Girls using steroids should be aware of adverse effects

Male pattern baldness, stunted growth and increased facial and body hair aren't what teenage girls are after when they dabble in the world of anabolic steroids. Researchers have found that up to 5 percent of high school girls and 7 percent of middle-school girls have acknowledged using anabolic steroids at least once.

Many of the girls are taking synthetic forms of the male hormone testosterone to get thin; others are athletes looking to get faster and stronger. Depending on when, how much and what they're taking, and how long they take it, the short- and long-term effects can be devastating.

"You're messing around with your endocrine system in a way we can't predict," said Dr. Gary Wadler, a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency, who recently testified before Congress about anabolic steroid use in professional baseball and football. "It's playing a very dangerous game of Russian roulette--you don't know which side effect is in which chamber of the gun."

In teen girls, adverse effects include a deepened voice, acne, male pattern hair loss, clitoral enlargement, and increased facial and body hair. With the exception of acne, which can leave scars, these side effects are considered irreversible even after anabolic steroid use stops. Menstrual periods can also be disrupted, and steroids can close off growth plates in youngsters, stunting growth.

"They pretty much hit every system in the body," said Dr. Cynthia LaBella, medical director, Institute for Sports Medicine, at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. "Everyone thinks of steroids increasing muscle mass and strength, but they actually weaken tendons. I see lots of tendon ruptures and tendinitis in current users." Because steroids raise "bad" and total cholesterol, and lower "good" cholesterol, blood vessels can be damaged, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease.

"There's definitely a risk of infertility because [steroids] impair the function of the ovaries," LaBella added. "And the hair loss in the scalp often doesn't come back."

While taking the steroids (high doses of Turinabol) "they'd get out of the pool and feel awful. The doctors would tell them not to worry, and the next day they'd be in tears and falling apart, telling doctors they couldn't control their emotions."

The depression, mood swings and psychosis that can occur while using steroids don't always disappear when steroid use stops.

"It can take months to years, depending on how you were affected while taking them," LaBella said.

"Just hearing that the number of adolescents using this is on the rise means this is an opportunity to intervene before the number gets bigger," LaBella said. "We need to educate parents, primary care physicians, coaches and teachers and kids. Although true to the adolescent way of thinking, they don't always care about what will happen two years from now or 10 years from now."

Warning signs of steroid use

- Sudden weight gain.

- Sudden onset of acne, especially when there's no family history of it.

- Aggressiveness, fighting on the playing field, sharp mood swings.

- Hair loss (scalp).

How Much Arimidex or Letrozole Is Needed on a Testosterone Cycle?

Initial values to try, I figure a base of 0.36 mg/day for letrozole where no testosterone is being taken but there is a need to reduce high or moderately high estradiol OR 0.36 mg for each 200 or 250 mg/week of testosterone that is being taken, but not more than 1.0 mg/day as the initial value and typically not as an adjusted value either.

The numbers don’t need to be that precise. The 0.36 value results simply from 2.5 mg/week being divided into 7 parts.

Dosing also can be every other day instead of daily, provided the total weekly dosage is the same.

With Arimidex I never developed an adjusted-for-testosterone-amount method, but have recommended 0.5 mg every other day and adjusting from there. This also works.

For your proposed cycle, it would be the 1.0 mg letrozole per day figure, as 700 mg/week is about 3 times the 200-250 mg/week figure, and multiplying 0.36 mg by three gets us up to the 1.0 mg/day suggested initial-dose ceiling — but there should be a follow-up test of estradiol levels. Or if not doing that — the test isn’t expensive though and results are back quickly — then at least being ready to reduce if there are symptoms suggesting low estradiol: joint problems, depression, or low libido.

But it is better to get the actual test because the absence of those symptoms doesn’t prove that estradiol hasn’t been driven too low. There could still be a problem.

And likewise, having one or more of those symptoms doesn’t prove estradiol has been driven too low, either. It is only suggestive. But if one finds from experience that changing aromatase inhibitor amount clearly matches up with change in the symptoms, then that is a good basis for adjustment. Still (repeating myself) better to get the test.

Anabolic steroid side effect - how to stay safe

Sportsmen looking to deliver top performance on a consistent basis often make use of anabolic steroids, which are also known as anabolic androgen steroids (AAS), which promote muscle mass and body strength besides promoting growth and development of primary and secondary male sexual characteristics. Use of these performance enhancing drugs is also related with muscle function, body strength, stamina, performance, and lean mass besides having positive effects on protein synthesis from amino acids, appetite, stimulation of the bone marrow, red blood cells, bone remodeling and growth enhancements.

