Tag: steroids

Death by Injection: The Proper Way to Inject Steroids without Leaving Air in the Vein

             Death by lethal injection is a medical procedure used to execute death row criminals. However, a bodybuilder using injectable steroids can also meet the same fate if it is not done correctly, not from the drug but from the air you leave behind in the vein. It is important to note that not everyone can administer steroids properly by injection. One risks leaving the air in the vein if they’re not careful. Such a mistake might turn out to be fatal in the long term. We shall look at the proper way to inject steroids without leaving the air in the vein in this article.
           Disclaimer: The information contained herein does not represent the thoughts of whatsteroids.com. These are the opinions of contributing individuals who have done independent research on the subject. Please consult with your doctor before performing any medical procedure mentioned in this article.

                These are the two main types of injections for people who want to inject steroids directly into the bloodstream;

Intramuscular injection
Intravascular injection.

Intramuscular Injection
                  Medically, drug administration through injection of the muscle is an intramuscular injection. The method is not popular; it suits people with certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and muscular sclerosis. Intramuscular injection is an alternative to intravascular injection. The muscle has a rich supply of blood vessels. A bodybuilder who wants to take this route must know that they can only use it if:

They cannot locate the vain to which to deliver the steroid
There is an issue with their digestive system which would render the steroids ineffective
There is a possibility that the drug could irritate if delivered to the vain

              If the bodybuilder does not have any of the conditions mentioned above, they can proceed to inject the steroid into the vein.
Intravenous Injections
            Intravenous steroid injections involve delivering steroids into the vein. Steroids vary in potency, hence the different methods to take them. Do not administer a potent steroid into a blood vessel for several reasons. However, most bodybuilders prefer this method because of the following reasons:

The drug gets into the bloodstream quickly and gives equally fast results, unlike taking it orally
It is the most effective method where one needs more doses of the steroid over a long period
It allows the administration of accurate doses

Air embolism is a term used to refer to the accumulation of air bubbles in the vein or artery upon injection. The bubbles could block the vessel or damage parts of the circulatory or respiratory system, sometimes fatally. Once the air bubble forms, it travels to one of the vital organs such as the heart, brain, or lungs. It could then cause a stroke, among other complications.
The bubble forms during injection and could be due to not using the catheter or syringe properly. Sometimes its formation is purely accidental. How does the bubble form exactly? One of the blood vessels near the surface could get exposed, and the pressure outside pushes air into it, thus forming an air bubble.
                Air embolism has everything to do with the wrong administration of the steroid through injection. It could also be due to a damaged vein or artery. You have to do the injection as carefully as possible to avoid this problem. We have prepared for you tips to ensure the process is smooth, from the equipment to the injection procedure.
The Equipment
             Bodybuilders who resort to taking steroids through intravascular injection must use the right equipment to reduce the risk of doing it wrong. There is a variety of equipment for intravenous steroid injections you need to know. The nature of the equipment to be used depends on the type of steroid you want to administer. It also depends on the dosage period and the urgency. Here is some equipment you might require.
Syringe – this is the equipment required for this procedure. It pierces the skin and delivers the steroid to the bloodstream along the vein.
Tourniquet – this equipment identifies a suitable vein to deliver the steroid.
Access cap- depending on how you want to deliver the steroid, you could use an access cap that opens while administering the drug and closes when done.
Local anesthetic – the pain from injecting a steroid into a vein could be unbearable. In such a case, you will need a local anesthetic to numb the site before injecting it.
Imaging machines – you may need this equipment to ensure the central line is correct.
Intravenous bags and lines – these deliver the drug through infusion
A catheter – is a tube that keeps the vein open while administering the steroid.
             The location of blood vessels is a consideration when injecting steroids. Two kinds of blood vessels run through our bodies; peripheral and internal vessels. We shall look at how to administer steroids to each of these vessels.

                 While most people prefer using the services of a medic to inject steroids, some prefer doing it themselves. Nevertheless, you must follow the correct procedure to avoid creating problems where there are none. Here is a summary of how to inject steroids into the vein peripherally.

Inject a clean, sterilized needle into the vein
Push the catheter into the vein
Remove the needle slowly and leave the catheter in place
Deliver the first dose into the catheter and cover it with an access cap to avoid re-injecting

Central Line Steroid Injection Procedure
            Medics can locate blood vessels deep inside the body using X-rays and other imaging devices. Our veins of interest in this regard are those found along the torso.
Delivering Into Various Central Lines

Percutaneous central venous catheter – you can deliver the steroid into an internal vein by inserting the catheter directly.
Peripherally inserted central catheter – the steroid goes towards the heart by feeding it from near the surface.
Tunneled line – the needle goes under the skin and delivers the drug a distance from the vein.
Port – a small reservoir is implanted under the skin and delivers the steroid into the central vein. The port is covered in silicone and allows various doses there.

Suitable Sites
              You can inject the steroid to different sites, but only a couple of them are ideal for the procedure to be effective. Additionally, the dosage period determines the most appropriate place for an injection. For instance, the forearm (elbows, wrist, back of the hand, and upper surface of the foot) are the ideal spots for short-term IV lines.
               In case of an urgent need for the drug, the vein found in the neck is the most appropriate. Remember that all central lines feed into the vena cava – the main vein that carries blood to the heart.

Air embolism manifests itself in several ways:
Bruising – pockets of air left inside cause sustained damage to the vein. Bruising is when blood looks out from the damaged vein.
Inflammation – the region around the vein shows signs of inflammation as experienced by 30% of injectable steroids users.
Infection – this advanced stage of air embolism involves bacteria from the skin’s surface finding their way into the vein through the catheter.
Irritation – the area could swell and show signs of pain or discoloration.
Extravasation – this is where the neighboring tissues get damaged due to blood and air leakages from the damaged vein.
Other issues associated with air embolism include blockages and clots.

