Testosterone Propionate Stack

As we all know, Testosterone was the first steroid to be synthesized. Now, it remains the gold standard of all steroids. First, we´ll discuss testosterone in general, and in depth, then we´ll examine exactly how (and what) the propionate ester is (together, Testosterone Propionate is often referred to as just "prop" or "test prop").

Testosterone´s anabolic/androgenic ratio is 1:1 meaning it is exactly as anabolic as it is androgenic. Actually, testosterone is the steroid which all anabolic/androgenic ratio´s are based on. If a steroid is 2:1, then it is, compared with testosterone's ratio, doubly as anabolic as it is androgenic. Hence, we see from testosterone´s ratio, it is both quite anabolic as well as androgenic.

So how exactly does testosterone build muscle? Well, testosterone promotes nitrogen retention in the muscle, and the more nitrogen the muscles holds the more protein the muscle stores, and the bigger the muscle gets. Testosterone can also increase the levels of another anabolic hormone, IGF-1, in muscle tissue. IGF-1 is, alone, highly anabolic and can promote muscle growth. It is responsible for much of the anabolic activity of Growth Hormone (GH). IGF-1 is also one of the few hormones positively correlated with both muscle cell hyperplasia and hyperphasia (this means it both creates more muscle fibers as well as bigger fibers). All of this leads me to speculate that for pure mass, IGF-1, GH, and testosterone would be a very effective combination. Testosterone also has the amazing ability to increase the activity of satellite cells. These cells play a very active role in repairing damaged muscle. Testosterone also binds to the androgen receptor (A.R.) to promote all of the A.R dependant mechanisms for muscle gain and fat loss, but clearly, as we´ve seen, this isn´t the only mechanism by which it promotes growth.

Testosterone has a profound ability to protect your hard earned muscle from the catabolic (muscle wasting) glucocorticoid hormones, and increase red blood cell production, and as you may know, a higher RBC count may improve endurance via better oxygenated blood. The former trait increases nitrogen retention and muscle building while the latter can improve recovery from strenuous physical activity, as well as increase endurance and tolerance to strenuous exercise.

Testosterone occurs naturally in both the male and female body, as insofar as drug testing for it, typical tests don´t work (i.e. testing for metabolites). Testosterone can be tested for on a testosterone/epitestosterone ratio, a failing result usually being anything over 6 to 1, but there are other more effective tests currently in use as well as being developed by the usual party-poopers in the IOC and FDA.

Testosterone, once in the body, can be converted to both estrogen (via a process known as aromatization) as well as DHT. Estrogen is the main culprit for many side effects such as gyno, water retention, etc...while DHT is often blamed for hair loss and prostate enlargement. Naturally there are ways to combat this, such as using an anti-estrogenic compound along with dosage testosterone, or even an estrogen blocker. DHT can be combated (on the scalp, to prevent hair loss) with compounds such as Ketoconazole shampoo (sold under the trade name Nizoral) as well as Finasteride. Interestingly, this shampoo can also be used topically to combat acne on the face (or even the back if you´re really flexible). Both of these methods for preventing hair loss and acne are reasonably effective. However, if you are not prone to hair loss, they may be wholly unnecessary. Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) is carried by the X chromosome, so if your mother´s family boasts men with full heads of hair, then you are probably safe (unless those full heads of hair are all mullets). Naturally, as with most other steroids, your lipid profile is going to suffer a bit while on testosterone as is your blood pressure. This, of course is nothing that can´t be controlled by watching your diet and doing your cardio, at least for the duration of the typical cycle (which for arguments sake, I´ll assume is +/- 12 weeks).

To combat the aromatization of  testosterone, you can simply take an aromatase inhibitor such as Arimidex. This and other Anti-estrogenic compounds are generally considered a must with testosterone doses over ½ a gram per week (500mgs). Also among side effects (as if acne and going bald aren´t enough) is increased aggression. For many, the increased aggression found from increased testosterone levels is often a bonus in the weight room as well as on the playing field. Let´s not get started on its benefits in the bedroom!

Testosterone is also a relatively safe steroid to use, with some studies showing no adverse effects from 20weeks at 600mgs/week! Personally, I have used up to 2 grams per week of various testosterone,  but now I prefer to keep my dose of it around ½ a gram.

