Introduction to Female Steroid Cycles

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TweetFemale Steroid Cycles

Female Steroid Cycles

Introduction to Female Steroid Cycles

Anabolic steroid use where females are concerned is a very seldom touched upon topic within the anabolic steroid using community. This is because the majority of anabolic steroid users land in the male gender category, as well as the fact that almost all of the clinical data in regards to anabolic steroid use in females is in reference to the medical applications, which in and of itself is very different from the use of anabolic steroids for the purpose of performance and physique enhancement. This particular section of this article is by no means designed to be a comprehensive guide to female anabolic steroid use. Instead, only the most immediate concerns and topics in regards to proper female steroid cycles will be covered.

The majority of the questions, concerns, and issues where female use is concerned will be explored upon in a later article. For the time being, the considerations as to the potential side effects in female anabolic steroid users can easily be accessed by reading a comprehensive article on anabolic steroid side effects in general, which would include the potential side effects for female users.

When female anabolic steroid cycles are considered, there are vast differences to be understood and considered in comparison to the average anabolic steroid cycle, which almost always is structured and designed for male users. The fact is that the majority of anabolic steroid use information, cycle protocols, PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) considerations, and many more common guidelines simply do not apply to female anabolic steroid users.

In summary, there are various advantages that female anabolic steroid users hold over male users, and there are various advantages that male users hold over female users. There also exist disadvantages that are different pertaining to both genders. These must be understood first.

The following are to be covered in this section:

1. Preliminary considerations for female users.
2. Differences in anabolic steroid usage protocols between male and female users.
3. Anabolic steroids considered suitable and low-risk for female anabolic steroid cycles.
4. Anabolic steroids considered to be unsuitable and of considerably higher-risk for females.
5. Compounds that should not be utilized by females.
6. Examples of female anabolic steroid cycles.

Preliminary Considerations for Female Anabolic Steroid Users

Assuming the majority of preliminary considerations for all users have been noted (listed in the introduction of this article), the preliminary considerations for female anabolic steroid users is for the most part very straightforward and short in its explanation.

All female anabolic steroid users must understand the base fundamentals of what they are doing with their bodies: Anabolic androgenic steroids are synthetic analogues and derivatives of the male hormone Testosterone (or simply Testosterone itself). As stated, this is the male sex hormone, and females engaging in anabolic steroid cycles are simply inserting Testosterone (or related analogues) into themselves in an effort to increase muscle mass and reduce body fat levels. Using common sense, any female understanding this will realize the potential for the development of male secondary sex characteristics (properly known as virilization). Virilization effects can include the development of male secondary sex characteristics (deepening of the voice, growth of body and facial hair), clitoral enlargement, and menstrual irregularities. It is also strongly advised to abstain from anabolic steroid cycles during pregnancy, as this is a particularly important hormonal period for the development of a fetus, and the inclusion of supraphysiological levels of androgens have been linked to birth defects in newborn babies.

It is also necessary to gain a proper understanding of which anabolic steroids are suitable, which are less suitable, and which should be not used under any but the most essential circumstances. These details will be covered shortly.

Differences Between Male and Female Anabolic Steroid Cycle Protocols

1. Testosterone is not necessary for use in female steroid cycles: The male physiological levels of endogenously manufactured Testosterone are not necessary for the survival or well-being of females. As mentioned prior, this is one of the several guidelines that can be circumvented by female users, and can essentially ‘get away with’, whereas men cannot. It should be common knowledge that the female body does not manufacture anywhere near the amount that the male human body does, and females therefore only require very minor amounts of Testosterone necessary for vital proper physiological function. Female endogenous production of Testosterone is approximately that of 1/10th of a male human body’s endogenous production. Testosterone in females is manufactured primarily by the adrenal glands, rather than the testes (organs that females do not possess).

It is not only unnecessary for females to utilize Testosterone but it is also in fact highly advised that female anabolic steroid users abstain from the use of Testosterone due to its very strong androgenic strength rating, which would provide pronounced virilization issues. However, there are female anabolic steroid users that do wish to engage in the use of stronger androgens such as Testosterone or Trenbolone, and this may be the result of the female not caring as to whether or not they experience virilization as a result. In such a case, it is a personal decision based upon personal values and goals. However, for the average female that does not wish to transform into a male, it is advised to stay away from the strong androgens such as Testosterone.

2. There is no post cycle therapy (PCT) required following a female steroid cycle. Once again, the purpose of a PCT is that of the restoration of natural function of endogenous Testosterone production and HPTA function in males. This is unnecessary in female anabolic steroid users. Females do not possess testicles, and therefore are not necessary for vital female physiological function. PCT as a result is unnecessary, whereas for male users it is absolutely vital for the proper restoration of endogenous natural hormonal function.

3. Cycle lengths must be kept very short so as to avoid virilization symptoms. Just as how female users should avoid very strong androgenic anabolic steroids, cycle lengths must not exceed particular lengths due to the fact that as duration of use increases, the potential and severity of virilization and masculinizing effects so too increases. Ideally, female steroid cycle lengths should be no longer than 4 weeks at a time. Should any female anabolic steroid users experience the beginnings of any virilization symptoms prior to the 4 week mark (cracking/deepening of the voice, growth of bodily/facial hair, etc.) all administration of anabolic steroids should be halted immediately.

