Clomid

A very powerful anti-estrogen and one of the most popular SERMs used by bodybuilders

Clomiphene Citrate, or Clomid, as it is more frequently known belongs to a group of drugs known as SERMs – Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators.

SERMs sit alongside Aromatase Inhibitors such as Arimidex, with both falling under the larger umbrella of Anti-Estrogens. Despite achieving similar goals, AIs and SERMs act in a very different way, both approaching the issue of controlling estrogen differently.

Clomid, and other SERMs work by taking up occupancy in receptor sites within the breast tissue, preventing the estrogen from being able to bind. Other SERMs work by blocking estrogen at other receptor sites within the body. By contrast, AIs have an effect on the conversion of androgen to estrogen by inhibiting the enzyme response.

History

Clomid was first developed during the 1960s, not as an aid to fertility, but to treat women who had irregular menstrual cycles. It was while being prescribed to treat this that doctors noticed there was a much higher than expected pregnancy rate for women taking the drug. It was this incidental observation that led to Clomid being licensed to boost fertility in women who weren’t releasing eggs during each cycle (anovulation).

The FDA granted their approval for its use in 1967.

A generic version is now available which is known as clomiphene citrate.

Benefits

The liver often undergoes a lot of stress when anabolic steroids are being taken, and regular liver function tests are often required to assess the extent of this. One of the side effects of this hepatic toxicity is the negative impact on cholesterol levels, another area which can be problematic when taking anabolic steroids.

One of the benefits of Clomid is that within the liver it has an estrogenic effect which in turn can help to boost cholesterol levels in a positive way. This can be helpful in counteracting the adverse effects that anabolic steroids can have on the liver and cholesterol.

This benefit to the liver and cholesterol is one of the reasons why Clomid is preferable to an AI, because the latter actually suppresses estrogen action. In doing this, the beneficial impact on cholesterol levels is lost.

The other advantage to using Clomid is that after a steroid cycle, it can help to inhibit catabolism. By doing so, users could hang on to more of the gains they achieved and lose far less muscle mass.

Use in sport

Although not licensed for use in sport, Clomid is often taken to help counteract the unwanted effects of other drugs such as anabolic steroids. This is because the production of testosterone can be affected by these drugs, which can lead to very undesirable results.

Therefore, after every cycle of steroids, which typically can last between 6-12 weeks, a course of Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is recommended. This helps the body to return to a more balanced state and allows the production of testosterone to recover to normal levels.

However, this recovery doesn’t happen easily without some help and Clomid is instrumental in providing the body with the necessary support.

When taken as part of a PCT regime, Clomid helps to block the effects of estrogen on the cells and stimulates production of Luteinizing Hormone and FSH. This is important as during a typical cycle, the pituitary glands slows down the production of both, thus reducing the amount of testosterone being produced by the body.

The body can take a considerable length of time for hormone levels to return to normal by themselves, so Clomid can be very effective in helping to support the process.

Clomid is most often taken during PCT but it can also be taken during the actual cycle too. Depending on the anabolic steroid being taken, there can be risks of estrogenic effects such as gynecomastia. Clomid isn’t the most effective drug to help prevent this, but in some cases it can be very useful.

Dosage info

The amount of Clomid needed depends on whether it’s being used as an estrogen blocking agent as part of a cycle or whether part of PCT.

When used during a cycle a much smaller dose of Clomid is required, typically around 50mg. It’s worth noting that Clomid is a less powerful drug than others such as Nolvadex, so a higher dose is needed to get the same effects. Very roughly speaking, a dose of 50mg of Clomid is equivalent to 10mg of Nolvadex.

When Clomid is being used as an agent within PCT, a much higher dose is required, typically 150mg or in some cases, slightly higher. This dose should be continued for approximately a fortnight before slowly being tapered off as the body’s own production of testosterone increases.

Half life

The half-life of Clomid is around 5-7 days.

Side effects

Clomid is a drug which is generally extremely well tolerated with side effects occurring in only around 1% of users.

Most of the side effects which are experienced are at a high dose, in some cases as high as 200-300mg. Women who take Clomid are at risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome; obviously men who are taking it to boost their natural testosterone levels or to block estrogen won’t have this concern.

Side effects that could appear in either sex include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Yellow skin
• Sleep difficulties
• Fatigue
• Change in mental state

None of the above have been shown to be permanent and should resolve completely once the drug is ceased.