Testosterone is usually attached to an ester.  The ester determines how long it takes your body to dispose of the steroid in question, and propionate is the shortest ester available with a testosterone base. There are enzymes, called esterases, in your body which have the function of removing the ester from steroids, and leaving you with just the steroid molecule with the ester cleaved off. Depending on how heavy the ester chain is, that determines how long it takes the esterase to remove it. And that amount of time determines how long the drug stays active in your body.

Check out this chart:

Chemical = Formula = Molecular Weight = Mg of testosterone
Testosterone (no ester) = C19 H28 O2 = 288.4mg = 100mg
Propionate = C3 H4 O = 56.1mg = 83.72mg
Cypionate = C8 H4 O = 124.2mg = 69.90mg

Here, we´re comparing testosterone with no ester (suspension) with Test Propionate and Cypionate (basically the longest vs. shortest esters available with testosterone).

So you see, the longer the ester on the testosterone is, the longer the steroid is active in your body, and the less actual test you get. This is because, for every 100mgs of Testosterone Cypionate you inject, only 69.90mgs of it is actually testosterone, the rest is the cypionate ester, which must be removed. On the other hand, with the propionate ester you´ll get 83.72mgs of testosterone! The advantage to longer esters is that they need to be injected less frequently (test prop needs to be injected every other day while you can shoot test cyp once a week). The disadvantage to long estered steroids is that they contain less actual steroid.

Also, as with most steroids, injected testosterone will inhibit your natural test levels and HPTA (Hypothalamic Pituitary Testicular Axis). A mere Hundred mgs of test/week takes about 5-6 weeks to shut the HPTA, and 250-500mgs shuts you down by week 2.

Realistically, every cycle should contain testosterone. Go back and read that sentence again. A beginners´ dose of testosterone (i.e. someone on their first or second cycle of anabolic steroids) would be in the 250-500mgs range. Though, realistically, I wouldn´t recommend much less than 400mgs of test per cycle for anybody, beginner or not. And guess what? The more you use the more results you get.

Testosterone Propionate Stack

What stacks well with Testosterone Propionate? Everything! Many people´s favorite´s are Eq (boldenone undeclyenate) or Deca (nandrolone decanoate), but really, anything will stack well with test prop. Tren (trenbolone acetate), Masteron, and/or Winstrol are also favorites for many on a cutting cycle, myself included. It´s important to remember that since test prop has such a short ester, most people stack it with other short estered drugs, the rational being that they need to endure frequent injections for the test prop to be effective, so they may as well be using other drugs requiring the same dosing protocol.

Finally, it´s worth noting that sometimes a strategy known as "frontloading" is employed with Testosterone Propionate, this is where double or triple the intended dose for the cycle is injected for the first two weeks, then the user switches to a longer ester. The reasoning behind this is presumably to get the blood levels of the drug up quickly in the hopes of seeing results more quickly.

Testosterone Propionate Profile

(Testosterone)
4-androstene-3-one, 17beta-ol
Testosterone base + Propionate ester
Molecular Weight (base): 288.429
Molecular Weight (ester): 74.0792
Formula (base): C19 H28 O2
Formula (ester): C3H6O2
Melting Point (base): 155
Melting Point (ester): 21C
Manufacturer: Various
Effective Dose (Men): 350-2000mg+ week.
Effective Dose (Women): 50-100mgs/week
Active life: 2-3 days
Detection Time: 2-3 weeks
Anabolic/Androgenic ratio:100/100.

Acne and Nutrition: Bodybuilding and Steroids. Side Effects and Acne

Acne is a multi-factorial disease. While each case is unique, you can greatly improve your chances of clear skin by eating whole foods; lowering inflammation and stress; getting a good fatty acid balance; and cutting down the worst offenders: wheat, sugar, and dairy.

What is acne? Our skin is the largest organ in our body, and it’s a complex ecosystem made up of several layers and components.

The skin is semi-permeable, meaning that although it’s mostly a barrier between us and our environment, some stuff can get in and out. Sweat glands and hair follicles provide openings.
Hair originates in follicles deep in the subcutaneous layer, the deepest layer below the dermis. These hair follicles are paired with sebaceous glands, which secrete sebum, an oily substance that lubricates both hair and skin. (This is why your hair gets greasy if you don’t wash it.) Human sebum is primarily composed of triglycerides (40-60%), cerides (19-26%), squalene (11-15%), and small amounts of cholesterol.

We have hair follicles and sebaceous glands all over our body, except for the palms of our hands and soles of our feet. Acne forms when pores become congested with old skin cells, which is more likely when the skin is oily and skin cells stick together. If we also have high levels of bacteria on the skin plus systemic inflammation, we have ourselves a full fledged acne party. Acne vulgaris is the form of acne most of us are familiar with and accounts for nearly all acne experienced.

