Apr 23, 2015

7 Best Barbell Excercises For A Strong Core


While it’s true that “abs are built in the kitchen,” like with any muscle, abs are built in the gym, too. You still have to blast them with intense exercises to create the stimulus for growth and definition. Yet the common ab exercises guys use to target their core - planks, situps, stability ball crunches, etc.  - leave much to be desired.

By using a barbell, however, you’ll be able to easily add resistance to each core exercise and intensify your training for more hypertrophy. Also, because you’re moving a weight with your arms while keeping your torso stable, you’ll attack your core from a variety of angles that are impossible with traditional core exercises. Add any of these seven best barbell core exercises to your workout and take your ab routine to the next level. Don’t be surprised if you’re painfully sore the next day.

Landmine Rainbows 

The landmine lets you use a barbell as a lever to unlock a different array of exercises as the weight twists and turns. With a landmine rainbow, you attack your core by moving your arms in an arc while keeping your spine and ribcage stable.

How to do it:

Place one end of a barbell in a landmine. At the other end, stand facing the landmine, grab the other end with your arms extended, and start with the barbell end about eye-level. Twist the barbell to one side without turning your hips or shoulders and keeping your arms as straight as possible. Alternate sides. To make it harder, add weight by sliding small plates on the end.

If you don’t have a landmine, just place a folded-up towel in the corner of a wall and wedge one end of a barbell there.

Barbell Rollout 

With rollout exercise, the farther you extend, the more you strengthen your abs. Using a barbell lets you descent close to ground and even adds resistances as you roll back up. It’s also harder than an ab wheel because you have to control a wider weight.

How to do it:

Get on your knees and grab a barbell with 45-lb. plates. Push your hips forward, keep your arms straight, and go as low as you can without letting your ribcage flare out—keep your hips straight and squeeze your glutes the entire time. To make it harder, use shorter plates or heavier plates.

Barbell Side Bends

Target your obliques with side bends. By using a barbell instead of dumbbells, you’ll spike the intensity on your sides because there’s more weight and the level arm is longer—it’s harder to move a seven-foot long bar than dumbbells held at your sides.

How to do it:

Hold a barbell behind your neck like on a back squat. Stand with legs about hip-width apart and bend your torso to the side, trying to get the barbell almost vertical. Alternate sides.

Barbell Straight-Leg Situp 

This isn’t your old-fashioned situp that shortens your hip flexors and rolls your shoulders forward. With a barbell straight-leg situp, you need to rise by keeping your torso rigid and neutral.

How to do it:

Lie on your back with your legs straight, holding a barbell overhead with your hands about shoulder-width apart. Keep your arms straight, keep your chest out, and lift your torso until you’re sitting straight up. Keep your legs extended throughout and do not let your back round forward.

Zercher Squat 

No squat variation blasts your core like a zercher squat. (Don’t be surprised if you feel it there more than in your legs.) Because you’re holding the weight right in front of your body, your core will work like crazy as you stay tall and avoid collapsing forward.

How to do it:

Start with a barbell in the crook of your elbows and hands held together by your chest. Stand shoulder-width apart with your toes slightly out. Squat down by sitting back, spreading your knees, and keeping your weight on your heels. Once your hips are below parallel, drive through your heels and rise. Keep your lower back flat and your shoulder blades squeezed together throughout.

Barbell Overhead Carry

Weight carries are a must-have exercise in any strength program. They build bulletproof conditioning as well as phenomenal core strength and endurance. The overhead carry amplifies the intensity on your abdominals and obliques because they have to fight to control a higher center-of-gravity.

How to do it:

Hold a barbell overhead with your hands much wider than shoulder-width apart and your elbows locked. Don’t let your ribcage flare out and don’t let your lower-back arch excessively. If you get tired, slowly lower the weight onto your traps. To safely move the weight overhead, do a push press.

Single- Arm Landmine Press

Overhead presses are an underrated exercise that carves your abdominals. When the weight is fully extended overhead, your core must brace hard to stabilize your entire torso and connect your upper body to the ground. By pushing with one arm, however, you’ll spike the stability challenge to get more core work.

How to do it:

Place one end of a barbell in a landmine. At the other end, stand facing the landmine, grab the other end with one arm and hold it near the same shoulder. Drive the barbell overhead without twisting. Finish all your reps on one side and alternate. To make it harder, add weight by sliding small plates on the end.

If you don’t have a landmine, just place a folded-up towel in the corner of a wall and wedge one end of a barbell there. 

Apr 17, 2015

Anadrol 25


Anadrol, the synthetic anabolic steroid, was originally developed as a drug to treat osteoporosis and anemia and was also recommended for stimulating muscle growth in malnourished or underdeveloped patients. It is also recommended for patients requiring enhanced red blood cell count or suffering from bone marrow.

What is Anadrol?

The Schedule III drug (also known as Oxymetholone) has a bioavailability of 95 percent and has a half life of 8-9 hours. The 17-Alpha-Alkylated steroid has the melting point of 178° to 180°C and its anabolic/androgenic ratio is 320:45. It has the chemical name of 17ß-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethylene)-17-methyl-5a-androstan-3-one and has the molecular formula of C21H32O3. The active ingredient in tablets of Anadrol 25  is oxymetholone and the inactive ingredients include lactose, povideone, magnesium stearate, and starch.

Ideally, this steroid is used in doses of 1-5 mg per kilogram of body weight (on a daily basis) though a dosage of 1-2 mg per kilogram of body weight per day is also followed by some sportsmen. Anadrol 25  is often stacked with Boldenone, Nandrolone, and Testosterone during an anabolic steroid cycle of six to eight weeks or alone in an Anadrol only cycle of 12-16 weeks. Towards the end of a steroid cycle involving Anadrol, users are advised to use anti-estrogens such as Nolvadex to minimize or eliminate estrogenic side effects such as bloating, acne, oily skin, and gynecomastia besides enhancing bioavailability of steroids used in the cycle and restore or improve production of natural hormones such as testosterone.

The steroid is usually not advised to girls and women, especially who are keen to get pregnant or breastfeeding or pregnant (an exception can be made by practitioners for women who have already been harmonized); it is also not advised for individuals suffering from health conditions such as breast, testicular, and prostate cancer and those having existing allergy to Anadrol 25  or its ingredients.