4. Anabolic steroid stacks and combinations must be avoided at all costs unless absolutely necessary. This is mostly self-explanatory, as the combination and stacking of two or more anabolic steroids will result in a compounding of androgenic effects, leading to rapid onset of virilization, and more severe virilization symptoms. Unless absolutely necessary, such as the case of female competitive bodybuilders, stacking should be avoided at all costs unless deemed absolutely necessary.

5. While male anabolic steroid users must ensure proper time-off (break time, or time away from anabolic steroids) in between cycles that consists of time spent on the previous cycle and PCT length (for example, an 8 week cycle followed by a 4 week PCT would mean that time-off afterwards before the next cycle would be 3 – 4 months), females do not necessarily require this. Female anabolic steroid users may be able to take shorter breaks and time-off in between cycles, although it is advised that at least 4 – 8 weeks of sufficient time off in between cycles is adequate to ensure proper normalization of the body’s internal systems following hormone augmentation that would result in the disruption of said systems. While males must ensure proper and adequate endogenous Testosterone and HPTA recovery, females do not need to be concerned with this.

These are the primary differences between the protocols of steroid cycles in regards to male and female use.

The Best and Worst Anabolic Steroid Choices for Female Steroid Cycles

Anabolic steroids best suited for female steroid cycles are compounds which exhibit very low androgenic strength ratings in comparison to the anabolic strength ratings. These are all often considered the ‘mild’ anabolic steroids that are so frequently discussed among the anabolic steroid using community. It must be understood, however, that although various anabolic steroids may possibly exhibit a very low threshold for androgenic effects on the body, no anabolic steroid is completely incapable of exhibiting these effects. All anabolic steroids to varying degrees exhibit androgenic effects, and thus the potential for virilization exists with all of them, no matter how ‘mild’ a particular anabolic steroid might be claimed to be.

In addition, long-estered anabolic steroids should be avoided at all costs by female users due to the fact that they exhibit a very long window of release and very long half-life. Females must be careful with such a characteristic of long-estered anabolic steroids (Enanthate, Cypionate, Decanoate, Undecylenate, etc.), as this presents difficulty in controlling blood plasma levels of the hormone. Following cessation of use, it must also be understood that the very long half-life that these particular esters provide will also translate into a very slow reduction of blood plasma levels and very slow elimination of the hormone from the body. This must always be kept in mind with female-specific use, especially when virilization symptoms appear and the hormone must be discontinued promptly.

The worst selection of anabolic steroids for females would be those that exhibit high or very high androgenic strength ratings, such as Testosterone, Dianabol, Anadrol, Trenbolone, and various others. While some females may opt to engage in the use of these heavy androgens, they do not suit the goals and preferences of most females. One must also understand that there essentially exist three different tiers of female anabolic steroid users:

- Female competitive and/or professional bodybuilders that utilize anabolic steroids
- Female fitness/figure competitors that utilize anabolic steroids
- The average female in the gym utilizing anabolic steroids to get in better shape quicker

Any reader would be able to tell the difference in the aforementioned three tiers of female anabolic steroid users, and that there are some significant differences in the goals, aspirations, and the sacrifices and risks each group of female users may (or may not) be willing to take in order to achieve their desired goals. Therefore there are vast differences between each individual’s values, priorities, and how far a female individual is willing to go in order to achieve their desired goals.



Female competitive bodybuilders: As described, these are female bodybuilders attempting to develop an extremely muscular physique far beyond any average female’s (or even many male’s) desired goals. The typical average female would regard this type of physique aspiration/goal to be ‘disgusting’. As such, female competitive bodybuilders are more likely to be willing to accept the potential heavy virilization associated the use of heavy androgens, such as Trenbolone or Testosterone. If a particular female bodybuilder believes that Trenbolone use will assist them in achieving their ultimate physique goals while ignoring/disregarding the issue of virilization, then this is their individual personal decision to do so and deal with the potential consequences of possible rapid virilization. Female bodybuilders, for the most part, possess an ‘anything goes’ attitude when it comes to the selection of anabolic steroids to utilize in a female steroid cycle.

Female fitness/figure competitors: These female athletes would be considered a step down in ranking from the previously mentioned group of female athletes. These are females that are quite obviously unwilling to venture to the same extreme as female bodybuilders. The general goal of female athletes in this case is to obtain a muscular, fit, lean, and ‘sexy’ looking physique while still retaining their femininity. In such a case, this group of female athletes would wish to avoid virilization wherever possible. Thus, the majority of female figure/fitness athletes are unwilling to enter into the risky realm of heavy androgenic anabolic steroids such as Trenbolone, Testosterone, Dianabol, and several others. The majority of these females will tend to restrict their use to the more ‘mild’ anabolic steroids such as Primobolan, Anavar, Winstrol (Stanozolol), etc. due to the fact that these exhibit weaker androgenic strength ratings in comparison to their anabolic strength capabilities. Virilization with compounds such as these is not often a problem, provided that doses and cycle lengths are modest and sensible (as previously mentioned concerning shorter cycle lengths for females).