It is now easy to identify air in blood vessels due to advanced imaging machines such as ultrasounds and CT scans. These devices monitor airway sounds, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart sounds, The exact location of the bubble is then identified, and take appropriate measures.
Consider a range of treatment options before settling on the most appropriate. Treatment should achieve any or all of the following objectives:

Resuscitate the patient if they have passed out
Stop the source of embolism
Prevent embolism from damaging parts of the body

Here are some treatment options for the condition:

Put the patient in a sitting position to prevent the bubble from traveling to vital organs such as the brain, heart, or lungs.
Take drugs such as adrenaline to keep the heart pumping
Perform surgery to remove the bubble if the situation demands so
Perform hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a high-pressure steel room that delivers 100% oxygen. The air bubble would shrink and get absorbed into the bloodstream.

                Air embolism from steroid injection could be fatal if you do not take appropriate measures to treat it. However, it is better to prevent it from occurring than to treat it when the damage has happened. Ensure to follow the drug administration procedures mentioned. Alternatively, consult your doctor first to be on the safe side. It would also help to inquire about safe steroid use from experienced bodybuilders who have been doing it without encountering this condition. Don’t forget to check for more informative articles on our blog for a safe, successful bodybuilding experience.

Every Former Mr. Olympia’s Secret to Winning the Title

Mr. Olympia is a big bodybuilding contest that allows elite bodybuilders to compete among themselves. Only 15 men have won the coveted title since its inception in 1965. Mr. Olympia takes place every year, and many goodies come the winner’s way. Every former champion in this contest has his secrets and unique strategies that helped them clinch the title. These amazing muscular men have been generous enough to share their tips on various platforms. In this article, we shall be highlighting the strategies they used to emerge on top of everyone else. Note that some of them have won the title more than once, so we want to know how they pulled that off.

Larry Scott was the first bodybuilder to win the Mr. Olympia title in 1965. Through his website larryscott.com, the muscular man detailed how he prepared for the title and went ahead to win it. Scott highlights 33 strategies that would give any bodybuilder that dared to follow them a competitive edge. However, #29 is the most emphasized point, where he mentions pain zones. Scott learned the pain zones for every exercise and how to gain up to 80% growth by focusing on that.
Sergio Oliva (1967-1969)
He was a former army man who fought Fidel Castro’s army in the Colombian jungles before venturing into competitive bodybuilding. His secret centered on the diet. Oliva had no specific diet, but he would eat a large volume of whatever he laid his hands on and added two gallons of water to it every day. He also ensured to eat lots of steak and eggs for his big muscles. Sergio Oliva met his untimely death when his wife reportedly shot him five times.

Arnold is considered one of the most successful bodybuilders in history. He dominated the Mr. Olympia contest in the 70s and left shoes too big for anyone to fit in. Commando’s top secret is training a specific body part every time Oliva visits the gym. For instance, he could decide to work on his shoulders today and his biceps tomorrow. The trick ensures no body part is left behind, and the result is a uniformly-built body structure.

He was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s training partner, and the two did many things together. Franco’s secret that made him successful in bodybuilding was learning how to take care of his body. He ensured to rest every 7th day of working out to allow his body time to recover. The resting period enables the muscles to grow. Franco Columbu also alternated his exercises to achieve his bodybuilding goals effectively. It is no wonder that Columbu became one of the most successful Mr. Olympias in the bodybuilding industry.
Frank Zane (1977-1979)
A three-time winner, Frank Zane was a force to reckon with in his prime. He won the title not only because he was endowed with a big body naturally, but he also put a lot of hard work into it. His secret lies in his mental approach to training. Mr. Zane believed that focusing on a particular aspect of training at a time allowed him to realize maximum results. Zane also made sure to eliminate things that don’t matter, and he referred to them as extraneous variables. He would concentrate on his strong points and capitalize on them during the competition.

Although he was a one-time winner, Chris Dickerson was a formidable opponent on stage. The bodybuilding legend focused on his diet and centered on many natural vitamins, carbs, and protein. Additionally, he had a progressive workout plan; he started with the abs, chest, biceps, triceps, e.t.c. Dickerson focused on light weights and high reps, but his most precious weapon against all opponents remains a balanced diet.

Another one-time winner of this title, Samir Bannout is one of the few bodybuilders who admitted to using steroids. The lion of Lebanon had an impressive back that appalled the judges in the 1983 Mr. Olympia competition. Bannout’s decision to develop the back saw him crowned the winner, beating many formidable opponents.

Haney emphasizes t add quality muscle for long-term benefits. He achieved this by combining mass and definition. Lee Haney weaponized this secret and won the coveted title eight times. The definition involves working on every muscle in the body until it erupts to show fissures and faults. Haney would then work to sculpt, hammer, and chisel out to bring out a killer frame. These two aspects of bodybuilding are achieved through sweat and toil, as Haney would put it.

Dorian Yates used his woes at a youth detention center in England to become one of the best bodybuilders. Yates’ bodybuilding career had principles that saw him scoop the title six times. The five principles that guided his training include:

Rest-pause training principle
Forced reps training principle
Descending sets training principle
Partial reps training principle
Reverse-gravity training principle

These techniques have proven quite effective in the long term and would come in handy if you wish to follow in his footsteps.

Ronnie Coleman started as a footballer before venturing into bodybuilding. He had a robust training program comprising squats, lunges and leg extensions, hack squats, and leg presses. However, Coleman’s biggest secret is a modified push/pull/legs split. He would train six days a week and rest on the 7th. Ronnie Coleman ties with Lee Haney as the most successful Mr. Olympias in history.