Side effects of Oxymetholone

When abused or overdosed or used (low grade), Anadrol may cause side effects like hepatitis and cirrhosis or hoarseness, growth of facial hair, acne, and changes in menstrual cycle and it may even cause persistent or frequent erections, bladder irritability, and decrease in seminal volume, or aggravation of acne. In order to maintain the highest standards of safe use and staying protected against side effects of Anadrol 25  , users are advised to undergo regular X-ray examinations at a gap of six months for examining bone age to ascertain the rate of bone maturation and comprehensive effects on the epiphyseal centers of the androgenic anabolic steroid therapy. Oxymetholone users advised of high doses are advised to undergo examination for polycythemia and patients with anemia are to be examined for ascertaining the serum iron and iron-binding capacity. In order to avoid misuse or overdosing of Anadrol, it should always be used only after a medical practitioner has authorized its use after complete and comprehensive evaluation of medical reports and history.

The dosages of Oxymetholone should not be changed, increased or decreased, without prior medical advice and the drug should never be abused or overdosed in hopes of quick results. In addition to these tips and precautions, no two dosages of Anadrol should be taken together even if the first one was missed unintentionally. Anadrol 25  use should only be made for medical purposes and the drug should always be purchased with a prescription from a certified and legal medical pharmacy.

The advice of a pharmacist or local waste disposal company should always be sought to safely discard Oxymetholone in case of expired Oxymetholone tablets or if the tablets or injections are not to be used any more. It is best to store Oxymetholone capsules, pills, or injections in the original pack that is stored at a controlled room temperature of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) with excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) and kept away from unauthorized use, pets, sunlight, moisture, and children.

Apr 10, 2015

Superdrol - Pro-Hormone or Steroid?


Superdrol  is marketed as a 'pro-hormone' (PH) in the post-ban era of pro-hormones. Following the ban of most pro-hormonal substances in the States, including the likes of 1-test, 1-AD, 4-AD, M1T, etc, Designer Supplements designed this 'pro-hormone' based on the steroid Masteron, with an additional methyl group attached to the 17th carbon position. It is described as a cross between Anavar and Masteron, with the virtual inability for aromatisation to estrogen. It is highly anabolic (400-800% more so than methyl-test) and a lot less androgenic (~20% of methyl-test). Superdrol has hence been given the name Methasteron.

Despite being marketed as a supplement available legally and deemed another 'pro-hormone' or 'pro-steroid' by many, there is nothing very 'pro' about Superdrol. In reality, Superdrol is a steroid, and that is what the reader must primarily understand. It is methylated, so will cause stress on the liver, and it is an anabolic/androgenic steroid, thus it has the potential to give side effects normally seen with such anabolic steroid use. It will shut your natural testosterone production down, and PCT (post-cycle therapy) is not only recommended, but frankly required.

Cycling Superdrol

Superdrol is sold in 10mg capsules. For those who have not used Superdrol before, it may be a good idea to start off on 10mg as a single dose each day (ed) for at least the first few days/week. Those who have used Superdrol before, or those who are in the range of 200lbs+ or have more experience with other pro-hormones/AAS should most likely want to start with 20mg ed. Dosages should be split where possible, 10mg in the morning, 10mg 12hrs later. Most users report that when running for longer than 3 weeks, the gains seem to cease in the 4th week. This has led to many people thinking that 3 week cycles of Superdrol are the best option in terms of gains and sides and this also is beneficial due to the harsh nature of Superdrol on lipid values.  A good cycle is 20mg ed for 3 weeks, with a 2-3 week PCT. Others have found success employing a 2 week on, 1 week off using a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM; e.g. Nolvadex) or Aromatase Inhibitor during the week off.

PCT will involve either Nolvadex (Tamoxifen, the prescription only medicine)

Side effects of Superdrol

As with all anabolic steroids, Superdrol is not side effect free. However, when comparing to harsher compounds such as M1T, I would have to say Superdrol fairs well in the sides department. Due to virtually zero aromatisation to estrogen, water retention in theory will be low (and in practise is low), and bloating should not occur such as one would see with an anabolic steroid oral like Dianabol. As Superdrol is said to have diuretic properties, you may well experience a loss of water weight during the initial period of use. Also, I have yet to see a case of gynecomastia (gyno - development of breast tissue in males) induced by Superdrol usage. I would not rule this out, and always recommend to anyone who is doing a steroidal cycle of some sort to have Nolvadex on hand in case gyno occurs. Superdrol could perhaps induce gyno through the progesterone route however this is mere speculation, and it certainly is not worth adding an anti-estrogen on cycle. Due to its low androgenic activity, one would expect androgenic sides to be low, and indeed, most users find little in the way of increased bodily hair, acne, hair loss (male pattern baldness - MPB), etc, however as Superdrol does have some androgenic activity, and if you are genetically prone to MPB you may well increase this process while on Superdrol.

The main side effects that seem to occur in many Superdrol users are:

Cramping/painful "pumps" (specifically lower back)
Lethargy - in extreme cases people have reported feeling like they had a hangover for the duration of the cycle.
Painful shin-splints, often making cardio very difficult
Substantial increases in LDL cholesterol levels and reduction of HDL levels
Superdrol is methylated so one must remember liver stress is a possibility
Possible loss in libido near end of cycle

Because of these sides (some being more serious than others) there are certain supplements that in my opinion, one should always employ whilst on a cycle of Superdrol

Diet on Superdrol

Feedback would indicate that Superdrol is not a good steroid to use for cutting. Superdrol works best in a calorific surplus environment, and more specifically, in an environment where carbohydrates are high. For this reason, Superdrol makes more of a good 'bulking' steroid, however one can easily use Superdrol to put on mass whilst putting on little (if any) fat. Obviously this requires manipulation of diet so that protein and carbs are high, with plenty of good Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), but making sure that your calories are clean (good, complex carbs). Glycogen storage is dramatically elevated while on Superdrol and as such, complex carbohydrate consumption should be high, to not only assist in gains, but to potentially reduce the onset of lethargy and the likelihood of hypoglycaemia. You want to ensure intakes that are above maintenance calories. However, Superdrol is not a shield against fat gain and as such it is advisable to consume calories at a level where you were gaining quality weight at a suitable rate before starting the cycle, as opposed to suddenly increasing them well beyond your current intake.

Coming back to the EFAs point - this is very important due to the fact that Superdrol will significantly affect your lipid values. This is not hypothesis, but rather reality as many testers have had blood work done prior to and after using Superdrol, and the vast majority have seen HDL going significantly low and LDL skyrocketing. One's diet on Superdrol should make sure that it is full of EFAs, as the diet of a bodybuilder should always be anyway!


Apr 3, 2015

Anavar (oxandrolone) oral cutting anabolic steroid cycle for bodybuilders.