The average female in the gym attempting to reach physique goals faster and more efficiently: following the explanation of the prior two categories of female athletes, this particular tier of female users is quite easily understood and straightforward. The average female attempting to stay in shape in the gym would be unwilling to venture anywhere close to the risks of virilization and developing male characteristics. Therefore, not only are these female users limited to the use of ‘mild’ anabolic steroids, it is at the slightest development of virilization (the slightest cracking of the voice or accelerated body/facial hair growth) that these female users would cease the use of all anabolic steroids immediately. Sensibly low doses as well as minimal cycle lengths are very common among these particular female anabolic steroid users.

The following lists are in order of the most appropriate choice of compounds to the most inappropriate (top to bottom of the lists):

LOW VIRILIZATION RISK/MILD COMPOUNDS FOR A FEMALE ANABOLIC STEROID CYCLE:
- Oral Primobolan (Methenolone Acetate)
- Anavar (Oxandrolone)
- Oral Winstrol (Stanozolol)
- Injectable Winstrol (Stanozolol)
- Injectable Primobolan (Methenolone Enanthate)

MODERATE VIRILIZATION RISK COMPOUNDS FOR A FEMALE ANABOLIC STEROID CYCLE:
- Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate)
- Nandrolone Phenylpropionate
- Masteron (Drostanolone Propionate)
- Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate)

HIGH VIRILIZATION RISK COMPOUNDS FOR A FEMALE ANABOLIC STEROID CYCLE:
- Trenbolone
- Testosterone (all types, including Sustanon 250)
- Anadrol (Oxymetholone
- Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)

Female Cycle Examples

Female Cycle Example #1 (4 weeks total cycle time)
Weeks 1 – 4:
- Oral Primobolan at 30 – 50mg/day

Female Cycle Example #2 (4 weeks total cycle time)
Weeks 1 – 4:
- Anavar at 5 – 10mg/day

Female Cycle Example #3 (4 weeks total cycle time)
Weeks 1 – 4:
- Oral Winstrol at 5 – 10mg/day

Female Cycle Example #4 (4 weeks total cycle time)
Weeks 1 – 4:
- Injectable Winstrol at 15mg every other day (for a total of 60mg weekly)

Female Cycle Example #5 (4 weeks total cycle time)
Weeks 1 – 4:
- Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate) at 50 – 75mg/week

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TweetThe World of Women's Drugs: Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS)

var_pillsA note about available steroid information: Most of what is out there on muscle forums and even medical studies is primarily written with men in mind. The subject of women and steroids is much less studied and published. The detail written here is based on both published and anecdotal information, and some good guesses based on "what seems to work". This puts more of the onus on women to educate themselves to make informed choices for themselves. Always remember: YOUR body, YOUR results, YOUR sides. Well-intentioned husbands / boyfriends / male friends / guys from the gym, even experienced, are not necessarily going to be giving you the best or right information on which to base your decisions. The basic chemistry is different, the dosing is different and the risks are different. At the end of the day, it is always your own personal chemistry experiment and no one can take the risks for you.


And a last note on what should be the obvious thought - ANY supplement - over-the-counter, prescribed or illegal, is always only going to be a SUPPLEMENT to an already existing and functioning diet and training program. There are no quicky fixes and nothing is for free. You will not get the results you envision using any supplement if you don't already have your diet and training in place and working. If this is not true, chances are you are going to end up in a place worse than better.
This section will include links to the standard steroid profiles for the technical details, with most of the discussion focused on use, specifically for women. Please note that most steroid profiles are written with men in mind as the target audience and relative to male hormone profiles. Any dosing recommended is not going to be appropriate for women unless otherwise specified.


Here are two articles in general that are worth reading:
· Women and Steroids: https://www.steroid.com/women_and_steroids.php
· Women and Testosterone: https://www.steroid.com/TestosteroneinWomen.php
Anavar (Oxandrolone)


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Anavar
var1Anavar is probably the most commonly used AAS by women, for physique competition or by women who "want to go to the next level". It might be used by figure competitors for off-season building with an appropriate diet, or during contest prep for cutting, preservation of muscle during a cutting diet, and improved recovery.

Anavar promotes lean muscle mass with minimal sides and occasional water retention. It is a oral steroid, though used in small enough doses that its impact on the liver is minimal for women. It is also attractive to women and beginners who are not interested in dealing with needles. The predictable and minimal sides are also attractive points to those not wanting to deal with the more individual and androgenic sides of most other AAS.

Typical Cycle
· Dose: 10 mg / day - split the dose 1/2 in the AM, 1/2 in the PM
· Duration: 10-14 weeks
· No need to taper down the dose or follow with post cycle therapy (PCT).
· It is generally suggested to start the cycle at 5 mg / day (splitting doses as above) for the first 10-14 days to identify any adverse reaction. After that time, you can increase to 10 mg / day.


· Suggested maximum dose is 20 mg / day (though more is not better - often 10 mg is sufficient). As the dose increases, sides may increase and results don't necessarily increase. Anecdotally, if the cycler is interested in going to doses above 20 mg, the sides can begin to accumulate and the impact on your liver becomes more of a consideration. Based on this and the cost (anavar is typically one of the more expensive compounds), if you are looking for more aggressive results, this is the point where people will move to a more aggressive, cheaper, injectable compound.