Contraindications

Although Clomid is a drug which is generally well tolerated, individuals with a history of any of the following should consult their GP before use:

• Liver disease
• Thyroid disease
• Brain tumors

In addition, the following drugs are known to have an interaction with Clomid, so should not be taken together:

• Targretin
• Osphena
• Ospemifene

Legal use

In the US, Clomid is not classified as a controlled substance even though it cannot be purchased over the counter and requires a physician’s prescription.

This means that despite its powerful action, Clomid is relatively easy to get a supply of, with both pharmaceutical grade and underground alternatives available.

Even though Clomid can’t be purchased in a drugstore, there are no penalties for the possession or use, and it can be traded without prosecution. In 1988 the FDA ruled that a three month supply could be imported into the US for personal use, without fear of it being confiscated.

Both Canada and the UK have similar stances on the use of Clomid.

Visit our homepage to continue reading our in-depth studies.

PCT -Post Cycle Therapy

PCT (Post Cycle Therapy): Is crucial for anyone finishing anabolic steroid cycle to help maintain muscle gains

PCT is just as important as the cycle itself in many bodybuilders opinions. Read on and learn why this is.

Whether you’re a bodybuilder, a gym rat or compete in another type of sport, you’re probably constantly looking to get an extra edge.

Whether it’s honing your physique, making recovery easier or boosting your endurance, there’s lots of drugs and supplements which can make a very significant to performance, such as anabolic steroids and SARMs.

There’s a wide variety of compounds and here at Simply Anabolics, we’ve got an extensive library on the different drugs and their effects.

However, the one thing that many users don’t stop to properly consider is Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) which is just as essential. And just like steroids and SARMs, we’ve got that covered too.

Understanding when to use PCT

No-one wants to pile more supplements into them than strictly necessary, particularly as it can work out extremely expensive. But PCT is not a luxury, it’s a critical part of the cycle for some types of drugs.

Anabolic steroids and certain other types of drugs (usually to a lesser degree) suppress the natural production of testosterone and this can lead to unwanted symptoms such as shrunken testicles and a low sex drive.

Unless testosterone production returns to normal following a cycle, there can be permanent side effects.

PCT is not intended to directly replace the testosterone, but instead stimulates the body to increase natural production. This allows testosterone levels to bounce back far more quickly than if left to the body’s own devices. Prolonged testosterone suppression can not only be unpleasant but there’s a greater risk that permanent damage will be caused. Supporting your body to return to healthy levels of production more quickly significantly reduces the risk to the endocrine system.

We have the complete guide to PCT and the use of SERMs, such as, HCG, Nolvadex and Clomid: all the information you need, quickly and conveniently from a source you know you can trust.

Other benefits to PCT

Following a steroid cycle, hormone levels can quickly become unbalanced, leading to an excess of cortisol and estrogen in comparison to the testosterone. If not addressed, this can lead to the loss of the newly formed muscle tissue, completely eradicating the effects of the recent cycle.

By helping kick-start the body’s own production of testosterone, PCT can help to protect the lean mass and retain more of the gains made.

Our collection of reference articles explains the different types of PCT, and how to use each drug. Check out our PCT guides for free online here at Simply Anabolics, the expert source you can rely on for honest, accurate information.

Steroid Cycles – Intermediate

If you’re making the leap to using anabolic steroids, it’s important that you take things slowly and don’t try to jump in straight at the deep end. Taking steroids which are too harsh or at too high a dose could create a lot of problems so it’s vital that you stick to the level that’s right for you.

An absolute beginner is easy to peg, but at what point do you move from being a novice to an intermediate user?

No matter how long you use steroids for, you don’t necessarily have to constantly be looking to up your cycle. Some bodybuilders stick to beginner cycles and get great results, whether it’s bulking or cutting, from this level of steroid use alone.

But for those who really want to push things further, an intermediate cycle can be introduced when at least two full beginner cycles have been completed. Some experts might suggest that you can move up after just one cycle but this is too quick for most individuals. Without any exposure to understand your body’s response to different steroids, you risk having a disastrous cycle. This won’t only disrupt your training, but could also end up costing you a lot of money unnecessarily.

To decide whether you’re ready to move onto an intermediate cycle, see if you can tick off the following:

• At least two full steroid cycles completed
• Have successfully stacked at least two steroids together
• Want to get more from the steroid cycle than you’re currently experiencing
• Have tried at least three steroids successfully

If you can answer yes to all of the above, you could be ready to move onto intermediate steroid cycles.