Jay Cutler unseated Ronnie Coleman by winning the title in 2006. He went ahead to defend it the following year. You have to be hardcore to keep up with Cutler’s 10-Rule Never-ending-growth training routine. However, the most intriguing part of his training is the ‘meat and potatoes’ shoulder training exercises. Apart from that, Cutler also did the seated dumbbell overhead presses. These two exercises combined gave him an enviable upper body structure. For a man who worked on the family concrete business to save for a gym membership, winning the Mr. Olympia title was a befitting reward.

Jackson also emphasized building quality muscles for long-term benefits. He weighed 215 pounds at 39, a 78-pound increase from 21 years. Upcoming bodybuilders and fitness experts have been examining him to try and discover his secrets. Jackson had a 6-point plan to emerge at the top in every competition. Here is his plan’s summary:

Find a good trainer
Change the nature of training with age
Watch his diet keenly with regular cut-backs
Replace heavyweights with machine workouts when old age comes knocking
Flexing his arms whenever he felt doubtful of himself
. Work out until you feel it in the muscles

Popularly known as ‘The Gift won and defended the title six times. His secret is on recovery. After days of hard training, Heath embarked on a recovery process that involved stretching to reduce stiffness. The stretching also speeds up the muscle recovery period, which a seasoned bodybuilder needs. Apart from good recovery, he also focused on the diet by eating the right foods. Phil Heath’s overall goal in his prime was to gain as much muscle as he could without adding too much subcutaneous fat.

The 2018 title winner had a rough start at bodybuilding after tearing a couple of tendons in his right hand. However, this setback didn’t deter him from becoming one of the best in the recent past. Having added about 100 pounds from when he started working out, he was among the oldest to win the title at 43. But, what is Shawn Rhoden’s secret to winning the title at such an old age? The late bodybuilder had a secret motivation that saw him defy all odds. He was criticized while on stage during the 2017 Mr. Olympia contest. The negative comments and criticism propelled him to win the title the following year.
Brandon Curry (2019)
Brandon Curry was the favorite to win the title in 2019 after a successful run in the Arnold Classic. He was among the oldest bodybuilders to ever win the title at 36. Like every other successful bodybuilder, Curry has secrets that have kept him at the helm. For instance, he has a training philosophy you don’t see in other bodybuilders. He mastered the techniques of training rather than focusing on strength alone. Curry trains for longevity and makes the muscles work. To him, stimulation is better than weights and performance.

The Egyptian sensation is the reigning and defending Mr. Olympia after unseating Brandon Curry. Mamdouh Elssbiay, unlike many pro bodybuilders, prefers a high-calorie diet. Ultimately, he has ended up with one of the most developed backs a bodybuilder can have. Apart from diet, ‘Big Ramy’ is also an ardent believer in hard work. A lover of chicken and rice, Elssbiay would occasionally spice up his meal to make it tastier. Big Ramy would walk on a machine, then moderately for 30-40 minutes a day. Perhaps this is the secret that helps him cut down on competition.

The Mr. Olympia competition is the ultimate contest for every bodybuilder, and winning the title is the dream of many. Many bodybuilders do not attain this milestone even though they work so hard. However, there are those who have won the title and defended it severally, and this begs the question, what is their secret? Follow these legends on their respective social media profiles to know more about their strategies.

6 Anavar Side Effects & How to Combat Them

Disclaimer: The following article is for educational purposes only and NOT to promote the use of illegal steroids. If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Touliatos is currently available for consultations.

Anavar (Oxandrolone) is one of the most popular anabolic steroids in the world, due to its ability to add lean muscle mass, whilst simultaneously stripping subcutaneous and visceral fat.
Furthermore, Anavar’s effects on muscular strength are often understated, with it being a staple compound in many powerlifters’ pre-competition stacks.
Men take Anavar to become leaner, fuller, stronger and bigger. Women take Anavar for the same reasons; however, it is arguably more coveted by women due to it being one of the few steroids that don’t cause masculinization (in moderate dosages).

