**** Pro-Hormonen FAQ ****

[Big T]

Prohormone FAQ
By
pogue
pogue22@ziplip.com
Revision
1.3 - 6/12/03

Special thanks to Tkarrde &
roobear

Included here are some of the most common questions asked
about prohormones. This has been compiled into information based on some
scientific studies, but mostly from user feedback after years of success using
prohormones. Please keep in mind that this document might have some errors and
you will need to do much more reading before you decide whether or not use
prohormones.

1. What are prohormones?

Prohormones are
synthetically manufactured compounds which convert to anabolic hormones via
enzymes in the liver; hormone precursors. They are commonly abbreviated as PHs.


2. What are they used for?

Prohormones are used by
athletes looking to increase size, strength, endurance, reduce recovery time or
add lean body mass. They are most often used for increasing muscle mass or
reducing bodyfat levels. Life extension groups are also increasingly using
prohormones as a means of hormone replacement therapy, as an alternative to
prescription drug use.

3. Do they have side effects?

Yes.
Prohormones can have the same side effects as anabolic steroids, and are
dependant upon the user as to which side effects one might experience. Some side
effects are acne, hair loss, breast tissue enlargement, and prostate swelling.
The potential for these side effects does exist, but it can be reduced if one
uses proper precautionary measures (see below). Generally, if a person is
genetically predisposed to a side effect it will occur (i.e.: if someone has a
history of male pattern baldness in the family, it could be assumed that this
could be a side effect experienced if certain prohormones are used)

4.
Which prohormones convert to which compounds?

Here is a
list
4 androstenediol (4AD or 4diol) converts to testosteron
19
nor-4-androstenediol (Nordiol) converts to nortestosterone or nandrolone
1
androstenediol (1AD) converts to 1-testosteron (dihydroboldenone)
1,4
androstenedione and 1,4 androstenediol (1,4andro or Boldione) converts to
boldenone and slightly converts to estrogen (the diol version does not convert
to estrogen)
5 alpha androstenediol (5AA) converts to DHT
3 beta
androstenediol (3 beta) converts to DHT
3 alpha androstenediol (3 alpha)
converts to DHT
4 hydroxy androstenedione converts to 4 hydroxy testosteron
which is an aromatize inhibitor (blocks formation of estrogen)
7-KETO-DHEA
does not convert to any active anabolic compounds
1-testosteron (1-test) is
already an active compound and does not need to undergo
conversion

Compounds you want to avoid.
5 androstenediol (5AD
or 5diol) converts to testosteron at a very low rate and is an estrogen
agonist
4 androstenedione (andro) converts to testosteron and estrone
(estrogen)
19 nor-4-androstenedione (norandro) converts to nortestosterone
and estrogen
DHEA converts to androstenedione and can be converted to all
other hormones
Pregnenolone converts to progesterone and can be converted to
all other hormones

5. How do prohormones work?

Basically,
when they are administered into the system, they are broken down in the liver
and converted to their target hormone via certain enzymes. There have been a
number of quotes describing how much of the hormone is converted, but there is
no definitive answer as to how much of the prohormone is converted into its
target active. Once a certain amount is created, the enzymes used for conversion
become saturated and no more can be converted. This is true with all the
compounds, except for 1-testosteron which really isn’t a
prohormone.

6. What do the target hormones do?

Each hormone
works in different ways once it is converted, but essentially it attaches to an
androgen receptor in the cells of your body. This in turn increases nitrogen
retention and protein synthesis, meaning that your body is in a constant
anabolic state (assuming you are continuously supplying your body with the
hormone). Here is a brief description of each hormone and what it
does.

Testosterone is the primary male hormone responsible for
development of the sex organs and muscle growth. Testosterone is both anabolic
and androgenic—anabolic meaning it causes muscle growth and androgenic meaning
that it causes development of secondary sex characteristics. Testosterone
converts to both DHT and estrogen in its parent form. Testosterone is often the
primary hormone used on a cycle of steroids. It is a mass builder, and will
often help with unwanted androgenic side effects of other steroids. Although
conversion to estrogen can cause many unwanted side effects on its own,
testosteron should generally be the base to any cycle.

Nandrolone is an
anabolic hormone, with not as much androgenic potential. It attaches to the
androgen receptor with greater affinity than testosteron, but can cause a loss
of libido and generally stays active in the system much longer than does
testosteron. This is the “safest” choice for users who want to avoid most
common side effects.

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is the primary androgenic
hormone in the body. It is responsible for increases in strength, as well as
most of the unwanted side effects common with steroids. DHT is converted from
testosteron via the 5 alpha reductase enzyme. DHT receptors are high in the
scale, skin and prostate; high DTH levels are the most common cause of prostate
swelling, acne, and male pattern baldness.

Boldenone is a veterinary
hormone, which is commercially sold as Equipoise. Equipoise is known as an
alternative to nandrolone when using steroids. It provides an increase in
appetite, with some fat burning potential. Boldenone converts to estrogen at
about half the rate of testosteron. Those who are looking to avoid some of the
stronger androgenic side effects also commonly use it. 1-testosteron is the 5
alpha reduced version of Boldenone.

7. How do I take
prohormones?

There are three common routes of administration for
prohormones. These are usually based on their efficacy (i.e. how much is
absorbed). Since the liver and stomach lining breaks down prohormones rather
efficiently, taking them orally is the poorest route of administration. Most
users prefer transdermal (topical) administration. When taken this way, you
apply it to your skin and it will continue being absorbed over a period of 12
hours or so. Cyclodextrins or sublingual methods are also commonly used, which
is where the prohormones are dissolved under the tongue. This also has a high
level of absorption and works well. There are also some products on the market
which are sold as “intraoral” or “intranasal”. These are meant to be sprayed
into the nostril prior to your workout, and are generally only meant as
preworkout boosts, not for a cycle of prohormones.

Some manufactures have
started selling prohormones in oral form with an ester attached. This, in
theory, will allow it to be slowly absorbed for many hours similar to the other
methods, but to my knowledge, there have been no studies demonstrating that this
method increases bioavailability.

8. What is a cycle? What does
stacking mean?

A cycle is generally used to describe a length of time
and common dosage when taking prohormones. Stacking means taking more than one
prohormone at a time to increase gains or reduce side effects. Common cycle
lengths are 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks. I recommend 4 week cycles,
which seem to give the most gains with fewer sides. I would not recommend going
beyond 8 weeks.

Common stacks are 4AD and Nordiol, 1AD and 4AD, 1-test
and 4AD, etc. You will notice most everything is stacked with 4AD. This is
because testosteron gives you a bit more leverage, providing good gains and
overall anabolism, with reduced androgenic side effects. Each of the prohormones
can be taken alone, or taken together. The choice is yours and should be made
from reading this text, and all the user feedback from this board and others.
Research, research, research!