Oral or injectables?

No matter what level of steroid use you’re at, oral drugs are always much harder on the body that those that are injected. For this reason, running an oral only cycle is a bad idea. However, they can be combined with injectable steroids to great effect.

Because oral steroids can be challenging to run for the full duration of a cycle, one way to utilize them is by using a fast-acting variant as a means of front-loading. This allows you to kickstart a cycle more effectively, getting results more quickly while you wait for the longer-acting drugs to start working. Once the injectable drugs start to become effective, the oral steroids can be tapered off, having served their purpose.

Intermediate steroid cycles

Bulking cycle

This particular cycle is set at the intermediate level and will help to create bulk very quickly. However, gains will only occur if you eat the right types of food and sufficient calories otherwise the cycle will be wasted. Some users suggest at least 5000 calories per day with 30% coming from lean protein.

Weeks 1-6:                  Testosterone Cypionate 600mg, Deca Durabolin 400mg, Dianabol 50mg per day, Arimidex 0.5mg alternate days

Weeks 7-12:                Testosterone Cypionate 600mg, Deca Durabolin 400mg, Arimidex 0.5 alternate days

The Dianabol helps to kickstart the cycle allowing time for the testosterone and the Deca to have accumulated within your body to have an effect. The Arimidex is needed because of the amount of estrogen the steroids convert to. Some users will have to increase the Arimidex dose to 1mg on alternate days in order to combat this.

The PCT should look like this:

Week 1:                       HCG 500iu every day

Week 2:                       HCG 500iu every day for the first three days, 40mg Nolvadex every day

Week 3:                       40mg Nolvadex every day

Weeks 4-5:                  20mg Nolvadex every day

You can substitute Nolvadex for 150mg Clomid every day in the above PCT if desired.

Lean bulking

There may be times when you’re looking to bulk up, but you only want quality gains of lean mass, or when you’re also running a calorie restricted diet. This stack here will provide bulk but not the huge quantities gained from the bulking stack described above. The amount of mass added will be less but providing you’ve got your diet right; you won’t be piling on water or fat.

Week 1-4:                   Testosterone Propionate 125mg every other day, Equipoise 400mg, Dianabol 20mg every day and Arimidex 0.5mg every day

Weeks 5-6:                  Testosterone Propionate 125mg every other day, Equipoise 400mg and Arimidex 0.5mg every day

Weeks 7-8:                  Testosterone Propionate 125mg every other day, Equipoise 400mg, Trenbolone Acetate 50mg every other day, Anavar 50mg every day and Arimidex 0.5mg every day

Weeks 9-12:                Testosterone Propionate 125mg every other day, Trenbolone Acetate 50mg every other day, Anavar 50mg every day and Arimidex 0.5mg every day

Dianabol may temporarily add some water but this will quickly dissipate once this steroid is stopped. Providing carb intake isn’t excessive and you’re on a maintenance diet, you can expect to add around 7-10lbs of lean mass, excluding water.

The Arimidex is necessary to help prevent aromatization; if this is still a problem, up the dose to 1mg.

Cutting

Although this stack is only described as intermediate, it is the best steroid cycle for cutting. If you’re able to tolerate this, you’ll end up with a dry and hard-looking physique.

Weeks 1-6:                  Testosterone Propionate 100mg every other day, Trenbolone Acetate 75mg every other day and Arimidex 0.5mg every other day

Weeks 7-12:                Testosterone Propionate 100mg every other day, Trenbolone Acetate 75mg every other day, Winstrol 50mg every day and Arimidex 0.5mg every other day

Compared to some other cycles, this is one of the simplest steroid stacks. However, the effectiveness of it can’t be overstated; for cutting it really is the best steroid stack.

If the Trenbolone causes side effects, the dosage can be dropped to 50mg without sacrificing too much in the way of results. Most users are able to tolerate it but if 50mg is still causing a problem, the likelihood is that this steroid is simply one that’s not for you. Trenbolone is an important one for this steroid stack, being the most potent of all included and giving a really lean and defined finish. It can also assist directly with fat loss and can maintain strength even during a period of calorie restricted intake.

Not everyone will need Arimidex to help combat the aromatizing effects, but it’s a good idea to include it in the stack because it will help to provide a particularly dry look.