Typical Sides
· interrupted period / flow - may take a few months for the flow to come back as normal. Note this does NOT mean you won't get pregnant.
· you may still experience usual menstrual sides (cramps, bloating, etc.) on your regular menstrual schedule
· mild acne
· Clitoral enlargement and increased sensitivity
· oily hair
· some experience water retention (though not due to aromatization)
· may cause vaginosis / yeast infection (most any AAS has this potential)
· occasionally people experience nose bleeds



Winstrol
var_pillsWinstrol, or "winny", is one of the steroids most commonly suggested for women (along with anavar and primobolan). Winstrol comes in both oral and water-based injectable form. It is attractive to women or recommended for women because it is an oral, it has a relatively short half-life and detection time (i.e .it clears the system relatively quickly, reducing the duration of any undesirable sides following completion of a cycle), and promotes lean muscle mass without water retention. It is most commonly viewed as a "cutter" for physique competition. Winstrol is also attractive as it tends to be both cheaper and more readily available than anavar or primobolan. Because of this, it is also less likely to be faked.
Winstrol is often grouped with anavar as a good steroid for "beginners' or those who don't want to go into the more aggressive compounds (i.e. injectables). However it is more androgenic than anavar and sides are less predictable and more unique to the individual, with the potential of being very androgenic. Because of this, anavar would generally be the better recomendation, but winstrol is seen as a viable alternative. As an androgenic compound, it also has a ‘fat burning' effect.


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Typical Use:
Winstrol is most commonly used both by men and women, as a cutter during competition prep. It promotes lean, hard muscle mass without water retention. One might see figure competitors running a winstrol-only cycle, or a more advanced physique competitor using it in a stack towards the final weeks of a competition prep. It might also be used, especially in oral form, by someone who wants to "take it to the next level", not necessarily for competition.


Typical Cycle:
· Oral Winstrol: Can be cycled similarly to anavar.
o Dose: 5-15 mg/day- split the dose ½ in the AM, ½ in the PM
o Duration: 8-12 weeks
o Takes about 10-14 days to "show" itself.
· Injectable Winstrol:
o Dose: 25 mg E3D
o Duration: 8-12 weeks
· No taper or post-cycle therapy needed
· If chosen to include in a competition cutting stack, schedule towards the final weeks of prep. It takes about 2 weeks to "show" itself.


Typical Sides:
· Interrupted period/flow - may take a few months for the flow to come back as normal.
· May still experience usual menstrual sides (cramps, bloating, etc.) on your regular menstrual schedule.
· Mild to aggressive acne on face or shoulders
· Clitoral enlargement and increased sensitivity
· Oily skin / hair
· Hairloss
· Scratchy throat / cracky or deepening voice
· Dry joints
· may cause vaginosis / yeast infection (most any AAS has this potential)
· Winstrol is occasionally called the "snake bite" drug in that it either likes you or it doesn't. People will occasionally experience flu-like symptoms within the first week or two of a winstrol cycle in response to this compound.



Primobolan
Primobolan or "primo", comes in both oral and injectable form. The injectable, Primobolan Depot, is most commonly used. Tab form, primobolan acetate, was popular but had disappeared for a while. It has recently become more available.


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Typical Use:
Primo has been listed as one of the top three favorite cycles for women, in addition to anavar and winstrol. Because it does not aromatize, again it is a favorite cycle both for cutting or bulking off-season. Lean gains are good for a women looking to build some size but not get "hyuge". The injectable was the only one available for several years, so it was seen as a more aggressive cycle which required injections. Beyond the issue with injections, it is the more popular and more readily available of the two. In the late 90s into the 2000's, it had a reputation frequently being faked because it was not a cheap compound. The tabs, as most other orals, are seen as less "hardcore" and more acceptable for women. Primo tabs are unique in that the oral form is one of the few orals that is not hard on the liver, but at the same time, it loses a degree of its strength as it passes through your system, thus higher doses are required.


Typical Cycle:
· Injectable Primo:
o Dose: 50-150 mg per week
o Duration: 10-14 weeks
o Tends to take about 5 weeks to "show" itself.
· Primo tabs:
o Dose: 50-75mg per day
o Duration: 10-14 weeks
· No taper or post-cycle therapy is needed.
· This is often the primary component of a prep phase. It can be run all the way up to a show without promoting water retention issues.
· More experienced cyclers will often stack with winstrol or anavar.


Potential Sides:
· Notorious for hairloss - A shampoo like Nizoral or Nioxin can help minimize this.
· Acne (face or shoulders)
· Facial hair growth
· Sore throat / cracky or deepened voice
· Clitoral enlargement and increased sensitivity
· Oily hair
· Interrupted period/flow - may take a few months for the flow to come back as normal.
· May still experience usual menstrual sides (cramps, bloating, etc.) on your regular menstrual schedule.
· may cause vaginosis / yeast infection (most any AAS has this potential)



Proviron
Proviron is a highly androgenic compound that is used primarily during the final weeks of a competition cutting phase to help lean out in the mid-section. It is often stacked with Nolvadex to synergistically lean out the hips/thighs/waist. Being fundamentally androgenic (as opposed to anabolic), proviron will not promote muscle growth as much as it promotes leanness and hardness. For short cycles (e.g. 8 weeks maximum), sides are minimal.


Typical Use:
Proviron would be stacked with Nolvadex as a final 4-8 week dial into a competition date.
Typical Cycle:
· Nolvadex: 10-20 mg ED, split in half in a morning dose and late afternoon / night dose for 4-8 weeks, tapering off after the target date or cycle end date to reduce "rebound".
· Proviron: 25 mg ED, split in half in a morning dose and a late evening / night dose. No need to taper the dose when the target date or cycle end date is over.