9. What is post cycle
therapy?

Post cycle therapy is a tried and true method of helping to
solidify your gains by raising natural testosteron levels and lowering estrogen
levels once your cycle is over. When you add external hormones to your body,
your own natural production becomes suppressed. Your body attempts to compensate
your endocrine system by stabilizing the other hormones, which results in an
increase in estrogen. Once you quit supplying your body with external hormones,
your natural testosteron will be low and estrogen will be high. Therefore,
anti-estrogens are taken to halt the manufacture of estrogen in the body. This
will result in higher testosteron levels, hence making it easier to keep your
gains. Post cycle therapy should begin the next day after the prohormones have
stopped being taken. Common post cycle therapy drugs are listed below with
dosages:

6OXO
6oxo is an aromatize inhibitor sold by Ergopharm.
It is the best over the counter anti-estrogen available for post cycle
use.
Week 1 – 600mg daily in two divided doses, morning and night
Week 2-3
– 400mg daily
Week 4 – 300mg
daily

Formasin/Formastat/Aromazap
Note: 4 hydroxy
androstenedione acts as a weak androgen and can cause further suppression of
natural testosteron, but can be used post cycle.
Dosages should be 250mg a
day for the first two weeks, followed by anywhere from 50-250mg a day for the
next two.

Clomid
Clomid is a prescription fertility drug, but
is highly available and highly effective at blocking estrogen and increasing LH
output.
Day 1 – 300mg
Day 2-11 100mg
Day 11-21 50mg
OR
150mg
daily for 2 weeks
100mg daily for 2 weeks

Nolvadex
Nolvadex
is also a prescription, which is highly available and blocks estrogen at the
receptor.
Week 1-2 – 40mg daily
Week 2-4 – 20mg daily

There are
other prescription anti-estrogens available, but these two will be fine unless
side effects arise, so we won’t discuss the other options in this
FAQ.

Other common post cycle favorites including high doses of flax oil,
ZMA, tribulus and an ECA stack coupled with reduced training volume and
increased calories (500 or so above maintenance). But, it is very
important to use an anti-estrogen for post cycle. I would never recommend not
using one unless the cycle length is 2 weeks or less.

10. What dosages
should I use?

Dosages are different for the different routes of
administration and for the different hormones taken. Here is a basic outline of
each prohormone along with general cycles used, based on user feedback. For your
first cycle, I recommend sticking to a lighter dosing schedule for 2-4 weeks.
Note: This is a general guideline. Dosages for any cycle can be higher or
lower, and some products may incorporate one or more of these compounds so that
the below amount might not be able to be achieved. This is just a basic outline
and is far from completely accurate.

1AD

1AD is by far
the most popular prohormone. It is considered to be the most effective taken
orally, and has resounding user feedback. It is best stacked with 4AD to reduce
side effects, the most common of which include lethargy and reduced libido. 1AD
should not be used transdermally, and could be used sublingually, although there
are few products with this delivery system used. 1AD is commonly stacked with
4AD and shouldn’t be stacked with nordiol, or the DHT precursors.

4-6
week cycles are best taken at anywhere from 300-900mg daily. Take in divided
doses throughout the day to keep blood levels
elevated.

4AD

4AD is the next best. It is almost always
used with other hormones due also to its resounding user feedback and adding
large amounts of mass from increases in testosteron and estrogen. 4AD can be
taken orally, transdermally, or sublingually.
2-6 week cycles are generally
used. 4AD can be stacked with just about anything.

Oral:
300-1500mg
daily. Oral is probably the worst way to take this, but if you are simply
looking to reduce sides of 1AD, etc – it works. Take in divided doses to ensure
elevated blood levels.

Transdermal:
400-600mg daily with two
applications in morning at night.

Sublingual:
Probably 15-50mg at a
time, 3 times or more daily in divided
doses.

Nordiol

Nordiol is the best prohormone for use by
people who want to avoid the common androgenic sides associated with the other
hormones. Can be taken orally, transdermally or sublingually. 2-4 week cycles
recommended. Heavily suppressive, despite what literature says. Nordiol is
commonly stacked with 4ad for mass, or 1,4andro for cutting or users wanting
reduced sides effects.

Oral:
500-800mg daily in divided
doses

Transdermal:
500-800mg daily in split doses morning and
night

Sublingual:
15-50mg in divided
doses

1,4andro

1,4andro is renowned for causing appetite
stimulation. It’s low in estrogenic sides and good for cutting or bulking. Some
people claim that transdermal administration works well, but the feedback I’ve
seen has been poor. Oral seems to be the route of administration, and the dione
version appears to work better than the diol. 1,4andro can be stacked with just
about anything. Taking 1,4andro for less than 4 weeks is generally a waste
because it takes quite a while for the effects to kick
in.

Oral:
300-600mg daily in divided
doses.

Transdermal:
N/A


Sublingual:
N/A

1-testosteron

1-test
is the active form of 1AD and is best taken transdermally or sublingually,
although oral products suspended in oil with an ether attached also have very
good feedback. 1-test is best stacked with 4AD for mass or 1,4andro for
cutting.

Oral:
150-300mg when taken in ethergel product in divided
doses

Transdermal:
200-500mg daily or more in split
doses

Sublingual:
Not sure


5AA/3 beta/3
alpha

These all convert to DHT at different rates and have slightly
different properties. I’m a little hazy on all of them, except that 5 alpha can
compete with estrogen for receptor activity when converted to DHT. Some people
have used 5AA in an oral product as a preworkout boost, while others have used 3
alpha for a “hardening” agent.

Thanks to roobear for the below info
on DHT precursors

quote:

---

3-Alpha/Beta
3-alpha/beta will illicit exactly the same anabolic/androgenic
responses, differing only in their conversion rates - 3-alpha 43% / 3-beta 9%
respectively. The bioavailability of 3-alpha/beta is purported to be relatively
low (by Bill himself) and thus would serve well to be administered
transdermally. These compounds are best used in conjunction with other
compounds, preferably of an anabolic nature (ie Nordiol, 1,4 Andro and 4-AD) -
inducing drastic increases in strength, vascularity and muscle
hardness.

3-Alpha
Oral:
100-300mg (lower dosage being more of a
"stacking" quantity)

Transdermal:
50-150mg (lower dosage being more of
a "stacking" quantity)

3-Beta
Oral:
Outdated - use
3-alpha

Transdermal:
200-500mg(lower dosage being more of a "stacking"
quantity)

---

7-Keto-DHEA

This is slightly out of the scope
of this FAQ, but is generally used for cutting. This has been shown to increase
thyroid output and lower cortisol levels, without converting to target hormones.
Used for cutting stacked with other thermogenic compounds for 4-6
weeks.

Oral:
200mg in two divided doses

Transdermal:
100mg
daily

11. Are prohormones legal?

Yes, currently they are
legal in the US and some other countries. Please visit href="http://www.usfa.biz" target=_blank>www.usfa.biz and write your
politicians to ensure they stay that way. Prohormones are not tested for in job
drug tests, but they are probably banned and can potentially show up on a drug
test for athletics. Check your local laws for specific
information.

12. Who should use prohormones?

Mature adults
above the age of 21 looking for increases in lean muscle mass or decreases in
bodyfat levels. Most veterans will advise using prohormones after several years
of training, to ensure you have a good feel for proper diet, nutrition and
supplementation. Using prohormones under the age of 18 is a very bad idea; it
can result in the closure of growth plates, thus resulting in permanently
stunted growth; it can also result in potentially serious endocrine system
problems. Those with potential for or already enlarged prostate or those
susceptible to male pattern baldness should not use prohormones; nor should
prohormones be used by people with heart conditions, who currently have
gynocomastia, or have liver or kidney problems. If you have any doubts, see a
doctor before using these compounds.

