Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below
napsgear
genezapharmateuticals
domestic-supply
puritysourcelabs
UGL OZ
UGFREAK
napsgeargenezapharmateuticals domestic-supplypuritysourcelabsUGL OZUGFREAK

confused about sust post cycle therapy

Terminator, its not a board...silly vet not every website is a BB dicussion board. LOL. Here is the article:

While practically similar compounds in structure, few people ever really consider Clomid and Nolva to be similar. Its not just a common myth in steroid circles, but even in the medical community. This misconception originates from their completely different uses. Nolvadex is most commonly used for the treatment of breast cancer in women, while clomid is generally considered a fertility aid. In bodybuilding circles, from day one, clomid has generally been used as post-cycle therapy and Nolvadex as an anti-estrogen.

But as I intend to demonstrate this is in essence the same. I believe the myth to have originated because Nolva is clearly a more powerful anti-estrogen, and the people selling clomid needed another angle to sell the stuff, so it was mostly used as a post-cycle aid. But few users really understand how clomid (and also Nolvadex, logically) works to bring back natural testosterone in the body after the conclusion of a cycle of androgenic anabolic steroids. After a cycle is over, the level of androgens in the body drop drastically. The body compensates with an overproduction of estrogen to keep steroid levels up. Estrogen as well inhibits the production of natural testosterone, and in the period between the return of natural testosterone and the end of a cycle, a lot of mass is lost. So its in everybody's best interest to bring back natural test as soon as humanly possible. Clomid and Nolvadex will reduce the post-cycle estrogen, so that a steroid deficiency is constated and the hypothalamus is stimulated to regenerate natural testosterone production in the body. That's basically how the mechanism works, nothing more, nothing less.

Both compounds are structurally alike, classified as triphenylethylenes. Nolvadex is clearly the stronger component of the two as it can achieve better results in decreasing overall estrogen with 20-40 mg a day, than clomid can in doses of 100-150 mg a day. A noteworthy difference. Triphenylethylenes are very mild estrogens that do not exert a lot, if any activity at the estrogen receptor, but are still highly attracted to it. As such they will occupy the receptor and keep it from binding estrogens. This means they do not actively work to reduce estrogen in the body like Proviron, Viratase or arimidex would (by competing for the aromatase enzyme), but that it blocks the receptor so that any estrogen in the body is basically inert, because it has no receptor to bind to.

This has advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantage is that when use is discontinued, the estrogen level is still the same and new problems will develop much sooner. The advantage is that it works much faster and has results sooner than with an aromatase blocker like Proviron or arimidex. Therefor, when problems such as gynocomastia occur during a cycle of steroids one will usually start 20 mg/day of Nolva or 100 mg/day of clomid straight away, in conjunction with some Proviron or arimidex. The proviron or arimidex will actively reduce estrogen while the clomid or Nolvadex will solve your ongoing problem straight away. This way, when use is discontinued there is no immediate rebound.

So which one should you use? Well personally, I'd have to say Nolvadex. Both as an on-cycle anti-estrogen and a post-cycle therapy. As an anti-estrogen its simply much stronger, demonstrated by the fact that better results are obtained with 20-40 mg than with 100-150 mg of clomid. For post-cycle, this plays a key role as well. It deactivates rebound estrogen much faster and more effective. But most importantly, Nolvadex has a direct influence on bringing back natural testosterone, where as clomid may actually have a slight negative influence. The reason being that Tamoxifen (as in Nolvadex) seems to increase the responsiveness of LH (luteinizing hormone) to GnRH (gonadtropin releasing hormone), whereas clomid seems to decrease the responsiveness a bit1.

Another noteworthy fact about Nolvadex is that it acts more potently as an estrogen in the liver. As you remember, I mentioned that clomiphene and tamoxifen are basically weak estrogens. Well, tamoxifen is apparently still quite potent in the liver. This offers us the positive benefits of this hormone in the liver, while avoiding its negative effects elsewhere in the body. As such Nolvadex can have a very positive impact on negative cholesterol levels2 in the body, and therefore too should be considered a better choice than clomid. It will not solve the problem of bad cholesterol levels during Steroid use, but will help to contain the problem to a larger degree.

