Glossary

Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids. Synthetic derivatives of testosterone that promote muscle growth (anabolic) and male sex characteristics (androgenic).

A blend of four testosterone esters (propionate, phenylpropionate, isocaproate, decanoate) designed to provide both fast and sustained release.

One of the most commonly used testosterone esters. Long-acting with a half-life of roughly 4.5 days, typically injected once or twice per week.

A long-acting testosterone ester very similar to enanthate. Half-life of approximately 5 days. The most prescribed form of TRT in the USA.

A short-acting testosterone ester with a half-life of about 0.8 days. Requires frequent injections (every other day) but clears the system quickly.

An oral 17-alpha alkylated anabolic steroid known for rapid mass and strength gains. Aromatises heavily and is hepatotoxic. Often used as a kickstart.

A potent oral steroid used for rapid size and strength. Highly hepatotoxic. Can cause significant water retention and elevated blood pressure.

One of the most powerful AAS. Available as acetate (short ester) and enanthate (long ester). Known for dramatic body composition changes but harsh side effects including insomnia, sweating, and cardiovascular strain.

A long-acting injectable steroid popular for joint relief and mass building. Suppresses natural testosterone heavily and can raise prolactin. Known for 'Deca dick' (erectile issues).

A long-acting injectable steroid originally developed for veterinary use. Increases red blood cell production and appetite. Can act as a mild AI, crashing estrogen in some users.

A DHT-derived injectable steroid with anti-estrogenic properties. Popular in cutting cycles for its hardening effect. Minimal liver toxicity but can accelerate hair loss.

Considered one of the milder AAS. Available as oral (acetate) and injectable (enanthate). Favoured for lean gains with fewer side effects. Expensive and often counterfeited.

A DHT-derived steroid available in oral and injectable form. Known for strength gains and a dry, hard look. Harsh on joints (dries synovial fluid) and significantly worsens lipid profiles.

An extremely androgenic oral steroid used primarily for strength and aggression before competitions or powerlifting meets. Highly hepatotoxic and not used for mass building.

An oral DHT derivative that binds to SHBG, freeing up more testosterone. Has mild anti-estrogenic properties. Often used as an ancillary rather than a primary compound.

A beta-2 agonist bronchodilator used off-label as a fat burner. Not a steroid. Stimulates the central nervous system and increases metabolic rate. Can cause tremors, cramps, and cardiac issues.

Synthetic thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine). Used to increase metabolic rate during cutting phases. Must be tapered carefully to avoid thyroid suppression.

A peptide hormone used by advanced athletes to shuttle nutrients into muscle cells. Extremely dangerous if misused — hypoglycaemia can be fatal. Often combined with GH.

Synthetic human growth hormone. Promotes fat loss, muscle growth, recovery, and connective tissue repair. Expensive and typically run for extended periods (months).

A class of compounds that selectively bind to androgen receptors. Marketed as a safer alternative to AAS but still suppress natural testosterone and carry liver/lipid risks.

Slang for a natural bodybuilder — someone who does not use AAS, GH, or other performance-enhancing drugs.

A protocol where the user alternates between high-dose 'blasts' (cycle doses) and low-dose 'cruises' (TRT-level doses) without fully coming off steroids or running PCT.

A sudden, violent coughing fit that can occur immediately after injecting trenbolone (especially acetate). Caused by a small amount of oil entering a blood vessel and reaching the lungs.

The time it takes for half of a drug's active substance to be eliminated from the body. Determines injection frequency — shorter half-life means more frequent injections.

Slang for injecting a substance, typically intramuscularly (IM). Common injection sites include glutes, deltoids, and quads.

Subcutaneous water retention caused by elevated estrogen, high sodium, or certain compounds (Dbol, Anadrol). Gives a puffy, soft appearance.

A drug that blocks the aromatase enzyme, reducing conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Common AIs include Anastrozole (Arimidex) and Exemestane (Aromasin). Used to manage estrogenic side effects on cycle.

A surge in estrogen levels that can occur when discontinuing a non-suicidal AI (like Anastrozole). The enzyme activity rebounds once the inhibitor is removed, causing a rapid spike.

Development of breast tissue in males, typically caused by elevated estrogen or prolactin. Can be prevented with SERMs or AIs and may require surgery if advanced.

Extremely low body fat with visible muscle striations and vascularity. The goal of a cutting phase or contest prep.

A lean, vascular appearance with minimal subcutaneous water retention. Achieved through low body fat, low-aromatising compounds (Masteron, Winstrol), and diuretics.

Muscles appear round, volumised, and pumped. Achieved through glycogen loading, adequate carbohydrates, and compounds that promote intramuscular water retention.

Muscles appear depleted and lack volume. Caused by low glycogen stores (from dieting or low carbs), dehydration, or crashed estrogen from excessive AI use.

The temporary swelling of muscles during exercise due to increased blood flow. Certain compounds (Anadrol, Dbol, Tadalafil) can enhance or cause painful 'back pumps' and 'shin pumps'.

A period where strength gains stall despite continued training. May indicate need for programming changes, a deload, nutritional adjustments, or (in the enhanced context) dosage modifications.

