Anadrol - “The Classic Mass-Builder”

“Mass”…the defining attribute of a bodybuilder. It is the term on which bodybuilding itself is built and the quality that sets us apart from all other athletes. We all seek it and we can never have too much of it. There are many steroids which can help us in our acquisition of muscular size, but few steroids which are optimally suited for this purpose. Welcome to Anadrol - the anabolic steroid that for decades stood as the #1 mass-builder in all of bodybuilding.

Anadrol is the brand name for the anabolic steroid Oxymetholone, which was originally developed in 1960 by the drug company Syntex. It’s original and primary purpose was for the treatment of anemia, due to Anadrol’s ability to significantly stimulate the production of red blood cells in the body. Anadrol was also indicated for those suffering from osteoporosis and less frequently, for the growth of malnourished or undeveloped patients.

Anadrol is one of many drugs included in the category of compounds known as oral anabolic steroids. Oral steroids are anabolic-androgenic hormones which are most often molecularly altered at the 17th carbon position by the attachment of a methyl group, which allows the drug to maintain structural integrity as it passes through the digestive tract and eventually into the blood stream. In the absence of this molecular modification, the anabolic steroid would be subsequently destroyed in the liver and rendered useless prior to reaching its target tissues. However, the resultant effects of methylation are not limited solely to that of a protective mechanism, as it also plays a role in determining the effects of the drug itself through the alteration its chemical make-up. Therefore, the process of methylation results in a completely new steroid with its own unique set of characteristics. In the case of Anadrol, we are left with a compound that demonstrates potent anabolic activity, while maintaining a unique and somewhat intriguing metabolism in the world of anabolic steroids.

According to Vida - Anadrol maintains an anabolic/androgenic ratio of 320:45, making it 3.2X more anabolic than testosterone, yet less than half as androgenic per mg. This gives Anadrol a higher anabolic rating than many other steroids in its class, such as Dianabol and T-bol. Now, while Anadrol’s A:A ratio is relatively straightforward, it’s metabolism and mechanisms of action are a bit more of a mystery. When evaluating a steroid such as testosterone, its metabolism is clearly understood, but with Anadrol we are looking at a steroid which does not result any progestagenic activity, does not convert to DHT, nor does it aromatize to any degree, yet it is notorious for exhibiting a slew of side effects associated with all of these metabolites.

In an attempt to reconcile Anadrol’s estrogen-like activity with its inability to aromatize, a few theories have been put forward in recent years as an explanation for this discrepancy, yet to my knowledge, no one has yet put the final nail in the coffin with supporting scientific research. The first of these theories suggests that the Anadrol molecule itself demonstrates estrogenic activity by directly attaching to and interacting with the estrogen receptor. This explanation would suffice if it was true, but the problem is that there has not been any scientific research supporting this theory, let alone confirming it. Some others have speculated that Anadrol may act as a progestin, although a medical study examining this theory found there was no such progestagenic activity present. A 3rd theory proposes that Anadrol may elicit this effect through its ability to lower serum levels of SHBG, which would consequently displace previously bound estrogen and release it into free circulation where it could then exert its effects. With Anadrol having been shown to lower serum levels of SHBG in the literature, this theory is certainly plausible.

Regardless of the working mechanism(s) responsible, there is no doubt that Anadrol is capable of inducing all of the typical estrogen-related side effects, and when administered in conjunction with an aromatizable drug, it often does so in pronounced fashion. Without instituting preventative measures, users may experience side effects such as: gynecomastia, subcutaneous water retention, elevations in blood pressure, and bloat, to name a few.

The standard treatment option for managing estrogen levels when using aromatizable drugs is through the concomitant use of an AI, but with Anadrol being unaffected by the aromatase enzyme, the question arises as to what treatment option is the most effective. While on the surface it may appear that AI treatment is not a viable alternative, user experience has repeatedly shown that this class of drugs is efficacious in circumventing the estrogen-like effects of Anadrol. Whether this occurs through a reduction in previously circulating estrogen, a different mechanism(s) altogether, or a combination of the two, it is unclear. Regardless, AIs are effective in minimizing/preventing Anadrol’s estrogen-like activity. In cases where the estrogen-like effects of Anadrol have acutely manifested (example: gyno), a serm such as Nolvadex remains the preferred course of action.

As mentioned above, Anadrol is not capable of converting to DHT, but like all steroids, it maintains the ability to increase the rate at which male pattern hair loss occurs in those who are prone. While it is impossible to give an accurate estimate regarding the percentage of users who might encounter this side effect, I will reluctantly state that this drug probably falls somewhere between Winstrol and Testosterone, in terms of its potential to hasten hair loss. For those anabolic steroids users who place a higher premium on keeping a full head of hair over sheer muscular size, they might do well to remain cognizant of this possibility when deciding whether or not Anadrol should be a part of their future cycles.

