Steroid hormones are widely used in many areas of medical practice. Like other hormonal drugs, they are surrounded by many myths and prejudices. Let's take a closer look at them. The first steroid hormones were isolated in 1935 and used for the first time in 1949 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Steroid hormones are synthesized by the adrenal cortex and gonads. They are lipophilic and pass through the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane, interacting with cytoplasmic receptors. Among the steroid hormones synthesized by the human body are:
- Mineralocorticoids
- Glucocorticoids
- Sex hormones
At the same time, synthetic steroid hormones – anabolic steroids – have become widely used.
Rating of the best steroids[edit | edit code]
Data analysis shows that there are no modern and safe steroids
. Recently, no new drugs have been developed, with the exception of a separate class of SARMs, the effect of which is only being studied. Otherwise, the diversity is due to the fact that different manufacturers give their own trade names, so you always need to evaluate the active ingredient. For example, the well-known methandrostenolone has about 50 different trade names.
This article contains comparative data on the effectiveness and safety of anabolic steroids from open sources. The use of potent drugs is possible only as directed and under the supervision of a medical specialist.
due to the risk of side effects.
"Andriol"
The use of this medication in men with hypogonadism normalizes the total level of testosterone in the blood and increases the concentration of bioavailable testosterone. During the period of therapy, the content of estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in the blood increases, and the level of globulin decreases.
The active element of the drug is testosterone undecanoate. Its use leads to an increase in bone mineral density and lean body mass, as well as normalization of sexual function. Depending on the dosage of testosterone undecanoate, there is a decrease in the level of low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins and an increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin. Clinically insignificant changes in the level of liver enzymes and prostate antigen also occur. Therapy may cause prostate enlargement. Patients with diabetes and hypogonadism have increased insulin sensitivity and decreased glucose levels.
According to men, this drug is very effective. It is easily tolerated and causes virtually no side effects.
What is the rating of anabolic steroids? In first place is the drug "Dianabol", the second is occupied by "Nandrolone" ("Retabolil"). Third place should be given to Deca Durabolin.
Rating of steroid manufacturers according to Eroids[edit | edit code]
Rating of steroid manufacturers (brands) according to Do4a
International rating of popularity of anabolic steroid manufacturers according to eroids.com
List of main manufacturers:
- Balkan Pharmaceuticals (Moldova)
- Pharmacom Labs (Moldova)
- EPF Euro Prime Farmaceuticals SRL (Moldova)
- Vermodje SRL (Moldova)
- Golden Dragon
- British Dragon
- Alpha Pharma (India)
- Axiolabs
- Zhengzhou Pharmaceutical (China)
- SP Laboratories (SP Labs)
- British Dispensary (Thailand)
- Kaspa Pharmaceutical (Thailand)
- British Pharmaceuticals
- Lyka labs (India)
- Finax Pharmaceuticals
- Organon (Holland, Pakistan, Egypt)
- JW Pharmaceutical (South Korea)
- Aburaihan Pharmaceutical (Iran)
- BM Pharmaceuticals (India)
- Bayer Schering Pharma (Germany)
- BHMT
- Desma Spain
- Unigen Life Sciences (Thailand)
- Thaiger Pharma (Thailand)
- MaxPro Pharma (China)
- SB Laboratories (Thailand)
- Gen Shi (Japan)
- Radjay Healthcare (India)
- British Dragon Platinum (BD Platinum)
- Biomedis
- Body Pharm
- British Pharma
- Cloma Pharma
- Dynamic Development Laboratories (Mauritius)
- Genetic Labs
- Geofman Pharmaceuticals
- Zambon
- Troy Labs (Australia)
- Farmak (Ukraine)
Instructions for use
Anabolic steroids have a lot of contraindications and side effects, so the use of these pharmacological drugs requires obtaining recommendations from a medical specialist. The drugs are produced in a variety of dosage forms - injection solutions, capsules, tablets, syrups, etc. Instructions for their use may contain various information about the duration of taking a particular drug, dosage and frequency of use.
How to use anabolic drugs correctly? Athletes should take steroids only after consultation with a specialist to make their use as safe as possible.
The best steroids for gaining muscle mass[edit | edit code]
- Testosterone (Enanthate, Cypionate)
Testosterone is one of the main anabolic steroids, which is included in the base of almost all cycles and complexes. Testosterone is used both when gaining muscle mass and when working on relief and losing weight, although in each case a certain type is preferable. So, when gaining muscle mass, it is preferable to use enanthate and cypionate, and when reducing fat mass, it is preferable to use propionate. Testosterone is converted to estrogens and can cause disturbances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and should be used with caution.
- Methandrostenolone (Dianabol)
The most popular steroid in the world is Methandrostenolone, also known as Danabol (Dianabol). Today you can find a lot of critical information regarding this drug, but from an objective point of view, Dianabol remains the best to this day. Many of the disadvantages of this drug can be completely eliminated if used correctly. Dianabol quickly and effectively increases muscle mass, but there is a pronounced phenomenon of rollback of results, moderate toxicity and conversion to estrogens.
- Turinabol
The drug for oral administration is similar in chemical structure to methandrostenolone, however, the added chlorine atom prevents aromatization. This means that Turinabol does not cause estrogenic side effects (fluid retention in the body, gynecomastia, etc.). Turinabol is toxic to the liver in high doses, so it is often used in combination courses. There are a lot of fakes nowadays.