Weeks Anavar (mcg/day)

1 80 mg/day
2 80 mg/day
3 80 mg/day
4 1000 mg/day
5 100 mg/day
6 120 mg/day
7 120 mg/day
8 120 mg/day
9 120 mg/day
10 120 mg/day
11 120 mg/day
12 120 mg/day

Beginner Anavar Cycle Example (12 weeks total cycle time)

Weeks 1-12:
– Testosterone Enanthate at 250 – 500mg/week

Weeks 1-8:
– Anavar at 80 – 120mg/day

Oxandrolone will make you veiny as all hell. And quickly. Look out for brand new bulging forearms veins by around day 6. If you are following a cutting regimen, expect new spider webs in your chest, shoulders and quads by around day 21.

When on Anavar, the pumps are constant. Bored sitting in class/at work? Do some unweighted calf raises. After about three minutes, your calves will be ready to pop. Youll be doing something like drinking a cup of water, and after a minute of holding it, your biceps will be completely full and pumped. You may have to cut some sets short in the gym due to the painful pumpage.

Even when cutting, you can expect new strength gains every workout after about day 14-21.

Anavar has been shown to contribute to accelerated fat loss in both subcutaneous and visceral fat, concentrated effects in the abdomen and thigh area. And if you’ve used the drug, you can attest to this…if you cant sport the 6-8 pack look on var, its not gonna happen .

Anavar should be run @ at least 80mg a day to see all of the benefits it offers. Dosages upwards of 140mg have been shown to exhibit diminishing returns.

Anavar is a 17 Alpha Alkylated steroid , and is toxic. It has been shown to be less toxic than other orals, and is even used as liver treatment for recovering alcoholics. Still, i would limit my time using it to 8 weeks, 10 at the most. It would be beneficial to your liver to use several different OTC supplements during, and perhaps after your cycle. A few preventive measures never hurt anyone .

Anavar isn’t going to kill your cholesterol levels like some drugs (winny being one of the worst), but it may put your LDL/HDL profiles outside of the normal range.

What is the highest recommended dose for bodybuilding purposes?

The consensus is that anything over 80mg shows extreme diminishing returns.

Does Oxandrolone suppress your HPTA (natural testosterone production)?

Yes. Research shows as little as 2.5mg can suppress in some folks. As far as the effects of this lowered test production, at 40mg a day.

Is Clomid needed post cycle?

Yes. This should be apparent from the above question. You may find that 50mg/day for two weeks is enough however. Nolvadex use is also encouraged.
Cholesterol?

User experience seems to point to the fact that prolonged use does bring your good cholesterol down and your bad cholesterol up. Take your flax seed oil.
“Also, because oral steroids can decrease the “good” HDL cholesterol and increase the “bad” LDL cholesterol, oral steroids can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). If you use oral anabolic steroids consider taking 400 to 800 IU of Vitamin E, and 1,000 to 2,000 mg. of Vitamin C with each meal. These vitamin antioxidants help to protect cholesterol from the oxidation that is associated with CVD.”

Side effects

Common side effects you should be prepared for: Appetite loss, stomach discomfort, increase skin “grease”. I personally suffered extreme loss of appetite, but no stomach discomfort. Appetite came back in 1 week. Rarer side effects: acne

Overall, this is an extremely mild drug. You should experience virtually no side effects. Those you do experience will diminish over time.

How long before it kicks in?

Individual thing. Varies on product line as well. I noticed vascularity and hardness within 2-3 days with generics, and strength in 2.5 weeks. Wait about 3 weeks for the full effect before you get disappointed. Vascularity and hardness will come quick, it’s very nice.Spiderweb veins on your pecs that you’ve never seen before in just 3 days on Oxandrolone – “Personal friend, anavar user”

What is this drug used for?

Involuntary weight loss. HIV, AIDS, burns etc. Liver treatment in severe alcohol induced liver damage.

What is the half life of Oxandrolone? - 9 hours.

When should Oxandrolone be dosed?

There are two camps.

Camp 1: Take it all in the morning. The rationale is that your blood concentrations will ‘fall off’ by the time you go to bed, which will limit HPTA impact during this crucial “recentering” time for your body.

Camp 2: Spread it out evenly through the day. This will keep blood concentrations steady. Plus, don’t we want that nice anabolic substance in our veins during our growth at night?

My comments: With a halflife of 9 hours, this issue is virtually meaningless. The ideas used in “camp 1″ apply well when you have a substance with a 3 hour halflife (Dianabol), (e.g. if 30mg of dbol is taken at 9am, only about 1 miligram is left in your bloodstream by bedtime. great.) I don’t think things pan out so well with a 9 hour halflife drug. If 40mg is taken at 9am, at bedtime you will have approximately 10mg or more in your bloodstream. You would have about 15 at bedtime if you took it 4 times evenly through the day. I don’t think you are giving your body any drop off at night anyway.

Conclusion: Take it whenever you want. Choose the camp you agree with and do it, things will work out.

How about doses for women?

Have a look at the sample Anavar cycle. Women do not need large dosages to see results.

How long is a typical Oxandrolone cycle?

Most tend to agree longer is better with Ox. 6 weeks seems to be the minimum, while 10 weeks is recommended and common. Over 10 weeks might be stressful on the liver.

Mar 27, 2015

Injectable Dianabol Dosage Cycles


Many have a body image of a muscular physique Dianabol or Methandrostelone will help achieve your goals in this area. As a bulking agent, injectable Dianabol Methandrostelone is an anabolic steroid that provides effective and safe results. Earnest bodybuilders will find that this is an ideal steroid that affords you the capacity to
  • Build body strength
  • Do strenuous workouts without exhaustion
  • Build muscle mass.
The anabolic steroid Dianabol has benefits that will aid you in your choice of product. Some of these follow: It reaches concentration fast, because of an extremely powerful chemical structure. Within two weeks of consistent use, visible changes in your body musculature occur as a result. The administration route is oral, which offers convenience and negates the need for injections. The anabolic steroid, with the brand name Dianabol, implements its potent anabolic effects, through enhancement of nitrogen retention in the muscle tissue of the body.

Injectable Dianabol simulates the function of methandrostenolone, but it has none of the adverse side effects of that anabolic steroid. Dianabol also holds a chemical structure similar to methandrostenolone, which has a beneficial effect on protein synthesis by supporting the buildup of muscle proteins. In addition, Dianabol reduces carbohydrate catabolism, averts carbohydrate breakdown, and supports to protein synthesis.

The astounding result is rapid muscle mass buildup and the exorbitant extent of strength gain. It permits lift that is more rigorous and pumps that eventually affect muscle buildup. Therefore, the muscle buildup cycle that Dianabol produces will lead to the achieved goal of a muscular body.

Results of Dianabol Injections

Those who are serious about building muscles recognize the value of nitrogen retention. The significance of nitrogen relates to its being the key component of amino acids, which are the basic elements of proteins that are essential to build muscles. Actions that generate a negative nitrogen balance in the body have a tendency to initiate muscle degeneration that is counterproductive for a bodybuilder. Dianabol injections increases nitrogen retention in the muscles, which produces a positive nitrogen balance in the body that encourages the rapid buildup of muscle.