What contributes to acne?

Thus, anything that clogs pores, and/or creates or worsens infection and inflammation, contributes. The major players in acne production are:

• Excessive sebum (oil) production by the skin
• Rapid division of skin cells
• Delayed skin cell separation and death
• Bacteria on the skin surface
• Inflammatory response

The food we eat and our body fat cells play a role in sebum production, hormones, and inflammation. Hormonal changes likely have the greatest influence on acne (think birth control medications, anabolic steroids and puberty).

Hormonal factors

Growth hormone and IGF-1

Acne during puberty is often associated more with growth hormone (GH) than with testosterone and estrogens. GH goes from the brain to the liver and triggers the release of Insulin Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 promotes skin cell growth/division, sebum production, efficacy of luteinizing hormone (LH) and the production of estrogens.

Insulin and glycemic response

A study described acne as “diabetes of the skin.” And as far as I’m concerned, everything from the 1950s was true.
High insulin levels and insulin resistance are associated with worse acne and more sebum (side note: more body fat can lead to more insulin resistance). Medications that lower insulin and control glucose often have the side effect of less acne.

Androgens

Acne severity doesn’t seem to correlate with total androgen levels in the body. Rather, androgens play a permissive role in priming or initiating acne. An example of this would be women with PCOS or someone starting a cycle of anabolic/androgenic steroids. These folks often experience a surge of circulating androgens and IGF-1, along with lower levels of sex hormone binding proteins.

Androgens can directly influence skin cells if the cells have high levels of androgen receptors. Also, androgens can increase growth and productivity of sebaceous glands.

Consuming a lot of food promotes androgen release in the body. Animal foods and saturated fats tend to get the biggest response. Lower fat, higher fiber diets can increase levels of sex hormone binding proteins, thus lowering free levels of circulating androgens.

Inflammation & stress

Acne is a type of of inflammatory disease. With acne, inflammatory hormones and cell signals are upregulated — the skin is a hive of inflammatory activity.

Our bodies secrete cortisol in response to stress. Evidence shows that people with acne have an over-active cortisol secretion system, one that is particularly expressed in the sebaceous glands.

Thus, stress (whether physical or general life stress) plus inflammation (whether existing or prompted by stress) make acne worse.

Nutrition: What makes acne worse?

Not enough antioxidant vitamins and minerals

Low levels of vitamin C and E, zinc, selenium, and carotenoids might contribute to acne. These nutrients help fight free radicals that break down skin elastin, produce collagen, and repair skin damage. The catch here is that you usually have to get these from whole foods for them to be of any benefit.

Processed foods

Data show a mixed relationship between processed foods and acne. Eat a big meal with lots of processed food and you have lots of insulin. Lots of insulin means lots of tissue growth and androgen production, which are both contributors to acne.

Foods that are highly processed and cooked often contain compounds that promote oxidative stress and inflammation (see All About Cooking and Carcinogens). Again, oxidative stress and inflammation almost always contribute to chronic disease.

Dairy

While there have been noted associations between dairy consumption and acne starting back in the 1800s, some data indicate no association. Milk provides a mix of growth factors, hormones and nutrients specific to offspring. As rapid growth ends and the youngster can feed themselves, milk consumption is stopped (well, not in humans).

Dairy foods produce a high insulin response, increase hormone levels in the body and alter inflammation – all factors that lead to unfavorable acne outcomes. Consuming cow’s milk can raise IGF-1 levels 10-20% in the body. IGF-1 from cow’s milk survives pasteurization and homogenization and digestion in our gut, and can enter the body as an intact hormone (cow and human IGF-1 share the same sequence).

The unfavorable associations between dairy and acne haven’t been noticed with fermented dairy products, maybe because bacteria in fermented dairy use IGF-1, leaving less for us to absorb. Some experts theorize that whey protein in particular may encourage acne, since it’s a strong promoter of insulin. A compound called betacellulin (which can be found in dairy foods) may increase skin cell division and decrease skin cell death – leading to worse acne.

Nutrition: What makes acne better?

Acne is a big deal. While genetics (mom seems to play a bigger role) and ethnicity contribute to acne, it appears that how we live each day matters too. In the U.S., people spend more than $100 million on over-the-counter products to fight acne. Yet many non-Westernized populations have no acne at all. So, you could spend a lot of money on drugs that have potentially dangerous side effects… or you could change your diet. Changing your diet is a heckuva lot cheaper and safer as a starting point.

