Structure of Dostinex (Cabergoline) and its effect in cycles with steroids

Dostinex (Cabergoline) is a dopamine agonist. Dopamine is a chemical, found in the brain, which transmits nerve impulses and is involved in the formation of epinephrine.  Dopamine is also released by the hypothalamus, and hormone can inhibit the release of prolactin from the anterior lobe of the pituitary, so given all the bad things that we have already seen to be a result of excess. If you use anabolic steroids, Dostinex will help you reduce the chance of any of these prolactin related side-effects. It has actually been shown in numerous studies to have a very high success rate in lowering prolactin and prolactin related conditions and side-effects.

In fact, for management of hyperprolactinemia and it’s symptoms, Dostinex is the preferred treatment in terms of effectiveness as well as having very few undesirable side effects.  It does this very well for both men and women, it should be noted almost identically actually.

Since it lowers prolactin very efficiently, Dostinex will even get rid sexual dysfunction caused by excess prolactin (which is highly correlative with the use of certain steroids like the Nandrolones and Trenbolones (Deca and Tren). This is great news for everyone who loves Tren and Deca, because those two steroids are really great additions to almost any cycle- but many people avoid using them because of the possibility of them causing impotence.

Using Dostinex will allow you to include steroids like Tren and Deca in any cycle- and even combine them in the same cycle- without worrying about sexual dysfunction. In fact even if you aren’t experiencing any sort of sexual dysfunction, Dostinex will shorten the time you need to recover and gain an erection between orgasms, and can significantly enhance all parameters of sexual drive and function.

Of course you can actually use Dostinex safely for an extended amount of time (many studies go on for months if not years, and its efficacy and safety are well documented), but women need to be more careful than men, and certainly need to discontinue using it if they’re pregnant or trying to conceive. Dostinex can help you, the average steroid user, by combating gyno-like effects, as well as galactorrhea, and sexual dysfunction.

Tthis structure which makes it very interesting to us. Dostinex as you already know is what’s known as a dopamine “agonist”- or substance that triggers a response in a specific body tissue or group of cells by binding to specific receptor on or inside the cells, as if it were actually the bodily substance that usually binds to that receptor. Probably the one that most people are familiar with, with regards to agonists is ephedrine, which is an andrenergic agonist. This is why ephedrine makes you feel “wired”…it “feels” like adrenaline to your body. Cabergoline is a dopamine agonist…which makes it “feel” like dopamine to your body.

So what does that mean? Well, in the brain, dopamine helps control the flow of information from other areas of the brain. So a dopamine agonist will help you process information more quickly, and possibly improve your memory also. Some athletes use Dostinex because it helps them learn new motor skills more quickly and thus they can learn new techniques or plays at a faster rate than their competition; needless to say this gives the athletes using Dostinex a huge advantage over their competition. This ability to work on your bodies information pathways and nervous system are doubtless why it’s been successfully been used to fight Parkinsons disease.
In fact, when you don’t have enough dopamine, you may even have difficulty concentrating, low dopamine levels have also been cited as a possible underlying cause for Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and Attention deficit/ Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In fact, many several medications used to treat ADD and ADHD will also serve to stimulate dopaminergic, and this could be one of their possible mechanisms of action.

Interestingly, since this “happy” effect is felt when you are satiated from food, it’s highly possible that Dopamine agonists will cause you to feel “full” more often and decrease desire for food without the discomfort that dieting usually brings. Dopamine is released when you eat a nice big meal so a dopamine agonist like Dostinex may make you not want to eat as much, and help you feel full even if you don’t eat enough. Dostinex, therefore, may be of great interest to precontest bodybuilders and other dieters, who want to avoid some of the discomfort and anxiety that calorie restriction can bring. Dostinex is, of course, neither physically nor mentally addictive, but since it is a dopamine agonist, its users often experience an enhanced positive sense of well being. So besides helping with all of the things discussed earlier, Cabergoline will also just make you feel damn good.

Benefits of Deca Durabolin Cycles and Doses

The benefits of Deca Durabolin are very simple but as this is a very powerful anabolic they are very great. By understanding what Nandrolone does understanding the benefits of Deca Durabolin should be fairly simple, increased muscle mass and increased strength. While these are the two most prominent effects there is the added benefit of joint relief as well by means of a secondary nature; for this reason many athletes will supplement with Deca Durabolin even when not in a gaining phase in order to obtain such relief.

To give you an idea of how powerful this hormone is even small therapeutic doses can cause large increases in weight by increasing lean mass and this is achieved largely due to its nitrogen retention abilities.

