Steroids guide A-Z

In this article I will try to pass on the necessary knowledge required for the safe use of steroids. Below you will find descriptions of drugs, tips on how to get rid of injection anxiety, an example of a basic cycle from A-Z and information on where to buy the medicines needed during the cycle. 

What are anabolic steroids?

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are androgens having a steroid group. They can be both naturally occurring substances such as testosterone or synthetic with similar effects. These hormones are used by doctors to counteract diseases causing muscle atrophy, depression and to improve the quality of life of people over 40. Due to their high effectiveness, they are also popular among athletes – a survey conducted in the UK in 2017 shows that as many as 9.8% of gym visitors declare that they use anabolic steroids.

Anabolic steroids, as the name suggests, increase the intensity of anabolic (growth) processes in the body, protein synthesis, muscle mass and strength gain. 

How do anabolic steroids work?

Anabolic steroids work on three levels:

1. By binding to androgenic receptors, they increase protein synthesis in the muscles.
2. by binding to glucocorticoid receptors, they reduce the intensity of catabolic processes in muscles (protein breakdown)
3. through psychological actions, they increase motivation in the gym 

Are They Dangerous?

Whether steroids are harmful and to what extent depends mainly on the type of substances used and the amount of knowledge the user has about them. With well-thought-out and well-planned cycles, there are no or minimal side effects. Unfortunately, many people decide to use steroids without elementary knowledge buying drugs from their friends at the gym. 

Many young people decide to start their journey with steroids with oral drugs. Contrary to what one might think, most of these drugs are much more dangerous than injectable steroids and should not be used by newbies. 

Are There Any Long Term Effects?

Whether side effects occur while using steroids depends on the knowledge of the user, the planned cycle and genetic factors. Possible long-term side effects include gynecomastia, hair loss, lowering of the voice, erection problems and liver damage (when using massive doses of oral steroids without liver supplements).

Fortunately, EVERY of these side effects can be prevented by planning reasonable cycles and buying preventive substances beforehand, so that you can take them as soon as you need them. 

Should I Begin Taking Anabolic Steroids?

The decision about whether you should start using anabolic steroids is entirely up to you. Many experienced people recommend that you do not start AAS unless you are 20 years old or older and train at a gym for at least 3 years. This is due to the fact that before 20 years of age there is a chance that your endocrine system is not fully developed and you are simply not mentally ready and may regret this decision in the future. 

While the community of bodybuilders recognizes these guidelines, they are not, of course, rigid inviolable rules. I personally started using steroids at the age of 19, after about a year of training, and so far, although more than 15 years have passed since then, do not regret this decision. It is worth noting, however, that I have always been a stubborn person and, unlike my peers, I tried to gain as much knowledge as possible before starting doping. 

Regardless of everything, you should not start the cycle before you are 18 years old. Before starting the first cycle, it is also worth asking yourself the following questions: am I going to practice for the next few years? Am I doing this for myself or to impress someone? Can I do the basic exercises properly: squats, deadlifts, pullups, rowing? Am I disciplined enough to follow a diet?

If you answered any of the questions negatively, steroids are not for you.

YOUR FIRST STEROID CYCLE

Can I do an oral only cycle?

Of course. Should you? I don’t think so. A cycle consisting of only oral steroids very quickly causes testosterone suppression and related problems. Moreover, because of the high hepatotoxicity of most oral steroids, these cycles cannot be too long, so most of the mass gained usually turns out to be water. 

The first cycle should consist of 1 or a maximum of 2 substances. With a larger number of substances, if there are any problems, it will be difficult to identify the cause. 

Most people choose a 500mg/week testosterone for their first cycle. This type of cycle should ideally last about 15 weeks. 

Testosterone is the base of virtually all cycles. This is due to the fact that while using anabolic steroids, the natural production of this hormone decreases temporarily – the body detects that it has a sufficient amount of androgens, so it stops its production. However, testosterone is necessary for its proper functioning. Without its presence in the body, a large number of essential processes stops taking place. Moreover, it is a hormone with high anabolic abilities, which guarantees excellent growths. 

For this reason, I suggest that you use it in your first cycle. 

It is worth mentioning that testosterone effects usually appear after 3-6 weeks depending on the type of testosterone (different esters release testosterone at different times). For this reason, some people decide to simultaneously take Dianabol, an oral steroid, for the first 4-6 weeks). 

What will you need for your first cycle?

Why three bottles of testosterone?

On many forums, a beginner is advised to take 10 or 12 weeks of testosterone at 500mg/week for the first cycle. Since testosterone effects are only becoming fully visible in the 6th week, the 10-week cycle is far too short. A 12-week cycle makes a lot more sense, but you will still have to buy 3 bottles of testosterone. For this reason, I suggest you start with a 15-week cycle.