Anavar’s popularity doesn’t just stem from the compound’s positive effect on body composition, but also due to its safety profile.
Anavar is an FDA-approved steroid, thus it is considered safe to use when prescribed by a doctor in therapeutic dosages. Such approval is indicative of its mild nature, with women and children successfully taking this oral steroid in clinical trials with few side effects (1).
However, bodybuilders are known to purchase Anavar illegally via the black market, presenting greater risks, with doctors only issuing prescriptions for patients suffering from cachexia (2) or osteoporosis (3).
Thus, Anavar’s side effects can be more pronounced when purchasing non-pharmaceutical graded Oxandrolone, due to a lack of regulation and safety measures when formulating the compound. Bodybuilders are also known to take high dosages (above the therapeutic threshold), without the supervision of a doctor.
6 Anavar Side Effects
The extent of the following side effects is often determined by a user’s genetics, training, diet, dosage and cycle length.
High dosages of Anavar, combined with an unhealthy lifestyle can cause adverse reactions; which may be evident in the user’s next health checkup.
In contrast, healthy individuals taking moderate dosages of Anavar may not notice any side effects, with test scores all falling within a normal range.
1. Cholesterol
Oral anabolic steroids generally have more devastating effects on cholesterol (compared to injectables), due to the stimulation of hepatic lipase in the liver.
However, as a consequence of Anavar’s mild nature, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels do not rise excessively — making it a more cardiovascular-friendly oral anabolic steroid.
Only Testosterone and Deca Durabolin pose less cardiotoxicity than Anavar, out of the entire anabolic steroid family.
A notable increase in blood pressure is still to be expected, which will regulate back to normal levels post-cycle. Thus, users can still expect some cardiovascular strain, marginally increasing the risk of myocardial infarction.
Therefore, individuals with existing high blood pressure, or those genetically prone to heart disease shouldn’t take Anavar (or any other anabolic steroid).
Individuals with healthy blood lipids are unlikely to experience any cardiac-related issues on Anavar.
However, users should always look to minimize cardiotoxicity by performing regular cardiovascular exercise; combined with a diet rich in unsaturated fats, low in saturated fats, and low sodium.
2. Liver Toxicity
Anavar is a c-17 alpha-alkylated steroid, causing alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzymes will rise.
However, due to the mild nature of Anavar and the kidneys also working to break down the compound, hepatic stress is typically very manageable.
Some users will still choose to supplement with Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) for additional protection, with a dosage of 500mg/day.
Users shouldn’t combine Anavar with hepatotoxic medications or alcohol, in a bid to prevent further liver inflammation. Also, users should not take Anavar if their liver is already in an inflamed or injured state.
Generally, the degree of liver stress with Anavar is not problematic for most users, as the organ is very resilient even when abused. ALT/AST enzymes will typically drop back into a normal range quickly post-cycle.
3. Testosterone Suppression
Despite men having significantly more testosterone than women, this side effect applies to both men and women; with testosterone remaining crucial for a woman’s libido, energy and well-being.
Anavar is one of the least suppressive anabolic steroids; however, endogenous testosterone will still decrease notably, due to impairment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA).
Thus, men and women can experience sexual dysfunction, decreased libido, lethargy and depression post-cycle.
Anavar does not completely shut down testosterone levels. Thus, this recovery period is likely to be short (several weeks) before natural testosterone levels rebound back to normal levels.
Due to the mild nature of Anavar, some users may not experience any noticeable side effects or comedown post-cycle, and thus will not feel the need to administer a post-cycle therapy (PCT).
However, for those looking to accelerate endogenous testosterone production and restoration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, medications such as Clomid or Nolvadex may be utilized.
4. Excessive Pumps
One of the benefits of Anavar is increased glycogen storage, causing bigger pumps (in and out of the gym).
A ‘pumped-up’ look may be aesthetically pleasing; however, it can also be somewhat uncomfortable and even painful when working out — due to excessive muscle fullness.
Painful pumps particularly in the lower back are not uncommon when performing deadlifts. Thus, Anavar users should be cautious about incorporating short rest times in between sets or performing high rep ranges during workouts.
One solution for users combating excessive fluid retention in the muscles is to significantly lower carbohydrate intake, resulting in decreased intracellular volume.
Another option is to take a diuretic; however, this isn’t recommended as bodybuilders may further strain their kidneys, increasing the risk of renal disorders (4).
5. Kidney Toxicity
Anavar is unique compared to other anabolic steroids, as the kidneys share more of the workload when processing Oxandrolone upon entry.
The advantage to this is that there is less hepatic (liver) inflammation, and the disadvantage is that there is increased renal (kidney) inflammation.
Thus, there is a risk of acute or chronic kidney injury should Anavar be abused i.e. taken in high dosages or for an excessively long time — being beyond 8 weeks.
For optimal kidney health, get regular checkups before, during and after Anavar cycles — to be aware of serum creatinine levels.
Also, the more diligent Anavar users are in regards to their cardiovascular health (performing regular cardio exercise, reducing sodium intake, etc.) — the healthier their kidneys will be.
This is because high blood pressure damages blood vessels in the kidneys, causing nephron tubules to die — which are the kidney cells needed to filter water out of the body.
6. Virilization
Despite Anavar being a well-tolerated steroid by females, if taken in prolonged cycles ( >5 weeks) or in high dosages ( >10mg/day); masculinization can occur.
Such virilizing side effects may include a deepened voice, breast shrinkage, enlargement of the clitoris or/and hair growth (on the body). Menstrual cycles can also become irregular.
The best way to avoid virilization is to take conservative dosages and to use Anavar sporadically in cycles, rather than continuously using it for several months at a time.
Summary
Anavar is a relatively mild anabolic steroid, with men, women and children taking this steroid safely in a medical environment.
However, bodybuilders should not be complacent regarding this compound; especially as it is often counterfeited on the black market — being substituted for Methandrostenolone (Dianabol). This can present increased risks, especially in regards to cholesterol, liver values and virilization in women.
Furthermore, abusing Anavar or stacking it with highly toxic anabolic steroids is likely to exacerbate side effects — resulting in a downturn in health.

Anavar for Weight Loss (Fat Loss): How Much Will You Lose?

Disclaimer: The following article is for educational purposes only and NOT to promote the use of illegal steroids. If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Touliatos is currently available for consultations.

Anavar (Oxandrolone) is an anabolic steroid used by both men and women, to simultaneously build muscle and burn fat.
Anavar’s anabolic (muscle-building) properties are considered moderate, and thus not equal to bulking steroids that build large amounts of muscle.
However, Anavar’s lipolytic or fat-burning properties are potent (compared to other anabolic steroids), which is why many men and women cycle it when cutting.

