Written by DR. GEORGE TOULIATOS, MD
02 June 2020

 

dr T slider

Dr. Testosterone
By George Touliatos, MD

 

MAJOR INJECTABLE PROFILES

 

  1. Methenolone is a mild non-aromatized anabolic steroid with a low androgenic index. It is considered as a derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). As a result, it does not lead towater retention or gynecomastia (E2 – beta-estradiol elevation). Therefore, methenolone enanthate-acetate is ideal during cutting sessions (pre-contest preparation). Its low androgenicity makes it preferable for female use. The injectable form of methenolone consists of enanthate ester for depot intramuscular injection.

 

Methenolone has a lower anabolic index compared to nandrolone and lower androgenicity than testosterone. It takes about four weeks in order to observe any positive effects concerning muscle strength.

 

Methenolone tablet for oral administration is of immediate release (methenolone acetate). Methenolone acetate does not present hepatotoxicity (non-17 alkylated). Therefore, it does not elevate liver enzymes (AST/ALT). Furthermore, it has a slight negative impact on atheromatic index and lipids (HDL/LDL).

 

  1. Nandrolone is an anabolic steroid more anabolic than methenolone, which promotes strength and lean muscle mass gain. The drug haspositive effect in joints and their lubrication. It stimulates aldosterone from the kidneys, leading to sodium retention and edema. Moreover, it enhances calcium reabsorption in renal tubules. The positive influence in calcium metabolism makes nandrolone an ideal drug against osteopenia and osteoporotic fractures.

 

Nandrolone decaonate (Deca-Durabolin) lubricates synovial cavities, thus suppressing pain under moderation dosage (50mg/week). On the other hand, this can be dangerous, since the improvement of pain eases the impact of heavy weights and forces the athlete into a heavy workout. At this point, it is highly possible for musculoskeletal injuries such as tendon and muscle ruptures to occur.

 

Nandrolone significantly suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary testicular axis and crushes on libido. 19-nortestosterone derivatives are linked to progestational activity and production of prolactin, a hormone that augments gynecomastia and body fat gain. However, it should be noted that 19-nor anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) lead to prolactinemia, in the presence of elevated estrogens (E2 – beta-estradiol). If the E2 level is low, then prolactine does not rise enough to suppress testosterone. The use of dopamine agonists (bromocriptine, cabergoline) seems obligatory in order to suppress prolactine’s serum levels. Consequently, libido is improved.

 

Nandrolone has negative effects on serum lipids (reduction of high-density lipoprotein - HDL, increase in low-density lipoprotein - LDL, and total cholesterol), which are dose and time dependent.

 

The drug is also responsible for arterial calcification and stable plaque formation, all potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. It may also lead to kidney stones formation, in the presence of impaired hydration, excessive protein and salt intake.

 

Nandrolone is aromatized relatively easily at doses above 400mg per week. Nandrolone decaonate (Deca-Durabolin) is a long time-release AAS, where almost 60% of the substance is utilized. On the contrary, the phenylpropionate ester has a faster half-life of immediate release (80%).

 

  1. (Equipose) is a veterinary injectable anabolic steroid, a derivative of testosterone. It exhibits strong androgenic and anabolic properties. It is moderately aromatized to beta-estradiol (E2) compared to nandrolone, therefore leading to less water retention. However, estrogenic side effects such as gynecomastia and body fat gain are noticed in doses above 400 mg per week. As a derivative of testosterone, it suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis to a greater degree, compared to the DHT derivatives.

 

Boldenone stimulates appetite, vascularity and red bone marrow, increasing red blood cell production (erythropoietic effect). As a result, boldenone increases the values ​​of hematocrit (Htc), hemoglobin (Hgb) and myoglobin too. It is a slow, sustained-release compound (undecylenate ester), which requires more than four weeks in order someone to observe any positive feedback. Veterinary Equipose is available in 50mg/ml. However, a denser variety of boldenone is also available by underground laboratories at 200mg/ml.