A state of chronic fatigue and performance decline from excessive training volume or intensity without adequate recovery. Markers like cortisol, CRP, and CK can help identify it.

A mass-gaining phase with little regard for food quality — eating anything and everything to maximise caloric surplus. Leads to significant fat gain alongside muscle.

A controlled caloric surplus (200-500 kcal above maintenance) using nutrient-dense foods. Slower but results in less fat gain compared to a dirty bulk.

A phase of caloric deficit aimed at reducing body fat while preserving muscle mass. Often involves higher protein intake, cardio, and compounds like Winstrol or Anavar.

Simultaneously losing fat and gaining muscle, typically at maintenance calories. Difficult naturally but more achievable with AAS, GH, and optimised nutrition.

A potent androgen converted from testosterone by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. Responsible for androgenic effects like hair loss, prostate growth, and acne. DHT-derived steroids (Masteron, Winstrol, Primo) do not aromatise.

A peptide hormone that mimics LH, stimulating the testes to produce testosterone and maintain fertility. Used on-cycle to prevent testicular atrophy or during PCT to kickstart recovery.

Drugs that block estrogen at specific receptors while activating others. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) and Clomiphene (Clomid) are used for PCT and gyno prevention without crashing systemic estrogen.

A protocol using SERMs (and sometimes HCG) after a steroid cycle to stimulate natural testosterone production and restore the HPTA. Typically runs 4-8 weeks.

Oral steroids pass through the liver (first-pass metabolism), making most hepatotoxic. Injectables bypass the liver, are generally safer long-term, and provide more stable blood levels.

A chemical modification that allows oral steroids to survive liver metabolism. This alkylation is what makes oral steroids hepatotoxic — directly stresses the liver and can elevate ALT/AST/GGT.

Supplements used to mitigate liver stress from oral steroids. TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid) is considered most effective, followed by NAC (N-acetyl cysteine). Monitor via ALT, AST, and GGT blood markers.

A measure of a steroid's tendency to produce male sex characteristics (hair growth, acne, prostate enlargement, hair loss) relative to testosterone (rated 100). Higher ratio = more androgenic side effects.

A measure of a steroid's muscle-building potency relative to testosterone (rated 100). A high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio (e.g., Anavar 322:24) suggests more muscle growth with fewer androgenic sides.

An abnormally high red blood cell count or haematocrit, commonly caused by testosterone and especially EQ/Boldenone. Increases blood viscosity and risk of stroke/clot. Managed by blood donation or dose reduction.

A hormone elevated by 19-nor compounds (Nandrolone, Trenbolone). High prolactin can cause lactation (galactorrhoea), sexual dysfunction, and mood issues. Managed with Cabergoline or P5P (vitamin B6).

A dopamine agonist used to lower prolactin levels elevated by 19-nor steroids. Very potent — typically dosed at 0.25-0.5mg twice weekly. Should only be used when bloodwork confirms elevated prolactin.

An industrial chemical used as an extremely dangerous fat burner. Uncouples oxidative phosphorylation, generating heat instead of ATP. No antidote for overdose — can be fatal. Not recommended.

Persistent fatigue and lack of energy. On-cycle, often indicates liver stress (oral steroids), crashed estrogen (excessive AI), or elevated prolactin (19-nors). Blood markers help identify the cause.

A low dose of testosterone (typically 100-150mg/week) used between blasts to allow health markers to recover while maintaining physiological testosterone levels. Bloodwork should show markers within range.

The post-workout period (often cited as 30-60 minutes) where nutrient uptake is supposedly enhanced. Modern research suggests total daily intake matters more, though post-workout protein is still beneficial.

The total duration a muscle is under load during a set. Controlled eccentrics (3-4 seconds lowering) increase TUT and can enhance hypertrophy. Typically 40-70 seconds per set for growth.

Muscle pain and stiffness occurring 24-72 hours after exercise, caused by micro-damage to muscle fibres. Not a reliable indicator of workout quality. More common with eccentric movements or new exercises.

The gradual increase of stress placed on the body during training — via weight, reps, sets, or frequency. The fundamental principle driving strength and hypertrophy adaptations.

A technique where you perform a set to failure, immediately reduce the weight, and continue for more reps. Increases training volume and metabolic stress. Effective for hypertrophy but generates significant fatigue.

Two exercises performed back-to-back with no rest between them. Can target the same muscle group (compound set) or opposing groups (antagonist superset). Increases training density and time efficiency.

The three primary nutrients: protein (4 kcal/g), carbohydrates (4 kcal/g), and fat (9 kcal/g). Tracking macros ensures adequate protein for muscle repair and appropriate energy balance for goals.

Alternating between high-carb and low-carb days based on training schedule. High-carb days align with intense training sessions; low-carb days on rest days. Used to manage body composition while fuelling performance.

The stored form of glucose in muscles and liver. Muscle glycogen is the primary fuel for resistance training. Depletion causes the 'flat look' and fatigue; supercompensation creates fullness and pumps.

A planned day of increased caloric intake (primarily carbohydrates) during a cut. Replenishes glycogen, boosts leptin, and provides a psychological break from dieting. Not the same as a cheat meal.