Subcutaneous & Visceral Fat Loss
Anavar is a unique anabolic steroid when it comes to fat loss, as it burns both subcutaneous fat and visceral fat.
Subcutaneous fat essentially is adipose tissue that accumulates externally (around a person’s midsection) and is visible to the naked eye.
However, visceral fat is located nearer the internal organs and cannot be seen — although high levels can push out the stomach, causing a bloated or protruding appearance.
Many steroids decrease subcutaneous fat, but increase visceral fat.
This is why many bodybuilders can appear lean with low body fat levels, yet possess a large waist — typically referred to as a ‘steroid gut’.
Anavar however has the opposite effect, creating a notably smaller waist. Chemically, this happens due to Anavar’s positive effects on insulin resistance and triiodothyronine (T3) levels (1); increasingly the breakdown of fatty acids and speeding up the metabolism.
How Much Weight Loss Does Anavar Cause?
Due to Anavar’s anabolic (muscle-building) effects, Anavar may not cause any weight loss on the scales.
However, Anavar will cause significant amounts of fat loss — particularly in stubborn areas.
Thus, the best way to monitor results with Anavar is to take pictures, rather than track weight or BMI; as such readings can be deceptive. Many Anavar users thus lose fat, yet gain weight.
In one study, older men took 20mg/day of Anavar which produced 4lbs of fat loss over 12 weeks (2). This is a sizeable amount of fat loss, considering these men were sedentary and not in a calorie deficit.
Thus, for maximum results when taking Anavar, users should perform regular weight lifting or cardiovascular exercise; which is likely to increase this figure closer to 10lbs of fat loss over a 12 week period. This may not sound like much weight, but visually this can make a dramatic difference to a person’s appearance.
Furthermore, there are other factors that can influence the degree of fat loss on Anavar, such as genetics, training intensity, nutrition, dosage and cycle length.
Someone who trains hard on Anavar will amplify the fat-burning effects of this steroid, as well as a person who eats in a small calorie deficit (-500).
The dosage of Anavar will also play a role in fat loss, with low dosages having less of an effect.
However, it is worth noting that high dosages of Anavar may not burn significantly more fat than a moderate dosage, as there is a cut-off limit of diminishing returns; where only side effects increase (and not results).
Thus, diligent users will stick to moderate dosages, resulting in significant fat loss and minimal side effects.
Anavar Cycles
For Men

The above dosages are tailored for beginners who have not used Anavar before.
Once novices have built up a level of tolerance to Anavar, they can start cycles on 20mg/day and increase the duration to 8 weeks.
Anavar has a short half-life of 9.4-10.4 hours, thus bodybuilders often will take 2 x 10mg dosages per day — once in the morning and the other in the evening. This will maintain peak serum testosterone levels, rather than experiencing fluctuations from infrequent dosing.
This effectively will maximize results (fat loss) and minimize side effects.
Note: When on 15mg/day, bodybuilders will commonly use a pill cutter to split a 10mg pill in half.
For Women

Women should not take more than 10mg/day, as the risk of developing virilization side effects increases beyond this dose.
Therefore, sticking to a cautious yet effective dose (specified in the table above) will retain women’s femininity, whilst producing significant fat loss.
Anavar Weight Loss (Fat Loss) Pictures

This anonymous Anavar user lost a significant amount of fat, whilst increasing muscle definition. Furthermore, he appears to have gained some muscle — albeit not exceptional amounts (as he has previously taken other more potent steroids in the past, thus limiting his muscle-building potential compared to a beginner).

This female user has experienced significant fat loss, from just 5 weeks of taking 10mg/day of Anavar. This is a prime example of how Anavar does not cause weight loss, as she has actually gained 2kg; albeit she is noticeably leaner, especially in her abdominal area.
Anavar Side Effects
Anavar’s positive effects on muscle gain, fat loss and strength aren’t without a cost. Although Anavar is one of the mildest and ‘safest‘ steroids a person can take, there are still adverse reactions that can occur.
Firstly, a user’s aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzymes will rise, signifying hepatic stress (liver inflammation).
Generally, liver enzymes regulate back to normal post-cycle; however, individuals taking Anavar with already compromised liver function is a potentially dangerous scenario.
Equally, Anavar will cause shifts in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, increasing the risk of hypertension and myocardial infarction.
Such cardiovascular risk is believed to be mild compared to other more potent steroids; however, for users with existing high blood pressure, or those genetically susceptible to heart disease, taking Anavar may not be suitable.
Anavar will also suppress endogenous testosterone, causing a state of hypogonadism post-cycle. This typically recovers in a matter of weeks post cycle; however, abuse of Anavar may lead to long-term testosterone deficiency.
Anavar however is FDA-approved for medicinal purposes, indicating its mild nature and relative safety when taken in therapeutic dosages under expert supervision. 
Anavar Stacks for Maximum Fat Loss
Anavar can be stacked with other anabolic steroids for enhanced fat loss. However, if users are looking to maintain low levels of visceral fat — Clenbuterol may be a more suitable option (as many anabolic steroids can cause a bloated look to the abdominal region).
Clenbuterol is a sympathomimetic amine that stimulates thermogenesis, thus dramatically raising a person’s metabolism.
The benefit of such a stack will be enhanced fat loss and greater muscle definition. The downside of stacking Clenbuterol with Anavar is increased cardiovascular risk, as Clenbuterol significantly raises the heart rate (due to higher levels of epinephrine).
Consequently, users are more at risk of developing heart arrhythmia.

Anvarol Before and After Pictures (Just Like Anavar?)

Disclaimer: The following article is for educational purposes only and NOT to promote the use of illegal steroids. If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Touliatos is currently available for consultations.

Anvarol is an Anavar alternative formulated by Crazy Bulk, a leading manufacturer of legal steroid alternatives.
Anvarol is an FDA-approved oral pill containing natural ingredients that mimic the same anabolic and fat-burning effects as Anavar.
Anavar is well-known for its simultaneous muscle-building, strength-enhancing and fat-burning properties.
However, Anavar is also hepatotoxic, decreases endogenous testosterone levels and increases low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
Furthermore, Anavar is illegal and thus bodybuilders must purchase it from the black market which poses various risks — especially due to Anavar’s very high market price. Consequently, many dealers are sneakily decreasing the purity of Anavar, in a bid to increase their profit margin. This effectively leads to users taking considerably lower dosages (unaware) and experiencing fewer results.
Dealers can also substitute Anavar, deceptively replacing it with a significantly cheaper compound to produce — such as Dianabol.
These are just some reasons why bodybuilders are now seeking an Anavar alternative.
But how effective really is Anvarol? And how does it compare to true Anavar? See the before and after pictures below and decide for yourself.
These transformations were taken from the official Crazy Bulk website and various forums. 
Anvarol Before and After #1