 

  1. Drostanolone (Masteron) is medicallyas an anti-estrogenic therapy for the treatment of advanced inoperable breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It was originally manufactured under pharmaceutical production by Lilly/Syntax during the late 1960s. It was withdrawn in late-‘90s in Belgium.

 

The drug is an injectable AAS derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It presents milder androgenicity than testosterone and higher anabolic index, similar to that of nandrolone. Drostanolone has anti-estrogenic properties, since there is no aromatization (conversion to estrogen) and water retention; therefore, the drug usually replaces testosterone.

 

It is advisable to be used during the end of a pre-contest preparation, when the physique has low body fat percentage and looks “harder.” Masteron is available in fast-propionate ester, thus it should be administrated every other day or so. It can be stacked perfectly well with trenbolone and fluoxymesterone during the last two weeks before a contest.

 

Both drostanolone and mesterolone (injectable and per os forms DHT) can be alternative anti-estrogenic options combined with tamoxifen citrate (SERM). This plan avoids the use of powerful aromatase inhibitors, which can become harmful to serum lipids (HDL, LDL, cholesterol) and lipoprotein ratio (HDL/LDL).

 

Drostanolone affects the metabolism of 5-alpha reductase and production of DHT. Therefore, hypertrophy of the prostate gland (BPH) or male alopecia (MPB) is more likely to occur. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride) affect drostanolone’s metabolism.

 

Another form of oral synthetic DHT with similar properties is mesterolone (Proviron).

 

  1. Trenbolone is a 19-nortestosterone derivative with a chemical structure resembling nandrolone. It is of highand anabolic activity (about five times higher than testosterone), ideal during pre-contest preparation and dieting. Trenbolone has a positive effect on fat burning and catabolism of adipose tissue (beta oxidation). It is a progestin, leading to progestational activity, which raises prolactine in the presence of estrogens.

 

Trenbolone is available in slow-, intermediate- and fast-acting injectable esters (enanthate, hexahydrobenzylcarbonate, acetate). Acetate and enanthate forms are not for human use, as they are used in veterinary medicine for cattles.

 

Only Parabolan (trenbolone hexahydrobenzylcarbonate) was available for human use, manufactured by the Negma pharmaceutical company in the ‘80s, and was discontinued in 1997. Trenbolone enanthate (slow ester) releases 70% of the substance, while the intermediate releases 80%. The fast ester has a short half-life and highest degree of assimilation, even higher than of testosterone propionate (90%). However, for the past five years a suspension form (trenbolone base 50mg) has been available on the market, with an acute absorbability (100%) and a half-life of 24 hours.

 

Trenbolone presents negative impact on serum lipids [decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides] and may increase systemic blood pressure. All these factors are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

 

As a progestational steroid, trenbolone raises prolactine. Apart from aesthetic issues of gynecomastia, prolactinemia also affects libido and sexual drive. Dopamine agonists (bromocriptine, cabergoline) should be used along with trenbolone, in order to improve libido, by lowering serum prolactine.

 

Androgenic side effects include acne, body/facial hair growth, male pattern hair loss (MPB-androgenic alopecia) and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Studies have shown that trenbolone plays critical roles in neurodegeneration and apoptosis in hippocampus-amygdala. Hippocampus is a certain area in mesencephalon, belonging to the limbic system, associated with behavior. Abuse can develop episodes of insomnia, aggression (physical and verbal), irritability, anxiety, neurosis, mood swings-emotional instability, manic episodes, depression and rarely psychosis-misconceptions.

 

The authenticity of the fast ester is noticed by the appearance of the typical ‘’tren cough’’ soon after the intramuscular injection. High concentration of trenbolone acetate, along with the presence of benzolium (alcohol with distinctive smell), can directly irritate lung tissue. These substances cause an asthmatic crisis with bronchospasm and symptoms of paroxysmal coughing, wheezing, rapid breathing or chest pressure. Immediate use of bronchodilators such as inhaled salbutamol is necessary. Another factor that is responsible for ‘’tren cough’’ is the introduction of a small amount of oil into small blood vessels, or the lymphatic system during intramuscular injection.