Estradiol control

Both too high and too low levels of Estradiol cause side effects.

When taking testosterone, the level of Estradiol naturally increases, which means that too low a level is only possible if you take too much of the aromatase inhibitor.  

Side effects of too high Estradiol:

• acne
• gynaecomastia
• mood swings (even extreme ones, e.g. crying watching movies) 
• water retention in the body
• increased blood pressure
• nipple itching
• oily skin
• lethargy

Side effects of too low an Estradiol level:

• libido/erectile dysfunction problems
• weak orgasms
• dry skin
• increased aggressiveness
• joint pain
• fatigue
• low appetite
• hair loss

The best way to check your hormone levels is, of course, to have a blood test. In my experience, I can say that people on the first cycle are often hypersensitive and tell themselves the above mentioned symptoms. As a result, they take Aromatase Inhibitors unnecessarily and lower the level of Estradiol below the norm. 

All symptoms of too much Estradiol, including gynecomastia, are easily reversible within a few weeks of their occurrence. Therefore, if you suspect your E2 level is too high, and you do not have the possibility to perform blood tests, observe the situation for 2-3 days instead of acting hastily. 

Personally, I do not need any Aromatase Inhibitor when using testosterone at a dose <800mg/week. However, the situation is different for each person, and some people need AI even at a dose of 125mg/week. For this reason, it is not possible to establish a universal dosage for all. 

However, the most common dosages at 500mg of testosterone are:

0.5 mg Anastrazole(Arimidex) 2x per week 

or 

12.5 mg Exemestane(Aromasin) 2x a week

Post cycle therapy

As I wrote earlier, the amount of testosterone secreted by the body gradually decreases during each cycle. When steroids are stopped, its concentration slowly returns to normal on its own. However, this may take up to several months (after long cycles). Decreased testosterone levels cause a significant decrease in mood, libido and muscle mass loss. PCT is used to prevent the loss of muscles gained during the cycle and to speed up the recovery. PCTs stimulate the pituitary gland to work and thus boost natural testosterone secretion in the body. 

PCT usually starts after 3-4 half-life times after the discontinuation of the agent with the longest ester. In case of this cycle, it will be about two weeks.

In case of longer cycles or “more blocking” it is also worth to buy HCG. This substance counteracts, amongst others, atrophy of testicles, thus making PCT easier. In case of a cycle based on testosterone and lasting less than 20 weeks, there is no need to do so. 

The cycle will look like this:

After the cycle is over, wait at least 8-10 weeks (preferably 12 weeks) before starting the next one. 

Making an injection

There are two types of injections: intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (subq). 

Most steroid users use intramuscular injections. In recent years, however, the subq technique has become increasingly popular. This is because of the use of a much smaller needle (insulin needle – only 8mm long) which makes the injections completely painless and the release of the substance is more gradual and stable resulting in a much lower aromatization. Unfortunately, this method can be used to give a maximum of 0.5ml in one injection. Otherwise bubbles form under the skin – similar to an insect bite (they disappear after about a week).

Comparison of needle size for intramuscular injections and subq:

In the case of the subq method, the optimal needle size is 30G x 0.8cm (0.3″).

For the IM method, the optimal needle size is 25G x 2.5cm (1″).

Of course, in both cases, both the length of the needle and its diameter (the higher the number G, the smaller the diameter of the needle) can be slightly larger or smaller. 

Good video presenting how to make subq injection (although I don’t agree with no pulling fat rule):

How to make an injection?

1. Clean the vial: wipe the rubber on top of the vial with alcohol and wait about a minute.
2. Pull as much air into the syringe as you intend to draw oil (this will prevent vacuum from forming in the vial)
3. Insert the needle and put all the air into the vial.
4. Draw in a substance – a little more than you need
5. Without pulling out the needle, tap lightly on the syringe until the air is at the top of the syringe ( by the needle) and then inject the air back into the vial with the excess solution.
6. Wipe the area where you intend to inject with alcohol and wait a few seconds
7. Pull the needle out of the vial and without hesitation stab it in the planned place (the more decisive the move you make, the less pain you will feel)
8. Inject the solution – the speed of injection depends on the diameter of the needle, on average it is about ml/30s, but on the first injection, you can do it slower.
9. Remove the syringe with a quick motion.
10. Throw away the syringe – the needle cannot be used again!

Subq injection sites:

Post Injection Pain (PIP)

Sometimes between a few minutes and a few hours after the injection, pain may appear in the area. It is nothing dangerous and is commonly referred to as PIP. You can reduce PIP by warming the oil in your hands/on a slightly warm radiator before injection. 

What causes PIP?