Those who supplement with Deca Durabolin will find their muscle holds a far greater amount of nitrogen than without; as we understand being in a state of positive nitrogen retention is highly anabolic. This state of being can lead to vast although slow increases in muscle tissue and while that can lead to mass, coupled with increased collagen synthesis we experience a nice buildup in strength as well. Of equal importance if not even greater is the effect Nandrolone has on the production of IGF 1, a very powerful anabolic hormone in its own right belonging to the peptide class. While these potent anabolic qualities are very apt towards building mass and increasing strength they prove due to their action to readily promote a greater metabolic rate this simply means we are able to build a larger, yet leaner and more powerful physique as you can see Nandrolone is one amazing hormone.

All steroidal hormones carry with them possible negative side-effects, as do all medications, steroidal and non-steroidal alike, Deca Durabolin makes no exception. By far the most prominent side-effect is testosterone suppression, while all anabolic steroids will suppress natural testosterone production to one degree or another Deca Durabolin will do so in a far more pronounced manner. One dosing of this Nandrolone will result in complete testosterone suppression, even a very low dose will have this effect. For this reason it is very important to supplement with testosterone when we supplement with Deca Durabolin, failure to do so will result in leaving the body completely testosterone deficient. Most will find a 2:1 ratio of Test: Deca to be sufficient but for some the need for testosterone to be slightly higher than this will prove to be a reality.

While this hormonal compound does not aromatize to high degree some aromatizing effects commonly associated with anabolic steroids can occur; while these are largely dose dependent ones sensitivity also comes into play. Further, when used for performance enhancing purposes these effects will assuredly be a reality as the dosing will necessarily be higher than simple therapeutic use in order to achieve a desired end result. Further, because Deca Durabolin is a progestin by-which it will raise progesterone levels in the body, coupled with even a slight aromatase effect this can lead to Gynecomastia and excess water retention most commonly but this can easily be alleviated by the use of a quality aromatase inhibitor such as Arimidex or Letrozole.

As we now readily understand Deca Durabolin is simply Nandrolone with the Decanoate ester attached and there are many other Nandrolone based steroidal compounds. While Deca-Durabolin is the most common and popular form Durabolin is a close second, especially in recent years. Durabolin is simple a Nandrolone hormone attached to the Phenylpropionate ester, a much shorter ester, thereby bringing benefit faster yet not as long lasting. The mode of action regarding the hormone Nandrolone does not change due to one form or the other being used, only the ester is different. Regardless of which form you use for each 100mg your apply, while Durabolin will provide slightly more active Nandrolone per mg than Deca Durabolin due to the total mass of the Phenylpropionate ester being less than the Decanoate ester the difference is so slight it is meaningless, the same benefits are to be obtained with either form as the same active hormone is present in both. This is important because for years many misconceptions have led many to believe these two compounds differ greatly when the opposite is true. However, we must admit there is a slight difference as Durabolin or NPP as it’s commonly called seems to produce less water retention than it's brother Deca Durabolin.

Because it is so apt for strength and size most will use Deca Durabolin during a bulking cycle further, as water retention can be a problem when this steroid is used this makes periods of bulking or gaining the optimal time for use. However, as we’ve discussed excess water retention can be controlled through the use of a quality aromatase inhibitor and for this reason, as this is a powerful anabolic, many competitive bodybuilders will include Deca Durabolin in their contest prep cycles. In most cases this will be done during the front end of the contest prep cycle in an effort to preserve muscle tissue and hold on to strength. However, many will run a low dose of the steroid almost the entire length of their contest prep in order to maintain joint comfort as discomfort can become quite serious when body-fat levels drop to very low levels.

For the majority, bulking will be the primary mode of use and as this is a very slow acting but long lasting steroid and as it is generally well-tolerated by most who use it, necessarily use will extend into several months if benefits are to be enjoyed. Generally Deca Durabolin will need to be administered for at least 8 weeks with 12 weeks being optimal and 16 weeks being safe and highly effective for most individuals. Shorter duration will prove to be useless as it will take a good 4 weeks for the active benefits to begin to show making 4-6 week runs of the compound utterly useless. Most will find a dose of 200mg per week to be the minimum dosing to obtain benefits associated with growth, although a mere 100mg per week is often all that is used if joint relief is the primary concern. While 200mg is enough to spur growth most will find 400mg a week for approximately 12 weeks to be nearly a perfect dose and time frame for Deca Durabolin use. Keep in mind, you must ensure you take enough testosterone with your Deca Durabolin to ensure you keep enough active testosterone flowing in the body. For those who are looking for more of a bump 600mg per week can be successfully used, however, this is only recommended for those who have used the hormone before and understand how their bodies will react and how well they will tolerate this powerful Nandrolone even so, many will find 400mg to be all they ever need regardless of how experienced they are.