 

new book image

 

Trenbolone is known to cause a reduction of aerobic capacity. Based on the fact that it is a “cortisol crusher,” trenbolone stimulates inflammation. Therefore, inflammatory cytokines-prostaglandins (PGs) in the respiratory system trigger bronchospasm and infections, leading to poor respiratory capacity (VO2max). On the other hand, the “cortisol crush” makes trenbolone highly anabolic. As known, cortisol (glucocorticoid) is considered to be a muscle catabolic hormone. Since cortisol induces hyperglycemia through gluconeogenesis, trenbolone’s use will lead to hypoglycemia.

 

Trenbolone is considered as a pre-contest anabolic steroid, since there is no water retention and edema effect, based on aldosterone’s and cortisol’s inhibition from the kidneys. On the contrary, cortisol's crush leads to joint discomfort, since cortisol is known to mask pain and soothe joint aches. People with increased muscle mass (BMI>30) also have elevated levels of creatinine, as the striated-skeletal muscles have more creatine, even when it is not exogenously obtained in the form of monohydrate powder.

 

Trenbolone combined with creatine and diuretics can cause renal strain and elevation of indexes. Increased blood pressure derived from the action of clenbuterol hydrochloride (beta-2 agonists) can potentially cause sclerosis of the renal tubules because of extensive vasoconstriction, which leads to an increase of blood pressure.

 

As it is known, some androgenic anabolic steroids (nandrolone) are ideal for combating osteoporosis. This is because growing muscles can be adhered better to the bones and those gain higher density as a reaction. The other reason is because the AAS cause retention of sodium and calcium, which strengthens the bones and causes undesirable swelling. Unfortunately, the hypercalcemia leads to nephrolithiasis, situations that lead to complications in the urinary tract. Moreover, it may lead to endothelium calcification of coronary and carotid arteries that might occlude and lower blood supply to heart and brain.

 

References:

1. Anabolics 11th edition. WILLIAM LLEWELLYN (2017)

2. Underground steroid handbook. DANIEL DUCHAIN (1989)

3. Anabolic Steroids - A Question of Muscle. MICHAEL SCALLY, MD (2008)

4. DRUGS AND THE ATHLETE. GARY WADLER (1989)

5. DRUGS IN SPORTS. NEIL CHESTER (2014)

6. BUILD TO SURVIVE. MICHAEL MONEY (2000)

7. STEROIDS IN AMERICA, A TIME TO HEAL. THOMAS O’CONNOR, MD (2017)

 

George Touliatos, MD is an author, lecturer, champion competitive bodybuilder and expert in medical prevention regarding PED use in sports. Dr. Touliatos specializes in medical biopathology and is the medical associate of Orthobiotiki.gr and Medihall.gr, Age Management and Preventive Clinics in Athens, Greece. Heis the author of four Greek books on bodybuilding, has extensively developed articles for www.anabolic.org and is the medical associate for the book Anabolics, 11th Edition (2017). Dr. Touliatos has been a columnist for the Greek editions of MuscleMag and Muscular Development magazines, and has participated in several seminars across Greece and Cyprus, making numerous TV and radio appearances, doing interviews in print and online. His personal website is https://gtoul.com/

 

 

Read : Bodybuilding - The Good, The Bad & the Ugly Available on Amazon

 

Click the link or picture to buy 

DRT BOOK

CLICK HERE TO WATCH EPISODE 65 OF ASK DR. TESTOSTERONE

 

 

 

DISCUSS ON OUR FORUMS

SUBSCRIBE TO MD TODAY!

FOLLOW MUSCULAR DEVELOPMENT ON:

FACEBOOK: MuscularDevelopment Magazine

TWITTER: @MuscularDevelop

INSTAGRAM: @MuscularDevelopment

YOUTUBE: http://bit.ly/2fvHgn