I have been keeping up with Matties epistrong log. I know what it is like to spend hours looking for information about women and otc steroids with little success so I thought I would contribute my experience. The best information is peoples actual experience so I'll try and sum up my experience.
Starting stats: 5'5" 127lbs 18% bodyfat 41 years old. Been lifting 15 years, serious for about 5 years. Want to try a competition but too chicken.
I took epi from 1/30/10 to 3/1/10 for a total of 4 1/2 weeks. I took one 15mg cap each day splitting the dose and taking 1/2 cap in the mornings and 1/2 cap around 3:00 pm. Other supplements included a generic multi, glutamine, bcaa's, fish/flax oil,ZMA (at night) and forged liver support. I started out at about 150 grams of protein per day but I uped it to around 175-200 after one week. I am a very healthy eater so diet wasn't an issue.
The first two weeks were mostly good. I felt more energized in the gym and gradually felt stronger. I also started to notice my veins more. The epi didn't really kick in full strength but I could tell it was starting to work by the second week. I also started feeling warmer, especially at night. My weight went up from 127 to 130 the first two weeks and by the end of week two my lifts were starting to increase. I also noticed a slight increase in my libido.
Two negatives the second week were that I spotted even though my period was two weeks away and my sinuses started bothering me....like a slight cold. (This is important for later)
The third week was the best week. I felt great. My strength was through the roof and my muscle endurance was better as well. My body could tell that the epi was working. By this time I was really working hard in the gym. I pressed the 45lb dumbbells for 14 reps and the 50's for 9 reps. I also squatted 175lbs for 8 reps and curled 60lbs for 7 reps. These were all best or near best for me. Others started to notice I was adding a little size and definition. The spotting also stopped which was a relief. I really started to feel hot at night and would even sleep on top of the covers in February. Sinuses were on and off and throat seemed to stay dry. I was also eating like a horse and was hungrier than normal. (a healthy horse that is). My libido was through the roof this week. Very sensitive "down there" but in a good way.
The fourth week I felt like superman (woman). I couldn't wait to get to the gym and my workouts were as intense as they have ever been. I worked out two hours a day for six days. (Child care limit of two hours or I probably would have gone longer). Felt pumped and tight after workouts. My muscles felt fuller and thicker but not bloated---if you know what I mean. I squated 185 for 8 reps and pressed the 50lb dumbbells for 11 reps. At the end of four weeks my husband measured my biceps at 12.5 inches cold. After an intense workout they were 13 inches pumped. Normally they are just above 12 and just over 12.5 pumped. I was so pumped that I decided to continue the epistrong for 1-2 additional weeks. Also, my libido was like I was 20 again, which my husband appreciated. Very sensitive. My weight gain was close to 10lbs after four weeks. I went from 127 to 137 in just over four weeks. What was suprising was I didn't look like I gained a lot of weight. My muscles were fuller but I felt and looked tighter.
Fourth week concerns. My period should have started but it didn't. Also, a noticeable slightly sore throat. No increase in acne yet.
I started a fifth week but I stopped when I realize my sore throat was more than a cold. My voice is basically back to normal but there is this very slight rasp that I will probably have forever. Nobody has noticed except me and my husband. This would be my biggest red flag for the epistrong. I was tempted to up my dosage after two weeks. You feel so great that you want more. But I held steady with one cap/day and I am glad I did.
The next week I started forged post cycle and added creatine. I know the thinking is that women don't need anything post cycle but I received several PM's from experienced women who said other wise. One lady swore that I would love a product called sustain alpha but I already had the forged post cycle. I haven't researched the susrain but I may look at it if I try another cycle of the epi this fall. The forged product was recommended by someone I trust so I used it. I actually think it helped keep my estrogen from coming back too strong (my opinion). I ran it for three weeks and didn't have any mood swings or loss in strength. My workouts stayed intense.
It was after I finished the epi that I noticed an increase in acne on my chest and back. Not too bad but noticeable. I also didn't have my period until the middle of April...a total 2 1/2 months.
I cut my sets back by 50% the week after. My workouts were intense but shorter. The next week I went back to normal.
The end result of 4 1/2 weeks of epistrong was fuller muscles, felt tighter, increased strength, 10lb weight gain (which I didn't like even though it was mostly muscle--still look at the scale too much), more motivated and energized during workouts.
The biggest negative is voice concerns. Any cold like conditions or dry throat are the first signs to look for. Other sides included mild acne issues, sinus issues and an irregular period. Sweating at night didn't bother me but some may consider it a negative. Another possible negative that I loved was the increased sensitivity "down there". It went away about a week after I finished the epi.
As with any product of this nature make sure you find out as much as you can, take it slow and don't over-do-it. I am really a novice at this and I have been lifting seriously for 5 years. My diet is great and I work extremely hard in the gym. If you are not ready to eat right and work hard then stay away. If you think you are ready, research and talk to as many people (especially other women) who have experience and knowledge. If I decide to do another cycle of the epistrong I will keep it in the 3-4 week range. I may also divide the dose up into three doses a day.
There are several epi products out there but I personally trust epistrong. I like that it is 15mg/cap instead of 10mg and I trust the quality of the product as well. I also liked that my questions were answered promptly by needto and my order was received quickly. I ordered mine through the old neettobuildmuscle.com but from what I understand it can now be ordered through orbit nutrition at
http://www.orbitnutrition.com/index....62j8cqdh6hsa10.
My expriences ordering from needto have been all positive so far. His advice is to the point and helpful. He will even refund or replace a product if you are not satisfied.