John M used Crazy Bulk’s cutting stack for 8 weeks, helping him lose approximately 5% of body fat.
Crazy bulk’s cutting stack includes:

Anvarol (Anavar)
Clenbutrol (Clenbuterol)
Testo-Max (Sustanon 250
Winsol (Winstrol)

It is important to note that John’s results weren’t purely from Anvarol, as other legal steroid alternatives were taken in conjunction. Thus, we don’t know purely how much of his gains solely were Anvarol.
When stacking multiple compounds together, a user’s results typically increase; due to greater levels of protein synthesis and thermogenesis.
In this stack, Clenbutrol will elevate a person’s metabolism, effectively increasing their calorie expenditure each day at rest. Thus, it is purely taken as a fat burner with no anabolic properties.
Anvarol, Winsol and Testo-Max are formulated to build muscle and burn fat simultaneously. Thus, when users are cutting on lower calories, because of these compounds’ anabolic nature, users are more likely to retain their strength and muscle mass.
Anvarol Before and After #2 (Female)

Giovan took Anvarol and HGH-x2, enabling her to lose 3% of body fat, whilst simultaneously building lean muscle.
Giovan does not specify how long she used Anvarol and HGH-x2; however, it is likely to be multiple cycles.
Her BMI actually increased by 1.6, despite losing notable amounts of subcutaneous fat. Thus, taking before and after photos is a more reliable way to track progress, rather than using BMI readings or scales. This is due to Anvarol building muscle and burning fat simultaneously (like Anavar).
Giovan also experienced impressive strength gains on Anvarol and HGH-x2, as she states it was a struggle to squat 60lbs at the beginning of her first cycle. However, now she is able to lift 150lbs without breaking a sweat.
Anvarol Before and After #3

Prior to this before and after photo, Cole had previously bulked up, gaining 25lbs after taking Testo-Max, Trenorol and Winsol.
However, the above before and after picture is his cutting transformation, after using:

Testo-Max
Anvarol
Winsol
Trenorol
Anadrol
Gynectrol

He has lost a significant amount of fat, built muscle and lost his man boobs.
Again, the timespan of this transformation is unknown and the impact of Anvarol alone is impossible to measure. However, it is clear that Anvarol stacked with other cutting agents from Crazy Bulk are producing impressive transformations.
Anvarol Before and After #4

William lost 17lbs in 30 days, after taking Crazy Bulk’s cutting stack (including Anvarol) and HGH-x2.
William reduced his waist by 5cm, significantly increasing the definition of his midsection.
HGH-x2 is another powerful fat-burning compound that complements Anvarol’s effects when cutting, due to its lipolytic properties.
Anavar Before and After Pictures
For comparison’s sake, below are some before and after pictures of people who have taken real Anavar.

The above user had already taken anabolic steroids before, thus his muscle gains weren’t dramatic. However, notable fat loss and improvements in muscle definition are evident — as well as fuller and more pumped muscles.

This woman took 10mg/day of Anavar for 5 weeks, resulting in a 4% reduction in body fat; whilst gaining 2kg in weight. Once accounting for the fat loss, she is estimated to have gained around 5kg in lean muscle.
Anvarol vs Anavar
Readers should be skeptical when looking at before and after photos hosted on a supplement company’s website. However, Crazy Bulk has received thousands of positive reviews on Trustpilot and Feefo, thus it’s reasonable to assume the before and after photos are legitimate — especially as they are realistic.
In terms of effectiveness, it is fair to assume that Anvarol won’t be as powerful as Anavar; considering it isn’t exogenous testosterone. However, the before and after photos are actually comparable to Anavar — demonstrating similar amounts of fat loss and muscle gain.
Anvarol Pros
Anvarol is FDA-approved and safe for men and women to take all year-round, as it doesn’t damage the HPTA (hypothalamic pituitary testicular axis) and suppress natural testosterone levels.
Anavar however does need to be cycled, with users experiencing low testosterone post-cycle, which typically takes several weeks to recover.
Thus, even if Anvarol is slightly less effective than Anavar because it is safer and can be cycled for longer periods without having to come off — the end result may indeed be the same.
Equally, women don’t need to worry about masculinization occurring on Anvarol, which is possible on high dosages of Anavar — potentially causing: clitoral enlargement, irregular periods, deepened voice and hair growth.
Anavar is FDA-approved for medicinal purposes, but it is illegal to purchase for cosmetic purposes (without a prescription from a doctor). Anvarol is 100% legal.
Anvarol is not hepatotoxic and does not affect cholesterol levels, thus there is no risk of this compound causing high blood pressure or liver damage. Anavar however can cause both of these side effects, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction and hepatic injury.
Anvarol can be safely stacked with other steroid alternatives from Crazy Bulk to enhance results, without any side effects.
Anavar too can be stacked with other anabolic steroids; however, doing so will exacerbate side effects — resulting in additional toxicity.
Anvarol is more affordable, retailing at $54.99 for 1 month’s worth of dosing. This also can work out cheaper, if someone orders 3 bottles and thus gets the third one free.
In comparison, Anavar is very expensive on the black market typically costing a few hundred dollars (at least) to run a 6-week cycle.
Anvarol Cons
Users will most likely need to work harder on Anvarol, in regards to the consistency of their diet and intensity of their workouts — in order to match the results of Anavar.
Also, Anvarol users may not experience the same degree of muscle fullness or huge pumps as Anavar, with the latter having superior glycogen-storing properties.