Browse our library

If you’re looking for more information to create the best steroid cycle for you, take a look at our library of articles and guides which is completely free to access. Reliable and honest facts from the experts you can trust, there’s everything you need from fat-burners and SARMS to anabolic steroids.

Steroid Cycle – Beginners

If you’re serious about bodybuilding, or simply want to crank up your results, there may come a time when you consider supplementing your training regime.

Anabolic steroids have been around for more than half a century and offer the perfect way of getting more ripped, adding bulk or even changing your overall shape. But if you’re new to using steroids, it’s important to properly research what to take. You might be impatient to get the best results in the fastest time, but if you go for the heavy stuff before you understand how your body reacts, the consequences could be really unpleasant.

If you’re a complete beginner to using steroids, the biggest challenge is learning about how your body responds and what side effects you are prone to. Everyone is different and every drug will have a range of possible effects; just because one steroid worked well for your buddy doesn’t mean it will be right for you.

Before we go on to look at beginner steroid cycles in more detail, it’s worth emphasizing that unless you have a good diet and proper training regime, you’re wasting your time. Many steroids will provide only limited or in some cases practically no results, unless you’ve already got the basics right. A good rule of thumb is making sure that at least 30% of your calories come from lean protein, and you’ve cut out alcohol. Steroids can take their toll, both physically and financially, so unless you’re really committed to getting everything right it’s simply not worth the effort.

Side effects

There’s a great range of side effects which could be experienced from taking anabolic steroids, and contrary to popular belief, not all steroids are the same.

There’s different types of anabolic steroids, and some are particularly androgenic while others aromatize in response to rising estrogen levels.

Until you start a steroid cycle you won’t know what side effects you will be prone to and how badly you will be affected. Some people are just naturally more susceptible than others.

For this reason, it’s a good idea to choose a steroid with a relatively short half life. Therefore, if you are adversely affected, you won’t have to wait too long until it’s out of your system.

In some cases, side effects occur because the dosage is too high, and by stacking different types of steroids in lower doses, the results can be gained without the unpleasant effects.

Androgenic side effects are one of the most common groups of problems and can cause oily skin and acne, as well as aggressiveness. Although in theory anyone can be affected by these, if you suffered from acne as a teenager you’re more likely to suffer a recurrence while using steroids than someone who has never experienced it.

Male pattern baldness is another side effect that many steroid users are wary of, but unless you already have the genetic disposition, you won’t be affected. If you do have the gene, anabolic steroids can accelerate the process. In some cases, supplementary drugs such as finasteride can counteract this action but they won’t work for all types of steroids.

Some steroids convert to estrogen very easily; these are known as aromatizing drugs. As the estrogen levels rise, side effects such as bloating, fat retention and gynecomastia can occur. There are ways to counteract this: either by creating competition for the actions of the receptors, thereby blocking the effects or by reducing the amount of estrogen which the steroid converts to. Drugs such as Nolvadex carry out the first type of action while anti-aromatizing drugs (AIs) such as Anastrozole and Proviron do the latter.

Route of administration

Steroids generally are available in two forms: injectable and oral compounds. There is a myth that injectable forms are only for the more experienced users and those new to steroids often prefer to stick to oral drugs only.

Although taking an oral steroid is undoubtedly much easier, it seriously limits the options available and also has an effect on the overall cycle and duration. This is because oral compounds tend to be more toxic than injectable forms, especially to the liver.

It may seem daunting at first, but injecting can actually be a better option for beginners. However, it is vital to get the technique right to avoid infection and pain at the puncture site. If you know someone who uses injectable steroids, getting them to show you how to do it can be a huge help.

Which is the best steroid cycle for beginners?

If you’re making the leap to using anabolic steroids, you may well be tempted to opt for the drug which promises the greatest returns. However, before you choose it’s vital to do your research, including the side effects of the drug and the length of the half life. The importance of this latter point cannot be overstated. In some cases, steroids can produce very undesirable effects and if you’ve picked a drug with a half life of a week or two, it’s going to be a very uncomfortable time.

What you choose depends on what you’re trying to achieve, but below are a few drugs which often work well for beginners, delivering results while still being tolerable:

Dianabol

One of the reasons that Dianabol is so popular with steroid newbies is that it’s extremely effective in building up mass quickly. It’s also an oral compound (avoiding the technicalities with injections) and runs in a short cycle, just 6 weeks.