The use of Dianabol produces a unique and dual action experience that establishes exorbitant increases in strength and stamina for your workout. This product has such a potent anabolic effect that there is fundamentally no protein deterioration, even with indulgence in high intensity training sessions, or during periods of extreme calorific deficits.

The intensity of muscle synthesis sustains and allows for rapid muscle gain. In two weeks, you attain more density in your muscles. In the bodybuilding community, Dianabol is referenced as the king of oral anabolics.

The dosage recommendation for Dianabol is one tablet taken three times per day with meals, as well as on non-workout days. Take this steroid thirty to forty-five minutes preceding a working out on those scheduled days. Continual use for two months needs to be followed by a one and a half week break before resumption.

For those who want to accelerate your bulking buildup, use injectable Dianabol alone in bulking cycles. However, the best results derive from a stack with other anabolics such as Anadrol 50, Deca-Durabol and Trenbolone. Dianabol helps to create massive muscles that lead to a ripped, bulky body with high muscle definition.

Usage stimulates a bulking cycle with intense escalations in glycogenolysis, protein synthesis, and muscle strength over a brief period. Dianabol provides bodybuilders with weight gain and strength enhancements. The ability of the body to build muscle and lose fat at a thirty to one androgenic ratio activates with the use of Dianabol, and it decreases the rate of protein and carbohydrate catabolism.

Consequently, it helps sustain general muscle synthesis to deter normal protein deterioration during periods of intense training, caloric restriction, physical and mental stress, and during intermittent workout periods. The noticeable effects of intectable Dianabol that commences in two weeks include surges in strength during the first week of usage, muscle size increases, and added muscle density. A major benefit of using this anabolic steroid is that conversion to estrogen does not take place.

Adverse Side Effects of Dianabol

Since injectable Methandrostenolone rapidly aromatizes to estrogen, it is referenced as an aromatizing steroid. A key adverse side effect of this steroid is gynecomastia. A user prone to gynecomastia will need to keep an eye on this steroid for the effect. Doses in excess of fifty milligrams produce the side effect of gynecomastia. Taking Clomid or Nolvadex in addition to an AI such as Letrozole will alleviate the majority of estrogen-related side effects. Water retention is an estrogenic side effect relieved with the incorporation of Nolvadex or an effective AI to prevent a bloated appearance.

Even though Dianabol injections has a formulation designed to reduce androgenic side effects, they is still a chance for an occurrence. The frequent side effects that take place when taking a steroid such as Dianabol are body and facial hair growth, acne, and oily skin. Oral Dianabol is also hepatotoxic, which means that it causes chemically induced liver damage that in rare cases will cause lethal symptoms. It is most beneficial to limit your cycle range between six to eight weeks, with the maximum dose range of twenty-five to fifty milligrams per day. The recommendation is to take a proven liver supplement.

Mar 20, 2015

Proviron Cycle


Proviron is an interesting and often overlooked bodybuilding drug. Bodybuilders buy Proviron because it is an orally active form of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) and as such, a Proviron cycle delivers all the good and all the bad that DHT has to offer the bodybuilder.

As for the good, the DHT from a Proviron cycle is a pure androgen, but unlike testosterone, DHT doesn’t cause any water retention. DHT is what makes muscle “hard.” And it lowers SHBG (Sex hormone Binding Globulin) which prevents estrogen from forming. By preventing estrogen from forming, DHT can be used to prevent the aromatization of other steroids. This means that the DHT from a Proviron cycle can keep steroids in the testosterone family from converting to estrogen and causing in men estrogen related side effects like gynecomastia. DHT also contributes to erectile rigidity. All good stuff! There are drawbacks however, most notably prostate hypertrophy and hair loss. So one may say DHT is pure maleness.

In the past, DHT was regarded as the “bad” form of testosterone and there have been many products available to reduce it.

So, we know DHT can be tricky and we know we need it. But, where does Proviron fall into the equation? Well, bodybuilders use Proviron because it can be a nice addition to any cycle for a variety of reasons. Since it lowers SHBG it allows for more total testosterone to become bioavailable. Up to 90% of testosterone, be it natural or administered, remains in a “bound” state (due to SHBG) rendering it useless for building muscle. A Proviron cycle releases more active testosterone into the bloodstream so you can get more of its benefits.

Bodybuilders also use Proviron because it works well as an anti estrogen, in fact, it’s superior to most traditional anti e’s such as Nolvadex because there is no rebound effect. Instead of removing estrogen, proviron prevents the formation of estrogen in the first place.

Proviron is excellent for contest preparation because it adds density and definition. You see, androgen receptors are found in your fat cells as well as muscle cells and DHT binds so well that there’s a distinct fat burning effect from its use.

Many bodybuilder use Proviron in between cycles to maintain muscle gains and libido. However, DHT will not do much in regard to maintaining muscle. And as with any drug, a tolerance is developed over time so using Proviron to help a lagging libido will just add to further suppression once the use of the drug has ceased.

The main downside of Proviron is that since it contains no anabolic properties, it will not result in much muscle growth if used alone. It truly is a “kicker” to other steroids, most notably testosterone. And although it doesn’t cause water retention, it can increase blood pressure. DHT can also increase irritability if duration exceeds more than a few weeks.

There have recently been advances in natural alternatives to Proviron. Avenacosides have been shown to lower SHBG and to raise free testosterone by as much as 20%. Since Proviron is used mostly as an ancillary substance and does not have much of an effect of actual growth, more and more people are opting to go the natural route. Although Avenacosides won’t work quite as well, they are effective and can be used in conjunction with a lower dose of Proviron for an even more powerful muscle hardening/libido enhancing effect.

Dosage:

At a dosage of 50 mgs a day, Proviron can lower estrogen into single digits and produce a very polished look to your muscles. 

Mar 4, 2015

Cycle FAQ


Anabolic steroids have traditionally been taken in cycles, which are episodes of use lasting 6 to 12 weeks or more. However, there are athletes, such as some power lifters, who use the drugs on a relatively continuous basis and increase their doses at certain times of the year-for example, to prepare for a competition.Often, athletes will take more than one steroid at a time; this is referred to as “stacking.” The supposed basis for stacking is that it allows the user to activate more receptor sites than if only one steroid is used, or that the user can achieve a synergistic effect with certain combinations of steroids. In addition, the athlete may use a number of other drugs concurrently or after a cycle (PCT) to further enhance physical capacities or to counteract the common side effects of steroids.