Whole plant foods - Diets based around whole plants can lead to slightly lower IGF-1 levels and slightly higher IGF-1 binding protein levels (leaving less available IGF-1 circulating in the body). This might help reduce acne.

Calorie restriction - Less food coming into the body is associated with less sebum production.

Phytoestrogens - These substances, found in foods such as soy, may inhibit androgen-forming and acne-promoting enzymes, but don’t appear to play a major role in helping acne.

Cocoa - There doesn’t seem to be an association between chocolate (in its most unprocessed form) and acne. Studies show that dark chocolate can improve insulin sensitivity and improve blood flow to the skin and skin hydration. (Some manufacturers are even capitalizing on these studies by offering chocolate in skin products. The jury’s still out on whether this works, but it sure makes you smell tasty.)

Omega-3 fats - Skin levels of fatty acids might play a role in the development of acne. Furthermore, the pro-inflammatory Western diet (with lots of omega-6 fats) tends to negatively influence acne. Balancing fat intake and ensuring enough omega-3s seems to be important for overall skin health. 1 gram of EPA from a supplement (check your fish oil to see how much EPA is in it) might be useful for acne treatment.

GI health - As mentioned above, poor GI health is strongly correlated with acne. Whole foods, soluble and insoluble fibre, omega-3 fats, coconut, and Brassica vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kohlrabi, etc.) can have a beneficial influence on gut health, in part by improving gut motility. (See diagram below.) Fibre can also bind to and excrete excess hormones that contribute to acne.

Consider eliminating wheat, dairy, and sugar for a month to see if this helps. All of these things worsen GI tract problems, and acne is strongly connected to gluten enteropathy.

Pre/Probiotics - This might be of particular interest to anyone who has been using antibiotics for acne. Our gut is home to countless bacteria and if gut health is out of whack, this might have a negative influence on acne. Getting enough of these from foods and/or supplements can help to restore gut health and may reduce acne. Skin cells have also been found to act as immune cells that signal an over-active immune system. Inflamed skin means inflamed body, and probably inflamed gut.

Spices - Many spices (e.g.cinnamon, ginger, turmeric) and fresh herbs (e.g. basil, oregano, garlic) are anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and immune-boosting. Spices such as cinnamon can also help to regulate insulin.

Green tea - Green tea can suppress enzymes and androgens involved in acne formation. It’s also anti-inflammatory.

Walnuts/almonds - These nuts might help with blood/skin fatty acid status, and control blood sugar. Monounsaturated fats can be anti-microbial.

Dark green & purple vegetables/fruits - These contain acne fighting anti-oxidants and minerals that extinguish inflammation. They may also inhibit androgen-forming and acne-promoting enzymes.

Free-range organic (or pastured) eggs - Hens that receive nutritious feed (or even better, free-ranging pasture that includes bugs and other small animals) produce more nutrient-dense eggs (including beneficial vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids) that may help to deter acne.

Tomatoes - These may lower IGF-1 in the body.

Resveratrol - Found in grapes, red wine, peanuts and mulberries.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) - Supplementation with pantothenic acid (500-1000 mg daily should be sufficient) can be quite effective, and a far safer alternative to commercial prescription medications such as oral contraceptives and retinoids.

Zinc & selenium - 6% of all zinc found in our bodies is in our skin. Selenium is a potent antioxidant. It’s best to get these in food format. High-zinc foods include seafood, wild game, red meat, and nuts. High-selenium foods include nuts (Brazil nuts in particular), fish, poultry, meat, and wild game.

Who doesn’t get acne?

Observing cultural shifts in diet can also clue us into what foods might be associated with acne. Acne doesn’t seem to appear in non-Westernized populations eating traditional diets. This includes Inuit, Okinawa islanders, Ache hunter-gatherers, Kitavan islanders, and rural villages in Kenya, Zambia and Bantu. Staple foods among cultures where acne is nearly absent include:

• tubers (e.g. taro, yam)
• fruit
• fish, seafood, and marine mammals
• coconut
• vegetables
• wild game
• groundnuts and tree nuts
• traditionally prepared (fermented or ash-treated) non-wheat grains such as millet, barley, maize (corn), or rice beneficial fungi, molds, and lichen

They don’t eat processed foods, sugars, flours or processed wheat, processed oils, nor much dairy. They also get plenty of vitamin D from being outside, and/or consuming the livers of marine animals.