Another reason why I promote the use of Nolvadex over Clomid post-cycle (as if being 3-4 times stronger and having more of a direct effect on restoring natural test wasn't enough) is because it's a lot safer. Not just because it improves lipid profiles, but also because it simply doesn't have the intrinsic side-effects that Clomid has. Clomid causes more acne for sure, but that's mainly because you need to use a 3-4 times higher dose. But Clomid seems to also affect the eyesight. Long-term clomid therapy causes irreversible changes in eyesight3 in users. Irreversible. For me that alone is reason enough to prefer Nolvadex.

Lastly, one should be aware that use of these compounds can reduce the gains made on steroids. Nolvadex more so than clomid, simply because it is stronger. Estrogen is responsible for a number of anabolic factors such as increasing growth hormone output, upgrading the androgen receptor and improving glucose utilization. This is why aromatizing steroids like testosterone are still best suited for maximum muscle gain. When reducing the estrogen levels, we therefore reduce the potential gains being made. For this reason one may opt to try clomid during a cycle instead of Nolvadex. Although I would imagine that the problem that needed solved would be of more concern, in which case Nolva remains the weapon of choice. It's a plain fact that there is a high correlation between gains and side-effects. Either you go for maximum gains and tolerate the side-effects, or you reduce the side-effects, and with it the gains. That's life, nothing is free.
 
I like keeping things simple, clomid/clen has always worked in the past for me. Didn't like the clomid sides i.e. tracers, mood swings and acne but figured it was part of the game. I think this time I will be running Nolvadex/Proviron/Clen for post cycle, than maintain with ALA/Creatine/Dextrose.

Nolvadex looks good on paper, clen will help with catabolism and proviron will keep things running without shutting you down.
 
My statements that nolva and clomid are similar in structure is not an original concept. Although I noticed similarities with both, I didn't realze until looking into the chemistry that they are both in the same drug class. So that's not a theory. That's a fact. But some people chose not to believe it for some reason. (Maybe because they dislike my stance on aerobics)

Euriskan. ALA, creatine and dexrose will do nothing for recovery. The ALA will help with liver detoxification, but I'm still not conviced it's better than milk thistle. The product "Post-Cycle" contains both. Creatine will help maintain fullness via water retention, but that has nothing to do with the HPTA or aronatase enzyme. And dextrose, that's just sugar. How can that possibly be of any benefit?
 
jubei said:
Terminator, its not a board...silly vet not every website is a BB dicussion board. LOL. Here is the article:


LOL, it's a good thing you posted that because the link you gave didn't put me anywhere near that article :alien: .
Well that and I have been on this computer for over 10 hours today and my eyes are now bloodshot as hell and my brain is totally fried at this point. (so take what I may post in this one with a grain of salt as I am not functioning properly at this point :p ).
Anyway I have read that before a few times anyway...but the point that gets my attention right now is this one...
"The reason being that Tamoxifen (as in Nolvadex) seems to increase the responsiveness of LH (luteinizing hormone) to GnRH (gonadtropin releasing hormone), whereas clomid seems to decrease the responsiveness a bit1. "
It has been my understanding for years that clomid stimulates FSH and LH (as does Nolvadex). Though this articles statement would not concur that belief (who wrote this artice anyway?)
Going on the belief that they both stimulate LH and FSH (which I have long believed) then with the cheap price of them there seems to be no disadvantage to using both concurrently (which is what I would prefer). Gains are hard fought, and I do not want to take any risks losing them post cycle...
 
robigd said:
Not sure what to run. I am doing mild cycle. 250ml of sust for 8 weeks. I have read many posts on different posty cycle therapies, but I was just looking for opinions pertaining to my "light" cycle.

Thanks guys!