13. Can I take prohormones along
with steroids?

This is a hotly debated subject. Yes, you can – but
why? If you have access to steroids, why would you bother with prohormones?
Anabolic steroids are already hormones in their current form and require no
conversion – hence, they are more powerful, albeit illegal.
The only compound
I would say that you could take with any other steroid would be

1-testosteron, which would be an equivalent of Primobolan or Equipose. The
only other thing I can think of would be taking 4AD with Fina to reduce side
effects. There is more information about this on boards like Anabolicminds or
Animal’s board.

14. How can I avoid some of the
potential side effects associated with prohormones?

There are certain
ancillary compounds available to treat potential side effects of prohormones.
Below is a list I compiled which is pretty basic and should help clarify some of
the issues of side effects.

Prostate Issues

The prostate is
an organ at the neck of the bladder where it joins the urethra. It is
responsible for controlling urination and ejaculation. Common symptoms of
prostate problems are frequent or difficult urination, dribbling when urinating,
erection difficulty, and pain in that general area. Either a rise in estrogen or
DHT levels from increased testosteron, etc., probably causes this. If you have
ongoing prostate issues, it’s best not to use prohormones, though potentially
the use of nordiol might be acceptable.

Herbal treatments:
Saw
Palmetto Extract – Usual dosage is 160mg several times daily
Beta sisterol or
plant phytosterols – 300mg several times daily
Flax seed oil – anywhere from
5-20 tblspoons daily

Prescription Treatments:
Proscar/Propecia –
blocks the conversion of testosteron to DHT. Ineffective with DHT derived
hormones (1-test, 1ad, 5aa, etc)
Spironolactone – an anti androgen. Best not
used for this, but used topically (more below)

Acne

Acne is
very common on prohormone cycles, and can range from mild to moderate. It will
go away once post cycle treatment concludes, or within a few weeks of cession of
the product. The best way to treat acne is with the soaps available at your
local grocery store or pharmacy. Just pick up some Neutrogena or whatever and
scrub your face twice a day or use the body wash.

Hair
Loss

Hair loss is caused by increased levels of DHT. Since DHT
receptors are heavy on the top of the scalp, some people will notice a lot of
shedding or a receding hairline on some cycles. There are various treatments for
this; the most common is topical Spironolactone available from Nizoralman or Dr.
Lee. The 2% will work as a preventative measure, while the 5% will attempt to
help grow some hair back. There are also other methods, such as azelaic acid or
Nizoral shampoo, but they are not proven to be effective as spiro is.
If you
are concerned you are losing your hair and are currently taking something to
help prevent it, prohormones are probably not the best idea. If still interested
in using prohormones, Nordiol might be the best option available to
you.

Gyno

Gynocomastia, or development of the breast
tissue, is sometimes common among aromatizing (converting to estrogen)
prohormones. The first symptoms are puffy and itchy or swollen nipples. If you
start to notice this while on a cycle, you need to start taking Nolvadex
immediately. Formasin/Aromazap/Formastat might work, but 6oxo is not going to
help this in most cases, so Nolvadex should ALWAYS be on hand for this
situation. It is highly available, not very expensive, and not illegal to
posses, so there is no reason not to have it. Don’t wait and order some when you
start to get the first signs of gyno, because Nolvadex needs to be taken as soon
as symptoms of gyno appear. Start taking 40mg a day until the symptoms subside,
and you may want to continue to take 10mg the rest of your cycle as
precaution.

Liver/Kidney

Prohormones have to pass through
your liver in order to convert, no matter what the route of administration, so
higher levels of liver enzymes in the blood is common during a cycle. Many
steroid users take Milk Thistle and ALA at high doses to combat this, and if you
are concerned it would be a good idea to take one or both of these to help that.
Problems with kidneys have not been an issue to my knowledge, but steroid users
will often also take cranberry juice extract to help with
that.

Depression

Some people report mild or moderate
depression, especially post cycle when using 6oxo. This can be cured with
prescription drugs such as Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, etc. It can also be fought
with herbal supplements such as St Johns Wort, 5-HTP or Sam-E. If you go with
the herbal route, St Johns Wort should be 300mg 2-3 times daily, 5-HTP at 100mg
several times daily, or 100-200mg of Sam-E once daily. You can combine all three
if depression is extreme, otherwise my pick would be St. Johns
Wort.

Testicular Atrophy

Many users report testicular
shrinkage during a cycle. The testes will come back to full size once you start
post cycle. If they do not, then it’s recommended you take Clomid and possibly
even HCG to help restore them.

Sleeplessness

Some people
report having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep on a cycle. My
recommendation is to take 1mg to 3mg of melatonin 30 minutes before bed time.
Some other options are Valerian root, GABA, Tylenol PM or Kava Kava (potentially
stressful on the liver).

15. What kind of training should I use when
using prohormones?

Everyone has their own opinion on this, and you
should use whatever works for use. Most people put an emphasis on higher volume
while using prohormones, and you can add more isolation sets and workout more
frequently due to increased recovery time. But don’t overtrain. Just because
you’re using prohormones doesn’t mean you need to train daily or twice daily.
Also, doing cardio on prohormones is fine. I recommend 2-3 times weekly of 20
minutes, if at all.

16. How should I eat when on
prohormones?

Try and eat 1-2g of protein per pound of body weight.
Try and eat 500-1000 calories above maintenance, or more if bulking. Generally,
standard nutrition guidelines should be followed. If cutting, try and eat 10-12
calories per pound of bodyweight, while keeping protein high.

17.
Should I take any other supplements while using prohormones?

Take
whatever you normally take. If you take creatine, it’s fine to continue taking
it while using prohormones. Some people prefer to save it for post cycle to help
retain some of the water weight. Otherwise, the usual stuff like a multivitamin,
a good protein powder and flax seed oil should be standard issue for any
athlete.

18. What are some good manufacturers of prohormone
products?

My personal picks would be Molecular Nutrition, Ergopharm,
Avant Labs, BDC Nutrition, San, Syntrax or 1 fast 400. These are stand up
companies that generally pump out quality products.

19. Can I make my
own prohormone transdermal/oral/sublingual?

Yes, there are several
companies that offer prohormone powders in bulk such as Kilosports, Beyond a
Century and 1 fast 400. You can buy powders from them and make your own
capsules, cyclodextrins or transdermals easily. Visit Anabolicminds or Avant
Labs message boards for a wealth of how-to information.

20. Can I
inject prohormones?

This is out of the scope of this FAQ, but yes you
can. The results have been mixed, there have been some questions of products
purity used in injectables, and there is a question of whether or not using them
for this purpose is legal.

21. Is there anything I should know about
transdermal delivery?

Transdermals should be applied twelve hours
apart. It is a good idea to apply them after showering and to rotate application
spots daily. Apply lotion to application spots not in use. This is a good way to
avoid a rash from the topical, which is a common side effect reported by users.
Some prefer to scrub themselves with a luffa or sponge before applying them to
remove the first layer of dead skin cells for optimal delivery. It is also a
good idea to wear latex gloves when applying, and wash your hands when you are
finished to avoid getting the solution into your eyes or other sensitive areas.
Keep in mind that high amounts of sweating or getting the area wet too soon
after application will wash it off, so it might have to be reapplied if this
occurs.