Equipoise
eqEquipoise or "EQ" is an injectable steroid that does not aromatize. Since it does not convert to estrogen, it is seen as a nice cycle that produces good gains without water retention.


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Typical Use:
For an experienced cycler, as an off-season bulker without water retention, or at the beginning of a contest prep, again without water retention. Anecdotally, some people experience an increase in hunger on EQ, so it might fit well with a bulker phase. EQ also promotes connective tissue repair, which can be useful in protecting the joints and ligaments while a cycle is increasing your strength (i.e. the joints become the weak link).


Typical Cycle:
· Dosage: 50-150 mg / week.
· Duration: 6-10 weeks
· Tends to take about 5 weeks to "show" itself

Potential Sides:
· Acne (face or shoulders)
· Oily skin
· Hairloss
· Clitoral enlargement and increased sensitivity
· Sore throat / cracky or deepening voice
· Facial hair growth
· Interrupted period - would typically return the first full month after the duration of the EQ detection time following the last injection
· may cause vaginosis / yeast infection (most any AAS has this potential)
Nandrolone Phenyl Propionate (NPP)
There are several different forms (esters) of Nandrolone available. NPP is the shorter-acting "Deca" (nandrolone decanoate) that would be more likely recommended for women. The longer acting Deca will produce more water retention and more aggressive sides due to the longer ester (clearing time). This is a more aggressive cycle for women with some water retention and longer detection time than the more commonly used injectables such as primo.


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Typical Use:
For women, NPP falls into the scope of really only for those experienced who are looking for significant growth and are prepared to deal with the full scope of potential sides. It might be considered an off-season cycle for a female bodybuilder or used at the beginning of a 16 week prep, to be later dropped and replaced with a non-aromatizing compound.


Typical Cycle:
· Dose:15- 25 mg E3D
· Duration: 8-10 weeks
· As we get into the much more aggressive cycles, it becomes more of a personal preference on dosing based on goals and any other stacked compounds
Potential Sides:
· Water retention
· Acne (face or shoulders)
· Oily skin
· Hairloss
· Sore throat / cracky or deepening voice
· Facial hair growth
· Clitoral enlargement and increased sensitivity
· Interrupted period - would typically return the first full month after the duration of the EQ detection time following the last injection



Testosterone Propionate
testosterone_propionate_ukrThere are several esters of testosterone, but only the Propionate ester, also known as "Test Prop", would be recommended for women. The other variations commonly used by men, Test Cypionate, Test Enanthate, or Sustenon, are considerably longer-acting esters, producing much more water retention and more aggressive sides, taking a much longer to clear the system.


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Typical Use:
For women, Test Prop falls into the scope of really only for those experienced who are looking for significant growth and are prepared to deal with the full scope of potential sides. It might be considered an off-season cycle for a female bodybuilder or used at the beginning of a 16 week prep, to be later dropped and replaced with a non-aromatizing compound. It is reasonably short-acting so will begin to produce results (and sides) fairly quickly. This compound does aromatize, but due to its short ester, it reasonably limited. There is no real need for an aromatase inhibitor with this compound, but be aware that it does still produce some water retention.


Typical Cycle:
· Dose:15- 25 mg E4D
· Duration: 4-6 weeks
· As we get into the much more aggressive cycles, it becomes more of a personal preference on dosing based on goals and any other stacked compounds
Potential Sides:
· Water retention
· Acne (face or shoulders)
· Oily skin
· Hairloss
· Sore throat / cracky or deepening voice
· Facial hair growth
· Clitoral enlargement and increased sensitivity
· Interrupted period - would typically return the first full month after the duration of the EQ detection time following the last injection



Trenbolone (Finaplex)

testosterone_propionate_ukrTrenbolone acetate, or "tren ace" or "tren a" is more recently, being mentioned more frequently with women. It is a favorite among men because it promotes strength while allowing great cutting results with no aromatization. The issue is that this compound is extremely androgenic and also very harsh on the liver. Very experienced female cyclers may use trenbolone acetate as part of a cutting cycle, but should be very careful and diligent with their bloodwork afterwards .I hesitate to include cycle information here because you should already have an idea of the cycle details if you are at a point where you are considering running a tren cycle.


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Things to Remember
In summary, some basic things to keep in mind if you want to play on the dark side:
· More is NOT better. It's about finding a workable balance for YOUR hormone levels, your goals and your experience.


· Never forget that you are self-medicating with hormones - it is always your own personal experiment. Slow & low is your best approach.


· Don't stack a pile of stuff you've never run each individually before - you have no idea how these compounds affect your body so you can't make judgements on what to cut / what is bad / what is good for your body chemistry. Also there is an accumulated effect when you are throwing all sorts of stuff in the pile. Fundamentally you are jacking up the amount of DHT in your system. Know the half life of each compound you are interested in - some are much longer than others so if you don't like the sides, on longer esters, tough shit. Now you gotta wait for the compound to clear your system before the sides go away.


· Know the potential sides - anything is possible in any degree - there is no such thing as "no sides"- only those that you don't experience - it is very individual so you are still running your own personal experiment.