Another area where Anadrol distinguishes itself from many of its chemical cousins is in the realm of receptor binding relative to myotropic potency. Oxymetholone binds very weakly to the AR, so weakly in fact that its binding affinity is barely measurable, yet it remains one of the most potent oral steroids on the market for the acquisition of muscle mass. This is in direct contrast to a drug such as Trenbolone, which is also very proficient at muscle-building, but which exerts the majority of its effects through the signaling of the AR (androgen receptor). With Anadrol being incapable of activating the AR to any meaningful degree, there has been speculation of Anadrol relying predominantly on non-genomic mechanisms in order to effectuate muscle growth. There is some science available to support this claim, but we still have a long way to go in this area of steroid research before we have anywhere close to a complete understanding.

Whenever discussions of oral anabolic steroids come up, one area of interest frequently mentioned is that of liver toxicity. Being a methylated steroid, Anadrol is no exception to this and with good cause. Perhaps more than any other anabolic steroid, Anadrol has a long history of causing a variety of medically documented health problems when abused. Some of these noted health problems include: Cholestatic hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), Peliosis hepatis (blood-filled liver cysts), liver tumors, jaundice, Hepatic necrosis, and death. While these side effects are rare when Anadrol is properly administered, the potential for harm exists when abused for long periods of time and/or when utilizing excessive dosages.

Fortunately, most bodybuilders today understand the need for proper cycling and with the inclusion of various liver and other health aides playing a role in the programs of today’s bodybuilders, we are less likely than ever to experience these health problems. In reality, many of the toxicity claims are grossly over-exaggerated. While I certainly do not want to portray myself as one with a reckless attitude, it is important to see things as they really are. Caving in to over-blown fears (or maintaining a vigilante attitude) doesn’t do anyone good. While oral anabolic steroids are capable of causing toxicity issues, when utilized responsibly, they are a relatively safe category of drugs.

In years past, it was common to see bodybuilders running cycles of Anadrol or Dianabol for 8-10 weeks in length (or more), but in recent times it seems many bodybuilders are afraid to run any oral anabolic steroids for longer than 4-6 weeks. This mentality began to pervade the online bodybuilding community at around the mid-point of the current PH/Designer marketplace boom. Due to most OTC manufacturers recommending that their products be run for no more than 3-6 weeks, bodybuilders began to follow suit and apply these guidelines to other oral anabolic steroids. While prudence can be a virtue, the truth is that many oral anabolic steroids can be run for a significantly longer period of time with a relatively high degree of safety.

Even Anadrol itself, which was long considered one of the most toxic oral anabolic steroid, underwent considerable university research before being approved for human use. After becoming a legitimate prescription drug, patients were regularly prescribed treatment plans involving several months of usage at dosages between 50-150 mg/day. Despite Anadrol’s repeated toxicity claims, physicians persisted in recommending these treatment plans for decades with very few serious problems.

The half-life of Anadrol is around 8.5-9 hours, necessitating 2-3X daily dosing if blood levels are to be kept relatively stable. The most common dosing scheme employed today ranges from 50-100 mg per day, which is more than capable of supplying impressive increases in size & strength. Few users will ever need to exceed this dosing amount. Some more adventurous users have been known to go up to 150-200 mg per day and a small percentage of individuals (who apparently have a grudge against their liver), have gone as high as 500+ mg per day. I see little reason to exceed 100-150 mg per day, as further benefits will be minimal and the likelihood of experiencing side effects rises. Some of these side effects may include: appetite suppression, lethargy, general malaise, headaches, acne, aggression, increased and/or decreased sex drive, among others.

The standard cycle length for Anadrol ranges between 2-10 weeks in length. Some users choose to use it for short blasts at the onset of their cycle in order to get gains moving along quickly, while others will choose to run it for a longer period of time. In terms of real-world effects, Anadrol is one of the very best mass & strength builders around. It is beloved in both the bodybuilding and strength communities and is used in both off-season mass-building cycles, as well as pre-contest cycles in order to assist the bodybuilder in maintaining size and fullness while in a caloric deficit. Weight gains ranging between 15-25 pounds in 4-6 weeks are not uncommon, but these gains in mass tend to fall off as rapidly as they were acquired after cessation of the drug. This is definitely not a compound one would use for long-term mass retention. Anadrol will make you massive and strong while you’re taking it, but that is where it ends. The user should also expect a fair degree of their weight gain to come in the form of water retention, both intramuscular and subcutaneous. This effect, while typically not visually appealing, contributes to pain-free lifting for many users. Anadrol has also acquired a reputation for delivering huge pumps during workouts, even to the point where some users claim they are debilitating to the point of stopping their training session. At any rate, there is no doubt that Anadrol excels in this area.

