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Less is More Growing with Lower Dose Anabolics
Disclaimer: This article is for discussion and education purposes only and is NOT an endorsement of Anabolic Steroid use. The use of any prescription medication should only be under the care of a licensed physician.
Many of us have seen the cycle. A novice uses anabolics for the first time, gains a significant amount of weight, and then with continued cycles diminished results are seen. As a result dosages escalate and while to some extent this allows continued progress, side effects also increase dramatically.
Of course, failing to recognize actions and reactions within your body compounds this problem. While there are many factors that contribute to this phenomenon, Id like to discuss two that I have had personal success in addressing.
Problem 1 Insufficient caloric intake during mass building phase
Bodybuilders know that as muscle mass increases, resting metabolic rate increases as well. Bodybuilders also know that a net increase in calories is required to grow. But in practice knowing what to do and actually doing it is often difficult. Ive worked with many people who believe and claim they are eating tons but an in-depth analysis shows a significant calorie shortage.
Also, as bodybuilders initially see how powerful anabolics are, they can become lazy, looking to their chemical protocol for mass gains rather than looking at their body as a system, requiring the correct biochemical balance including rest, nutrition and training.
Problem 2 Cortisol increases as a result of longer and longer protocols
Action/reaction about four weeks out from beginning a cycle your body upregulates cortisol production. This is an attempt to bring the body back into homeostasis. Often times bodybuilders fight this by increasing the overall dose of anabolics used, or adding an additional compound. While this works, this sets the athlete up for a catabolic crash once/if the cycle discontinues.
Anti-cortisol compounds have been used post-cycle to prevent this, however many of them cause a cortisol rebound. Mirtazapine (Remeron) is one compound that does not cause cortisol rebound.
A Solution Emerges
Mirtazapine is a mild antidepressant that happens to significantly reduce cortisol levels at a dose of 15mg per day. When used by itself, Mirtazapine causes significant weight gain. In non-athletes, this is usually a result of over-eating as Mirtazapine causes a significant increase in appetite. In athletes, when used alone, Mirtazapine can cause significant strength and muscle mass gains as a result of cortisol suppression combined with the addition caloric intake. Mirtazapine also significantly improves sleep.
But you cant show off your muscles wearing a sports bra!
Mirtazapine can be used post-cycle to help retain gains, however often times fat accumulation is noted. During initial post cycle therapy, testosterone levels are low and estrogen levels may be higher. Combine this with chronic munchies and oversleeping, female fat deposits can occur and Michelin Man status is only a matter of weeks away.
Disclaimer: This article is for discussion and education purposes only and is NOT an endorsement of Anabolic Steroid use. The use of any prescription medication should only be under the care of a licensed physician.
Many of us have seen the cycle. A novice uses anabolics for the first time, gains a significant amount of weight, and then with continued cycles diminished results are seen. As a result dosages escalate and while to some extent this allows continued progress, side effects also increase dramatically.
Of course, failing to recognize actions and reactions within your body compounds this problem. While there are many factors that contribute to this phenomenon, Id like to discuss two that I have had personal success in addressing.
Problem 1 Insufficient caloric intake during mass building phase
Bodybuilders know that as muscle mass increases, resting metabolic rate increases as well. Bodybuilders also know that a net increase in calories is required to grow. But in practice knowing what to do and actually doing it is often difficult. Ive worked with many people who believe and claim they are eating tons but an in-depth analysis shows a significant calorie shortage.
Also, as bodybuilders initially see how powerful anabolics are, they can become lazy, looking to their chemical protocol for mass gains rather than looking at their body as a system, requiring the correct biochemical balance including rest, nutrition and training.
Problem 2 Cortisol increases as a result of longer and longer protocols
Action/reaction about four weeks out from beginning a cycle your body upregulates cortisol production. This is an attempt to bring the body back into homeostasis. Often times bodybuilders fight this by increasing the overall dose of anabolics used, or adding an additional compound. While this works, this sets the athlete up for a catabolic crash once/if the cycle discontinues.
Anti-cortisol compounds have been used post-cycle to prevent this, however many of them cause a cortisol rebound. Mirtazapine (Remeron) is one compound that does not cause cortisol rebound.
A Solution Emerges
Mirtazapine is a mild antidepressant that happens to significantly reduce cortisol levels at a dose of 15mg per day. When used by itself, Mirtazapine causes significant weight gain. In non-athletes, this is usually a result of over-eating as Mirtazapine causes a significant increase in appetite. In athletes, when used alone, Mirtazapine can cause significant strength and muscle mass gains as a result of cortisol suppression combined with the addition caloric intake. Mirtazapine also significantly improves sleep.
But you cant show off your muscles wearing a sports bra!
Mirtazapine can be used post-cycle to help retain gains, however often times fat accumulation is noted. During initial post cycle therapy, testosterone levels are low and estrogen levels may be higher. Combine this with chronic munchies and oversleeping, female fat deposits can occur and Michelin Man status is only a matter of weeks away.
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