These drugs include stimulants, diuretics, anti-estrogens, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), human growth hormone (hGH), anti-acne medications, as well as anti-inflammatories. They also tend to use natural food supplements, such as creatine, DHEA, multivitamins, protein and amino acids.The dose of anabolic steroids depends on the sport as well as the particular needs of the athlete. Endurance athletes use steroids primarily for their catabolism-blocking effects and employ doses at or slightly below physiologic replacement levels. Although sprinters desire similar results, the strength and power requirements of their activity result in doses that are approximately one and a half to more than double the replacement levels. Participants in the traditional strength sports seeking to “bulk up,” have generally used amounts that exceed physiologic levels by 10 to 100 times, or more. Dosing patterns will also vary among athletes within a particular sport based on each athlete’s training goals and response to the drugs and the biological activity of different anabolic steroids. Women, regardless of sport, are thought to generally use much lower doses of anabolic steroids than males.A steroid cycle should always be followed by a post-cycle treatment (PCT) that consist of a combination of drugs that interact with certain body responses to reverse the negative feedback loop of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA/HPTA).

The perfect stack 

Due to the differences in physical characteristics of individuals like weight, height and age it is impossible to have a “one size fit all” kind of cycle that will meet everyone’s needs. Every athlete will require a custom cycle designed around their individual goals and body features.The first step in constructing your custom cycle will be to decide what you like to achieve. You might want to bulk up so that you fall into a new weight division. You might want to gain more strength or lean mass to help secure your rugby career. Maybe you want to cut down on your bodyfat percentage so that you have more muscular definition for your upcoming bodybuilding competition. Your goal can thus be to bulk, gain lean mass or to cut. Unfortunately it is not possible to bulk and cut at the same time, so decide on what you want to achieve first.Next you have to select the steroid(s) you plan to use. If this will be your first cycle it is recommended that you keep your stack as simple as possible. The proffered starting place of any cycle will be with testosterone as a base. Testosterone is found naturally in your body so the possibility for side-effects are greatly reduced compared to something like Oxymetholone (Anadrol) for example.

Testosterone and Esters

You are probably wondering which testosterone to choose, because there is a Testosterone propionate, Testosterone enanthate, Testosterone cypionate and even a blend of different testosterones. All of these are essentially the same compound; the only difference is the ester or carboxylic acids attached to the testosterone molecule. The consequence of this is that the ester will determine the active life span (Half-Life) of the parent hormone. Such alterations will reduce the steroid’s level of water solubility, and increase its oil solubility.

Once an esterified compound has been injected, it will form a deposit in the muscle tissue (depot) from which it will slowly enter circulation. Generally the larger the ester chain, the more oil soluble the steroid compound will be, and the longer it will take for the full dosage to be released. Once free in circulation, enzymes will quickly remove the ester chain and the parent hormone will be free to exert its activity (while the ester is present the steroid is inert).

To compare, an ester like decanoate can extend the release of active parent drug into the blood stream for three to four weeks, while it may only be extended for a few days with an acetate or propionate ester. The use of an ester allows for a much less frequent injection schedule than if using a water-based (straight) testosterone, which is much more comfortable for the patient.

Longer esters do have some disadvantages and we must remember when calculating dosages, that the ester is figured into the steroid’s measured weight. 100 mg of Testosterone enanthate, therefore, contains much less base hormone than 100 mg of a straight Testosterone suspension (in this case it equals 72mg of testosterone). It is also important to stress the fact that esters do not alter the activity of the parent steroid in any way. They work only to slow its release.

It is quite common to hear people speak about the properties of different esters, almost as if they can magically alter a steroid’s effectiveness. This is really nonsense. Enanthate is not more powerful than cypionate (perhaps a few extra milligrams of testosterone released per injection, but nothing to note), nor is Sustanon some type of incredible testosterone blend. The same goes for all other steroid molecules with attached esters. Basically a beginner would want to choose a steroid that requires less frequent injections, so something like testosterone enanthate or cypionate will be perfect as injections are only required weekly.

More advanced users might want a steroid with less weight taken by the ester and something that works faster, so they will go for propionate or acetate compound. These will require much more frequent injections and it’s not uncommon to take them daily. Power lifters often use straight testosterone suspension before it’s their time to perform as it will work in less than 10 minutes after injecting. However it will leave your body just as quickly and to achieve stable blood concentrations will require injections every couple of hours making it impractical for bodybuilding use.When stacking different esterified steroids together it is advisable to choose esters of roughly the same ester chain length as that will allow you to inject them at the same intervals. For example- Testosterone propionate and Trenbolone acetate makes a very good stack because then you can mix both in one syringe before injecting every day or every second day. Another example is Testosterone enanthate with Trenbolone enanthate as that will allow weekly injections of both. However stacking Testosterone propionate with Trenbolone enanthate will only complicate your cycle unnecessarily, because that will require daily injections of the propionate and weekly injections of the enanthate compound. The more frequently you inject the more stable blood concentrations will be and thus providing better results in the long run.

So far we have only been talking about injectable steroids and nothing about oral steroids. Chemists realized that by replacing the hydrogen atom at the steroid’s 17th alpha position with a carbon atom (a process referred to as alkylation), its structure would be notably more resistant to breakdown by the liver thus making it possible to ingest steroids orally.

A steroid with this alteration is commonly described as a C-17 alpha alkylated. There are many steroids modified this way but the most common are Dianabol, Winstrol, Anavar, Halotestin and Turinabol. The principle drawback to these 17 alpha alkylated compounds are that they place a notable amount of stress on the liver, which in some instances can lead to actual damage to this organ. However there are a few with different chemical alterations like Primobolan and Proviron which are alkylated at the one position (methyl).

In addition to 1 methylation, Primobolan also utilizes a 17 beta ester (acetate) to further protect against reduction to inactive form. While Primobolan and Proviron do not place the same stress on the liver, they are also much less resistant to breakdown than 17 alkylated orals, and are ultimately less active milligram for milligram.

Oral steroids generally have very short active half-lives of only a few hours, but they also tend to show results very quickly. For that reason it became common practice to use an oral steroid of high potency near the beginning of a cycle as to “boost” gains in the first few weeks. This is known as frontloading. This period is generally only 2 to 4 weeks long depending on the liver toxicity of the compound. The more toxic the compound the shorter the period of usage is. This is to prevent damaging your liver. A milder steroid like Anavar, Proviron or Primobolan is often added towards the end of a cycle. This is done in an attempt to minimize the loss of gains when the main compounds are discontinued. These mild steroids are often extended for a few weeks after the cycle at very low dosages also known as a bridge. The purpose of a bride is to minimize muscle or strength losses in the period between the cycle and PCT. During PCT no steroid should be used as that will hinder recovery of the HPTA axis.