• short esters of steroids
• high concentration of the agent
• the solvents used
• injecting too quickly
• Unadapted muscle

Acne

Severe acne can be a symptom of excessive levels of oestradiol. In some people who are predisposed to its occurrence, however, it may appear despite the acceptable concentration of this hormone. In this case, I recommend using isotretinoin. It is a very effective substance used by dermatologists in doses of 40-60 mg per day to treat acne. Unfortunately, in such doses, it has a lot of side effects – intense dryness of skin, eyes, mouth, etc. On a cycle, you will need about 10mg every two days. In this dose, you will definitely not see any side effects.

Where to buy anabolic steroids online

You can buy steroids from your local dealer or online. In the first situation, I would suggest you approach the biggest guy in the gym and ask him for advice. Unfortunately, many steroids are fake, and it’s not uncommon to receive a poor quality product both when buying from a friend and online. Below are two sources that I have checked and from which I buy steroids when I am abroad.

By the way, it is worth noting that there are no legal consequences for buying or owning steroids for your own use. You can only have problems if you have a large amount suggesting trade or “cooking” equipment.  

MyPharmWorld

This is an online pharmacy located in the UK that sells drugs without a prescription. It offer includes steroids, AI and PCTs. The medicines sold are original and come directly from pharmacies. Their quality is higher than that of any 

“underground labs”. I highly recommend, especially because of the possibility to purchase AI and PCT drugs, which you are 100% sure will work.

The store also offers insurance at the price of 5EUR – if the parcel is lost or confiscated by customs officers, you will get a refund. 

Unfortunately, due to the fact that the drugs comes directly from pharmacies, the price is higher than that of the “underground labs”. They do not ship to the USA or Canada!

PrestigePharma

One of the first stores I used to buy steroids over the Internet. It used to be present under the .com domain, but due to legal problems they had to suspend their activity for a few years. They sell products of very good quality. A lot of medicines (PCT, Aromatase Inhibitors, Cabaser, etc.) come from pharmacies, so you can be sure they will work as they should. The rest comes from the biggest European manufacturers, so the quality should also be good.

EDIT: After contacting the shop owners, I managed to get a discount code for blog readers: RICHARDJ10

Poweroids

Currently one of the most popular steroid stores in the world. So far I have used it 4 times and each time I received the ordered drugs without problems. I also had no objections to the quality of the agents, but it is worth noting that I ordered mostly rarely faked products: testosterone, trenbolone, clomid, exemestane and essentialinoin. The only frequently counterfeited agent I once ordered was HCG and its quality was also ok.
The price is, of course, lower than that of the drugs from the pharmacy. They ship all over the world; shipments come from the UK and the USA.

I think that the information given above is sufficient to run the first cycle. If you would like to learn more about steroids, please read the rest of the article and other ones available on the website. 

Let me remind you that most steroids need time to see their full effects. If you don’t see any changes for the first 2-4 weeks, it doesn’t have to mean that you’ve been scammed.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can someone expect to gain during the first cycle of steroids?

It is impossible to answer this question with certainty. What effects you will achieve depends on the dose of the substances used, the length of the cycle, the length of the gym training, genetics and the quality of diet and training. During a standard 15-week testosterone cycle, you can expect gains of 10-15kg, of which 6-10kg will remain after the cycle. However, it should be noted that the mass gained during the cycle will be of much better quality than naturally. 

Why Young People Should Not Take AAS

If you are under 20 years of age, there is a probability that your endocrine system is not fully developed. Interference in the hormonal system at this age significantly increases the chances of long-term side effects. 

In addition, hormones are still at a very high level, so muscle-building should not be a problem if you train and eat properly. 

Keep in mind that hormones are not candy, and if you use them recklessly, you may regret this decision in the future. 

Another less common issue is that young people often don’t have enough money to buy all the medicines they need during the cycle and only buy steroids. In this case, the chances that the cycle will not go according to their wishes are 90%.

The last problem is the lack of adequate knowledge about the drugs used. Unfortunately, at adolescence age, we often think that we are smarter than everyone else and know everything best. My observations show that more than 90% of people who experience severe side effects during the cycle do not have a basic knowledge about the action of substances they use. 

Anastrazole(Arimidex) vs. Exemestane(Aromasin)

Aromasin is better AI than Arimidex in virtually every way: it lowers Estradiol levels faster, increases the concentration of free testosterone in the blood, increases the concentration of the anabolic hormone IGF-1, is less harmful to the liver, and so on. However, it has two drawbacks:

It is a so-called suicidal aromatase inhibitor – this means that if you take too much of it, you will have to wait for the body to rebuild the aromatase enzymes after discontinuation = you will have to wait more than a week for the oestradiol level to return to normal.

It is much more harmful to hair. Of course, it causes hair loss only in people who have a tendency to hair loss.  

There is one more Aromatase Inhibitor – Letrozole. However, it is a very strong substance and should not be used by beginners – it is very easily knocks down estradiol levels practically to zero. It is often used to reverse gynecomastia (if it is not older than six weeks). 