22. Is there anything I should know about oral/liquid
delivery?

There are many products on the market with liquid delivery
systems. You will need to drink these, and most of them taste badly. Just try
and get them down as quickly as possible, or mix with another flavored liquid to
help the taste. Also keep in mind that liquid and oral delivery methods are
generally less effective. Even if the product is esterfied, it is still a good
idea to take it several times daily in small divided doses to ensure saturated
blood levels at all times.

23. Is there anything I should know about
sublingual delivery?

Try and let the product dissolve under your
tongue and do not eat or drink anything for around 10-20 minutes after you take
the product. As with orals, you will need to take it several times daily to
maintain blood levels.

24. Which prohormones are best used in a
bulking cycle and what kind of gains can I expect?

Most people prefer
the combination of 1-test and 4ad. This is a tried and true stack combination
and most people seem to gain the best from it. Adding 1,4andro is also common to
increase appetite and may help gains. How much one will gain off a cycle depends
on your diet and training but gaining 10lbs in 4 weeks is quite
common.

25. Which prohormones are best for a cutting
cycle?

Most commonly, people will use non-aromatizing hormones such
as 1-test or DHT precursors to act as an anti-catabolic and increase hardness.
However, low doses of 4ad may help, and adding 1,4andro can also be
beneficial.

[Big T]

26. Is it okay to drink alcohol
while taking prohormones?

No, it is a really poor idea to drink while
doing bodybuilding/weight lifting in general, but taking them while using
prohormones is even worse. Taking large amounts of prohormones, especially
orally, can cause increased liver stress. When you add alcohol into the equation
it is a potential for disaster. If you have to drink, try to do it moderately
and take milk thistle and/or ALA to help combat potential problems. Although, it
would be best to avoid it completely.

27. Are there any other good
documents I can read about prohormones or related topics?

Yes, there
are several, but they are slightly dated.

Prohormones

4AD Information and conversion rates by Patrick Arnold

Prohormone breakdown by Big Cat

Post Cycle Therapy

Understanding Post Cycle “T” Recovery by William Llewellyn

Clomid, Nolvadex and Testosterone Stimulation by William Llewellyn

Coming Off a Cycle by Marcus Haidam

If you have any other good links, please let me know and I will add them.

28. Can I overdose on prohormones?

Possibly, if you are taking over a gram to
two grams a day orally then it could cause some liver strain or stomach
discomfort – it will also probably increase the side effects of the hormone. You
should never go over 2 grams daily for prohormones, you will not see anymore
gains, the side effects will probably be unbearable and most likely the enzymes
will be saturated for them to be effective.

29. I can’t grow! Should I
use prohormones?

No. Anyone should be able to grow naturally without
the use of prohormones; prohormones merely speed up the process. If you can’t
grow naturally, please post your diet, training and supplement routine for
review. Most likely, you are making some errors—so please try and correct these
basic issues before you resort to using prohormones. They are not magic and will
not work without proper diet and training.

30. Can women use
prohormones?

Yes, they can – but the doses shouldn’t be as high as
using it for men. Using less androgenic hormones like Nordiol or 1,4andro is
recommended above the others and no anti-estrogen is needed post cycle. I would
recommend using nordiol at 300mg daily or 1,4andro 300mg daily for 2-4 weeks and
tapering off the dosages slowly towards the end and possibly using tribulus
extract post cycle.

31. When's the best time to take oral prohormones
and should I take them with food?

You want to take them in divided
doses through the day, the standard is 3 doses 3 times daily. Taking them with
food is optional, but if you take them with a high fat meal they can help
absorption. Also keep hydrated (you should be doing this anyway) so as to avoid
a burning sensation when urinating, as experienced with some prohormones. Most
prefer to take them preworkout to give them a little extra boost.

32.
Can I be drug tested for prohormones?

Since prohormones convert into
active anabolic compounds, it is the concern of some that they will be tested
for in a drug test. The answer is almost always no, they will not show up in a
drug test. Drug testing for anabolic steroids is very expensive and has to be
asked for specifically. So, unless you are on probation for steroid use, or are
a professional athlete, you will not be tested for prohormones/steroids. Also,
since most prohormones have very short half lives, they will clear out of your
system within a matter of days. General drug tests only test for opiates,
ampetamines, cocaine and marijuana. However, if you are planning to join the
military, or a sports organization that bans the use of these substances, it
would be in your best interest to avoid them.

[Big T]

Few Notes/Questions

On 3-alpha/beta:
(I'm not
certain if your recommended dosages are for the standalone ph/ps or for stacking
purposes or a combination of both) but


3-Alpha/Beta
3-alpha/beta will illicit exactly the same
anabolic/androgenic responses, differing only in their conversion rates -
3-alpha 43% / 3-beta 9% respectively. The bioavailability of 3-alpha/beta is
purported to be relatively low (by Bill himself) and thus would serve well to be
administered transdermally. These compounds are best used in conjunction with
other compounds, preferably of an anabolic nature (ie Nordiol, 1,4 Andro and
4-AD) - inducing drastic increases in strength, vascularity and muscle
hardness.

3-Alpha
Oral:
100-300mg (lower dosage being
more of a "stacking" quantity)

Transdermal:
50-150mg (lower
dosage being more of a "stacking"
quantity)

3-Beta
Oral:
Outdated - use
3-alpha

Transdermal:
200-500mg(lower dosage being more of a
"stacking" quantity)


************Homebrew
Section*****************
On another note maybe you could add a section on
"homebrewing" whether it be linking to various articles on homebrewing spray/gel
brews(available at AM or BB.com) or making your own sublingual(m&m article
by dazed i do believe) with links to kilosports/1-fast/bac for raw powders and
lemelange for brew ingedients.
************Liquid Supplier
URLs****************
You could also add links to the various "liquid" suppliers over the net - or not Or you could add the "foreign" suppliers listed in the steroids faq
section...I could give you an extensive list of liquid suppliers in link form if
need be(7 to my knowledge)
************1-Test Transdermal
Dosage**********
1-Test transdermal dosage of 300-600mg seems quite high!
At those dosages, assuming 33% absorption of androgen/s, you'd be getting
700-1400mg of 1-Test a week absorbed! Now the 700mg is high, but acceptable if
taken by itself, (yet if you're stacking it with much of anything else its
rather extreme), but the 600mg/day 1400mg/week is outrageous!

I'd
recommend dosages of 200-400mg/day giving 450-925mg absorbed a week which will
allow for stacking/standalone applications of the androgen at low to high
dosages.
************7-Keto Transdermal Dosage**********
7-Keto
DHEA transdermal dosage should be approx 100mg/day
************Site
Enhancement Section?**********
A section could be added about the use of
topical carriers(local administration) to administer androgens non-systemicly,
avoiding the downsides of systemic delivery(lethargy in the case of 1-test,
decreased libido, acne yadda yadda). Of course this would best be exemplified by
Avant Labs "Gel #3", but one could just as easily homebrew up a local carrier.
Such gels/sprays are supposed to accomplish site enhancement at the area of
application. Of course little is currently known about the benefits of such an
application, but lovetoeat does have a journal on Avant's board detailing his
trial run. More user feedback is needed to determine the most effective compound
to accomplish the end result though as well.