It’s not possible to run Dbol for longer than this because of its potentially toxic effects. It can also cause androgenic and estrogenic side effects so it’s best used in a stack with compounds such as cardarine (to increase hardness, reduce fat and improve cardio tolerance) and an AI such as Aromasin (to lower the amount of estrogen and the resulting effects). These compounds combined make up the best steroid stack with Dianabol.

Dbol has an extremely short half life of just a few hours, so it’s usually taken 3-4 times per day. This makes it ideally suited to beginners because if there’s a bad reaction it won’t take long to clear the system.

Also, because it’s such a potent bulking agent, great results can be seen at just 20-30mg per day. Experienced users might opt to ramp up the dose but keeping it low minimizes the chance of side effects, which is helpful for those just starting out.

Testosterone

One of the most widely used anabolic steroids, testosterone is available in three different forms: enanthate, cypionate and propionate. These variations are known as esters and are used to influence the speed at which the testosterone is released into the body.

Testosterone is often recommended as the best steroid for beginners because despite being a powerful drug, it is very well tolerated by the body. Users will experience both an increase in strength and muscle during testosterone use but estrogenic side effects are common. Running Nolvadex alongside the testosterone can really help with this.

Testosterone can also be combined with other suitable steroids to create a beginner steroid stack which minimizes side effects by keeping the relative doses low, but delivers on results.

Note: although the propionate is the shortest acting ester, it is also the most painful to inject. This means it may not be the most advisable option for novices.

Winstrol

The gains made with Winstrol won’t be as spectacular but unlike Dbol and testosterone, Winstrol is not estrogenic so bloating and gynecomastia won’t be an issue. And without the bloating or water retention that estrogen causes, the gains made from this particular steroid will provide a lean and ripped appearance.

Nandrolone

A very similar compound to testosterone, nandrolone has all of the benefits yet exhibits fewer aromatizing and androgenic effects. It can however produce progestin side effects. These can be controlled with the use of an aromatase inhibitor (Arimidex for example).

For anyone who competes, it’s worth knowing that this drug will remain traceable in the body for many months, long after its active life, so it may not be the right choice.

PCT

Any anabolic steroid, regardless of the dose, will suppress the natural production of testosterone to some degree. During this time testicles may shrink but this worrying side effect is completely reversible providing cycle lengths are not exceeded and PCT is carried out.

PCT helps support the body and stimulates it into producing more testosterone, helping natural production to return much more quickly. It is considered a vital part of the process for steroid users from complete beginners right up the most advanced pros.

Beginner steroid cycle examples

The number of steroid cycles which are possible even for beginners are almost infinite, and the drug you choose depends on what you’re trying to achieve. But here’s a couple of sample beginner’s steroid cycles, including steroid stacks to give an idea of how it works in practice:

Testosterone only

 Weeks 1-12:                Take testosterone enanthate or cypionate    between 250-500mg per week

Weeks 13-15:              Rest, and allow the steroid to clear the body

Weeks 16-17:              Take 40mg Nolvadex per day

Weeks 18-19:              Take 20mg Nolvadex per day

Dianabol steroid stack

 Weeks 1-2:                  Dianabol 30mg per day

Week 3:                       Dianabol 40mg per day, Nolvadex 10mg per day

Week 4:                       Dianabol 40mg per day

Week 5:                       Dianabol 40mg per day, Nolvadex 10mg per day

Week 6:                       Dianabol 30mg per day, Nolvadex 10mg per day

Weeks 7-8:                   Clomid 50mg per day

In this case, because the half life of the Dianabol is so short, it’s possible to start PCT immediately without leaving a gap.

Steroids aren’t for everyone

Anabolic steroids aren’t for everyone, as there’s lots of potential side effects and without a real commitment, there’s little discernible benefit. There are other alternative supplements, such as SARMS, which produce similar results but with less of a risk.

However, for those that choose to use steroids, magnificent returns can be seen with the right kind of stack and with the right drug. The key to success is beginning slowly and giving your body time to respond before cranking up the dosage or moving onto drugs which are harder to tolerate.

Steroid Cycles – Advanced

If you’re enjoying the effects you’re getting with the use of anabolic steroids, you might be impatient to push on for even better results, but if you’re not ready you could wreck your regime.

If you’ve been lifting for a while, you might consider yourself a veteran and ready for the hardcore stuff, but before you move on, you need to make sure that your body is capable of handling advanced steroid cycles.