However, use of these drugs can very easily turn into abuse and lead to side effects. When abused or of a low grade, anabolic steroids can cause gynecomastia, bloating, high blood pressure, insomnia, tremors, hallucination, negative effects on an individual’s personality, mood, relationships, premature hair loss, oily skin, acne, kidney damage, liver damage, stunted growth, depression, addiction, fatigue, restlessness, clitoral hypertrophy, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and increased risk of coronary diseases. Abuse of anabolic steroids may also lead to health complications like abnormal liver function, male pattern baldness, abnormal hair growth, deepening of the voice, testicular atrophy, cardiovascular problems, increased aggression, joint and ligament injuries, neurological problems, sleeping disorders, paranoia, pathological anxiety, euphoria, infertility, reduced sperm count, oily skin, acne, heart damage, fluid retention, shrinking of the testicles, and increased risk for breast and prostate cancer.

To avoid these side effects of anabolic steroids, it is best to collect all facts about the use and purchase of anabolic steroids so that you stay away from all health complications.

Letrozole by QD Labs - reduce estrogens with unmatched efficacy

In the world of professional sports, particularly bodybuilding and strength athletics, Letrozole or Femara is an admired name. This wonder drug is second to none when it comes to the treatment of infertility for inducing ovulation.

Letrozole, which is also known as Femara, is used in the world of anabolic steroids and performance enhancing drugs as a powerful antiestrogen. In the world of healthcare, it is used to treat spread of breast cancer after standard options of treatment such as Tamoxifen therapy have failed.

The chemical name of Letrozole is 4,4′-(1H-1,2,4Triazol-1-ylmethylene)dibenzonitrile and its molecular formula is C17H11N 5. This drug has the molecular weight of 285.31 g/mol at the base.

Sportsmen, especially steroid users, prefer Letrozole over other antiestrogens as it can inhibit the formation of estrogens by as much as 98 percent. In addition to that, Letrozole can enhance the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and sex hormone-binding globulin significantly. Moreover, steroid users can easily avoid steroid side effects such as oily skin, acne, gynecomastia, and water retention by using Letrozole.

The recommended dose of Letrozole (Femara) is 2.5 mg per day and this antiestrogen is best taken at the end of a steroid cycle. It is important to note that this antiestrogen is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women or those using heavy machinery or performing activities requiring complete attention as its use can lead to dizziness. In order to maintain its shelf life, Letrozole is best stored at a controlled temperature of 25°C (77°F) with excursions permitted up to 15-30°C (59-86°F).

Carpal tunnel syndrome treatable with steroids

A non-surgical treatment with anabolic steroids is as good as an invasive surgery when it comes to relieving patients from discomforting symptoms of the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, according to recent observations by researchers.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a discomforting condition of the wrist, which is caused due to compression of the median nerve that runs from palm base up to the forearm. It is known to affect performing repetitive hand motions, especially golfers, tennis players, and people using computers.

Standard treatment for symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include splinting and pain relievers like ibuprofen. When those methods fail to help, many patients undergo surgery to decompress the nerve. However, another option is to receive steroid injections to relieve symptoms.

In a recent study researchers compared results between people who had been experiencing symptoms of the condition for at least three months. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either surgery or the steroid injections. Results showed no difference in outcomes between the groups over the long term, and in the short term, people who received the injections actually reported better relief of symptoms.

The involved researchers remarked that administration of steroid injections is an effective option to provide great relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome rather than going for invasive surgery as steroid injections reported better relief of symptoms.

Gynecomastia and Bodybuilding

Gynecomastia, also known as gyno and bitch tits, is female breast development in men. Gynecomastia is a common side effect of anabolic steroid use. Men naturally produces a small amount of estrogen, a female hormone. When anabolic steroids are used estrogen levels can rise and or dominate.

Some anabolic steroids are peripherally converted to estrogen. When these steroids are used both anabolic hormone and estrogen levels rise. High estrogen levels will sooner or later cause gynecomastia in most individuals.

Abruptly stopping steroid use greatly increases the odds of developing gynecomastia. Anabolic steroid use causes the testicles to atrophy, shrink in size, and become dormant. Normal testicular function usually resumes after steroid use is stopped, but it may take several months for the testicles return to pre-steroid use size and function. When steroid use is abruptly stopped a condition is created where very low levels of anabolic hormones are present. The testicles have not yet resumed normal testosterone production and exogenous anabolic hormones are no longer being taken. As a result, estrogen can now dominate. Gynecomastia is almost certain to occur.

Gynecomastia can usually be avoided by taking anti-estrogens like Nolvadex or using steroids that can not be peripherally converted to estrogen.

I have been around anabolic steroids for 8 years now, and I learn something new everyday. One of the best things that I have learned is that anti-estrogens such as Nolvadex and Proviron really do work, and are certainly worth taking. In my experience, Nolvadex is better than Proviron, but only cause it's stronger, so when you are already taking other pills, it can be a pain in the ass keeping up with all the Proviron. I have seen numerous differences when Anti-estrogens are taken with your regular cycle. Now I'm talking about over a dozen people over a period of a few years, not just one guy, one time.