[Big T]

Thinking of Using
Prohormones?

I really hate to write out
another preacher post, but I feel it just has to be done. This is a total rant
on my part, so please keep that in mind while reading this.

I am
bombarded daily with the same questions over and over. These people ademantly
refuse to follow any sort of advice or guidelines to using prohormones. Some of
this can also be used for steroids and in fact most supplements in general for
beginners. So, lets get started.

Eligibility of using
Prohormones

Using prohormones is not for everyone. In fact,
most people shouldn't use prohormones. I am not going to make the call for
people to whether or not one should be able to use prohormones, because that is
not my place. What I am suggesting is a general guideline to make sure you are
ready for using prohormones as an individual, and as a bodybuilder. So, here are
the rules:

1) If you have been training for less than a year YOU
SHOULD NOT USE PROHORMONES. This is very simple. You need to have some
experience in proper training behind you before you start supplementing with
exogenous hormones. There is no reason to use them at this point in time, you
can make great gains naturally.

2) If you are under 21 YOU SHOULD NOT
USE PROHORMONES. This argument I have with people everyday. I tell people
"You should not use prohormones under 21." Always the response is "Okay, so what
prohormone would be the safest?". WRONG ANSWER, you should not be using
prohormones!!! It is that simple. There is not a "safest" one for you, there are
none. I am sick and tired of crybaby teenagers asking me how to use prohormones.
Go pick up some creatine and leave prohormones for someone else. Still not
convinced? Read this: href="http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=175713"
target=_blank>Teenagers and Prohormones/Steroids

3) If you do not eat
sufficient calories (ie: 6 meals a day) to gain naturally YOU SHOULD NOT USE
PROHORMONES. This is so important. Diet is the key to bodybuilding. You
could train all you want, but if you're not eating, you're not going to add the
size you want. Please, buy a cookbook, get some protein powder, do whatever it
takes to get those calories.

4) If you do not get at least 8 hours of
sleep at night YOU SHOULD NOT BE USING PROHORMONES. Proper rest is
essential to building a better body. Probably more important than most people
realize. If you are not getting enough sleep, don't waste your time with
hormones.

5) If you want to drink beer, use recreational drugs, party all
the time, etc YOU SHOULD NOT BE USING PROHORMONES. If you are drinking
more than once a week, don't waste your time. You need to make a determination
for yourself what your goals are. If your goals are to be drunk everyday, then
more power to you. But don't take prohormones in the misguided since that they
will help you stay "anti-catabolic" or some bullshit. I know its hard when your
friends want to go and drink all the time, but sometimes you have to make a
choice.

6) If you have a previous medical condition such as heart
problems, diabetes, enlarged prostate, or other potential life threatening
ailments YOU SHOULD NOT BE USING PROHORMONES. We have no clue about the
long term effects of prohormones. People who use them are using them at their
own risk in hopes of bettering themselves, but making muscle should not make you
at risk for killing or seriously injuring yourself. Take a step back and decide
what is more important to you: your long term health, or some muscle?

7)
If you are concerned about potential side effects from estrogen or DHT YOU
SHOULD NOT BE USING PROHORMONES. This is more for the people who say "what
is the best prohormone without side effects?". Very dumb question. There is no
such thing. Estrogen and DHT play a major role in gains, and if you don't
understand that, then you shouldn't be using these substances. Part of the
enjoyment of using prohormones should be understanding how they work in your
body, so you can taper them for your own needs. If you say "I'm scared of
estrogen" then don't use prohormones. All of them can potentially increase
estrogen. Sorry, thats just the way it is. You can always take ancilleries, but
if you are asking this question, you obviously didn't know that.

8) If
you can only buy stuff from GNC YOU SHOULD NOT BE USING PROHORMONES. Get
a credit card, genuis. Ruin your credit? Find a site that excepts money orders.
There is absolutely no excuse for shopping at GNC. Don't complain that you can't
order stuff from the internet because you live in Siberia or ruined your credit,
or your mommy won't let you use her credit card. Either buy them from a
reputable online company or don't buy them at all. You will get stuck with a
shitty product or pay so much damn money, you might as well just go get pec
implants.

9) If you weight 150lbs or under YOU SHOULD NOT BE USING
PROHORMONES. You have not gained enough naturally yet, or have enough
experience in diet or training to justify exogenous hormone use. Please review
your diet and training.

If you have to say the following things to
justify your use of prohormones, you should not be using them:

I cannot
eat enough because of _______.
I cannot train properly because of
_______.
I cannot get enough sleep because of _______.
I am younger than
21.
I am concerned about the _______ side effect of prohormones, so I want to
use something that is free of side effects.

YOU SHOULD NOT BE USING
PROHORMONES

I feel for you, and understand your situation, but the
fact remains. Just because you are trying to accomodate your poor workouts and
diet with prohormones is not going to work. Learn how to eat, sleep, and workout
properly FIRST.

Now, if you have passed the first part, you are doing
good. You make the bare minimum to qualify for using prohormones.
Congratulations, have a cookie.

Planning your
cycle

This is the next important part of using prohormones.
Don't run out to GNC and buy the first bottle that says "Testosterone Booster"
on the label, or what your buddy at the gym said he took to get "jacked up".
Don't be a dumb consumer. Read up, and figure out what you want. Don't get stuck
on one thing or another just because you heard it was good, or you are scared of
a certain side effect. Read through this site, and others looking for feedback
on particular products. This is also key: UNDERSTAND HOW STEROID HORMONES
WORK. Please read about how people plan steroid cycles, and how steroid
hormones work in the body. Prohormones are just precursors to steroids, so we
try and plan cycles out similar to them. Read all you can. Take the time out to
learn what you put in your body and how its going to effect you. Don't be a
neglegent idiot and take something without understanding it, because you will
reap the consequences. Maybe not now, or even if you do cycles later, but
something will happen. It always does.

So, here are the rules for using
prohormones properly.

1) Plan out your cycle before you purchase. If you
just run out and buy something for the sake of buying it, you are going to get
stuck with using it. A lot of people come to me and ask "How can I use 100mg of
nordiol caps?" The answer is simple. You can throw them in the garbage or sell
them on eBay. Don't waste your time with very low dose orals or products
containg andro, 5AD or DHEA. Also, don't use products that contain herbs like
tribulus or chrysin. They are not effective at doing shit except draining your
wallet. Stick with well known, good products. If you were thinking of buying a
product like that, stop and go back over the first part of the post or read the
href="http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=134272#post1472640"
target=_blank>Prohormone FAQ.

2) Buy some Nolvadex. This is simple.
Buy some Nolvadex. Can't get it? Don't use prohormones. Very simple. The reasons
for having this available to you should be obvious. If you don't know why you
need Nolvadex, you shouldn't be using prohormones.

3) Decide which side
effects concern you most, and plan your cycle around that. Concerned with
hairloss? Use nordiol. Concerned with prostate enlargement? Use nordiol.
Concerned with acne? Hey, I hear if you go to the grocery store they have this
great new stuff called SOAP. If you have serious acne and can't stand any more,
don't use prohormones. Starting to get the picture?

