Advanced Steroid & Health
Advanced pharmacology concepts for steroid users: PCT protocols, liver support, prolactin management, androgenic and anabolic ratios, and health conditions like polycythemia. Includes links to the blood markers you should monitor.
DHT
(Dihydrotestosterone)
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.
HCG
(Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
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.
SERMs
(Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators)
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.
PCT
(Post Cycle Therapy)
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.
Orals vs Injectables
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.
17-alpha Alkylated
(17aa, C-17 Alpha Alkylated)
A chemical modification that allows oral steroids to survive liver metabolism. This alkylation is what makes oral steroids hepatotoxic, directly stressing the liver and elevating ALT/AST/GGT.
Liver Support
(TUDCA, NAC, Milk Thistle)
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.
Androgenic Ratio
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.
Anabolic Ratio
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.
Polycythemia
(Erythrocytosis)
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.
Prolactin
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).
Cabergoline
(Caber, Dostinex)
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.
DNP
(2,4-Dinitrophenol)
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.
Lethargy
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.
Cruise Dose
(TRT Dose)
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.