due to the imbalance between androgens and anabolic substances. When highly androgenic, moderate/low anabolic substances are used exclusively there is a tendency to develop tendon and ligament damage due to reduced collagen synthesis.

Trenbolone also exhibits anti-estrogenic properties due to its unique chemical structure and its ability to completely occupy the estrogen receptor. Athletes also benefit from Trenbolones ability to shuttle nutrients into muscle highly efficiently leading to extremely high quality muscle gains.
So, as you can see, with all this going for it, it is not hard to see why this ready-made stack is so popular. Basically, it takes the guess work out of contest prep or – if you do not intend entering the competitive arena – it assists you in creating the leanest most impressive muscle growth with the least worry about side effects.

Of course, due to the nature of the compounds employed, susceptible individuals may encounter the usual acne, hair loss, increased aggression associated with steroid use. However, when used properly this formula is relatively easy on the liver and should prove more tolerable to the system than some ‘home-made’ stacks.

 The effective dosage for ‘Cut -Stack’ (as recommended by the manufacturers) is 150-300mg every 1 – 3 days.

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 Propionate is the shortest estered, fastest acting form of testosterone currently available. Levels generally peak after 24-36 hours, however they soon begin to taper thereafter and the steroid itself only has a 2-3day life span. This can be a good thing for those susceptible to the side effects caused by longer acting testosterones (e.g. enthanate, cypionate, Sustanon 250) with Propionate causing less water retention and the user experiencing an increase in energy, a better muscle pump and an increase in strength and appetite after only one or two days.

The downside of Propionate is that, due to its composition, it requires more frequent injections in order to keep blood levels stable (this usually involves administration every second day). This can be troublesome since the Propionate ester can be very irritating at the injection site with sensitive individuals experiencing pain and swelling accompanied by a low-grade fever that may last for a few days.

Although still regarded as a controversial subject (and usually ‘forbidden territory’) the use of testosterone compounds by female athletes does exist at top competitive levels and the drug of choice is usually Testosterone Propionate. This is due to the fact that, when applied properly, androgenic side effects are more easily avoided. With this in mind, women who choose to use this form of testosterone usually administer it every 5 –7 days and experience better workout recovery and muscle growth with a minimum of androgenic related problems. In this case the dosage is usually 25-50mg per injection and the duration of use kept to 8-10 weeks. This is usually supplemented by adding a mild anabolic such as Primobolan or Anavar in order to increase protein synthesis.

For men daily injections of 50mg are often used and, as long as the pain and swelling at the injection site which often results from Propionate use, is not too troublesome the usual side effects triggered by testosterone use are less frequent. However, it is still testosterone and, for those with sensitive metabolisms side effects may still be evident and include acne, accelerated hair loss, possible water retention and gynecomastia. These effects are not as common as with other long acting testosterones though and most athletes find that the frequency of injections is the only real hassle with Propionate use.

‘FRONT LOADING’ WITH PROPIONATE

One technique often used with Testosterone Propionate is ‘front-loading’ where the rapid onset of action is used to trigger quick gains in strength and weight while waiting for a longer acting drug to take effect. One example of this would be to combine Testosterone Propionate with Testosterone Enanthate. The enanthate would be administered at 250mg and the propionate at 50mg at the beginning of a cycle then, after the effect of the propionate decreases (2 days) another 50mg shot is injected. By the time the effect of the second shot diminishes (another 2 days) the Enanthate kicks in and no further propionate would be necessary. This would lead to a longer and sustained level of testosterone in the body. Some athletes do prefer to take Propionate throughout their entire cycle, injecting 50-100mg every day or every second day. This may reduce the likelihood of water retention during a mass building cycle but, once again it has to be weighed up against the pain and swelling at the injection site caused by Propionate use.

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.

Having also studied pharmacology in relation to sports performance, her writing began taking her in that direction until the present day which sees her embarking on a return to the magazine world, as well as extending her web-related work in the bodybuilding and fitness field.

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.