In conclusion, Anadrol is powerful, all-out mass & strength drug which when respected, can safely be used to deliver some of the quickest gains of any anabolic steroids in the world. While you may not look pretty when using this drug, you will certainly come to understand the meaning on the word “ON”.

Nolvadex vs. Clomid

It seems like everyday questions concerning Post Cycle Therapy pop up, and weather one should use either Clomid or Nolvadex or a combo of both. I hope that this article may help to clear up some misconceptions.

While practically similar compounds in structure, few people ever really consider Clomid and Nolvadex to be similar. Its not just a common myth in steroid circles, but even in the medical community. This misconception originates from their completely different uses. Nolvadex is most commonly used for the treatment of breast cancer in women, while Clomid is generally considered a fertility aid. In bodybuilding circles, from day one, Clomid has generally been used as post-cycle therapy and Nolvadex as an anti-estrogen.

But as I intend to demonstrate this is in essence the same. I believe the myth to have originated because Nolvadex is clearly a more powerful anti-estrogen, and the people selling Clomid needed another angle to sell the stuff, so it was mostly used as a post-cycle aid. But few users really understand how Clomid (and also Nolvadex, logically) works to bring back natural testosterone in the body after the conclusion of a cycle of androgenic anabolic steroids. After a cycle is over, the level of androgens in the body drop drastically. The body compensates with an overproduction of estrogen to keep steroid levels up. Estrogen as well inhibits the production of natural testosterone, and in the period between the return of natural testosterone and the end of a cycle, a lot of mass is lost. So its in everybody’s best interest to bring back natural test as soon as humanly possible. Clomid and Nolvadex will reduce the post-cycle estrogen, so that a steroid deficiency is constated and the hypothalamus is stimulated to regenerate natural testosterone production in the body. That’s basically how the mechanism works, nothing more, nothing less.

Both compounds are structurally alike, classified as triphenylethylenes. Nolvadex is clearly the stronger component of the two as it can achieve better results in decreasing overall estrogen with 20-40 mg a day, than Clomid can in doses of 100-150 mg a day. A noteworthy difference. Triphenylethylenes are very mild estrogens that do not exert a lot, if any activity at the estrogen receptor, but are still highly attracted to it. As such they will occupy the receptor and keep it from binding estrogens. This means they do not actively work to reduce estrogen in the body like Proviron, Viratase or arimidex would (by competing for the aromatase enzyme), but that it blocks the receptor so that any estrogen in the body is basically inert, because it has no receptor to bind to.

This has advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantage is that when use is discontinued, the estrogen level is still the same and new problems will develop much sooner. The advantage is that it works much faster and has results sooner than with an aromatase blocker like Proviron or Arimidex. Therefor, when problems such as gynocomastia occur during a cycle of steroids one will usually start 20 mg/day of nolva or 100 mg/day of Clomid straight away, in conjunction with some Proviron or arimidex. The proviron or arimidex will actively reduce estrogen while the Clomid or Nolvadex will solve your ongoing problem straight away. This way, when use is discontinued there is no immediate rebound.

So which one should you use? Well personally, I’d have to say Nolvadex. Both as an on-cycle anti-estrogen and a post-cycle therapy. As an anti-estrogen its simply much stronger, demonstrated by the fact that better results are obtained with 20-40 mg than with 100-150 mg of Clomid. For post-cycle, this plays a key role as well. It deactivates rebound estrogen much faster and more effective. But most importantly, Nolvadex has a direct influence on bringing back natural testosterone, where as Clomid may actually have a slight negative influence. The reason being that Tamoxifen (as in Nolvadex) seems to be the best choice for Post Cycle Therapy.

Vitamin C and E protect testes during steroids cycle

A small group of doping users combine antioxidants such as vitamin C and E with their anabolic steroids. The idea behind this supplementation is that the antioxidants protect the testes while steroids are being taken, helping the body’s own testosterone to kick in faster at the end of the course. Not such a crazy idea, according to the results of an animal study that researchers at the Comenius University in the Slovak Republic.

When athletes put anabolic steroids into their body, they reduce their natural Testosterone production. When done in an intelligent way, the effect is temporary. Long-term use of high doses without breaks is another matter… and not intelligent.

Endocrinologists regularly see older men who have become infertile after years of using steroids, or whose testosterone production has become exceedingly low, despite the improved post-cycle therapy forms now popular in the steroids scene.

The researchers at Comenius University performed experiments with rats to try and better understand what happens in the testes during a course of androgen supplementation. They gave a group of rats an injection containing 5 mg testosterone isobutyrate per kg bodyweight every other day.

Other groups of rats were given injections containing the anti-androgen cyproterone or injections containing both testosterone isobutyrate and cyproterone, or injections containing no active ingredients at all.