What to Expect on Tren (17 Pros and Cons)

Disclaimer: The following article is for educational purposes only and NOT to promote the use of illegal steroids. If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Touliatos is currently available for consultations.

Trenbolone is an incredibly potent anabolic steroid that bodybuilders use to simultaneously gain muscle and burn fat.
A well-known mantra in bodybuilding is ‘eat Clen and Tren hard‘ — for one seeking the ultimate physique.
Some people say Trenbolone’s not worth it due to the harsh side effects — being one of the most toxic compounds a person can take (physiologically and psychologically).
However, others argue that Tren’s adverse effects are exaggerated, and not notably worse than other anabolics.
Firstly, it is important to understand that each person will respond differently to Trenbolone based on their genetic code — making them more or less prone to certain side effects.
However, below are 17 effects that Trenbolone users commonly experience.

Monster Strength
Trenbolone’s effects on strength are truly exceptional, especially as it doesn’t aromatize and cause water retention.
Almost every competitive powerlifter will be running Trenbolone in their stack before a meet. 
Users who are relatively new to anabolic steroids can add almost 100lbs to their bench press on Trenbolone — within the first month of a cycle.
This surely is a positive, however, bodybuilders will want to be careful of lifting excessively heavy during their first few Trenbolone cycles; to allow their muscles/tendons time to adapt. Otherwise, rapid increases in strength will leave users more susceptible to injury.
Shortness of Breath
It is not uncommon for users to experience shortness of breath when walking up the stairs or doing light exercise on Tren.
This happens due to a rise in blood pressure, indicating decreased blood flow to the heart; thus deeper breaths are needed to increase oxygen supply.
“Tren makes my cardio suck. Doing squats or lunges on Tren makes my breath run out much faster. I feel more powerful and stronger, but my aerobic capacity feels like it takes a 25-30% hit”. – Anonymous Tren-User
Muscle Gains
It is of no surprise that muscle gains on Tren are exceptional, with it being 5x more anabolic and androgenic than Testosterone.
How much muscle a user will gain on Tren will depend on their level of past steroid use.
For example, if a beginner utilizes low dosages of Trenbolone, their results, in terms of muscle hypertrophy, will be remarkable (gaining approximately 30lbs of lean muscle).
However, someone who has regularly used various steroids in the past may not gain as much, although taking Trenbolone could certainly take their muscle size to the next level — gaining 10-15 extra pounds (which is impressive for an intermediate steroid user).
Confidence of a King
Tren-users will ooze confidence due to incredible surges in exogenous testosterone. This will bring out a person’s inner alpha male to the maximum.
This powerful aura will be observed by everyone around them, and not only will confidence improve on a social level but also on a primal level.
I didn’t want to fight people, but I did walk into bars/clubs and feel like a lion. I thought to myself “If someone started something I could throw them across the room” but I wasn’t seeking trouble or any more likely to get into a fight. I just felt invincible. – Anonymous Tren-User
Hair Loss
Trenbolone is the most likely steroid to cause hair loss, recession or thinning on the scalp; due to its highly androgenic nature.
However, users have reported that approximately 80% of hair loss reverses back post-cycle — when dihydrotestosterone levels regulate back to normal.
Although hair loss may restore post-cycle for those using Tren sparingly — others looking to run regular Tren cycles long-term will face an uphill battle to preserve their hairline.
Thus, for those wanting to keep their hair as thick and full as possible, it may be wise to avoid Trenbolone; instead opting for less androgenic steroids, such as Dianabol or Deca Durabolin.
Fat Loss
Trenbolone is a potent fat burner, due to it being highly androgenic — with the AR (androgen receptor) stimulating lipolysis in adipose tissue.
How much fat a user will lose will depend on their training and diet.
Thus, someone bulking on Tren and eating in a generous calorie surplus may stay at the same body fat.
However, someone cutting on Tren, eating in a calorie deficit and doing regular HIIT may lose 6% of body fat from an 8-week cycle.
Generally, Trenbolone’s fat-burning effects are overpowered by its ability to pack on muscle; and thus most will utilize Trenbolone when trying to gain lean mass.
Constant Pump/Muscle Fullness
Pumps will be extreme during workouts, but this will also be a common theme outside of the gym — due to increased glycogen storage.
“I took a vacation that wouldn’t allow me to workout for an entire week. I thought I would shrink and look flat/deflated, but people were coming up to me telling me how big I looked, and looking back at the vacation photos I have to agree”. – Anonymous Tren-user
Tren Cough
Tren cough can be described as a ‘dry cough’ that occurs when injecting Trenbolone, lasting for several seconds.
Such respiratory distress can also occur when injecting other steroids, such as Testosterone Cypionate.
This is not thought to be serious and most likely related to Trenbolone’s high androgenicity, causing inflammatory lipids (prostaglandins) to become activated. Thus, upon injection, vasoconstriction of the muscular wall (in the bronchus) causes some irritation to the lungs.
Sweating
Trenbolone stimulates the central nervous system, increasing the production of adrenaline and therefore inducing thermogenesis. One benefit to this is that the metabolism increases, helping users to burn more calories naturally throughout the day.
However, the negative to high adrenaline levels is increased sweating in and out of the gym.
Waking up in the middle of the night in a puddle of sweat is a common theme on Trenbolone. Thus, to inhibit excessive adrenaline, users may want to reduce their caffeine intake when cycling Tren. Sleeping with a fan next to the bed will also help to cool the body down.
Hair Growth (on the Body)
Due to elevated DHT levels, we know that Tren-users can experience androgenetic alopecia (a loss of hair on the scalp).
However, for the rest of the body, users can expect faster and thicker hair growth — which can be advantageous for men coveting more grandiose beards.