There’s lots of different ways to determine whether you’re ready to up your steroid cycling, but as a general rule of thumb you should have been training for at least 10 years.

In addition, you should have had at least three cycles where you’ve been able to maintain the majority of your gains after the cycle has finished. Of course, no-one can hold on to everything they achieved during the cycle because as hormone levels revert to normal, there’s going to be some loss. However, particularly during a bulking cycle, if you’ve got your diet and training right, you should be able to keep a lot of the mass you acquired. Cutting is much harder, particularly as you return to a more normal diet, but even then, you should still be able to hang on to some of the progress you’ve made.

If you’re losing around half of your mass, or acquiring a lot of fat after a cutting cycle, then you need to go back to basics and look again at your diet and training. If you don’t get both of these fundamental things bang on, you’re not just wasting your money by using an advanced cycle, you’re also risking negative effects for no good reason.

Potential benefits

As mentioned above, not everyone will feel the need to move to an advanced steroid stack and if you’re still getting lots out of a beginner or intermediate cycle, it might be better to stick with this instead of switching up.

The risk to reward ratio is something that needs to be considered with any degree of steroid use but it’s particularly relevant for advanced users.

When you’re looking to get the biggest gains, it’s important to stop and consider the likelihood of side effects, and also their severity.

Side effects won’t occur to the same degree in everyone, particularly at a lower dosage, but as dosage increases, the probability of side effects occurring steadily rises. These risks can be controlled to some degree with supplements and other drugs, but there comes a point when either the toxicity or the side effects of the steroid are simply too great.

The point at which this occurs is a very individual matter and there’s no single answer which fits everyone. However, advanced steroid users should especially bear in mind the risk reward ratio and make sure that they’re really going to get more benefits than problems out of their cycle.

Cycling

Every steroid user knows about the need to cycle and why PCT should follow every time. However, while beginners typically will have relatively short cycles and plenty of time to recover between them, an advanced user will often be cycling more often than they are not.

The longer a steroid cycle lasts, the better the results are likely to be. But at the same time, there are also more likely to be side effects. Squeezing the maximum benefit out of steroid cycles without causing permanent damage is the quandary many advanced users face.

Rather than the short 8 week cycles than are common for beginners, advanced users will cycle for 16-20 weeks, often only going a short time before cycling again. This intense frequency and duration of cycling is the only way to maintain the huge bulk and physique that many of the top users have.

Top advanced steroid cycle stacks

By this point in your bodybuilding career, you’ll have found steroids that you tolerate well and others that you prefer to avoid. Personal preference plays a significant role in how successful even the best steroid cycle will be, but here’s a few popular stacks:

Advanced androgenic cycle

 Weeks 1-10:                           Testaviron depot 1000mg pw, Equipoise 800mg pw,

Weeks 1-5:                             Testosterone suspension 100mg per day, Dianabol 50-75mg per day

Last 4-6 weeks of cycle:      Trenbolone 150mg per day, Winstrol 100mg per day

Throughout cycle:                IGF-1 LR3 50-80 mcg per day

This cycle is very androgenic so even the most experienced and tolerant user will get side effects. These can be reduced somewhat with the use of either Arimidex 1mg on alternate days or Nolvadex every day at 10mg.

The only downside of this particular cycle is that it involves a lot of injections. For this reason, if you can get the Equipoise in the greater concentration, rather than the weaker form, it will help to reduce the volume somewhat.

Advanced cutting cycle

Weeks 1-8:                 Testosterone Enanthate 250mg every other day. Equipoise 200mg every other day, Arimidex 1mg every other day and HGH 4iu every day

Weeks 9-14:               Testosterone Propionate 200mg every other day, Trenbolone Acetate 100mg every other day, Winstrol 50mg every day, Arimidex 1mg every other day and HGH 4iu every day

Week 15:                    Testosterone Propionate 200mg every other day, Trenbolone Acetate 100mg every day, Winstrol 100mg every day, Arimidex 1mg every day and HGH 4iu every day

Week 16:                    Testosterone Propionate 200mg every other day, Trenbolone Acetate 100mg every day, Winstrol 100mg every day and Arimidex 1mg every day

The switch between the different types of testosterone can help to eliminate a small amount of additional water, crucian for a cutting cycle. However, if you are unable to tolerate Testosterone Propionate it is perfectly acceptable to substitute other forms of the testosterone in its place.