Summary and recommendations

• Acne is complex, and each person is unique. However, there are common factors in cultures that don’t suffer from acne. Use these ideas as your starting point and our recommendations.
• They eat whole, unprocessed foods. All their nutrients come from these foods. They don’t supplement.
• They get outside and get sunlight (or, again, consume vitamin D in organ meats).
• They often eat fermented foods — foods that are high in beneficial probiotics for gut health.
• Except for the Inuit, they eat a lot of unprocessed and/or traditionally prepared plant foods, such as fresh or fermented vegetables and fruits, and grains that are soaked/sprouted/fermented.
• They often eat many fresh herbs and spices, as well as beneficial fungi.
• They eat a good balance of unprocessed fats.
• They eat plenty of omega-3 fatty acids from fish, wild game, and even insects and snails. They don’t consume a lot of omega-6s from vegetable or seed oils.
• They eat traditionally prepared ground nuts (e.g. peanuts) and tree nuts (e.g. walnuts, almonds).
• They don’t consume much dairy; if they do, it’s fermented and/or pastured.
• They eat as much as possible of any animals consumed: dark and white meat, organ meats, connective tissues, etc.

The value of self-experimentation

If you struggle with acne, keep a food diary. Look for connections between foods and breakouts — and don’t forget that it might take a day or more for foods to stimulate breakouts.

One good experiment is to try doing without wheat, dairy, and sugar for a month to see if it helps. These foods have the strongest associations with acne. Substitute tubers, fruit, and beans/legumes for carbohydrate instead. If that seems like too much, try just one thing at a time.

Other factoids

During times of hormonal fluctuation (like puberty) excess sebum production likely occurs to protect hair follicle growth. Our skin is replaced every 28 to 45 days. Sebaceous glands have receptors for neuropeptides, like endorphins. Histamines and anti-histamines may influence sebaceous gland function.

Environmental pollutants

Environmental pollutants might bump up IGF-1 levels. Pollution — which includes smoking — also increases oxidation. Smoking can also influence acetylcholine, and acetylcholine can influence sebaceous gland activity.

Natural topical treatments

The plant extracts from Azadirachta indica (Neem), Sphaeranthus indicus (Hindi), Hemidesmus indicus (Sarsaparilla), Rubia cordifolia (Common Madder) and Curcuma longa (Turmeric) seem to be anti-inflammatory and might suppress bacteria on the skin that promote acne. Same with topical tea tree oil.

If you’re looking for a cheap vitamin A cream, try egg yolk. Dab it on your skin and leave it for 10 minutes or even overnight. (Just remember to wash it off eventually.)

Chamomile and peppermint tea can soothe skin irritation. Make a strong solution of chamomile and peppermint, swish your face in it, and let it sit for a while on the skin. Plain oatmeal will also calm skin down. (Again, wash it off eventually unless you’re auditioning for a zombie movie.)

Fruit acids and enzymes can give you a natural “glycolic peel”. Next time you throw fruit in your Supershake, wipe your face with the pineapple or squished orange rinds. Seriously. Plain yogurt also works as a topical probiotic and exfoliating acid.

Who is using anabolic steroids and why?

Judging by media attention alone, it would seem that anabolic steroid use is confined to the realms of professional athletes and high school sports. The hype of the doping scandals in Major League Baseball, Olympic track events and the National Football League have brought attention to anabolic steroid in pro sports, which has led to a growing concern about their influence on younger athletes. But are anabolic steroid only found in the lockers of students and super-stars? Who are the real users of anabolic steroid and why would they use them?

Anabolic steroidwriter Lena Butler reports that recent polling among steroid users suggest that almost 80 percent of steroid users are body builders who don’t compete or play any sports whatsoever. And most are young men in their mid to late 20s, with middle-class backgrounds. Some of these anabolic steroid users include military professionals, law enforcement officers, bouncers or any other person whose job requires a good deal of strength. But an increasing majority of anabolic steroid users today are business professionals who cite weight loss, shaping up their bodies and reversing aging as reasons for taking the drugs.

The influence on high school students by professional athletes taking anabolic steroid and succeeding to become super stars who make millions of dollars has become a real concern in today’s world of Congressional hearings on doping in baseball and gold medals stripped by the Olympic committee and for good reason. Students who use anabolic steroid can cause irreparable damage to their health and their numbers are on the rise.