Are the gains from steroid use temporary?

Yes and no. If you haven’t reached your genetic limit yet, you shouldn’t lose the muscles gained during the cycle – of course, provided that you have done your PCT, are still training and maintaining your diet. In that case, the effects will be permanent. However, if you have stopped exercising or have not done PCT, you will probably lose most of your gains. 

Steroids also allow you to exceed the genetic limit temporarily. In this case, you will be able to return to your genetic limit within a few months after you stop using AAS. 

It is worth mentioning that steroids permanently change the physiology of your muscles by increasing the number of cell nuclei and satellite cells. A larger number of cell nuclei means more effective management of their volume and, consequently, faster expansion. A greater number of satellite cells accelerates muscle regeneration. They have a “muscle memory” effect, which means that even a few years after you stop using AAS, you will build your muscles faster than if you had never used doping. 

Can steroids make me look like a professional bodybuilder?

If you have good genetic predisposition, it is possible with a lot of work and effort. Steroids significantly increase the genetic potential, but even they cannot guarantee the figure of a professional bodybuilder in some cases. It should also be remembered that people in bodybuilding competitions use several times higher doses of steroids than the average gym users using doping.

What are the safest steroids for men?

Testosterone is considered the safest anabolic steroid for men. It is a hormone naturally occurring in the body and is therefore usually very well tolerated by the body. 

What steroids will not cause hair loss?

All steroids can increase hair loss to a certain extent if you have a predisposition to it. It is widely accepted that the stronger the androgen ratio to anabolism of a substance, the higher the risk of hair loss. 

In most cases, steroids don’t cause baldness but only speed it up – if you’re going to have baldness in the future, it will happen much faster, if not then you won’t be affected by hair loss. 

If you are afraid for your hair, you can get finasteride – a substance limiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT (a hormone considered to be the main cause of baldness).

However, baldness is a complicated process. In my case, steroids have almost completely inhibited hair loss. I had 20-30 hairs left on my hands before the start of the cycle every day while washing my hair. After two weeks of the cycle, the hair loss was reduced by 90%. The truth is that science can’t explain 100% why we’re balding, and it’s all about theory. The most commonly blamed is the hormone DHT. However, if only it was the cause, finasteride would help 100% of people, not 50-60%. 

What are the safest steroids for women?

The safest steroids for women are those with the lowest androgenic activity. The most popular substances among women are nandrolone, oxandrolone(anavar), methenolone and turinabol.

Is there a limit to how muscular someone can get with unlimited gear?

Yes, myostatin is responsible for that. Its level in the body determines our ability to build muscles. With the increase in muscle mass, its level also increases, slowing down subsequent gains. 

Can I do an oral only cycle?

Of course. Should you? Probably not. A cycle consisting solely of oral steroids very quickly causes testosterone suppression and related problems. Moreover, because of the high hepatotoxicity of most oral steroids, these cycles cannot be too long, so most of the mass gained usually turns out to be water. 

I’m getting unbearable back / shin / calf / etc. pumps. What can I do?

You can use the following substances:

Taurine 3-5g 3x daily

Magnesium 200-500mg before training

Potassium 500+mg before training

Increase the amount of water consumed.

If the above-mentioned methods do not help, you can try using 10-20mg of cialis daily. 

My Injection Spot Is Red, Itchy, Or Sore?

Moderate redness and a feeling of warmth can be a symptom of a slight allergy to oil in which the substance is dissolved or the amount of alcohol in the solution. However, if the inflammation is serious and does not disappear after a few days, you should go to a doctor. 

Is It Normal To Bleed After An Injection?

Yes. Bleeding does not always occur, but sometimes it can, especially if you use large diameter needles. 

Can I Re-Use Syringes?

Absolutely not. If a needle is inserted into the body it cannot be re-used. This can cause the accumulation of bacteria and inflammation. 

How Fast Should I Inject?

The rate of injection depends on the diameter of the needle. The larger the needle diameter, the faster you can pump the substance. The average time is about 30 seconds per ml/cc.  

Is It Dangerous To Inject Small Air Bubbles?

No. Small air bubbles are not dangerous and should not be feared. To kill a human being, it would be necessary to inject more than 3ml of air at once. Of course, you should try to get rid of all the air from the syringe before the injection – the small bubble will not kill us, but injected into the vein may cause discomfort and slight disturbances in heart rate. 

What would be the most likely outcome if a young man were using anabolic steroids?

The result of steroid use at this age would be very similar to that experienced by adults. However, the risk of long-term side effects at this age is much higher. 

how long do anabolic steroids stay in your system?

The detection time of the remains of steroids in the blood depends on the substance used. In most cases, there is no trace of them ten weeks after discontinuation.