The final two weeks of this cycle are designed to get the ultimate hard, dry look which is why many of the steroids are doubled in dose. It’s not recommended to run these drugs at this level for a full cycle because of the potential side effects.

Advanced bulking cycle

Weeks 1-6:                 Testosterone Enanthate 1000mg pw, Deca Durabolin 500mg pw, Dianabol 100mg every day, HGH 4iu every day and Arimidex 0.5mg every other day

Weeks 7-10:               Testosterone Enanthate 1000mg pw, Deca-Durabolin 500mg pw, HGH 4iu every day and Arimidex 0.5mg every other day

Weeks 11-16:             Testosterone Enanthate 1000mg pw, Trenbolone Acetate 100mg every other day, Dianabol 100mg every day, HGH 4iu every day and Arimidex 0.5mg every other day

Week 17-20:               Testosterone Enanthate 1000mg pw, Trenbolone Acetate 100mg every other day, HGH 4iu every day and Arimidex 0.5mg every other day

If you don’t add significant bulk on this cycle you need to go back to basics and re-examine your training and your diet. There’s no reason that every user won’t add significant gains using this stack

Anabolic steroids: What you should know

Anabolic steroids are used for some medical conditions, but people also use them illegally in some sports settings. They use them to boost muscle mass, performance, and endurance and to shorten recovery time between workouts

The drugs are artificially derived from the main male hormone testosterone. Testosterone is important for promoting and maintaining muscle growth and developing secondary male sex characteristics, such as a deepening voice and facial hair.

Anabolic steroids, also called anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs), can build muscle and improve athletic performance, but they can also have significant adverse effects, especially when used incorrectly.

Long-term, non-medical uses are linked to heart problems, unwanted physical changes, and aggression. There is growing concern worldwide about the non-medical use of steroids and its effects.

Street names include Arnolds, gym candy, pumpers, roids, and stackers.

AASs are synthetic versions of the primary male hormone, testosterone. They affect many parts of the body, including the muscles, bones, hair follicles, liver, kidneys, blood, immune system, reproductive system and the central nervous system.

During puberty, increases in testosterone levels enable the development of characteristics such as facial and body hair growth, increased height and muscle mass, a deepening voice, and the sex drive.

Testosterone can also contribute to competitiveness, self-esteem, and aggressiveness.

How do people use them?

Continuous use of AASs can lead to problems such as tolerance. They may even cause the body to stop producing its own testosterone.

Some people use AASs continuously, but others try to minimize their possible adverse effects through different patterns of use.

Cycling: The person takes AASs in cycles of 6 to 12 weeks (known as the "on" period), followed by 4 weeks to several months off.

Stacking: Users combine several different types of steroids or incorporate other supplements in an attempt to maximize the effectiveness of the steroids. This is called "stacking."

Pyramiding: Some users gradually increase the dose to a peak, then reduce the amount.

However, there is no evidence that these methods reduce the risks.

Types

There are up to 32 types of anabolic steroid listed on commercial websites.

Some have only medicinal uses, such as Nebido. Anadrol is an example of a steroid with both medicinal and performance uses.

Others, such as anadur, have no therapeutic use, but athletes use them.

People choose different types for different purposes:

• bulking steroids for building muscle
• performance steroids for strength and endurance
• cutting steroids for burning fat

Other reasons for use include healing and recovery and enhancement of metabolism.

For both medical and illegal purposes, AASs can be taken:

• by mouth
• as pellets implanted under the skin
• by injection
• through the skin as a cream or gel

Oral forms are taken by mouth. They include:

• Fluoxymesterone (Halotestin), or "Halo"
• Mesterolone (Proviron)
• Methandienone (Dianabol), or "Dbol"
• Methyltestosterone (Virilon)
• Mibolerone (Cheque)
• Oxandrolone (Anavar, Oxandrin), or "Var"
• Oxymetholone (Anadrol), or "Drol"
• Stanozolol (Winstrol), or "Winny"

Injectable forms include:

• Boldenone undecylenate (Equipoise), or "EQ"
• Methenolone enanthate (Primobolan), or "Primo"
• Nandrolone decanoate (Deca Durabolin), or "Deca"
• Nandrolone phenpropionate (Durabolin), or "NPP"
• Testosterone cypionate (Depotest)
• Testosterone enanthate (Andro-Estro)
• Testosterone propionate (Testex)
• Trenbolone acetate (Finajet), or "Tren"

AASs travel through the bloodstream to the muscle tissue, where they bind to an androgen receptor. The drug can subsequently interact with the cell's DNA and stimulate the protein synthesis process that promotes cell growth.