It is very important to select your choice of steroids according to your goal. Every compound has certain characteristics that make it more suitable to a specific use. For example- Trenbolone is not very good at bulking; however its fat burning properties are outstanding. So that will make it a very attractive addition to a cutting or lean mass cycle. Side-effects of each steroid compound should always be taken into consideration whenever a stack is planned. Never combine compounds that exert similar side-effects. For example- Combining Dianabol and Anapolon can be very dangerous as both are very toxic to begin with and combining them will only worsen their toxicities and that can do serious and irreversible damage.

The dosage used is important in determining the level of benefit received. Anabolic steroids tend to be most efficient at promoting muscle gains when taken at a moderately above therapeutic dosage level. Below this (therapeutic), potential anabolic benefits are often counterbalanced, at least to some extent, by the suppression of endogenous testosterone. At very high doses, smaller incremental gains are noticed. In the case of Testosterone enanthate or cypionate, for example, a dosage of 100 mg per week is considered therapeutic, and is generally insufficient for noticing strong anabolic benefits. When the dosage is in the 300-600 mg per week range, however, the drug is highly efficient at supporting muscle growth. Above this range, a greater level of muscle gain may be noticed, but the amount will be small in comparison to the dosage increase. Avoid taking the higher end of the dosage range during your first couple of cycles. You will have excellent results from lower dosages during your first few cycles. Lower dosages are also less likely to cause excessive side-effects and give you the opportunity to learn how your body reacts to steroid usage.

Feb 20, 2015

Dianabol (Methandrostenolone) the first anabolic steroid


Dianabol has an anabolic-androgenic ratio of 90-210:40-60 and has the molecular weight of 300.44 g/mol at the base.Dianabol may be detected in the urine sample usually via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Primary urinary metabolites of Dianabol can be detected for up to 4 days, and hydroxymethyl metabolite can be found in urine for up to 19 days after a single 5mg oral dose. The chemical name of Dianabol is [17a-methyl-17b-hydroxy-1,4-androstadien-3-one] and its molecular formula is C20H28O2.

Dianabol has the ability of stimulating dramatic and nearly-permanent improvements in terms of muscle strength, muscle function and size, glycogenolysis, and protein synthesis. This anabolic androgenic steroid can easily pass through the liver and only a small part of this steroid gets broken down because of 17α-methylation of Dianabol. This means Dianabol can even be used by athletes who are prone to liver toxicity when using oral steroids.

Dianabol has been extremely popular among amateur and professional bodybuilders and some of the most eminent names to have accepted its use include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman, and Phil Heath. Dianabol is best used at the start of a steroid cycle to kick start gains and may even be used as a bridge between steroid cycles for maintaining muscle mass and body strength gains.

Dianabol is rated a better option (gram for gram) than Testosterone as Dianabol minimizes affinity of the steroid for sex hormone binding globulin, which is a protein deactivating steroid molecules and capable of inhibiting them from further reactions in the body. In addition to this, Dianabol remains the favorite choice among power lifters and bodybuilders as it helps them increase repetitions during intense workouts and reduces workout fatigue to a significant extent. Dianabol also has the ability to promote the sense of well being and sleep patterns. Dianabol use is also associated with the promotion of calcium deposits in the bones, improving bone strength, and enhancing muscle density while improving endurance capacity.

Recommended Dose Of Dianabol

Male athletes usually use Dianabol in doses of 25-50mg every day while female athletes prefer using Dianabol in doses of 10-20mg every day. Dianabol is ideally stacked with Primobolan, Deca Durabolin, Trenbolone Acetate, Testosterone enanthate or propionate, and Deca Durabolin. Athletes administered with Dianabol should always emphasize on post cycle therapy with Clomid and Nolvadex. This is important for restoring the production of natural testosterone in the body and preventing excess estrogen formation that could have resulted in estrogenic side effects like oily skin, gynecomastia, and acne.

Dianabol is not recommended to those diagnosed with health conditions such as hypertension, high blood pressure, and prostate or breast cancer. It is also not advised to those diagnosed with health conditions such as testicular atrophy, testicular cancer, liver damage, kidney damage, stroke, or respiratory problems. It is also not recommended for children and girls and women, especially those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who may get pregnant while using it. Dianabol is also not advised to those who are allergic to its ingredients.

Dianabol should not be overdosed in hopes of quick benefits. The use of Dianabol over extended periods of time should always be avoided as it may lead to liver damage in case of qualified knowledge or lack of appropriate care. Moreover, it should always be purchased from a reputed steroid pharmacy with a valid medical prescription. Abuse or overdosing or use of low grade Dianabol can lead to side effects like male pattern baldness, clitoral hypertrophy, oily skin bouts, and insomnia or difficulty when urinating, edema (swelling), increased aggression, fever, or pain in the lower back (particularly in the kidney areas), and high blood pressure.

Dianabol capsules, pills, or injections should be discarded by taking the advice of a pharmacist or local waste disposal company in case they are not to be used any more or expired.

Feb 13, 2015

Bodybuilding Peptide Combinations Guide


Growth Hormone (GH) and IGF-1 are naturally occurring hormones in the human body responsible for many enviable aesthetic traits such as muscle mass, leanness and a firm/even skin tone. As people age, levels of growth hormone rapidly decline and this is one of the main reasons humans put on weight, lose muscle mass and develop sagging/uneven skin. It's no surprise then that synthetic Human Growth Hormone is a sought after product for anti-aging by persons looking to remain youthful, bodybuilders looking to put on muscle mass and people in general who are looking to "tone up" or lose stubborn belly fat.

The following guide indicates the best way to combine different peptides depending on your experience level of diet/training and also your goal:

Fat Loss

The most potent weight loss peptide is HGH Fragment which is the part of the Growth Hormone molecule responsible for fat burning. In HGH Frag Studies, it has been proven to reduce body fat, particularly in the abdominal area. The second most potent fat loss peptide is CJC-1295 DAC since it causes the overall GH level to rise in the body (the opposite of what happens naturally as a person gets older, which is why people tend to put on weight as they age). If your only goal is fat loss, it's often best to avoid the use of GHRP products (GHRP-6, GHRP-2 or Ipamorelin) since they can stimulate hunger and/or raise cortisol, both of which can be counterproductive to fat burning.

Diet Considerations

For GH to exhibit its fat burning effects, insulin must NOT be present. Insulin release in the body is caused mainly by consuming carbohydrates, although all types of macronutrients (carbs, fat and protein) still cause the release of insulin to some extent. Since HGH Fragment 176-191 works by causing the body to break down and release stored fat for use as energy, if you have recently consumed calories (food or beverage) your body will just use that for energy instead and little extra fat will be burnt. If however there is no food present for the body to use as energy, it will use the stored fat which the HGH Fragment 176-191 has caused to be released and you will notice reductions in body fat over the ensuing weeks.