This is one of best outlines/plans for post-cycle recovery that I've come across yet. It was posted by Mr. Nobody at AF.

http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=702093973&f=312093973&m=7283057927

Veterans’ Consensus Statement on Post-Cycle Recovery - Revised

Original - unrevised statement

Anabolic/androgenic steroids are used widely in human and veterinary medicine, and are increasingly useful to the training methods of elite athletes. Benefits of the intelligent use of anabolic/androgenic steroids include enhanced quality of life and the promise of greater longevity, as well as marked improvements in body composition, strength, and stamina. However, anabolic/androgenic steroids produce their benefits by interfering with the endocrine system, a complex system of glands and brain structures that are normally kept in an homeostatic state of balance by the action of countless subtle, sensitive feedback mechanisms. The perturbation in normal endocrine function that is introduced by the use of anabolic/androgenic steroids can, through these feedback mechanisms, elicit compensatory endocrine responses, such as up- or down-regulation of essential enzyme stores or of receptor molecules, in order to maintain homeostasis. When these compensatory mechanisms persist into the post-cycle era after steroids have been withdrawn, unwanted effects can occur, such as fatigue, depression, loss of sex drive, loss of size and strength, and others. Fortunately, both prophylactic and restorative measures that the athlete can take in this situation are now fairly well known.

Many athletes have agreed that androgenic/anabolic steroids render appreciable gains for a limited time only. As said gain period differs between individuals, this CS will refrain from any recommendations to the optimum time of such therapy but discuss methods of restoring optimum normal endocrine function.

It should be noted that the longer a cycle lasts past the eight-week mark, the harder testosterone recovery becomes. The best way of gauging ones hormonal milieu and planning compensatory measures is to have blood tests done prior to and following cessation of AAS therapy. For the purpose of this Consensus Statement and the awareness of a lack of testing athletes, the following universally accepted post cycle hormone status is assumed:

a) Luteinizing Hormone (LH): low to none, Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH): low to none
b) Testosterone (T): low
c) Estrogen (E): high
d) Prolactin: high
e) Cortisol (C): high
f) Red Blood Cell (RBC) count: falling


While all of these hormone measurements are assumed on the low end of the scale, biochemical individuality will ultimately determine where a person’s levels fall. So assumption of low to substandard levels will not always be true in everyone.


1. What are the goals of testosterone recovery?

The return of hormonal balance is but one goal of this program. To create a transitional period of minimized muscle loss and sustained and/or increased motivation is another.


2. Detailed Recommendations

If the athlete is ready to come off and is still taking long acting esters he shall switch to short acting drugs in order to have complete control of exogenous hormone levels. A “waiting period” for esters to clear is unacceptable and provides for a slow slide into the post cycle catabolic state. This period of short acting supplements shall last for a minimum of 2 weeks.

a) Luteinizing Hormone and shrunken testicles

H C G
If the testis have atrophied, the introduction of H C G at 1000iu x 14 days is necessary. To prevent this atrophy from happening, the use of H C G at 1000iu x 7 days every fourth week of the cycle is recommended. This will provide exogenous LH and must only be used to restore/keep proper testicle size.
Week 1-2: H C G, 1000iu ed
C l o m i d
The practice of using Clomid at 50mg throughout the cycle or 100mg a day for 3-5 days every 4th week has been used successfully to maintain proper testicle size

b) Low testosterone and lack of motivation

The introduction of exogenous hormones to compensate for the low endogenous testosterone levels may help to keep loss of drive, strength and muscle at bay but may also slow the recovery process. The below drugs were chosen for their limited impact on the HPTA

D i a n a b o l
Studies and empirical evidence have shown Dianabol to be beneficial to keep Cortisol in check and provide some intermediate relief from the symptoms of low testosterone via an increase of dopamine, IGF-1, and Central Nervous System stimulation. The heightened dopamine will combat Prolactin and help raise the levels of endogenous Human Growth Hormone. Other studies point to a lack of LH suppression when taken first thing in the morning. It shall be noted that only a low dose is recommended in order to avoid further disruption of the HPTA
Week 1-6: 10mg dbol am, ed
A n d r o g e l
It’s a new drug and detailed studies are difficult to come by, however preliminary investigation has shown this drug to have little impact on the levels of LH in eugonadal patients due to its slow release.
Week 1-4: 50mg Androgel am, ed

c) High Estrogen and suppressed Hypothalamus- Pituitary- Testicular- Axis (HPTA)

Estrogen acts as the primary messenger of testosterone production. Testosterone is aromatized into estrogen, which signals the Hypothalamus to stop producing the proper testosterone release hormones. Estrogen must be kept low.