Testosterone Cypionate and Post Cycle Therapy

Testosterone Cypionate is one of the many synthetic versions of testosterone. It is the second most popular testosterone variant after another synthetic version, Testosterone enanthate. It is usually delivered to the body in the form of an oil-soluble intramuscular injection. In this form, it is called Depo - Testosterone.

In powder form, Testosterone Cypionate is creamy white with nearly no odor. It is stable in air and dissolves in alcohol, vegetable oil, ether, and chloroform but does not dissolve in water. Testosterone Cypionate (GP Test Cyp) is basically esterified testosterone, so it has increased lipid solubility. Nearly 90% of an injection is excreted in urine as sulfuric acid and glucuronic acid conjugates of testosterone and its related metabolites. It is not recommended for individuals under 18 years of age. Also, it should not be used by women, especially those who are pregnant, because it may cause damage to the fetus.

Testosterone Cypionate (GP Test Cyp) is used as a replacement for natural testosterone in men, who are suffering from low testosterone levels. It is a prescription drug and legally speaking, it can be given only when testosterone deficiency has been confirmed through symptoms or blood tests. The body cannot store testosterone, which means if you are suffering from a deficiency you will have to continue taking these injections at regular intervals and in proper doses. Apart from individuals who are suffering from low levels of testosterone, it is also used by many athletes and body builders for its anabolic properties.

Testosterone Cypionate can help promote fat loss, increase sex drive, help in gaining muscle mass, and increase the density of bone. Like testosterone, Testosterone Cypionate (GP Test Cyp) also has an anabolic and androgenic rating of 100. It has a long half-life and a slow release rate of about 8-10 days. It is similar to Testosterone Enanthate in its effect and you can even switch between them. Nearly 14 million men in the US, above the age of 45 years, have testosterone deficiency. It can lead to a loss of strength and muscle mass, diminished sexual performance and libido, body fat increase, and low levels of energy. Low testosterone levels can also lead to diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, and more. Like all anabolic steroids, the more you take in Testosterone Cypionate, the more will be the rewards, but when you do this, the incidence of side effects also increase. It can be bought in two strengths – 100mg and 200 mg. Since it is absorbed slowly, you can inject it at an interval of two or four weeks. Many factors determine how much Testosterone Cypionate (GP Test Cyp) a person can take safely. These include body weight, medical conditions, and the intake of other medicines. Usually, an adult male can take a dose of 200 mg of Testosterone Cypionate (GP Test Cyp) every fourteen days. The gluteal muscle in the buttocks is the usual site of injection.

Some individuals split the intake of Testosterone Cypionate into smaller but equal doses, which are then injected over a period of time. The advantage of this method is that it keeps the level of the steroid in the blood at a peak and it also controls the side effects that may result from using large doses. Smaller doses also mean that the body has to deal with fewer steroids at one time. Regardless of what dose you use, you will find that Testosterone Cypionate (GP Test Cyp) is well tolerated by the body and you can use it for long cycles. Some individuals even run Testosterone Cypionate cycles of 12 weeks to 16 weeks.

Note that you may need to have a Post Cycle Therapy plan in place before you end your Testosterone Cypionate (GP Test Cyp) cycle. But again, this depends on the length of the off-period (the time when you will not be taking any steroids). If this off-period is more than 10 weeks, you will need Post Cycle Therapy.

Increasing your dosage suddenly might actually slow down results. This is because the body converts any excess testosterone into estrogen, by a process called aromatase. It is a natural reaction and the body does it so that a normal hormone level can be maintained. So, taking large doses is not a good idea.

Women are advised not to take Testosterone Cypionate because it has strong androgenic properties. After all, testosterone is primarily a male androgen. But on the other hand, women can also have low testosterone levels and they may benefit from taking anabolic steroids. In this case, the dosage should be very low and should be carefully watched out for.The side effects of Testosterone cypionate can be easily controlled. It is not guaranteed that these side effects will even occur. It will all depend on the dose that you take, whether you are genetically predisposed to them, and your current health. Here is little more about the side effects that can be expected.