Due to CJC-1295 DAC's long half-life the timing of meals is not important and this is what makes it an appealing addition to HGH Frag 176-191 to accelerate fat loss. To get the most out of your peptide usage for fat loss, the following guidelines should be followed:
  • Avoid eating/drinking anything with calories for three (3) hours either side of your injection. 
  • Try to make all your meals throughout the day high protein, low fat and low carbohydrates (eg. meat/fish with vegetables/salad). 
  • Have as few meals as possible during the day as periods of fasting have been shown in many studies to improve fat loss and also longevity (i.e. eating less will make you live longer).
Sample Peptide Cycles

Beginners
  1. HGH Fragment 176-191 at 250-500mcg per day.
Advanced
  1. HGH Fragment 176-191 at 250-500mcg per day + CJC-1295 DAC at 300mcg per day or; 
  2. HGH Fragment 176-191 at 250-500mcg per day

Example Injection Routines

Example 1 - Night Time Injection (recommended) ◦Ensure you do not eat or drink anything containing calories within three (3) hours of going to bed (with the exception of water, diet sodas, coffee/tea with artificial sweeteners).
  • Take your HGH Fragment 176-191 injection just before getting into bed and your body will therefore be burning stored fat for the duration of your sleep. 
  • If possible, do some cardio first thing in the morning and wait as long as possible before having breakfast to allow the fat burning to continue throughout the morning/day.
Example 2 - Morning Injection
  • Wake up and inject your HGH Fragment 176-191 (250mcg to 500mcg is a good dosage depending on your budget). 
  • Wait as long as possible before having your first meal (the longer you wait the more fat you will burn). 
  • When you do eat, try to make the meal high protein, low fat and low carbohydrate (example meat and salad/vegetables). 
  • If possible, try to do some cardio in the hours after your injection to increase the fat burning effect.
Note: If you are a person concerned about loss of muscle mass, you can consume a small amount of protein every 2-3 hours (amino acid tablets such as EAA and BCAA are good for this purpose and can be purchased from any health food shop or ordered online). However there is little reason to be concerned about muscle loss because when fat is available for energy, such as following HGH Fragment 176-191 injections, protein and therefore muscle mass are spared.

Adding CJC-1295 DAC

You can add CJC-1295 DAC at 2mg once per week (or 300mcg each day along with your HGH Fragment 176-191 injections - they can be mixed in the same syringe without any issues). You should take a break from CJC-1295 DAC every few months to give your pituitary gland a rest at which time you can continue to use HGH Fragment 176-191 on its own.

Muscle Building

Growth Hormone (GH) exhibits its muscle building effects mainly after its conversion to IGF-1 (Insulin-Like-Growth Factor). This makes IGF-1 an ideal choice of peptides for muscle building, especially since the IGF-1 LR3 version has an extended half-life which allows it to remain active in the muscles for many hours to complete its muscle building stimulatory effects. Likewise, if injected after a workout, the IGF-1 variant Mechano Growth Factor (also known as MGF or IGF-1e) is known to multiply muscle cells and contribute to muscle development. Furthermore, since IGF-1 is a by-product of GH, any peptide which increases levels of GH in the body such as a GHRP product or CJC-1295 product will obviously lead to increased lean muscle mass.

Diet Considerations

For Growth Hormone (GH) to perform its anabolic (muscle building) affects it requires the presence of the body's most anabolic hormone: insulin. This is in contrast to GH related fat loss which requires insulin to be absent. However, since GHRP and fast-acting GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone) products still need time to stimulate the body to release GH from the pituitary gland, the insulin spike must come after the injection and not before, otherwise the GH release will be blunted.

The only exception to this is of course CJC-1295 DAC since it's long-half life and continual release of GH means it is not affected by food timing.

To get the most out of your peptide usage for muscle building, the following guidelines should be followed:
  • If injecting just a GHRP or GHRH product on their own, avoid eating/drinking anything high in fat for 3 hours before your injection and anything high in carbohydrates for 2 hours before (i.e. always do your injection on an empty stomach), otherwise the amount of GH release they cause may be significantly blunted leading to poor results. 
  • If injecting both a GHRP and GHRH together (e.g. 100mcg of both GHRP-6 and Modified GRF 1-29) studies have proven that their ability to release GH returns to full-strength as little as 1 hour (60 minutes) post-meal. This gives users greater flexibility with their meal timings, especially since consuming sufficient calories is so critical to building muscle. 
  • Whether injecting GH peptides alone or along with others, always wait at least 20 minutes after your injection before consuming anything. Once at least 20 minutes has passed, consume a food/beverage high in protein and/or carbohydrates to stimulate an insulin spike (if you inject in the morning and around your workout, this meal/shake should be high protein and high carbohydrates, if you inject at night this consumption should be protein only as protein is sufficient enough to spike insulin, but without the negative impact on fat gain which carbohydrates can contribute to).
Sample Peptide Cycles

Beginners
  1. CJC-1295 DAC at 2mg per week or;
  2. GHRP Product  at 200mcg once per day.
Intermediate
  1. GHRP Product at 200mcg (2 times per day) or; 
  2. GHRP Product at 200mcg + CJC-1295 DAC at 100mcg per day (2 times per day).

Advanced
  1. GHRP Product at 200mcg + CJC-1295 DAC at 100mcg (2 times per day) + IGF-1 at 50mcg after workouts or; 
  2. GHRP Product at 200mcg + Mod. GRF 1-29 at 100mcg (2 times per day) after workouts.
Example Injection Routines

Beginners

CJC-1295 DAC
  • 2mg taken once per week, at any time of day.
GHRP + GHRH (once per day)
  • Inject your dosage (ensuring you have not consumed any food/beverages for at least 1 hour before, an optimal time would be first thing in the morning). 
  • Ingest a protein only or protein and carbohydrate meal afterward to create an insulin spike. 
  • Do weight training in the hours afterwards.
Intermediate

GHRP + GHRH (twice per day)
  • Inject your GHRP + GHRH peptides together in the same syringe (ensuring you have not consumed any food/beverages for at least 1 hour before, an optimal time would be first thing in the morning). 
  • Ingest a protein only or protein and carbohydrate meal afterward to create an insulin spike. 
  • Do weight training in the hours afterwards. ◦at least 1 hour after your dinner (or last meal of the day), take your second GHRP + GHRH injection. 
  • If you are trying to control your body fat then have a protein only meal 20-30 minutes afterwards, otherwise a protein/carbohydrate meal will create a better insulin spike.
Advanced

GHRP + GHRH + IGF-1

Follow the same routine as shown above for "intermediate" persons. However, as soon as possible after your weight training you should also inject  50mcg of IGF-1 LR3 preferably into a muscle (although due to the long half-life of both products, sub-q injections are also acceptable). If injecting intramuscularly, you should make sure that the muscle you are injecting into is not covered by a thick layer of fat. Usually due to the length of insulin syringe needles, injections are therefore limited to the biceps for most persons.