A r i m i d e x
A powerful aromatize inhibitor shall be part of every cycle. For testosterone recovery it is used to keep the testosterone/ estrogen balance in favor of testosterone. It is also of help to keep any additionally occurring estrogen from dbol and Androgel low to none. Studies have shown a 54% increase of testosterone in eugonadal patients
Week 1-10: ½-1mg ed
C l o m i d
Universally accepted as THE testosterone recovery tool. It blocks estrogen from the HPTA and stimulates the production of LHRH. LHRH then initiates the production of LH, which in turn signals the testis (if not atrophied) to produce testosterone.
Week 3-5: 100mg ed
Week 6-8: 50mg ed

d) High Prolactin and suppressed HPTA

B r o m o c r i p t i n e
A low dose of this drug lowers Prolactin (another HPTA suppressor) and increases HGH in non-acremalic patients.
Week 1-5: 0.625mg every evening

e) High Cortisol, suppressed HPTA and catabolism

Cortisol is catabolic. It is the enemy of all anabolism and must be kept in check. While it is blocked when under the influence of AAS, it is free to attach to the Anabolic Receptors (AR) once the steroids leave. Due to this blockage Cortisol tends to accumulate and increase when on. A low level is desirable however since it is important for other vital functions such as control of inflammation. Balance is the key.

V i t a m i n C
At 3-5g before heavy workouts, it keeps the exercise induced rise of Cortisol in check
Always: 3-5g before workouts
D H E A
A useless pro-hormone as far as anabolism is concerned, this substance is great to keep Cortisol within normal levels. There is a correlation between high Cortisol and low DHEA levels.
Week 1-6: 150mg am and pm
D e x t r o s e a n d M a l to d e x t r i n
It is neither a supplement nor a drug, but these carbohydrates have a very high glycemic index and keep Cortisol levels low by increasing insulin. They also provide excellent energy for heavy workouts. In order to not gain unwanted fat, dextrose and/or Maltodextrin shall be ingested during your workout and with your post workout shake only.
Always: 100g with workout water and 100g with post workout shake

f) Red Blood Cell Count and Stamina

C r e a t i n e
The use of Creatine has shown to increase ATP metabolism and cellular water storage among many other things. This is very beneficial because it provides for heightened nutrient storage and a slight increase in anabolism as well as workout stamina. Perfect with dextrose/Maltodextrin.
Always: 5g with workout water and 10g with post workout shake
V i t a m i n B - 1 2 & I r o n
Prolongs the life of your RBC and may be beneficial for increased oxygen transport
Week1-8: 1,000mcg ed

Miscellaneous beneficial drugs, supplements and recommendations

Z i n c
Assists with testosterone production and is always low in weight lifting subjects. Do not consume with calcium for ease of absorption
Week1-8: 50mg ed
M a g n e s i u m
Has too many benefits for weight lifters to list
Week 1-8: 800mg every evening
V i t a m i n B - 6
Assists with testosterone production, keeps Prolactin in check and is very relaxing
Week 1-8: 200mg every evening
M e l a t o n i n
May improve sleep pattern and help increase HGH. With this supplement, the less you take the more it works.
Always: 1.5mg at nite
D e p r e n y l
Known as one of the most favorite life extension drug this dopamine enhancer provides anti-depressant properties as well as possible IGF-1 increase. Do not take with Bromocriptine.
Week 7 & 8: 5mg eod in the morning
W o r k o u t a n d c a l o r i c r e s t r i c t i o n
Workouts shall be brief and focus on retaining your newly gained strength. A power lift routine may be advantages at this stage. Calorie intake shall match expenditure; a calorie-restricted diet shall commence only upon complete recovery of natural testosterone production.


3. Final word

This program is based on empirical evidence, research and experimentation and represents the maximum effort to recover one’s testosterone production. Some of the above supplements and drugs may not be required or may not agree with every individual and advances in medicine may provide newer and more useful drugs for the testosterone recovery following steroid therapy.
Furthermore, it must be noted that a period of 8 weeks of abstinence from all drugs (vitamins and supplements excluded) is the minimum time recommended and that a blood test to assess actual testosterone recovery act as the only gauge for the timing of the next hormone therapy.