After two weeks the researchers analysed the rats’ testes. As you’d expect, the rats that had been given testosterone isobutyrate produced less of their own testosterone.

Administering testosterone, with or without cyproterone, boosted the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the testes. These are released when aggressive molecules attack unsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes.

At the same time, the total amount of antioxidants in the testes of the rats that had been given testosterone had decreased, and the amount of advanced glycation end products had increased.

Advanced glycation end products are created when glucose attaches itself to amino acids, forming inactive complexes. The tissues are often incapable of clearing up the AGEs, and as a result the AGEs impede the tissues’ functioning. This effect may have something to do with the lasting negative long-term effects of steroids use we mentioned above. We’re just hazarding a guess here.

The notion of consuming vitamin C and E antioxidants or super foods with a high ORAC value during a course of steroids isn’t such a strange idea at all after reading the Slovakian study. What’s more, you wonder to what extent a low-carb diet might also protect anabolic steroids users’ testes.

Trenbolone use in bodybuilding

These days, there probably isn’t a bodybuilder alive that hasn’t heard of Trenbolone. In today’s drug circles, it has attained nearly super-hero status as an anabolic agent. “Nectar of the gods”…“A steroid on steroids”…and “indispensable” are just some of the terms which have been used to describe this highly desirable drug. There is no single characteristic responsible for Trenbolone’s unique effects on the musculature. Rather, it is a precise combination of attributes which provide such amazing results.

There are few non-methylated drugs capable of functioning as both a mass builder and cutter, while excelling at both. In fact, if pressed to name another non-methylated drug capable of duplicating trenbolone’s performance. Typically, Trenbolone is known for its ability to generate substantial gains in dense, dry muscle tissue; a trait which has no doubt earned it a top spot in both contest prep and off-season programs alike. Likewise, its strength building and psyche altering capabilities have made it popular among strength-power athletes, but rather than re-hash these well known traits, I want to spend a bit of time talking about some of the less publicized qualities of Trenbolone.

One often debated topic in the steroid world is the role of estrogen in the muscle growth process. Up until the last decade, many bodybulders were taught to avoid the use of anti-estrogenic drugs when in the off-season, as it was commonly believed that the elevated estrogen level achieved with aromatizable drugs was necessary for maximizing muscle growth. This belief was born out of real-world experience, with many bodybulders noting a reduction in overall weight gain when administering these drugs. Were these old-school bodybulders simply confusing estrogen induced water retention with genuine muscle growth, or was there more to the story? In recent years, the phobia surrounding anti-estrogenic drugs has greatly diminished. While science has confirmed the importance of estrogen in the growth process, most steroid users now believe that keeping levels within the low-normal range is more than sufficient to obtain all its growth benefits. To this end, aromatase inhibitors such as Aromasin and Arimidex are freely employed in the programs of today’s steroid using bodybulders. So, how does this apply to trenbolone, a non-aromatizing steroid, you might ask?

In recent years, the phobia surrounding anti-estrogenic drugs has greatly diminished. While science has confirmed the importance of estrogen in the growth process, most steroid users now believe that keeping levels within the low-normal range is more than sufficient to obtain all its growth benefits. To this end, aromatase inhibitors such as Aromasin and Arimidex are freely employed in the programs of today’s steroid using bodybuilders. So, how does this apply to trenbolone, a non-aromatizing steroid, you might ask?

Trenbolone may also stimulate growth through enhanced proliferation and differentiation of satellite cells, which may be mediated through an increase in IGF-1 sensitivity. In order to understand why this is important, let’s first look at the role of satellite cells in the muscle growth process. After a hard training session, the muscle cell proteins within muscle fibers sustain damage, which activates a special type of stem cell known as satellite cells. These cells, which are located between the basal lamina and plasma membrane (an area directly outside the muscle fibers), are quickly shuttled to the site of injury, initiating the muscle regeneration process. They then begin to multiple (proliferate) by fusing to other satellite cells and to existing muscle fibers. A portion of these satellite cells will remain as organelles, but the majority will differentiate (the process of turning immature stem cells into mature muscle cells) and fuse to muscle fibers, either creating new muscle protein stands (myofibrils) or helping to repair previously damaged muscle fiber. The formation of these myofibrils (muscle fibers) directly leads to an overall increase in the size of the muscle.

This muscle repair process is aided by numerous growth factors, such as testosterone, growth hormone, insulin, IGF-1, HGF, and FGF. These hormones influence the rate and amount of protein that is deposited in the muscle during the repair process, with higher levels speeding up the muscle growth process and lower levels slowing down the process. In particular, IGF-1 and FGF have a direct influence on the proliferative response of satellite cells. In multiple studies, trenbolone has been shown to enhance this proliferative response, which the researchers suggest is due to trenbolone’s ability to increase satellite cell sensitivity to IGF-1.