While GHRP + GHRH can be injected each day with great benefit, even if you don't do weight training on that day. On the other hand, IGF-1 LR3  should be reserved for post-workout only.

Anti-Aging

For the Anti-Aging crowd, we recommend choosing only 1 peptide, rather than a combination. The reason for this is that as you get older your GH levels decline rapidly and therefore you will benefit from any kind of GH increase meaning there is no need to overdo things with multiple peptides. If you wish to use more than one peptide, we recommend cycling a GHRP product every 3-6 months with CJC-1295 DAC for two reasons.

The first reason is that CJC-1295 DAC is a GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone) acting directly at the pituitary, while GHRP products indirectly stimulate GH by causing the release of Ghrelin. Rotating the products would therefore ensure one method of GH stimulation does not get "worn out" from repeated exposure to the peptides. The second reason is that even though CJC-1295 DAC has been proven safe in much higher dosages than we recommend, since it causes a continual GH release (GH bleed) no one can be certain how continual use would affect the pituitary in the long-term, so it's a case of being "better safe than sorry" and never using it for longer than 6 months at a time without a break.

Diet Considerations

For CJC-1295 DAC there are no particular diet restrictions that need to be followed due to its long half-life. For GHRP products the following should be observed as insulin and fatty acids can blunt the release of GH in the body and therefore make your injections less effective:
•Avoid eating/drinking anything high in fat for 3 hours before your injection and anything high in carbohydrates for 1-2 hours (always do your injection on an empty stomach). •Wait at least 20 minutes after your injection before eating/drinking anything with calories.

Injection Amounts
  1. CJC-1295 DAC taken at 2000mcg (2mg) once per week or; 
  2. GHRP Product (GHRP-2, GHRP-6 or Ipamorelin) taken at 200mcg per day.
Example Injection Routines

CJC-1295 DAC
  • 2mg taken once per week, at any time of day.
GHRP-2, GHRP-6 or Ipamorelin

Example 1 - Night Time Injection (recommended to reduce possible tiredness during day).
  • Ensure you have an empty stomach (i.e. 2-3 hours since your last meal). 
  • Inject your GHRP peptide and go straight to bed.
Example 2 - Morning injection
  • Take your injection of the GHRP product first thing in the morning at 100mcg. 
  • Wait at least 20 minutes before having breakfast or any beverages (including coffee/tea).

Feb 6, 2015

Letrozole by QD Labs


Letrozole is a type II (non-steroidal) third generation aromatase inhibitor. Clinically it is used to treat postmenopausal women with either estrogen receptor positive or estrogen receptor unknown breast cancer.

In women, tumors that contain estrogen receptors are classified as estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) tumors. For Letrozole to be prescribed, a given tumor must have been diagnosed as estrogen receptor positive or estrogen receptor unknown.

In the world of bodybuilding it is used to reduce or eliminate excess estrogen caused by the use of aromatizing steroids.

Letrozole is known as a type II aromatase inhibitor, meaning, in simplest terms that it attaches to the aromatase enzyme and prevents it from converting androgens to estrogen. In slightly more complex terms, estrogens are produced by the conversion of androgens through the activity of the aromatase enzyme, and letrozole actually inhibits the production of estrogens in by competitive, (reversible) binding to the heme of the relevant cytochrome P450 unit.

Letrozole is currently the most powerful aromatase inhibitor available. In women with breast cancer, it has been shown to reduce estrogen levels by 98% or more. However, it’s use and benefits are not limited to eliminating estrogen in women.

In one male test subject Letrozole was able to reduce estrogen levels to undetectable levels, and in another clinical study done on both young and elderly men, intravenous administration of Letrozole lowered Estrogen by 46% in the young men tested, and 62% in the elderly subjects. Because estrogen is part of the negative feedback loop of the HPTA, Letrozole (and other anti-estrogens) are able to raise testosterone in male subjects. Letrozole was studied in men, and found to significantly increase LH levels to a 339 and 323% in the young and the elderly, respectively and Testosterone by 146 and 99%, respectively. Letrozole was also able to produce a peak LH response to Gonadatropin Releasing Hormone equal to a 152 and 52% increase from baseline in either young or older men, respectively. In a similar study 0.02 mg of Letrozole increased testosterone by 45% after 2 days. That same twenty micrograms of Letrozole was also enough, in one study done on men, to reduce estrogen levels by roughly a third.

Letrozole has a 2-4 day half-life, and it needs to be taken for up to 60 days to get a steady blood plasma level. Letrozole was used in a rodent study to effectively destroy (benign) breast tissue tumors, which may potentially indicate its use in males attempting to remove gynecomastia (aka gyno). As estrogen is also a factor in stopping linear bone growth, Letrozole is currently being examined for potential use in delay of growth seen in children.

In the world of bodybuilding where more is often thought to be better, Letrozole stands almost alone as an exception to that rule. Estrogen is necessary for healthy immune function, healthy cholesterol levels, joint health, cognitive function, and even aids in muscle growth. In my own experience as well as the experience of many bodybuilders and athletes I’ve worked with, Letrozole simply causes estrogen to be reduced to levels too low to function properly. Personally, I suffered a near career-ending knee injury while using 2.5mgs a day of this stuff, and had one of the worst (and longest) bout with the flu I’ve ever had. In my own particular case, I had been using it to eliminate gyno (which it did). I started at a dose of 2.5mgs/day and reduced it by 25mgs every week until the gyno showed no signs of coming back. Unfortunately, this compromised my immune system and joint integrity.

For most recreational steroid users, Letrozole is going to be too harsh, and cause too many problems. Still, people can use it effectively if they don’t use the manufacturer’s clinical dose (2.5mgs) and instead keep their dose to .25-1mg. There are, however, better choices for an anti-estrogen. I should mention that using Letrozole at such a low dose does happen to make it a very good economic choice compared with other aromatase inhibitors.

For pre-contest bodybuilders, Letrozole is almost a necessity to eliminate water retention and achieve the ripped look necessary to compete in today’s bodybuilding world. However, in my experience, it is only necessary to be used for the last 4-6 weeks, to eliminate excess estrogen and water retention. After using Letrozole I recommend staying away from any estrogen suppression for at least a month to try to normalize the body.