Insomnia
If you struggle to fall asleep at night, Trenbolone may not be a suitable steroid, due to its stimulative effects on the CNS (central nervous system) — causing insomnia.
One way to overcome ‘Trensomnia‘ is to eat ample amounts of steak, chicken, or turkey before bedtime; combined with large quantities of carbohydrates. These 3 types of meat are rich in l-tryptophan, an amino acid that has sedative qualities, helping to soothe users’ central nervous system. Combining l-tryptophan with carbohydrates in a meal aids absorption and amplifies its soothing effects.
Taking a hot bath before bedtime is also one of the most effective and natural ways to unwind and overcome insomnia. Supplements such as GABA, red grape seed extract and valerian root can also help — in conjunction with teas such as chamomile or lavender.
If a person cannot sleep despite altering their diet, taking supplements and various other means to calm; they will become more catabolic due to a rise in cortisol. This can exacerbate Tren’s side effects, further increasing blood pressure and somewhat inhibiting fat loss/muscle growth. In this case, another steroid may be more effective than Trenbolone; not in terms of potency, but because sleep is vital for optimal body composition.
Better Sex
With testosterone, androgen and nitric oxide levels surging; blood flow will increase to the penis, positively affecting size and erection quality.
This often makes for a better sex life for many users (albeit temporarily).
“At 175mg/week of Testosterone and 350mg/week of Tren my sex drive was amazing, with my girlfriend having to tap out multiple times” – Anonymous Tren-User
However, the opposite effect can also happen to some users. Reduced libido and weakened erections can occur due to Trenbolone indirectly increasing prolactin levels, via shutdown of the hypothalamus, negatively affecting feedback regulation of this lactating hormone.
Bodybuilders can take Cabergoline, a dopaminergic that is medically used to treat hyperprolactinemia (high levels of prolactin) — helping to restore optimal sexual function.
Dark Urine
Tren-users often notice their urine go a dark colour on-cycle. This is due to Trenbolone’s thermogenic effects, effectively dehydrating the body.
Thus, it is important for bodybuilders to increase their water intake on Tren, which will result in urine returning back to its normal colour.
Irritability
Trenbolone is likely to shorten a user’s patience, due to its stimulative effect.
Simply, it is more difficult to stay cool with an elevated heart rate and high levels of adrenaline.
For many, Trenbolone is an emotional rollercoaster, with mood swings by the hour.
“Whatever may happen in your life, and whatever kind of mood you may have, it can feel like Trenbolone amplifies all of your emotions tenfold”. – Anonymous Tren-User
Photoshopped Look
If a person is already lean before starting their Tren cycle, they will begin to look photoshopped, due to a combination of:

Reduced water levels
Full muscles
Increased vascularity
Trapezius and deltoid muscles ballooning in size

The trapezius and deltoid muscles are more susceptible to hypertrophy on Tren, due to them having higher androgen receptors; causing them to respond particularly well to androgenic steroids.
A notable reduction in extracellular water can make a lean person look considerably more ripped. However, a person higher in body fat may not notice any increases in muscle definition, merely from shifts in water.
Acne Breakouts
If a person is prone to acne vulgaris, Trenbolone is likely to cause further breakouts due to its androgenic nature. This is particularly common on the back (known as ‘bacne’).
Tren causes acne due to androgens stimulating the sebaceous glands, causing increased sebum production; which is a waxy substance used to moisturize the skin.
However, when there is an excess of this viscous fluid, it can block the pores leading to cystic acne in very sensitive users.
Isotretinoin, better known as Accutane, is commonly used by bodybuilders who suffer from acne, but want to experience the benefits of Trenbolone (or other androgenic steroids).
Depression
The positive effects on mood and confidence whilst on Trenbolone are truly indisputable. However, as the saying goes: ‘What goes up must come down‘.
The crash post-cycle can be fierce, indicative of damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA) and deficient endogenous testosterone levels.
Bodybuilders on-cycle have even reported random bouts of depression. This may occur due to infrequent injections, thus during a time when serum testosterone levels taper off (just before a new dose).

“I experienced depression at random times. I could wake up one morning and I would refuse to get out of bed, I’d just lay awake with my eyes open, staring at the ceiling and feeling helpless for an hour or so. Other times I would stay at home instead of working out and just lay on the couch and feel so helpless”. – Anonymous Tren-User

Therefore, Trenbolone may exacerbate mental health issues, and thus vulnerable individuals should steer away from this steroid.
After a cycle, shut down testosterone levels can cause lethargy and diminished sexual function (as well as depression). These side effects can last several weeks or months, hence why bodybuilders commonly opt for an aggressive PCT (post cycle therapy).
Below is a PCT protocol developed by Dr. Michael Scally, a hormone replacement expert. This trio of medications has proven to be a great success in clinical trials for restoring the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA) from anabolic steroids.
When 19 steroid-induced hypogonadal men were given Dr. Scally’s PCT protocol in a clinical setting, 100% of them recovered their endogenous testosterone production within 45 days.
Here is what they took:

HCG – 2000 IU administered every other day for 20 days
Nolvadex – 2 x 20mg for 45 days
Clomid– 2 x 50mg for 30 days

This is considered an aggressive PCT and thus suitable for utilizing post-Trenbolone use. 
Summary
You cannot definitively know what to expect on Tren until you inject it — as people have different experiences based on their genetics.
One person may become hypertensive after a few cycles, whereas another person’s blood pressure can remain in the normal range.
It is also worth noting that the negative side effects of Tren are more likely to occur at higher dosages (over 400mg/week).
Thus, less is more is a good rule when cycling potent steroids like Tren; with there essentially being a cut-off point of diminishing returns once you go past a certain dose (likely to be 300mg/week).
Furthermore, almost every Trenbolone product is different, based on the UGL (underground lab) manufacturer and their skill at formulating a pure product.