Although he hasn’t played a major league baseball game since 2001, Jose Canseco is still taking care of his body, at least in the way he has spoken about in his two ‘tell-all’ books. Perhaps even the once-rich and famous are having issues obtaining performance-enhancing drugs in this day and age of mass hysteria.

Attempting to smuggle in a supply of human chorionic gonadotrophin, commonly known as HCG, through the Mexico/San Diego border, Canseco was held by immigration authorities for 10 hours after the substance was found in his vehicle.

Although a fertility drug, HCG is used in combination with anabolic steroids, either during or after a cycle to return testosterone production and size in the testes. So, in reality, Canseco had his balls busted as a result of trying to limit the shrinkage.

It appears that the 44 year-old is still using performance-enhancing drugs and would have no other reason to take a trip to Mexico and bring back HCG. A commonly-used post-cycle therapy substance, it is popular amongst bodybuilders and used either separately or in conjunction with Clomid or Nolvadex.

Perhaps Canseco wanted to take the bull by the horns, or so to speak, and get his hands on his own stuff. Paying the middle man can jack the price up, but the alternative is what happened to him.

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 Cypionate is a testosterone which has undergone 17 beta-estrification. Due to the length of its ester (8 carbons) it is stored mostly in adipose (fat) tissue upon intra-muscular injection from where it is released at a slow and steady rate. It peaks at 24-48 hours and then exhibits a slow and steady release over the course of 12 days. Although the compound stays in your system for up to three weeks, most athletes choose to inject it on a weekly basis.

Testosterone itself is a highly anabolic and androgenic hormone (rating 100 on each index). Its primary mode of action is to increase nitrogen retention in the muscle. It is also known to increase levels of growth factor IGF-1 in both muscle tissue and in the liver.
In addition to this, testosterone increases the activity of ‘satellite cells’. These are cells which surround the muscle tissue and play an active role in repairing damaged muscle tissue and contribute to the growth of new muscle.

Other factors linked with testosterone administration include a reduction in catabolic glucocorticoid hormones and an increase in red blood cell production (which contributes to increased stamina and endurance as well as a better ‘muscle pump’ when working out. Recent research also points to testosterone being a possible protective agent in the war against heart disease as well as a positive contributor to the fat loss process.

SIDE EFFECTS

The downside of a long acting ester like Cypionate is that it can lead to more water retention (although this can be somewhat alleviated by ensuring adequate water consumption and keeping a check on your intake of carbohydrates). Testosterone is also metabolized in the body to the female hormone estrogen by the aromatize enzyme. This can result in gynecomastia (the growth of breast tissue in men) some fat gain, testicular shrinkage and an increase in blood pressure. Hair loss and possible swelling of the prostate are also potential side effects.

STACKING TIPS

Although using testosterone by itself is perfectly acceptable, it is often stacked with substances such as Deca Durabolin, Equipoise, Primobolan or oral compounds with a high anabolic index (e.g. Winstrol, Anavar). This is a good idea in terms of both muscle growth and collagen synthesis. Testosterone increases protein synthesis by about 50-60% but it also reduces collagen synthesis by 50%. Since collagen is the substance joints and ligaments are composed of you can see how important it is to the recipe for muscle growth and protection form injury.

FOR YOUR PROTECTION

Anti-estrogens are essential when undertaking a cycle of testosterone. After a cycle is completed testosterone levels are usually suppressed and levels of estradiol are usually high due to aromatization. The use of HCG, Nolvadex/Clomid is usually the prescribed after cycle therapy. HCG injections should be started during the final week of the cycle and continued for 3-4 weeks (usually 1500-3000 i.u. every 5-6 days). HCG acts as an alternative to LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and kick starts normal testosterone production. Then about two weeks after the final shot of testosterone Nolvadex/Clomid should be started. The normal dose being up to 40mg Nolvadex or 150mg Clomid every days for two weeks. This can be followed by two more weeks of either 20mg Nolvadex or 100mg Clomid following the discontinuance of HCG.

EFFECTIVE DOSAGE

The usually dosage for Testosterone Cypionate is anything from 400 – 1000mg per week. Higher doses have been reported but, as always, increased dosages go hand in hand with increased side effects.

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.