· You don't need to be "scared" of the sides - you either accept them or you don't. You can't pick which ones you want & which you don't and you can't predict what you will experience until you try it. It's more about managing risk by educating yourself, staying at conservative doses and watching how your body responds. If you are "scared" of the sides, you have no business cycling.


· Don't listen to other people - especially guys. They will have a completely different experience w/ different doses & different compounds. A tiny little amount of anything will have dramatic effects on women compared to men. YOU are responsible for YOUR cycle.


· Women, generally, do not need to worry about post-cycle therapy (PCT) like guys do. (This changes if your cycles are much more aggressive, longer and more of them. If you are at this level, you probably don't need to be reading this.) Women can generally just end a cycle. There is no need to taper. The compound will clear at the rate specified by its half-life.


Think in the long term - don't cycle just "for my next show" - just like a bulker or cutter diet - it has a place in the ongoing cycle of change that happens over time. You can't maintain the state of being "on" so you have to also come off, expect to lose a little of what you gained, but you will have made a change to your over all body composition.


· Watch your diet - if you are going to bother putting this stuff in your body, you should respect your body enough to not think you can get away w/ eating shit - generally unless you are already lean & eating a good diet already targeted to what you are trying to do, any AAS will get you 'big' in terms of 'thick', 'bigger' etc. IF the diet is tight, then you will also get the leaned out effect that everyone wants - but sloppy diet will get you more big than lean.


· Time off = Time on. The general rule of thumb is to allow at least as long as your cycle, to clear your system and let your body re-establish its own homeostasis. People tend to want to "try more" but it is important to remember that there are impacts to your body not immediately apparent, that you need to pay attention to, e.g. kidneys, liver, blood pressure, etc. If you want to get more aggressive with your cycles, plan way ahead and get regular blood work done to monitor things after each cycle completes and clears.


· AAS and Birth Control do not interact. However the effects they each promote are opposing - birth control works to regulate estrogen (including estrogen-pattern bodyfat depositing) while AAS promotes lean muscle mass.


· AAS can promote yeast infections / vaginosis. Any AAS or sex hormone manipulator (including AIs) can promote yeast infections. It is always recommended to supplement with acidophilus to help prevent these.




AAS and Birth Control
080000-pillOne of the most common questions asked is about AAS and Birth Control. Women typically experience an interruption of their menstrual cycle while on any sex hormone-manipulating cycle (AAS or "anti-estrogen"). This does NOT mean that you cannot get pregnant. Despite the lack of flow, other typical menstrual sides can be present when "that time of the month" is expected - including bloating, breast sensitivity, moodiness, etc.


There is very little to nothing published on the topic of the interaction of birth control and anabolic androgenic steroids so it is hard to say how they truly interact. For the usual purpose of women using steroids, to cut, it is more than that the effects of birth control and steroids promote opposing results, so the end result is less than completely optimal effects of either. Birth control's purpose is to regulate estrogen levels. For some this may mean controlling higher levels during a period, or for others this might mean promoting more if they experience irregular periods. This also includes the usual water retention and estrogen-pattern fat depositing around the stomach, hips and thighs areas. While a steroid is trying to promote lean muscle mass, and in some cases, even a ‘fat burning' effect. Even while the steroid may interrupted the menstrual flow, the birth control will still support prevention of pregnancy.


health-040930-birthcontrol-ringIf a cycle is used for off-season mass-building, the need for staying lean is less of an issue. However for competition cutting, it can be an issue. The trade-off is to continue using birth control, and possibly not get the full effect of the cutting in the stomach / hips / thighs area but still getting the pregnancy prevention, or dropping the birth control, using a back-up birth control method (e.g. condoms) and have less of an impact from the estrogen-pattern fat depositing. Another option for many older competitors is an intra-uterine device (IUD). The copper IUD is completely non-hormonal, or another option such as Mirena, has a low-dose of slow-release progesterone to help address bleeding which can be an issue with the copper IUD. IUDs must be inserted by your OB/GYN and stay in place for up to five years. For this reason, this is only recommended for older women or those who do not intend to have any more children. This is something you need to discuss with your OB/GYN. The cost tends to run around $600 and may or may not be covered by your health insurance.


Another concern that women often with steroid use is recovery of the menstrual cycle. Noting I have yet to see a published study on this, the following paragraphs come with a caveat that this is from anecdotal and observational information and suggested as practical guidance and not a medical verity. If you have lost your period for an unusually long time and are concerned, always consult your OB/GYN.


The menstrual tends to be sensitive to changes in its environment - ranging from stress, to increased physical activity, sudden weight or bodyfat drop, introduction of steroids, or an estrogen manipulator such as a new birth control dose or use of an anti-estrogen. It will tend to turn off flow (and in the extreme, amenorrhea) or have breakthrough bleeding or sporadic periods while it deals with the change in its environment. When things have returned to a state of homeostasis, things will generally return to normal, including the usual monthly flow and the usual side effects of estrogen-pattern bodyfat depositing, water retention, cramps, etc.


100216-strip-birth-controlTo gauge roughly how long it should take for an interrupted menstrual cycle to return, look first at the compound you are using and its detection time. This is far end of the duration the compound is present in your system. It can be up to this long, or to a point where the concentration of the compound has dropped to where the rest of the body is comfortable and ready to turn things back on. And then, keeping in mind that the menstrual cycle works on a 28-day schedule, it will generally want a full month of a stable environment before it may start up again.