What you have to realize is that when you take most anabolic steroids, they also have a Androgenic effect as well. To keep it simple, "your Testosterone level is gonna rise". In a way this is a good short term effect, because this is what will cause most of your strength gains, while the anabolic steroids will give you your size gains. But, your body will begin to produce Estrogen to balance the Testosterone levels. So, the more your Testosterone level increases through the amount of steroids you take, and the length of your cycle, the more your Estrogen level will increase as well. This irregular raise in Estrogen, can cause several side effects. The biggest is "gyno" better known as "bitch tits".

Basically, the male body begins to develope female breasts due to the level of estrogen in your body. This is not life threatening, but is very obvious and not too good for your self-esteem, not to mention that your talking thousands of dollars to have them removed, "which most insurance companys won't cover". I have several friends who went through it, and they were the ones who never listened. Of course everyone has a different tolerance to different steroids, but there is a good chance that most people will eventually go through it if they don't take an anti-estrogen.

Even if you have been taking steroids for years, and have never experienced "gyno", it doesn't mean that you won't get it from your next cycle. I have found that the higher the dosages, and the longer the cycles of anabolic steroids, the better your chances for getting "bitch-tits". So, if you have the money, instead of getting a second or a third anabolic steroid to stack during your cycle, take that money and invest in an anti-estrogen. I cannot guarantee that they will prevent "gyno", but it certainly cannot hurt. I have also noticed that when an anti-estrogen is taken, the gains seem to be bigger during a cycle, because you don't have the estrogen limiting the effects of the testosterone.

I found it best to slowly lower the dosage of the anti-estrogen after your cycle is over, so that your body can slowly bring your levels to a balance instead of sky-rocketing your Estrogen level to meet the Testosterone level. Also, I found it best to give a 6-8 week break between cycles to give your body a rest and a chance to get back to normal. As long as you keep lifting, you shouldn't lose too much of your gains, but don't get pissed if you can't bench what you did in the peak of your cycle. So, if you are gonna juice then consider taking an anti-estrogen, but the best way to prevent "gyno" is not to take steroids at all! If your gonna play, just be prepared to pay! Best of Luck, and be smart, no gain is worth a big loss!!!"

High Good, Low Bad Cholesterol Levels Are Healthy for Brain, Too

High levels of "good" cholesterol and low levels of "bad" cholesterol are correlated with lower levels of the amyloid plaque deposition in the brain that is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, in a pattern that mirrors the relationship between good and bad cholesterol in cardiovascular disease, UC Davis researchers have found.

"Our study shows that both higher levels of HDL "good" and lower levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol in the bloodstream are associated with lower levels of amyloid plaque deposits in the brain," said Bruce Reed, lead study author and associate director of the UC Davis Alzheimer's Disease Center. The relationship between elevated cholesterol and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease has been known for some time, but the current study is the first to specifically link cholesterol to amyloid deposits in living human study participants, Reed said. "Unhealthy patterns of cholesterol could be directly causing the higher levels of amyloid known to contribute to Alzheimer's, in the same way that such patterns promote heart disease," he said

In the United States, cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. For HDL cholesterol, a level of 60 mg/dl or higher is best. For LDL cholesterol, a level of 70 mg/dL or lower is recommended for people at very high risk of heart disease.

Charles DeCarli, director of the Alzheimer's Disease Center and an author of the study, said it is a wake-up call that, just as people can influence their late-life brain health by limiting vascular brain injury through controlling their blood pressure, the same is true of getting a handle on their serum cholesterol levels.
"If you have an LDL above 100 or an HDL that is less than 40, even if you're taking a statin drug, you want to make sure that you are getting those numbers into alignment," DeCarli said. "You have to get the HDL up and the LDL down."

The study was conducted in 74 diverse male and female individuals 70 years and older who were recruited from California stroke clinics, support groups, senior facilities and the Alzheimer's Disease Center. They included three individuals with mild dementia, 33 who were cognitively normal and 38 who had mild cognitive impairment.
The participants' amyloid levels were obtained using a tracer that binds with amyloid plaques and imaging their brains using PET scans. Higher fasting levels of LDL and lower levels of HDL both were associated with greater brain amyloid -- a first-time finding linking cholesterol fractions in the blood and amyloid deposition in the brain. The researchers did not study the mechanism for how cholesterol promotes amyloid deposits.

Recent guidelines instituted by the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have suggested abandoning guidelines for LDL targets. Reed said that recommendation may be an instance in which the adage that "what's good for the heart is good for the brain" does not apply.
"This study provides a reason to certainly continue cholesterol treatment in people who are developing memory loss regardless of concerns regarding their cardiovascular health," said Reed, a professor in the UC Davis Department of Neurology.

"It also suggests a method of lowering amyloid levels in people who are middle aged, when such build-up is just starting," he said. "If modifying cholesterol levels in the brain early in life turns out to reduce amyloid deposits late in life, we could potentially make a significant difference in reducing the prevalence of Alzheimer's, a goal of an enormous amount of research and drug development effort."