Testosterone Cypionate (GP Test Cyp) is another form of testosterone, so there will be aromatase activity. As the level of estrogen in the blood rises, it can lead to water retention and gynecomastia. So, many body builders do not prefer Testosterone Cypionate (GP Test Cyp) for gaining muscle mass. When they do take it, they will stack it with other anabolic steroids. To deal with gynecomastia, many individuals take SERMs or selective estrogen receptor modulators like Tamoxifen Citrate or aromatase inhibitors like Anastrozole. Side effects like hair loss (in men who have a predisposition to male pattern baldness), acne, and prostate enlargement have also been noticed after the dosage of Testosterone Cypionate.

Benefits of Testoviron Stack

Testoviron is a blend of two different products, namely testosterone with the propionate (short) ester attached, and testosterone with the Enanthate (long) ester attached. Testosterone is usually attached to an ester (i.e. when you buy testosterone propionate, or Enanthate the components of this particular drug, you are buying testosterone with a Propionate ester attached and testosterone with an Enanthate ester attached, both in the same milliliter of drug). These esters determines how long it takes your body to dispose of the testosterone, and propionate is the shortest ester commonly available with a testosterone base (of course, testosterone suspension has no ester), whereas Enanthate is the longest generally available with a testosterone base. Within your body, there are enzymes, called esterases, 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.
Testoviron is a blend of two different products, Testosterone Propionate (short ester) and Testosterone Enanthate (long ester).

Testosterone is responsible for promoting health and well-being through enhanced libido, energy, immunity, increased fat loss, gaining and maintaining lean muscle mass, preventing Osteoporosis (loss of bone density) and possible protection against heart disease. Testosterone is also responsible for normal growth and development of male sex organs and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics. Secondary sex characteristics are specific traits that separate the two sexes, but are not directly part of the reproductive system, for example: chest and facial hair, a distinguished jaw line, broad shoulders and increased muscle mass. Testosterone binds to the Androgen Receptors (AR), which thus causes accelerated muscle gain, fat loss, and muscle repair and growth. These mechanisms are stimulated by activation of the Androgen Receptors (either directly or as DHT).

There are many possible side-effects associated with its use. This product also has a high level of aromatization into estrogen and coverts to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) as well. Also, supplementing Testosterone to your body will result in the shutting down of the body’s natural production of the hormone. The severity of side effects depend mostly on the levels and duration of circulating free testosterone, and its conversion to substrates. Testosterone’s anabolic/androgenic effects are dependant upon dosage, the higher the dose the higher the muscle building effect (and often, it’s side effects). Testosterone promotes aggressive and dominant behavior.

Testosterone’s anabolic/androgenic effects are dependant upon the dose administered; usually the higher the dose, the better the results. In a study done on Testosterone Enanthate in this case), a dose as high as 600 mg’s (per week) produced better results in subjects compared to those who received all of the lower doses. At the highest dose, 600 mg/week, the greatest results were achieved in comparison to any of the lower doses studied. The highest fat loss, most muscle growth, and increased size and strength were achieved at the higher dose. In the same study, HDL cholesterol was lowered and the subjects experienced acne. There was roughly a 15% gain in Lean Body Mass from 20 weeks of 600mgs/week of Testosterone therapy.

Overall, the most common report by subjects using testosterone was immense gains in strength. Alterations in size, shape, and appearance of the muscle were reported.

Due to stimulation of the Androgen Receptors (either directly or as DHT), accelerated muscle gain, fat loss, increased muscle repair and growth was experienced. Testosterone binds to the A.R. on fat cells; therefore, adipose (fat) tissue can be broken down more readily while new fat formation is prevented. Since the body is building muscle at an accelerated rate, more ingested food is shuttled directly to the muscle tissue (this is known as nutrient portioning) and away from fat. This is another indirect effect of testosterone on fat loss. Testosterone also promotes glycogen synthesis, which is activated by insulin in response to high glucose levels. Glycogen provides fuel to the muscle, therefore endurance and strength increases were reported during severe muscle breakdown in intense training and workouts.

Testosterone also converts to both Estrogen and Dihydrotestosterone (through 5a-reduction). Most of the side effects people experience with testosterone use is actually from it’s conversion to these two substrates. Hair loss, water retention, acne, and other side effects are possible with use of this drug.

Testoviron is actually a very decent anabolic, and is very rarely counterfeited any longer. Basically, what we’re looking at is a nice pre-mixed blend of Testosterone with a long ester (Enanthate) and a short ester (Propionate). If I were personally to make my own test blend to use every other day, it would most likely be something very similar to Testoviron.

The short ester will give you a nice spike in testosterone levels, albeit one that decays very quickly, while the longer ester will allow a very slow decay in blood plasma levels.

