by William Llewellyn
Description
Sustanon 250 is an oil-based injectable testosterone blend that contains four different testosterone esters: testosterone propionate (30 mg); testosterone phenylpropionate (60 mg); testosterone isocaproate (60 mg); and testosterone decanoate (100 mg). Sustanon is designed to provide a fast yet extended release of testosterone, usually requiring injections once every three to four weeks in a clinical setting. This is an improvement from standard testosterones such as cypionate or enanthate, which provide a shorter duration of activity. As with all testosterone products, Sustanon 250 is a very strong anabolic drug with pronounced androgenic activity. It is most commonly used in bulking cycles, providing exceptional gains in strength and muscle mass.
How Supplied
On the pharmaceutical market, Sustanon 250 is generally supplied in 1 ml glass ampules. Underground products are most often packaged in 10 ml multidose vials.
Effective Dosages
When used for physique- or performance-enhancing purposes, the usual dosage of Sustanon 250 among male athletes is in the range of 250-750 mg per week. This is commonly taken in cycles six to 12 weeks in length. This level is sufficient for most users to notice exceptional gains in muscle size and strength. Given its wide availability and low cost, however, significantly higher doses are often applied as well.
Side Effects
Estrogenic: Testosterone is readily aromatized in the body to estradiol (estrogen). The aromatase (estrogen synthetase) enzyme is responsible for this metabolism. Elevated estrogen levels can cause side effects such as increased water retention, body fat gain and gynecomastia. Testosterone is considered a moderately estrogenic steroid. An anti-estrogen such as clomiphene citrate or tamoxifen citrate may be necessary to prevent estrogenic side effects. One may alternately use an aromatase inhibitor like Arimidex (anastrozole), which more efficiently controls estrogen by preventing its synthesis.
Androgenic: Testosterone is the primary male androgen, responsible for maintaining secondary male sexual characteristics. Elevated levels of testosterone are likely to produce androgenic side effects including oily skin, acne and body/facial hair growth. Men with a genetic predisposition for hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) may notice accelerated male pattern balding. Those concerned about hair loss may find a more comfortable option in nandrolone decanoate, which is a comparably less androgenic steroid. Women are warned of the potential virilizing effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), especially with a strong androgen such as testosterone. These may include deepening of the voice, menstrual irregularities, changes in skin texture, facial hair growth and clitoral enlargement.
Liver Toxicity:Testosterone does not have hepatotoxic effects; liver toxicity is unlikely.
Cardiovascular: Anabolic-androgenic steroids can have deleterious effects on serum cholesterol, increasing the risk of arteriosclerosis. They may also adversely affect blood pressure and triglycerides, reduce endothelial relaxation and support left ventricular hypertrophy, all potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction. People with high cholesterol or a familial history of heart disease should be especially careful when considering AAS abuse. To help reduce cardiovascular strain, it is advised to maintain an active cardiovascular exercise program and minimize the intake of saturated fats, cholesterol and simple carbohydrates at all times during active AAS administration. Testosterone does tend to have a much less dramatic impact on cardiovascular risk factors than synthetic steroids. This is due in part to its openness to metabolism by the liver, which allows it to have less effect on the hepatic management of cholesterol. The aromatization of testosterone to estradiol also helps to mitigate the negative effects of androgens on serum lipids. Cardiovascular disease risks are still present with testosterone misuse, however, and cannot be excluded.
Testosterone Suppression: All anabolic-androgenic steroids, when taken in doses sufficient to promote muscle gain, are expected to suppress endogenous testosterone production. Testosterone is the primary male androgen, and offers notably strong negative feedback on endogenous testosterone production. Without the intervention of testosterone-stimulating substances, testosterone levels can be suppressed for months after Sustanon 250 is discontinued. Note that prolonged hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism can also develop secondary to steroid abuse, necessitating medical intervention.
The above side effects are not inclusive.
Availability
Sustanon 250 remains a popular pharmaceutical testosterone product in many countries outside of the United States. The vast majority of products traded on the black market, however, are presently of underground origin.
References:
- Product Data Sheet: Sustanon 250. August 31, 2001. Pharmaco (NZ) LTD Auckland, New Zealand.
- Johnsen SG, Kampmann JP, et al. Enzyme induction by oral testosterone. 1976 Clin Pharmacol Ther 20:233-237.
- Friedl K, Hannan C, et al. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol is not decreased if an aromatizable androgen is administered. Metabolism 39(1) 1990: 69-74.
- Bhasin S, Woodhouse L, et al. Testosterone dose-response relationships in healthy young men. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 281: E1172-81, 2001.
- Singh A, Hsia S, et al. The effects of varying doses of T on insulin sensitivity, plasma lipids, apolipoproteins and C-reactive protein in healthy young men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 87: 136-43, 2002.
About the Author
William Llewellyn is the author of the anabolic steroid reference guide, ANABOLICS 10th Edition. He is also a longtime team member at Muscular Development, having been a regular monthly columnist since 2002. William adapted this steroid profile from his work at anabolic.org. He is also credited with helping to develop ROIDTEST™, an at-home steroid testing kit used to identify real and fake steroid products.
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