If you want to use a
compound void of most side effects, nordiol is your best bet. 1,4andro is the
next best. It's really easy to get caught up in being scared by side effects,
but if you understand how steroid hormones work, you will realize that there are
no such things as side effects, they are just mechanisms of the hormones. Buy
ancilleries for side effects you are concerned about. Such as spironolactone for
hair loss, or Nolvadex for estrogen problems.

4) Always use 4AD on a
cycle. But you just said if I was concerned about side effects to use nordiol--
SHUT UP!
Always use 4AD on a cycle, even if its a small amount. Some
people are going to disagree with me here, but this is the best way to use
prohormones. Plan your cycle around 4AD like a steroid user will do a cycle
around testosterone. Same principle, applies here also.

5) Plan your diet
and training around your prohormone use. Plan ahead, decide what you're going to
eat and how you're going to train. This is pretty obvious to most, since they
want to get the most out of their prohormones.

Well, thats about it.
Remember: you don't have to use prohormones. You can make gains without them, in
fact you can make gains quickly without them if you dedicate yourself to doing
it. Don't jump into prohormones without all the knowledge you can get.

[Big T]

===================================
Transdermal Prohormone
FAQ
By David Tolson aka shpongled

Contents

1. Transdermal
basics

Q: What is transdermal delivery?
Q: Why is transdermal
administration of prohormones superior to oral administration?
Q: What are
the advantages and disadvantages of transdermal administration of prohormones
when compared to sublingual/nasal administration?
Q: If I apply a transdermal
hormone to a certain muscle group, does it increase strength in that particular
muscle group?
Q: Should transdermal prohormones be cycled differently than
oral prohormones?
Q: What are the dosages for transdermally administered
hormones?

2. Application tips

Q: When, where and how should
transdermals be applied?
Q: After applying the transdermal, should I wait
before working out, showering, or swimming?
Q: Should I avoid contact with
other people in the area of application?
Q: My transdermal product is
resulting in rash/skin irritation. Is this normal? How do I avoid
this?

3. Homebrewing

Q: Can I add more prohormones to a
transdermal prohormone product?
Q: How do I make my own transdermal
prohormone?
Q: I am using the *********** carrier. Can adding DMSO increase
the efficacy of my transdermal prohormone?

4. Miscellaneous

Q: Can
transdermal prohormones be dosed more often than two times daily?
Q: Is it
acceptable to use transdermal prohormones in conjunction with topical fat loss
products?
Q: Can transdermal prohormones be used along with oral
prohormones?
Q: What is the shelf life of transdermal
prohormones?

1. Transdermal basics

Q: What is transdermal
delivery?

Transdermal delivery is a method of delivering active drugs
through the skin barrier, and is in many cases superior to other forms of
delivery (oral, sublingual, etc). It involves applying active substances (such
as prohormones) dissolved in a carrier (a substance or blend of substances
designed to promote delivery of the active ingredient past the skin
barrier).


Q: Why is transdermal administration of prohormones
superior to oral administration?

There are numerous reasons why
transdermal delivery can be preferable. The first is that transdermal delivery
allows prohormones to avoid first pass metabolism in the liver. Most prohormones
are readily destroyed in the digestive tract and liver, often making the dosages
required (and money spent) much higher compared to transdermal delivery. It is
estimated that transdermal prohormones have a 30-40% absorption rate, compared
to 5-15% for oral prohormones. Also, certain hormonal substances may be toxic to
the liver, and transdermal delivery significantly lessens this. Secondly, orally
delivered prohormones have very short half-lives and must be taken 3-4 times
daily. Not only is this inconvenient, but it means that during certain periods
(such as sleep) blood levels of the hormone will be very low. Transdermal
delivery effectively leads to a steady release over 12 or more hours, solving
both of these problems.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of
transdermal administration of prohormones when compared to sublingual/nasal
administration?

Sublingual (absorption in the mouth, like a lozenge) and
nasal delivery is limited by the amount that can be absorbed by the mucous
membranes. The maximum amount of hormone that can be delivered is around 25 mg,
and blood levels are elevated for 2-3 hours, compared to ~12 for transdermal.
Therefore, sublingual and nasal prohormones must be dosed at least 5 times a day
to be effective. However, sublingual/nasal delivery delivers 80-90% of the
actives to the bloodstream, making it a very efficient carrier. A combination of
transdermal application (for steady blood levels) and sublingual/nasal
application (to spike blood levels, particularly pre-workout) could be
effective.

Q: If I apply a transdermal hormone to a certain muscle group,
does it increase strength in that particular muscle group?

Transdermal
prohormones are delivered systemically, so applying them to a particular area
will not cause disproportionate strength gain in that area. The exception is
products that are geared toward local delivery, such as Sytenhance.

Q:
Should transdermal prohormones be cycled differently than oral
prohormones?

Cycles with transdermal prohormones should be the same
length as one would use with oral prohormones, and post-cycle recovery should
remain the same. The primary differences are how often you will administer the
prohormone (two times daily as opposed to three or four) and the dose
used.

Q: What are the dosages for transdermally administered
hormones?

First off, it should be noted that the listed dosage and
duration on product labels is often conservative. Also, dosage will vary on
stacking, level of experience, and many other factors. Here are some general
guidelines

1-testosterone: 200-500 mg
19-norandrostenediol: 400-800
mg
4-androstenediol: 400-600 mg
3-alpha androstenediol: 50-150
mg
3-beta androstenediol: 200-500 mg
4-hydroxyandrostenedione
(formestane): 50-200 mg
androstenetrione (6-OXO): 150-500 mg
7-OXO-DHEA
(7-Keto): 100 mg

Note: Much of the dosage information comes from the
prohormone FAQ, by pogue.

Q: What are the differences between the
*********** carrier and other carriers?

The *********** carrier is
identical to the carrier developed by Avant Labs except it does not contain
carbomer, a thickening agent (due to the fact that it is a spray instead of a
lotion). For a discussion of the science behind this carrier as well as
comparison to some other products, see Battle of the Transdermal Prohormones by
Par Deus.

2. Application tips
Q: When, where and how should
transdermals be applied?

Transdermals should be applied as close to
twelve hours apart as possible. An ideal time to apply is after showering or
bathing. Scrubbing with a luffa, wash cloth, or sponge beforehand improves
delivery, as does shaving the area of application. Ideal areas of application
are those with thin skin, such as wrists, top of feet, upper arms, chest, back,
or legs. Larger amounts will require larger application areas. If possible,
latex gloves should be worn during application. These can be purchased at most
pharmacies. It is also a good idea to shake the bottle before application to mix
the ingredients. Spray or pump the lotion onto the hand and then rub into the
application area. Afterwards, wash your hands with soap. Five minutes should be
allowed for the transdermal to dry after contact with clothes or other
objects.

Q: After applying the transdermal, should I wait before working
out, showering, or swimming?

Yes. Water can wash off the transdermals
making them less effective. You should wait at least half an hour before any of
these activities, and ideally 1-2 hours. Also if you shower after application it
is best not to scrub the area of application.