Anabolic/androgenic steroids wisely used have many benefits, but they produce their benefits by perturbing the natural course of endocrine function, something that can have consequences for the athlete in terms of enduring dysregulation of said endocrine function upon the cessation of anabolic use. Fortunately, both prophylactic and restorative measures that the athlete can take to restore endocrine function and prepare the way for the next cycle of anabolics are fairly well known. Problems and their solutions include (a) low levels of Luteinizing Hormone and shrunken testicles, treated by H C G, (b) low testosterone and lack of motivation, treated by Dianabol and Androgel morning applications, (c) high estrogen and suppressed Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testicular Axis (HPTA) function, treated by Arimidex and Clomid, (d) high Prolactin and suppressed HPTA, treated by Bromocriptine, (e) high Cortisol, suppressed HPTA and catabolism, treated by Vitamin C, DHEA, dextrose and Maltodextrin, and (f) suppressed red blood cell count and reduced stamina, treated by Creatine, Vitamin B-12 and iron. In addition, a variety of miscellaneous beneficial drugs and supplements, such as zinc, magnesium, Vitamin B-6, Melatonin and Deprenyl can speed post-cycle recovery.
 
That outline of post cycle recovery may be extensive but so much of it is incorrect it's freightening. It's as if the author patched together every bit of information he could find, whether it was wrong or right.

A few quick points.

Clomid raises SHBG.

Forget the d-bol bridge already.It is suppressive.You can not recover while on d-bol. It may be a good idea to taper the last week of your cycle with AM doses but thats it.

HCG is mostly cosmetic. It will restore testicular size, but not it's functon.

DHEA for cortisol? Thta's highly suspect. A good diet and sleep is best in that regard.

Bromo is not something to play around with yet it's become this "fad." s-AME, TMG and pygeum lower prolactin but there's no mention of those compounds.

Androgel is testosterone, not a recovery drug. This misnomer came from the kid who writes for T-mag. It caught on, and people actually believe it has benefits on terms of recovery. The half life of AG is 48 hours.

Melatonin lowers testosterone.

Maltodextrin is sugar. That's just stupid.


No diss to you JA, I know you're sincere in presenting this, but that list is typical of what is wrong with so many boards and the thinking of so many members. As long as someone uses some scientific terms people tend to think it's scietific. As long as it was accessed from somewhere else, it's considered valid. It's long -- but it's wrong.
 
The Terminator,
Here are the references to the article:
1 Vermeulen A., Comhaire F., Hormonal effects of an anti-estrogen, tamoxifen, in normal and oligospermic men, Fertil. Ster. 29 (1978) 320-27

2 Bruning PF, Bronfer JMG, Hart AAM, Jong-Bakker M, tamoxifen, serum lipoproteins and cardiovascular risk, Br. J. Cancer 1988 Oct, 58 (4) 497-9

And here is the link directly to the article
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/catnolv.htm
 
Nelson,

Can you please post a link to your "post cycle recovery" thread everyone is talking about, or please give me your suggestions.

Thanks!
 
There is a second, revised CS on AF that is somewhat different than the first one posted here. The final version will be ready in a couple weeks. We didn't want it posted here yet because when that happens then part of the discussion is not held on the CS thread itself and therefore doesn't go into it's writing.
Nelson doesn't believe in the things that the CS contains. So people will have to decide if a CS written by the people who are contributing to it is a better course or if Nelson's plan is better.
The contributors are those who posted on the thread to comment on the changes they'd like to see and why.
 
Nelson Montana said:
That outline of post cycle recovery may be extensive but so much of it is incorrect it's freightening. It's as if the author patched together every bit of information he could find, whether it was wrong or right.

A few quick points.

Clomid raises SHBG.

Forget the d-bol bridge already.It is suppressive.You can not recover while on d-bol. It may be a good idea to taper the last week of your cycle with AM doses but thats it.

HCG is mostly cosmetic. It will restore testicular size, but not it's functon.

DHEA for cortisol? Thta's highly suspect. A good diet and sleep is best in that regard.

Bromo is not something to play around with yet it's become this "fad." s-AME, TMG and pygeum lower prolactin but there's no mention of those compounds.