One of the primary advantages to this version of testosterone is that it is very rarely faked because products like Sustanon (a 4 ester blend) fetch a higher price, and if you’re going to counterfeit an amp, it may as well be the one which will earn you the highest profit for your trouble. This is why we never see counterfeit “Sten” amps (a very low dosed preparation of testosterone) and this basically holds true for Testoviron as well.

Testoviron Stack:
What stacks well with Testoviron? Well, since its a testosterone with both a short and long acting component, I suppose the answer is everything and nothing. Since its got a short ester in it, you would have to inject it every other day, so you may as well run another short acting drug with it (Trenbolone Acetate, or whatever). However, since its got a long acting component to it, you may consider using a longer acting drug with it (Deca or Eq), the downfall here is that you dont get the full benefit of shooting test prop alone (less water retention, etc...) but you still have to shoot as frequently as if you were only using prop. The testosterone Enanthate is long acting, but you're still going to be shooting this compound every other day to make use of the Propionate component. Thus, the advantage of testosterone Enanthate (reduced shooting frequency) is negated. Many peoples favorites are Equipoise (Boldenone Undeclyenate) or Deca (Nandrolone Decanoate), but really, anything will stack well with Testoviron. Tren (Trenbolone Acetate), Masteron and Winstrol are also favorites for many on a cutting cycle, and its important to note that a product to fight water-retention and other estrogenic sides would be warranted if Testoviron were used for a cutting cycle.

Finally, its worth noting that sometimes a strategy known as "front loading" is employed with products like this one, since it contains both testosterone Propionate, and Enanthate. This is where double or triple the intended dose for the cycle is injected for the first two weeks and the Propionate ester gives a very quick rise in blood plasma levels of testosterone, and then the Enanthate ester is relied on for a more even blood level in the ensuing weeks. The reasoning behind this is presumably to get the blood levels of the drug up quickly in the hopes of seeing results more quickly, and then have the blood levels even out and stay constant.

Nolvadex, Clomid and HCG in Post Cycle Therapy

Most anabolic steroids, especially the androgen's, cause inhibition of the body's own testosterone production. When a bodybuilder comes off a steroid cycle, natural testosterone production is zero and the levels of the steroids taken in the blood are diminishing. This leaves the ratios of catabolic : anabolic hormones in the blood high, hence the body is in a state of catabolism, and, as a result, much of the muscle tissue that was gained on the cycle is now going to be lost.

Clomid stimulates the hypothalamus to, in turn stimulant the anterior pituitary gland (aka hypophysis) to release gonadotrophic hormones. The gonadotrophic hormones are follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH - aka interstitial cell stimulating hormone (ICSH)). FSH stimulates the testes to produce more testosterone, and LH stimulates them to secrete more testosterone. This feedback mechanism is known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-testes axis (HPTA), and results in an increase of the body's own testosterone production and blood levels rise, to, in part, compensate for the diminishing levels of exogenous steroids. This is vital to minimize post cycle muscle losses. Not all steroids do cause shut down of the feedback mechanism. Everyone is different and you must also take into account how long you have been using a certain steroid and at what dose in order to determine if you need Clomid or not.

Clomid also works as an anti-oestrogen. As it's a weak synthetic oestrogen, it binds to oestrogen receptors on cells blocking them to oestrogen in the blood. This minimizes the negative effects like gynecomastia and water retention that may be a result of oestrogen that has aromatised from testosterone.

It's effect as an anti-oestrogen are quite weak though, and it should not be relied upon if you are going to be using androgenic steroids that aromatise at a rapid rate, or if you are pre-disposed to gynecomastia. Arimidex and Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) are far more effective anti-oestrogens.

Clomid does not, as is often thought, stimulate the release of natural testosterone, but rather works at reducing the oestrogenic inhibition caused by the steroid cycle. It does this in a similar manner to the way it and Nolvadex block oestrogen receptors in nipples to combat gyno development, i.e. by blocking the oestrogen receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary thus reducing the inhibition from the elevated oestrogen. This allows LH levels to return to normal, or even above normal levels, and in turn, natural testosterone levels to also normalize.

When we use anabolic steroids, the level of androgen's in the body rises causing the androgen receptors to become more highly activated, and through the HPTA, a signal tells our testes to stop producing testosterone. During a cycle the body has far higher than normal levels of androgen's and as long as this level is high enough, Clomid will not help to keep natural testosterone production up. It will be almost all but completely shut off, in theory.

Some heavy androgen users, however, do advocate a small burst of Clomid mid-cycle, though it must be hard for them to say if it really of any benefit, due to the amount of gear they are using. Therefore, the only purpose of Clomid during a cycle is as an anti-estrogen.