Q: Should I avoid contact
with other people in the area of application?

Most definitely, especially
females and children. This applies primarily if you are using a prohormone or
steroid. Contact with the area may result in delivery of active hormone to the
person contacted. If you think it will become a problem, it is best to keep the
area covered (saran wrap over the area of application will work), or only use
areas that will be covered with clothing as application spots. Also, certain
application areas (such as the back of the legs) are less likely to be
contacted.

Q: My transdermal product is resulting in rash/skin
irritation. Is this normal? How do I avoid this?

Some people experience
skin irritation or rashes from transdermals, especially those containing certain
active ingredients. 1-testosterone is particularly caustic, and latex gloves are
a must when applying this substance (even after washing hands thoroughly small
amounts can remain that may get in the eyes or other sensitive areas, and it is
quite painful). If latex gloves are not available, you can at least use a
sandwich bag. The best way to avoid irritation regardless of the source is to
rotate the area of application – one day apply to the feet, another to the upper
arms, and so on. You can also apply lotion to areas of application not in
use.

3. Homebrewing
Q: Can I add more prohormones to a
transdermal prohormone product?

Yes, but it will become saturated at a
certain point. Also, increasing the concentration may reduce the relative
effectiveness. If you want a concentration or blend of ingredients that is not
available pre-made it is usually better to make your own using a carrier product
such as the transport matrix.

Q: How do I make my own transdermal
prohormone?

Simply add the hormone powder to the carrier and then shake.
If you accidentally put in too much hormone powder heating lightly and shaking
vigorously may help. To heat a solution, boil a pot of water and let it cool to
just below boiling. Place the prohormone bottle in the water for a few minutes,
remove, then shake.

Q: I am using the *********** carrier. Can adding
DMSO increase the efficacy of my transdermal prohormone?

This carrier is
quite effective as it is. In theory, adding 5-10% DMSO may increase absorption.
However, one will have to put up with the side effects of DMSO (increased
irritation, bad breath, etc).

4. Miscellaneous
Q: Can
transdermal prohormones be dosed more often than two times daily?

If
desired, a smaller dose can be used three times daily (every eight hours), but
this does not have a clear benefit.

Q: Is it acceptable to use
transdermal prohormones in conjunction with topical fat loss
products?

Yes, just avoid applying them both in the same area.

Q: Can transdermal prohormones
be used along with oral prohormones?

Yes, although if one is doing an
intraday cycle (oral prohormones during the day, transdermal overnight) trying
to compare oral and transdermal doses can often be difficult. Stacking one
prohormone transdermally and another orally is not uncommon.

Q: What is
the shelf life of transdermal prohormones?

This depends on the substance;
in general the shelf life is 1-2 years. This can be increased by freezing and/or
vacuum sealing. If you are planning on stocking up you are better off buying
bulk prohormone powders and then mixing them in a carrier before use.

By
David Tolson - Special thanks to fuzz and the members of the Avant Labs forums
for helping with this FAQ.

This FAQ may be reproduced, but the entirety
of the FAQ including the author's name must be included.

Note: Some of
the star'd out sections of this post refer to the carrier sold by Mike
McCandess. Thanks to David for letting me post this.

[Big T]

Prohormones FAQ: Update
By pogue

pogue22@ziplip.com


12/26/03

The
data contained in this update has been compiled mostly from user feedback along
with some data present in compounds that have been released to the public in the
past, or information from the pharmacutical companies that created these
compounds. It is always a good idea to have a full physical before using these
substances, along with having blood work done to check for liver/kidney
anamolies.

New Compounds

Methyl
1-Test

Methyl 1-Test is 1-testosterone with an alteration to the
molecule that allows it to pass through the liver more freely without
degredation. When a compound is methylated it changes the physical structure of
the compound and it tends to act differently in the body. In the case of methyl
1-test, it seems to be a much stronger anabolic without particularly androgenic
sides. Methyl 1-test is being sold in 5mg and 10mg tablets, as well as in powder
and solutions. It seems to differ from other methylated compounds such as
Winstrol and Dianabol in that it is more stronger mg per mg without very much
conversion to DHT. The typical dosing pattern seems to be 5-10mg once daily.
Those above 200lbs or experienced steroid/prohormone users might see benefits in
20mg ore more, however the side effects seem to be harsher the more you use.
Some of the more common side effects reported are lethargy, decreased appetite,
very painful pumps as well as high blood pressure.

Methyl 1-test is a
very powerful compound and is not recommended for beginners. This is clearly a
drug and should be thought of as such. The only reason this compound is legal is
due to the fact that it was never scheduled as a steroid since it was never
manufactured, although its chemical structure is very similar to oral
Primobolan. Users of methyl 1-test should be on the lookout for increased liver
values, high blood pressure, extreme lethargy and pumps, as well as decreased
appetite. Methyl 1-test should definintely be stacked with 4AD to help
counteract some of these sides and give you the benefits of testosterone
supplementation. Users should get blood work done before and after cycles of
this compound.

A cycle of methyl 1-test should not last any longer than
6 weeks. However, most users seem to prefer the 2 weeks on/2 weeks off
pattern.

Estra-4,9-diene-3,17-dione (Finagenx)

This is a
relatively new compound on the market. The manufacturer claims that this is a
precursor to the powerful steroid trenbolone, however this does not seem to be
the case. It does appear to convert to a steroid hormone, but it is not tren. It
is a dione so you will have some conversion to estrogen even before it converts
to its parent hormone. It is unknown what the anabolic/androgenic ratio of its
parent hormone is, how it acts in the body, or if it can aromatize or not. This
is a very expensive compound for the amount of gains users are reporting. The
dosing seems to be very high, although I am not sure of the dosing pattern at
this point. I would personally avoid this product. It is too expensive, with
very little feedback.

A methylated version of this compound should be out
soon and sounds promising.

Hydroxy Testosterone

This
testosterone has come on the market recently in the form of transdermals and
powder. It is actually nothing like its parent other than the name. It is very
mild in terms of anabolic and androgenic potential and would be relatively weak
on its own. However, this compound has some very interesting attributes that
make it very different from all the other steroids on the market. With the 4
hydroxl position on the molecule, it has the added benefit of not converting to
estrogen or DHT. This would make it very similar to the compound Clostebol and
ideal for cutting when used on its own. It also has the very interesting
attribute of being a mild aromatize inhibitor and 5AR inhibitor (which prevents
conversion of testosterone to DHT). One of its metabolites is Formastane (4
hydroxy androstenedione) which is also an aromatize inhibitor. It has also been
claimed that this compound will stimulate LH output, which would be great for
bridging inbetween cycles and obviously not cause any form of supression.
However, I have not seen any data to confirm this.

This compound appears
to be very weak on its own. With the high price per gram for the powder, it
would be a poor choice to use on its own. It does stack well with any other
compounds, and like everything else would be optimally used with 4AD where it
would impart very lean gains with virtually no sides. Since this is such a new
compound, I really have no idea on what the dosing pattern would be. I would
expect to see a methylated version of this on the market soon. As with all other
steroids, this would be a very poor oral compound. It would probably be best
used transdermally. Making it into an injectable seems to be very troublesome,
as it is not very oil soluble without an ester.