I hope this helps provide valuable information. Everyone's experiences are different, this one is mine. If anyone has further questions feel free to pm me.
Thank you
Rebecca D
Starting stats: 5'5" 127lbs 18% bodyfat 41 years old. Been lifting 15 years, serious for about 5 years. Want to try a competition but too chicken.
I took epi from 1/30/10 to 3/1/10 for a total of 4 1/2 weeks. I took one 15mg cap each day splitting the dose and taking 1/2 cap in the mornings and 1/2 cap around 3:00 pm. Other supplements included a generic multi, glutamine, bcaa's, fish/flax oil,ZMA (at night) and forged liver support. I started out at about 150 grams of protein per day but I uped it to around 175-200 after one week. I am a very healthy eater so diet wasn't an issue.
The first two weeks were mostly good. I felt more energized in the gym and gradually felt stronger. I also started to notice my veins more. The epi didn't really kick in full strength but I could tell it was starting to work by the second week. I also started feeling warmer, especially at night. My weight went up from 127 to 130 the first two weeks and by the end of week two my lifts were starting to increase. I also noticed a slight increase in my libido.
Two negatives the second week were that I spotted even though my period was two weeks away and my sinuses started bothering me....like a slight cold. (This is important for later)
The third week was the best week. I felt great. My strength was through the roof and my muscle endurance was better as well. My body could tell that the epi was working. By this time I was really working hard in the gym. I pressed the 45lb dumbbells for 14 reps and the 50's for 9 reps. I also squatted 175lbs for 8 reps and curled 60lbs for 7 reps. These were all best or near best for me. Others started to notice I was adding a little size and definition. The spotting also stopped which was a relief. I really started to feel hot at night and would even sleep on top of the covers in February. Sinuses were on and off and throat seemed to stay dry. I was also eating like a horse and was hungrier than normal. (a healthy horse that is). My libido was through the roof this week. Very sensitive "down there" but in a good way.
The fourth week I felt like superman (woman). I couldn't wait to get to the gym and my workouts were as intense as they have ever been. I worked out two hours a day for six days. (Child care limit of two hours or I probably would have gone longer). Felt pumped and tight after workouts. My muscles felt fuller and thicker but not bloated---if you know what I mean. I squated 185 for 8 reps and pressed the 50lb dumbbells for 11 reps. At the end of four weeks my husband measured my biceps at 12.5 inches cold. After an intense workout they were 13 inches pumped. Normally they are just above 12 and just over 12.5 pumped. I was so pumped that I decided to continue the epistrong for 1-2 additional weeks. Also, my libido was like I was 20 again, which my husband appreciated. Very sensitive. My weight gain was close to 10lbs after four weeks. I went from 127 to 137 in just over four weeks. What was suprising was I didn't look like I gained a lot of weight. My muscles were fuller but I felt and looked tighter.
Fourth week concerns. My period should have started but it didn't. Also, a noticeable slightly sore throat. No increase in acne yet.
I started a fifth week but I stopped when I realize my sore throat was more than a cold. My voice is basically back to normal but there is this very slight rasp that I will probably have forever. Nobody has noticed except me and my husband. This would be my biggest red flag for the epistrong. I was tempted to up my dosage after two weeks. You feel so great that you want more. But I held steady with one cap/day and I am glad I did.
The next week I started forged post cycle and added creatine. I know the thinking is that women don't need anything post cycle but I received several PM's from experienced women who said other wise. One lady swore that I would love a product called sustain alpha but I already had the forged post cycle. I haven't researched the susrain but I may look at it if I try another cycle of the epi this fall. The forged product was recommended by someone I trust so I used it. I actually think it helped keep my estrogen from coming back too strong (my opinion). I ran it for three weeks and didn't have any mood swings or loss in strength. My workouts stayed intense.
It was after I finished the epi that I noticed an increase in acne on my chest and back. Not too bad but noticeable. I also didn't have my period until the middle of April...a total 2 1/2 months.
I cut my sets back by 50% the week after. My workouts were intense but shorter. The next week I went back to normal.
The end result of 4 1/2 weeks of epistrong was fuller muscles, felt tighter, increased strength, 10lb weight gain (which I didn't like even though it was mostly muscle--still look at the scale too much), more motivated and energized during workouts.
The biggest negative is voice concerns. Any cold like conditions or dry throat are the first signs to look for. Other sides included mild acne issues, sinus issues and an irregular period. Sweating at night didn't bother me but some may consider it a negative. Another possible negative that I loved was the increased sensitivity "down there". It went away about a week after I finished the epi.
As with any product of this nature make sure you find out as much as you can, take it slow and don't over-do-it. I am really a novice at this and I have been lifting seriously for 5 years. My diet is great and I work extremely hard in the gym. If you are not ready to eat right and work hard then stay away. If you think you are ready, research and talk to as many people (especially other women) who have experience and knowledge. If I decide to do another cycle of the epistrong I will keep it in the 3-4 week range. I may also divide the dose up into three doses a day.
There are several epi products out there but I personally trust epistrong. I like that it is 15mg/cap instead of 10mg and I trust the quality of the product as well. I also liked that my questions were answered promptly by needto and my order was received quickly. I ordered mine through the old neettobuildmuscle.com but from what I understand it can now be ordered through orbit nutrition at
http://www.orbitnutrition.com/index....62j8cqdh6hsa10.
My expriences ordering from needto have been all positive so far. His advice is to the point and helpful. He will even refund or replace a product if you are not satisfied.
I hope this helps provide valuable information. Everyone's experiences are different, this one is mine. If anyone has further questions feel free to pm me.
Thank you
Rebecca D