When To Take Clomid:
The correct time to commence Clomid depends on the type and cycle of steroids you have been using. Different steroids have different half-lifes (indicates the time a substance diminishes in blood), and Clomid administration should be taken accordingly.

As we have seen above, Clomid taken when androgen levels in our blood are still high will be a waste. It is crucial to wait for androgen levels to fall before implementing our Clomid therapy. However, if taken too late we could possibly lose gains.

How to take Nolvadex for PCT:
As an alternative to Clomid, which has been reported to have led to unwanted side effects such as visual disturbances in some users, Nolvadex can be employed. Nolvadex is a trade name for the drug Tamoxifen. Like Clomid, the half life of Nolvadex is relatively long enabling the user to implement a single daily dosing schedule. Administration would start as per the timescales outlined above and the duration would be identical to that of Clomid.

Typically, for a moderate-heavy cycle, the following dosages would be used:
Day 1 - 100mg
Following 10 days - 60mg
Following 10 days - 40mg

Occasionally, heavier cycles containing perhaps Nandrolone (Deca) or Trenbolone which by definition are particularly suppressive of the HPTA, may require a slightly longer therapy. Likewise, more modest/shorter cycles may require lower dosages, perhaps dropping each by 20mg per day.

Some users like to use both Clomid and Nolvadex in their PCT in an attempt to cover all angles. An example of the dosages involved might be:

Day 1 - Clomid 200mg + Nolvadex 40mg
Following 10 days - Clomid 50mg + Nolvadex 20mg
Following 10 days - Clomid 50mg or Nolvadex 20mg

Of course, the examples provided are not set in stone and may be adjusted depending on the factors outlined above and individual variances.

How using HCG:
HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin and is not a steroid, but a natural peptide hormone which develops in the placenta of pregnant women during pregnancy to controls the mother's hormones. (Incidentally, this is the reason you may hear of people testing for growth hormone (HGH) with a pregnancy testing kit.

Its action in the male body is like that of LH, stimulating the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone even in the absence of endogenous LH. HCG is therefore used during longer or heavier steroid cycles to maintain testicular size and condition, or to bring atrophied (shrunken) testicles back up to their original condition in preparation for post-cycle Clomid therapy. This process is necessary because atrophied testicles produce reduced levels of natural testosterone, this situation should be rectified prior to post-cycle Clomid therapy.

HCG administration post-cycle is common practice among bodybuilders in the belief that it will aid the natural testosterone recovery, but this theory is unfounded and also counterproductive. The rapid rise in both testosterone, and thus oestrogen due to aromatisation, from the administration of HCG causes further inhibition of the HPTA (Hypothalamic/Pituitary/Testicular Axis - feedback loop discussed above); this actually worsens the recovery situation. HCG does not restore the natural testosterone production.

The typically observed dosing of 2000 to 5000IU every 4 to 5 days causes such an increase in oestrogen levels via aromatisation of the natural testosterone that this has been responsible for many cases of gynecomastia.

Smaller doses, more frequently during a cycle will give best overall results with least unwanted side effects. Somewhere between 500IU and 1000IU per day would be best over about a two-week period. These doses are sufficient to avoid/rectify testicular atrophy without increasing oestrogen levels too dramatically and risking gynecomastia. This dosing schedule also avoids the risk of permanently down-regulating the LH receptors in the testes.

It is important for the HCG administration to have been completed with 6 or 7 clear days before the onset of PCT in order to avoid inhibition of the Nolvadex and/or Clomid therapy. Also, a small daily dose (10-20mg) of Nolvadex would normally be used in conjunction with HCG in order to prevent oestrogenic symptoms caused by sudden increases in aromatisation. Clomid and/or Nolvadex are more effective than HCG post cycle, but some long-term users like to use HCG during a cycle, or to prepare the testes for Clomid and/or Nolvadex therapy.

Post Cycle Therapy with Anti Estrogen and Aromatase Inhibitor Femara (Letrozole)

Letrozole is primarily used to ward off any estrogenic side effects caused by a cycle of anabolic steroids. Letrozole has been show to have the capability of reducing the level of estrogen in users' bodies by up to 96-98%.
 Letrozole is a non steroidal selective third generation aromatse inhibitor. The structure and activity of this compound are very similar to that of Arimidex, and is prescribed for similar medical reasons. More specifically, United States prescribing guidelines for Letrozole recommend it to be used for the treatment of postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor positive or estrogen receptor unknown brest cancer. It is typically used as a second line of treatment after an estrogen receptor antagonist like tamoxifen has failed to elicit a desirable response, although it is sometimes initiated as the first course of therapy depending on the circumstances. Male bodybuilders and athletes find value in Letrozole for its ability to mitigate the estrogenic side effects associated with the use of aromatically anabolic/androgenic steroids, such as gynecomastia, fat buildup, and visible water retention. The U.S. FDA approved Letrozole for prescription sale in 1997, where it is sold by  the pharmaceutical company Novartis under the brand name of Femera.