If you have concern, always consult your OB/GYN. There are prescriptions that are available to help reintroduce a period.


A last comment is about steroids and pregnancy. Again there are no medical studies available, but general guidance is to allow a good six months after a cycle to clear before attempting to get pregnant. Be sure to work closely with your personal physician if you plan to get pregnant and ensure that all of your basic bloodwork, and everything else is in order. The concern is that the presence of steroid compounds in the female system while a fetus is growing, can affect the sex hormones of the fetus, producing androgenic fetal abnormalities. Some of this mentioned here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anabolic_steroid, but all in all, you would want to ensure a steroid-free environment for your child. There are many women who have cycled, who then stopped, cleared out and have had healthy children with no problem. Steroid use will not leave you infertile.


If the father is using steroids when the mother gets pregnant, there is no effect on the fetus itself. The concern for men using steroids is more related to the steroid-driven suppression of natural testosterone production, and in the extreme, infertility. Again, that said, there are many men who have conceived while on cycle with no issue.

[MOUNTAIN-MAN]

TweetSteroids and Women
"Steroids and women" do the words even begin to fit together or remotely make sense? For many, the phrase steroids and women makes as much sense as saying pickles and tires, and for the vast majority, this is where the discussion ends, but it doesn't mean that's where it should end. In the performance enhancing world, steroids and women is an extremely important topic as many women supplement and far more so than you might imagine. Absolutely, the use of anabolic androgenic steroids can be far more damaging to females than males, but if supplementation is done properly, and in a responsible manner, most women can supplement with success. While this remains true, most women will find they have fewer anabolic steroids from which they can choose; further, they will find the doses to be necessarily much lower if success is to be obtained while still maintaining health and femininity. Even so, as successful use is possible the issue of steroids and women and all it entails is worthy of discussion.
Steroids and Women – The Fear:
For the vast majority of women, the fear of anabolic steroids is based on one simple fact; they can absolutely destroy your femininity. Remember, anabolic steroids are based on the primary androgen testosterone and as this androgen is responsible for promoting male sexual characteristics anabolic steroids can be damaging in this regard. Of course, contrary to most peoples understanding women produce testosterone too and vitally so; although at about one-tenth the rate of men.
When steroids and women collide the problems that often occur surround virilization effects. Such effects as stated can negatively impact a woman's basic female features, taking away from her what in many ways makes her just that; a female. Such effects include and may not be limited to:
• Deepening of the Vocal Chords
• Body-Hair Growth
• Clitoral Enlargement
• Disrupted Menstrual Cycle
Combating Virilization:
As virilization is such a big problem the most obvious solution is avoiding anabolic steroids that promote these effects, and we can do just that. Each and every anabolic steroid will carry its own level of potential in this regard; although each steroid will carry it to a degree there are things to consider. Certain steroids have been shown to carry exceptionally low virilization probability and with such steroids most women, if they supplement responsibly will not show the first negative symptom. However, as we are all unique individuals there will be those who with low doses of anabolic steroids that carry low virilization probability still fall prey and show adverse symptoms; even so, all hope is not lost.
If you supplement with a particular anabolic steroid and begin to show negative symptoms, the first and only step is to discontinue use. If symptoms show and you discontinue use at their onset they will fade away rather quickly; those who ignore the symptoms and let them set in will find they make a permanent home. If you supplement with a particular steroid that is supposed to carry a low virilization probability, you may find trying it again later on at a lower dose; at the same time, it may mean this particular steroid is not for you and other options may be needed. Regardless of the case, most all females who wish to supplement will find the issue of steroids and women to be a positive possibility met with success.
Steroids and Women – Beyond Bodybuilding:
It is generally accepted; female competitive bodybuilders supplement with anabolic androgenic steroids; to deny this truth is to deny the sky is blue. In many circles of thought, it is often assumed female bodybuilders make up the majority of female performance enhancers, and nothing could be further from the truth. Steroids and women are a part of all physique based sports, not only bodybuilding but fitness, figure, as well as bikini. Many of the fitness models you see advertising your favorite supplements, you bet, they have and do supplement with anabolic steroids. Of course, it goes well beyond the physique sports and into every category of sports; although physique based sports and modeling is primary.