According to the Child Trends Data Bank, anabolic steroid use among eighth and tenth graders in the 1990s stayed at around 1 percent. For tenth graders, that number has more than doubled in this decade. The majority of high school anabolic steroid users are male athletes. Over five percent of high school seniors who competed in sports reported using anabolic steroid at least once during their years in school. A little over two percent of seniors reported using anabolic steroid and did not belong to a sports program. Much like anabolic steroid use among professional athletes, little is known about the number of collegiate athletes who use anabolic steroid because of rules banning their use. It is surveyed, however, that only about one percent of non-athletes in college use anabolic steroids during their time in school.

Although not as publicized as the scandalous professional athlete anabolic steroid user, or as mundane as the bouncer/amateur weightlifter anabolic steroid user or as scary as the student athlete anabolic steroid user, there is a sub sect of the steroid culture that has a very positive story about its use,  those who take anabolic steroid for medical reasons. Anabolic steroids are often administered by doctors to patients suffering from cancer, HIV/AIDS, or any other disease that may cause the muscles to atrophy. Patients taking anabolic steroids report greater mobility and an easier time exercising which helps their recovery.

While the anabolic steroid using athletes who we watch nightly on ESPN may take up a lion’s share of the attention about anabolic steroid use, it is important to remember that there are many others who use steroids for a variety of reasons and to varying degrees.

Orals or Injectables steroids?

Aren`t you sure which ones to choose, what are pros and cons of them and which side effects you can expect?

Oral anabolic steroids are preferred by individuals who want quick results. This is because oral anabolic steroids are in ready form and once they are ingested they immediately undergo the so-called first-pass metabolism and enter the bloodstream to exert their anabolic effects. Injectable anabolic steroids, particularly those that have esters, cannot be readily used by the body because the ester chain should be cut off first by hepatic enzymes before they can be active. Another advantage of oral anabolic steroids is their shorter half-lives, which means their metabolites do not stay in the system for long. This property is what makes anabolic steroids the choice by most athletes who undergo anti-doping screening. Among the most popular anabolic steroids are Anavar, Danabol and Clenbuterol. Oral anabolic steroids, however, can pose drawbacks to users. One of the common complaints with anabolic steroids is that they are stressful to the liver, particularly those which are c-17 alpha-alkylated. The 17 alkylation is added to improve the bioavailability of anabolic steroids. Without this chemical alteration, drugs may not be able to survive the first-pass metabolism of the liver, and thus may not be able to exert anabolic effects.

The liver fulfills vital functions in the body, including storage of important nutrients like glycogen and clearance of waste products (detoxification). Oral anabolic steroids can negatively affect the liver’s ability to carry out these functions. To support liver detoxication from anabolic steroids it is best to use Lagosa every day with anabolic steroids usage with the dosage of 1 – 2 tabs per day. The orals, well that is self, explanatory really, except, for the fact that if on numerous tablets/capsules per day, it is best to split them up into say two or three sections through out the day. This helps to absorb into the body at a more steadier rate. Not all “oral-takers” can have it easy though and one quick story should put you in the picture easily.

Athletes prefer Injectable anabolic steroids over oral anabolic steroids for several reasons. First, injectable anabolic steroids pose lesser health risks than their oral counterparts. Injectable anabolic steroids do not have the 17 alpha alkylation of most oral anabolic steroids, a chemical modification that is injurious to the liver. Instead, injectable anabolic steroids have esters to make them longer-acting. Injectable anabolic steroids also have lesser side effects compared to oral anabolic steroids since they are chemically designed to bypass the digestive system. Because for these reasons, individuals who are into prolonged steroid cycles usually opt for injectable anabolic steroids. Injectable anabolic steroids can be oil-based or water-based. In general, injectable anabolic steroids which are oil-based have longer half-life than water-based injectable anabolic steroids. Both, of course, have much longer half-lives than oral anabolic steroids. And this is proving to be a drawback for injectable anabolic steroids as they have high probability of being detected in drug screening since their clearance times tend to be longer than orals. Athletes resolve this problem using injectable anabolic steroids early in the cycle then switch to orals when approaching the end of the cycle and drug testing is imminent.

This is certainly the least favourite with FIRST TIME users, for obvious reasons but do not panic guys. It is in my opinion the better of the two by far. With an injection the dosage is applied directly into a large muscle group and therefore there is less toxicity directed through the liver. Again, do not start panicking as it sounds worse than it actually is but the “jabs” are less likely to be forgotten to be taken and can be controlled much easier I feel.