In terms of how this drug  can be used to the benefit of bodybuilders and strength athletes, Letrozole is primarily used to ward off any estrogenic side effects caused by the administration of anabolic steroids. Letrozole has been show to have the capability of reducing the level of estrogen in users' bodies by up to 96-98%. This would seemingly be enough in itself to make the compound a desirable one with which steroid users would be interested in. However Letrozole also has been shown to increase the amount of lutenizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and sex hormone binding globulin in users. When you combine these attributes with the fact that it will help protect against gynecomastia, water retention and other estrogenic side effects Letrozole obviously can fulfill many users' needs.  There are some animal studies that have suggested that letrozole can help to reduce or even eliminate pre-existing gynecomastia as well. Of course there are some limits to this research as it has never been conducted using human subjects but it does demonstrate that there may be a mechanism by which this could occur. Anecdotally some users have reported that they have experienced a reduction in their own pre-existing gynecomastia, but of course these reports have their limits as they were not conducted with the scientific controls in place. Interestingly, it takes approximately 60 days to get a steady blood plasma level of Letrozole once administration of the drug begins. This may necessitate that a user begin using the compound prior to beginning their cycle if they wish for the effects to be at full strength once their cycle begins. This may also hinder the ability of the compound to respond quickly if a user begins administration of the drug to counteract some side effects that have appeared quickly.

The maximum dosage that a user would want to use would be 2.5mgs per day. It has been shown in numerous studies that this dosage will eliminate nearly all of the estrogen in the body in nearly all individuals. Any dose that is higher than this would simply be unneeded. Despite the ability to increase the amount of lutenizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and sex hormone binding globulin in users Letrozole can be counterproductive if used during post-cycle therapy. This is due to the ability of the compound to drive estrogen levels too low during use. Once the compound is discontinued this can result in a "rebound effect" in estrogen levels with these becoming quite high, something that should be avoided during or after post-cycle therapy. Anastrozole could be seen as an alternative to Letrozole in this capacity as it seemingly does not have such a potent effect. The detrimental effect that Letrozole has on blood lipid levels is another reason why many will avoid it's use during post-cycle therapy.

The Benefits of Aromasin in bodybuilding

Aromasin is the trade name for Exemestane, a drug used to treat breast cancer in women. Similarly to arimidex, it is member of the aromatase inhibitor class of drugs. The drug was FDA approved in 1999 and has become very popular across the globe in post menopausal women. Aromasin is a suicidal aromatase inhibitor (AI), meaning it permanently disables the aromatase enzyme once it binds to it. In plain English, Aromasin will prevent the currently bound enzymes from rebounding, which is what separates this drug from Letrozole or Arimidex. When you use other AI’s, they temporarily stop estrogen from aromatizing, but when you stop taking them those same enzymes can rebound causing what is known as ‘estrogen rebound’. This explains why some anabolic steroid users experience gynecomastia (bitch tits) after cycle when using other AI’s. Studies on breast cancer patients have shown Aromasin reduced estrogen levels up to 85%. Certain anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) convert to estrogen in the body; all testosterone esters, Nandrolones, dianabol, and Boldenone are examples. If not controlled, the user runs the risk of developing several types of estrogen side effects such as gynecomastia (bitch tits), water retention, blood pressure and heart problems. There is a domino effect that can occur if estrogen gets out of control.  Just imagine carrying around two gallons of water all day.

The user may notice feeling rundown and tired, blood pressure will soar, and motivation will decrease. These side effects will defeat the purpose of running steroids in the first place. In addition, high estrogen levels, when coming off a cycle, will interfere with recovery of the bodies natural testosterone levels.