Androgel is testosterone, not a recovery drug. This misnomer came from the kid who writes for T-mag. It caught on, and people actually believe it has benefits on terms of recovery. The half life of AG is 48 hours.

Melatonin lowers testosterone.

Maltodextrin is sugar. That's just stupid.


No diss to you JA, I know you're sincere in presenting this, but that list is typical of what is wrong with so many boards and the thinking of so many members. As long as someone uses some scientific terms people tend to think it's scietific. As long as it was accessed from somewhere else, it's considered valid. It's long -- but it's wrong.


Hmmm. Before I start let's agree to keep the flames to a minimum. Deal? Ok, here we go...

Nelson: Clomid raises SHBG

So whats ur point ? even tamoxifen increases shbg levels , when it comes to reducing SHBG levels , we have very few options . we just have to flow with the greater good here . kinda like a trade off betw keeping some muscle and achieving complete recovery . Plus, Comid does increase in SHBG, which may seem like a bad thing at first, but which may decrease androgen-related negative feedback and may thus be in our advantage.

Nelson: Forget the d-bol bridge already.It is suppressive.You can not recover while on d-bol. It may be a good idea to taper the last week of your cycle with AM doses but thats it.

I tend to agree with you although the jury is still out. Natural T-levels in the AM are usually highest upon rising so taking 10mg's when you're natural levels of Test are highest might not prove to be that suppressive.

Nelson: HCG is mostly cosmetic. It will restore testicular size, but not it's functon.

HCG acts as an LH analogue so it will not directly recover hpta. It maintains testicular size and function and better prepares the body for post cycle therapy. Larger testis = more testosterone output. However, in some cases it will prolong recovery if taken post-cycle but, if taqken towards the end of the cycle it will act on LH receptors such as in the Leydig cells and activate the process of natural manufacture of testosterone and estrogen in the testes.

Nelson: DHEA for cortisol? Thta's highly suspect. A good diet and sleep is best in that regard.

Nelson: Melatonin lowers testosterone.

Well, the evidence would disagree with this.

WebMD

April 22, 2003 -- Waking up to bright light may trigger a rise in male hormones that could ease sexual dysfunction and other symptoms of depression. A new shows that early morning light therapy caused a surge in a pituitary hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH) that raises testosterone levels in men. (more...

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/64/72203.htm

Title: Testicular activity is restored by melatonin replacement after suprachiasmatic nucleus lesion or superior cervical ganglionectomy in mink.

Author, Editor, Inventor: Maurel-Daniel-L {a}; Ben-Saad-Mohamed-Moncef; Roch-Gisele; Siaud-Philippe
Author Address: {a} Pathologie de l'Oreille interne et Rehabilitation, EPI 9902 INSERM, Faculte de Medecine Nord, Boulevard Pierre-Dramard, 13916, Marseille Cedex, 20; E-Mail: [email protected], France

Source: Journal-of-Pineal-Research. [print] January, 2002; 32 (1): 15-20.

Journal URL: http://journals.munksgaard.dk/tidss...l+of+Pineal+Research/aimandscope?OpenDocument

OpenDocument
Publication Year: 2002
Document Type: Article-
ISSN (International Standard Serial Number): 0742-3098
Language: English

Abstract: Subcutaneous melatonin implants were inserted in mink subjected to natural (autumn) or experimental gonadostimulatory short-days (4L:20D), after lesion of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCNx) or after superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCGx). Gonad stimulation was assessed by measuring testicular volume and plasma testosterone level. In SCNx and SCGx animals, all measurements were indicative of sexual quiescence. In contrast, both SCNx and SCGx animals with melatonin, maintained in natural or experimental gonadostimulating short-days, showed an increase in testicular activity 2 months after melatonin implantation. Thus, melatonin (and pineal activity) is a prerequisite for the photoperiodic stimulation of reproductive activity, and the SCN is not necessarily the target site for melatonin action on the renewal of reproduction in the mink.

Nelson: Bromo is not something to play around with yet it's become this "fad." s-AME, TMG and pygeum lower prolactin but there's no mention of those compounds.

Bromo is also good at reducing progesterone related gyo. You have to be sure that your gyno is caused by high progesterone levels, not high estro levels.

I got to go...more will be added later...
 
Top Bottom