Medical uses

Some types of steroid are commonly used for medical treatment. For example, corticosteroids can help people with asthma to breathe during an attack.

Testosterone is also prescribed for a number of hormone-related conditions, such as hypogonadism.

However, AASs are not commonly prescribed as a treatment.

In the U.S., an AAS is a schedule III controlled substance available only by prescription. The use of these drugs is only legal when prescribed by a medical provider.

Medical conditions they are used to treat include:

• delayed puberty
• conditions that lead to muscle loss, such as cancer and stage 3 HIV, or AIDS

Testosterone and several of its esters, as well as methyltestosterone, nandrolone decanoate, and oxandrolone, are the main anabolic-androgenic steroids currently prescribed in the U.S.
Steroids in sport

Non-medical use of steroids is not permitted in the U.S. Under the Controlled Substance Act, unlawful possession and distribution are subject to federal and state laws.

As it is not legal for athletic purposes, there is no legal control over the quality or use of drugs sold for this purpose.

Illegal steroids are obtained through the internet and through informal dealers, like other illegal drugs. However, they may also be available through unscrupulous pharmacists, doctors, and veterinarians.

"Designer" steroids are sometimes produced to enable athletes to pass doping tests. Their composition and use are entirely unregulated, adding to the hazards they pose.

Athletes often consume steroids on a trial-and-error basis, using information gained from other athletes, coaches, websites or gym "gurus." As a result, they do not have access to medical information and support that can keep them safe while using these drugs.

Side effects

The adverse effects of AAS use depend on the product, the age and sex of the user, how much they use, and for how long.

Legally prescribed normal-dose anabolic steroids may have the following side effects:

• acne
• fluid retention
• difficulty or pain when urinating
• enlarged male breasts, known as gynecomastia
• increased red cell count
• lower levels of "good" HDL cholesterol and higher levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol
• hair growth or loss
• low sperm count and infertility
• changes in libido

Users will attend follow-up appointments and take periodic blood tests to monitor for unwanted effects.

Non-medical use of steroids can involve quantities from 10 to 100 times the amount used for medical purposes.

Incorrect use of steroids can lead to an increased risk of:

• cardiovascular problems
• sudden cardiac death and myocardial infarction
• liver problems, including tumors and other types of damage
• tendon rupture, due to the degeneration of collagen
• osteoporosis and bone loss, as steroid use affects the metabolism of calcium and vitamin D

In adolescents, it can result in:

• permanently stunted growth

In men, there may be:

• shrinking testicles
• sterility
• enlarged breasts

Women may experience:

• changes to the menstrual cycle
• deepening of the voice
• lengthening of the clitoris
• increased facial and body hair
• shrinking breasts
• increased sex drive

Some of these changes may be permanent, even after stopping use.

There is also a risk of:

• liver damage
• aggression and feelings of hostility
• mood and anxiety disorders
• reckless behavior
• psychological dependence and addiction

People who suddenly discontinue AAS after using them for a long time may experience withdrawal symptoms, including severe depression.

Health risks

Apart from these adverse effects, there are other health risks.

• Sharing needles to inject steroids increases the chance of contracting or transmitting blood-borne infectious diseases, such as hepatitis or HIV.
• The use of unlicensed products carries a risk of poisoning.

Psychiatric symptoms can develop in people who use steroids for a long time.

These include:

• severe mood swings
• paranoia and delusions
• impaired judgment
• feelings of invincibility
• mania and anger — known as "roid rage" — that may lead to violence

These extreme and unwanted effects can affect those who are already prone to these types of behaviors.

Long-term, unregulated use of AASs can affect some of the same brain pathways and chemicals that are affected by other drugs, such as opiates. This can result in dependency and possibly addiction.

The American Psychological Association's (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual fifth edition (DSM-5) considers abuse of and dependence on AASs a diagnosable condition.

Withdrawal

Misuse of steroids can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the person stops taking them.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

• fatigue
• restlessness
• mood swings
• depression
• fatigue
• insomnia
• reduced sex drive
• cravings

The first step in treating anabolic steroid abuse is to discontinue use and to seek medical help in order to address any psychiatric or physical symptoms that might occur.