On the other hand, if you run a harsh AI, which eliminates too much estrogen, it can also have negative effects on libido, mood, and dry out the joints. Since Aromasin is a suicide aromatase inhibitor, you should work on controlling the dosage and tailoring it to your cycle. Don’t just use random dosages without looking at your whole steroid cycle. Very similar in many ways to other aromatase inhibitors, particularly Arimidex and Letrozole, Aromasin has some characteristics unique unto its own. Like all aromatase inhibitors Aromasin is useful to the steroid using athlete in the prevention of unwanted side-effects such as Gynecomastia and excess water retention. By its mode of action Aromasin inhibits the conversion of estrogen in the body; as many anabolic steroids convert to estrogen after administration due to the aromatase process, Aromasin actively inhibits this process. By its inhibiting nature the total amount of estrogen in the body is reduced and blocked from binding thereby preventing common associated adverse side-effects. While the aromatase inhibiting effect is its primary function and primary reason for using Aromasin it also carries with it other characteristics that may be of interest to the anabolic steroid user. Aromasin has been shown to greatly stimulate natural testosterone production by a slight androgenic nature. While other aromatase inhibitors can also increase total testosterone production Aromasin actively does so while increasing natural IGF 1 production as well, Arimidex and Letrozole cannot boast such a claim.

For the anabolic androgenic steroid using athlete the most important question is when is the best time to use Aromasin as it can be effectively used while on cycle for the prevention of estrogenic related side-effects as well as during post cycle therapy (PCT.) It can be used for both purposes but most will find PCT periods to be best served with SERMs and hCG and the use of aromatase inhibitors while on cycle to be the most efficient method of practice. If you are on the verge of using Aromasin immediately or after your anabolic steroid cycle, it is critical that you have good knowledge of the benefits of the drug, tips while using this drug and also the precautions you need to take while using this drug.

Aromasin has an active life of about 24-40 hours. It has been used by athletes and bodybuilders both as an aromatose inhibitor on those harsh, aromatizable steroids. Aromasin works by inhibiting the production of estrogen in the body and initiating a restoration of natural hormone production. Aromasin is also potent enough to facilitate reversal of estrogen-induced negative reactions such as acne, oily skin and bloating within 3-5 weeks of usage. Aromasins also have the capability to greatly enhance the bioavailability of the anabolic steroids being used in the steroid cycles. Aromasin use in Post cycle therapy

As discussed Aromasin is an aromatose inhibtor which can reduce estrogen levels dramatically and enhance testosterone production. Aromasin however is not the most popular aromatose inhibitor in the market today as bodybuilders and athletes continue to prefer Arimidex and Letrozole over it. The reason is simple really, Aromasins came into the market much after the Arimidex or Letrozole so it has yet to receive the cult following the other two drugs command. Aromasin was introduced by a company called Pharmacia and Upjohn in the year 1999. Moreover, aromasins are not as widely availabe as Arimidex or Letrozole.  When there are the other  well accepted aromatose inhibitors in the market why should you consider Aromasin as your aromatose inhibitor of choice?  Letrozole and Arimidex can reduce estrogen levels up to 98% in the body which is more effective than the 85% of Aromasin. But a 98% reduction of estrogen can have complications for the user such as hindered muscle gain and a decrease in sex drive. Aromasin when taken in controlled dosages of 25mg per day leaves a sufficient amount of estrogen in the body and also promotes free development of insulin and testosterone in the body. Combining Aromasin with Nolvadex during post steroidal cycle therapy is potentially a better combination because of aromasin's capability of facilitating testosterone production which is considered vital in the post cycle therapy process.

Nolvadex is also known to greatly diminish the blood plasma levels of aromatose inhibitors like Letrozole or Arimidex, which means they are not bound to be as effective when used with nolvadex in the post cycle therapy. If you still go with these aromatose inhibitors you are wasting your money as Nolvadex has already reduced their effectiveness. Aromasin however remains unaffected by Nolvadex in this respect and should be considered as the aromatose inhibitor of choice. The reason Aromasin remains largely unaffected is because it is a type-I aromatose inhibitor meaning that once it has completed its job of deactivating the aromatase enzyme, you would not need it anymore. However, other aromatose inhibitors like Letrozole need to be present in the body for long periods of time which allows Nolvadex to intervene and alter their pharmacokinetics resulting in them losing their effectiveness.

Also, during Post cycle theraphy, Aaromasin cut down the production of Sex hormone Binding Globulin(SHBG) by at least 20% in males. SHBG is a notorious enzyme which attaches itself to testosterone and is known to render it useless for the purpose of body building. Other aromatose inhibitors do not have the potential to reduce SHBG.

The recommended and optimum usage of Aromasin is about a single dose of 50mg per day. After meals though, taking a single dose of 25mg can be potent enough to reduce the estrogen levels in the body by a dramatic 70-80% within 24 hours of consumption. Aromasin is not suitable for pregnant women and those who are lactating, children, those allergic to Aromasin or its other components, those being treated for prostrate of testicular cancer, high blood pressure patients and those having a history of stroke occurrence or liver damage etc.