While physique sports and physique modeling is where we most commonly see steroids and women meet the basic gym rat world is full of such women, and believe it or not even many of the women you drool over who popup on the silver screen. Have you noticed how actresses are more youthful and fit than ever? Sure, advances in skin care and even plastic surgery play a role, but the key factor is and has been for a long time performance enhancing drugs. Granted, Human Growth Hormone, a non-steroidal hormone, is most common, but the use of mild steroids such as Anavar is more common place than you might think. Then of course there's the gym rat world; women who do not compete, they are not actresses; they simply want to look and feel better. Like with men, female gym rats make up the majority of female steroid users, and they are everywhere.
The Ultimate Girl Steroids:
If steroids and women is a phrase of true worth, one would assume they'd need to know which steroids they can use. Without question, there is one anabolic steroid that is the most female friendly of all; in-fact, in many circles it has been aptly labeled "The Girl Steroid" due to so many women supplementing so successfully; we're talking about Anavar. Anavar is a very mild DHT based anabolic steroid that is so female friendly, the likelihood of virilization remains low in most all women who supplement responsibly. Most all women can tolerate 10mg per day with many women tolerating as much as 20mg per day. Make no mistake; while Anavar is used by men as well it is simply more efficient in women. Men who use Anavar when bulking will almost always be disappointed, and men who use it in a cutting cycle should normally view it as a supplemental steroid to supplemental steroid use. This is not the case with women; women who eat to meet their particular goal will find Anavar to be in most all cases a perfect fit.
Beyond Anavar other steroids that can be used by women include Primobolan Depot and Winstrol; Primobolan Depot being primary. Both of these steroids can be used successfully, but it should be noted the probability of virilization is greater with these steroids than Anavar. Even so, you must remember what we discussed above about combating virilization, and if you can hold to those principles you will be fine. Most women will find doses of Primobolan Depot at 100mg per week to be well-tolerated, where most women will find doses of Winstrol at 10mg every other day to suit their needs; however, in the end it will all boil down to your own genetic response. Some women will simply not be able to touch these steroids yet some will.
Beyond Steroids:
While steroids and women can share a positive friendship, there are many performance enhancing drugs that are extremely useful to females that are of a non-steroidal nature. Women are simply so sensitive to anabolic steroids they are far more limited in use than compared to men, and alternative options are often needed. Such items often include the following:
• Nolvadex (Nolva)
• Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
• Clenbuterol (Clen)
• Cytomel (T3)
• Arimidex
• Ephedrine
With these performance enhancing drugs, most females can see some serious, positive changes. If you add in minor steroid use to the equation you'll have something truly special, and that's exactly what many women do; a small dosing of many performance enhancing drugs. Of course, the obvious question is how do we combine them; what does the puzzle look like once it's all put together? The good news for you is that's exactly what we're going to discuss next.
Steroids and Women – Cycles and Stacks:
To make the most of your performance enhancement plan you're going to need to know how to mix and match various hormones. While some men will only stack anabolic steroids, leaving other performance drugs out of the equation, especially during a bulking phase, as steroids and women share a different relationship, we'll see things may look a little differently. We have laid out some solid examples of how you might supplement while gaining success and remaining safe. It is important to remember, while these are solid examples we cannot guarantee you will not show any negative symptoms; as we are all unique this is impossible to predict; however, we can confidently say the majority will be fine.
Sample 1:
Week 1 Anavar & Clen 10mg/ed – 20mcg/ed
Week 2 Anavar & Clen 10mg/ed – 40mcg/ed
Week 3 Anavar & Clen 10mg/ed – 40mcg/ed
Week 4 Anavar & Clen 10mg/ed – 60mcg/ed
Week 5 Anavar & Clen 10mg/ed – 60mcg/ed
Week 6 "Nolva Anavar & Clen" 10mg/ed – 10mg/ed – 80mcg/ed
Week 7 Nolva & Clen 10mg/ed – 80mcg/ed
Sample 2:
Week 1 "Anavar Clen & T3" 10mg/ed – 20mcg/ed – 25mcg/ed
Week 2 "Anavar Clen & T3" 10mg/ed – 40mcg/ed – 25mcg/ed
Week 3 "Anavar Clen & T3" 10mg/ed – 40mcg/ed – 25mcg/ed
Week 4 "Anavar Clen & T3" 10mg/ed – 40mcg/ed – 37.5mcg/ed
Week 5 "Anavar Clen & T3" 10mg/ed – 60mcg/ed – 37.5mcg/ed
Week 6 "Anavar Clen & T3" 10mg/ed – 60mcg/ed – 50mcg/ed
Week 7 "Anavar Clen T3 & Nolva" 10mg/ed – 80mcg/ed – 50mcg/ed – 10mg/ed
Week 8 "Anavar Clen T3 & Nolva" 10mg/ed – 80mcg/ed – 50mcg/ed – 10mg/ed
Sample 3:
Week 1 "Anavar Clen & T3" 10mg/ed – 20mcg/ed – 25mcg/ed
Week 2 "Anavar Clen & T3" 10mg/ed – 40mcg/ed – 25mcg/ed
Week 3 "Anavar Clen Primo & T3" 10mg/ed – 40mcg/ed – 100mg/wk - 25mcg/ed
Week 4 "Anavar Clen Primo & T3" 10mg/ed – 40mcg/ed – 100mg/wk - 25mcg/ed
Week 5 "Anavar Clen Primo & T3" 10mg/ed – 40mcg/ed – 100mg/wk - 25mcg/ed
Week 6 "Anavar Clen Primo & T3" 10mg/ed – 40mcg/ed – 100mg/wk - 25mcg/ed
Week 7 "Anavar Clen T3 & Nolva" 10mg/ed – 80mcg/ed – 50mcg/ed – 10mg/ed
Week 8 "Anavar Clen T3 & Nolva" 10mg/ed – 80mcg/ed – 50mcg/ed – 10mg/ed
Notes:
- Cycles are samples. Hormones and doses can be adjusted to meet your needs
- Total weeks are approximate. Total time can be adjusted to meet your needs
- Human Growth Hormone (HGH) can be added to all cycles at a dose of 1iu-2iu per day
-mg: Milligram
-mcg: Microgram
-ed: Every Day
-wk: Week