Hydroxy
Nandrolone

This compound is the same as a steroid known as Oxabolone
which has been off the market for years. It has the attributes of being quite
anabolic and not very androgenic. It cannot make the conversion to DHN, which is
a relatively weak on its own anyway. It has also been speculated that this
steroid acts as an aromatize inhibitor, like Hydroxy Testosterone, but I have
seen no evidence for this either.

Most information on this steroid seems
to be speculation. Since it is a nandrolone derivative, it might have
progesteronal activity. Also, since there is so little feedback on this compound
it is hard to say. It would probably be similar to the popular steroid Deca,
albeit weaker. It might make a closer match to trenbolone in activity, but there
is little evidence to suggest that at this point. With the other compounds, any
information on dosage is speculation at this point. A methylated compound known
as 17aa 4OHN is soon to be replaced. I have heard claims that this should be
similar to Anavar at an even lower dosage. However, this has not been released
yet, so we will have to wait and see. As with all methylated compounds, one
would want to take similar precautions when using these types of oral based
steroids.

Hydroxy Nandrolone is illegal in California and Nevada, but not
federally schedulled.

Methyl 5AA

Another methylated version
of an older prohormone, methyl 5AA should be a similar match to Proviron or
Masteron. This compound will make a conversion to Methyl-DHT in the liver
through the 3bHSD enzyme. It should be very well suited as a preworkout
stimulant, as well as reducing the effects of estrogen and SHBG on a cycle.
Since DHT acts as an aromatize inhibitor, it can help reduce circulating
estrogen on a cycle in leu of typical anti-estrogens such as Nolvadex or 6OXO.
Oral DHT has also been shown to bind to SHBG, allowing for more of other more
powerful androgens to attach to the receptor, allowing for an overall more
anabolic effect.

One problem with DHT and its precursors is the fact that
they are deactivated in skeletal muscle through the 3 alpha HD enzyme to
prohormones like 5AA and 3 alpha. This seems to happen when an abundance of
androgens exist, and is why DHT, even more potent than testosterone, does not
make for a great muscle builder. Another concern for its users is the strong
androgenic effets of DHT. This would obviously be a concern with individuals
with potential prostate issues or androgenic alopecia. However, since this
prohormone is making a conversion in the liver, instead of high 5AR saturated
areas like the scalp and prostate, it would probably not have as many negative
side effects as even typical 4AD/testosterone would.

The dosage seems to
be in the low range. Anywhere from 5-30mg anytime of day would work. It sounds
like it would be particularly beneficial preworkout, where it would impart some
of the positive benefits on neural activity, giving the user added aggression,
energy and strength to have a better workout. As with all methylated compounds,
similar precaution should be taken of not running the compound for more than 6
weeks and having blood work done to ensure the liver is in proper working
function.

Methyl 1,4diol

Here we have a methylated version
of the boldenone precursor, 1,4diol. In this version, the methylated version of
the diol prohormone has been used instead of the dione. This will allow the
hormone only direct conversion to its parent hormone, methylboldenone
(Methandrostenolone) better known as Dianabol. Since this is a direct precursor
to Dianabol, I would expect the same effects of it such as bloating, water
retention and the high possibily of gyno. This is due to the fact that boldenone
can aromatize into estrogen, here we would have a more powerful methylated
estrogen, Methyl-estradiol. This would obviously be a very good mass builder,
imparting gains in size and strength in a very short peroid of time. Obviously,
quite a bit of it will be water though. Just as you would run Dianabol, you
would want to stack it around 4AD/testosterone. You would want to have a good
anti-estrogen on hand such as Nolvadex or Arimidex.

Dosage for this
compound has not been determined yet, but should probably be in the same range
we've seen the other methylated prohormones. Again, you would not want to use
this for more than 6 weeks and have blood work done once the cycle is
completed.

[Big T]

Methyl 4AD

As if you
didn't see this one coming, we now have a methylated version of our favorite
prohormone, 4AD. The problem with this hormone, is it will directly convert to
methyltestosterone, which is a very poor compound. Methyltestosterone will
aromatize to methyl-estradiol and convert to methyl-DHT. The sides of these
would obviously be much harsher than using its non methylated counterpart. The
only positive effect I could see from methyl-4AD would be if it had instrinsic
anabolic activity before conversion, which we have no idea about. The other good
use for this would be as a preworkout boost, where we would have the added
aggression and CNS stimulating effects of 4AD. Just using it preworkout would
allow us to get the benefits, without the negatives, along with relatively no
HPTA shutdown.

Dosage for this compound has not been determined yet, but
should probably be in the same range we've seen the other methylated
prohormones. I have seen dosages recommended for 5-30mg daily. Again, you would
not want to use this for more than 6 weeks and have blood work done once the
cycle is completed.

Products Not Yet on the Market

I have
added a few products I would expect to see out soon. Some of these may never
come to light, but most probably will. So I decided to through them in
anyway.

Methyl Nordiol

This compound should be fairly
similar to the unpopular steroid Nilevar. Being a direct precursor to
methyl-nandrolone, we would see increases in methyl-estradiol and methyl-DHN.
Giving us a weak anabolic with more sides than we would expect from this weaker
hormone. I would also expect there to be progestonal activity with this. So,
although this seems to be another poor compound, it might have some good use in
women or as a preworkout booster.

Methyl Hydroxy
Testosterone

I would expect this to be similar to 17aa 4OHN. It will
probably be very similar to Oral Turnibol where as it won't convert to estrogen
or DHT, it will impart gains on strength and hardness, rather than mass
gains.

A Word About Methylated Compounds

I feel we are now
at the pinnacle of prohormone development. We now have prohormones/steroids that
are methylated for almost complete bioavaibility. This is obviously a dream come
true for individuals looking for true legal alternatives to illegal steroids.
However, we need to realize that these are drugs in the true sense of the word.
These can be very dangerous if misused or abused. It is imparitive that people
think of these as drugs instead of typical OTC supplements that you can take
lightly and not be concerned about possibly bodily harm.

It is very easy
to rationalize the fact that hepatoxicity doesn't happen, or that it happens in
very minute amounts, but when we look at studies dealing with oral steroids we
only have ones that we have seen on the market for years. With methyl 1-test and
others, we have no idea if they are as hepatoxic as Halotestin or as mild as
Proviron. It is always a good idea to get blood work done before and after a
cycle to ensure that your liver is in proper health and you do not have
underlying conditions that could be slowly killing you. Please be safe, and
respect that these are powerful chemicals with potential to cause great gains as
well as harm your body.

A Word About Liver Protectants

A
lot of people have been using liver protectant supplements such as Silymarin and
NAC to help protect their liver from damage when using methylated compounds.
However, I feel that this is a bad idea. When you use compounds that increase
gluthione levels in the liver, it will increase the breakdown of oral drugs,
making them less effective. Although increasing liver enzymes is good for your
liver, it is bad for any drugs you want to take and allow them to pass through
your liver unabated. A better idea would be to use liver protectant supplements
before and after a cycle to help your liver rebuild its enzymes after they have
been damaged by methylated compounds.

I have no idea if using liver
protectants on a cycle will inhibit gains in any significant degree, but it
could. Keep that in mind when planning your cycle.