- Nandrolone (Deca-Durabolin, Retabolil)
Nandrolone Decanoate, better known in bodybuilding as Deca Durabolin or Retabolil, occupies a leading position in many respects among anabolic steroids. Currently, Deca Durabolin is the best anabolic steroid for gaining muscle mass. It is distinguished by high efficiency, relative safety, low androgenic activity, insignificant rollback phenomenon, lack of aromatization and low toxicity. Deca Durabolin can be used as a single drug or in combination. Deca Durabolin quite often causes erectile dysfunction during the cycle, which is associated with a decrease in dihydrotestosterone levels via a feedback mechanism. It is also important to note that this drug increases prolactin levels.
- Oxymetholone (Anadrol, Anadrol)
This anabolic steroid is one of the most powerful; in terms of its ability to increase muscle mass and strength, no other drug can compare with it. At the same time, Anadrol has significant side effects: liver damage, cardiac muscle hypertrophy, hormonal imbalance and others. Adverse reactions are especially pronounced when the recommended doses or cycle duration are exceeded.
- Sustanon 250(Sust250)
Sustanon is a mixture of four different testosterone esters. The uniqueness of this drug lies in the fact that individual esters are absorbed at different rates. Thus, Sustanon injections are performed less frequently.
- Trenbolone
Trenbolone is a testosterone derivative with 3 additional bonds added that prevent the conversion of the drug to estrogens and dihydrotestosterone. Chemically, the drug is similar to Retabolil, but has greater androgenic activity. Trenbolone is approximately 4 times more powerful than Deca Durabolin, but at the same time has a significantly higher frequency of side effects. Trenbolone has a unique ability; it increases the level of insulin-like growth factor, which also has anabolic activity, and also increases the sensitivity of receptors to it.
- Boldenone (Equipoise)
A powerful anabolic steroid with relatively low androgenic activity. Equipoise enhances protein synthesis, causes a noticeable increase in muscle mass, and stimulates the formation of new red blood cells. Equipoise stimulates appetite much more strongly than other anabolic steroids. The drug was created as an injectable form of Methandrostenolone, but it was determined that it acts differently. The muscle mass gained with Equipoise is preserved much better, and there is no significant water retention in the body. Equipoise has a low aromatization level (approximately 50% lower than testosterone).
Open voting[edit | edit code]
Vote only if you know someone
with the effect of at least three drugs.
Glucocorticoids
In the human body they are produced by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex. Regulation of glucocorticoid production is provided by ACTH, synthesized in the pituitary gland. Hormone production occurs cyclically. Thus, the greatest number of them is recorded in the morning and in the first half of the day, then gradually decreasing. Their level also increases during injuries, stressful situations, and states of shock. The main glucocorticoid hormone in humans is cortisol.
An increased level of cortisol indicates the following disorders in a person’s physical and mental state:
- Stressful state (work overload or personal emotional distress)
- Prolonged depression
- Benign tumor diseases of the adrenal glands (adrenal adenomas)
- Adrenal cancer
- Pituitary adenoma
- Hypoglycemia
- Hyperplastic processes in the adrenal glands
- One form of polycystic ovary syndrome
- Thyroid diseases (hypothyroidism)
- Obesity
- Diabetes mellitus in the stage of decompensation
- Taking synthetic corticosteroids
Low cortisol levels may indicate:
- Hepatitis
- Toxicosis of pregnant women
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Hypofunction of the adrenal cortex
- Addison's disease
- Cachexia (depletion of the body)
Classification of glucocorticoid hormone preparations:
- Preparations of natural hormones and their esters (cortisone, hydrocortisone)
- Synthetic drugs Inhalation (triamcinolone, beclomazone, budesonide, fluticasone)
- Systemic (prednisolone, methylprednisolone, betamethasone, dexamethosone, triamcinolone)
- Local action (flumethasone pivalate, budesonide, betamethasone)
According to the fluorine content, the following are distinguished:
- Fluoride-free (cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone)
- Fluorine-containing (have mineralocorticoid activity)
Biological effects:
- Carbohydrate metabolism – stimulate gluconeogenesis, increase the concentration of glucose in the blood, reduce glucose consumption by cells
- Protein metabolism - slow down the synthesis and increase the breakdown of proteins, provide gluconeogenesis due to amino acids
- Fat metabolism - slow down lipolysis, cause redistribution of adipose tissue
- Water-salt metabolism - retention of Na and H2O, loss of K, Ca, Mg, loss of Ca in bones, impaired absorption of Ca in the intestine.
Pharmacological effects:
- Anti-inflammatory - inhibit the activity of phospholipase A2, reduce the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Reduce permeability and increase resistance of cell membranes. Retards the development of connective tissue. They reduce the number of leukocytes in the area of inflammation, suppress the activity of macrophages and fibroblasts, and reduce the release of inflammatory mediators. Increases the activity of histaminase and cholinesterase.
- Immunosuppressive – suppress the activity of T and B lymphocytes, reduce the synthesis of antibodies and interleukins.
- Anti-shock – enhance the effect of vasopressors and heart function. Promote an increase in blood volume and reduce the synthesis of fatty acids.
Indications:
- Inflammatory infectious-allergic diseases
- Severe infectious diseases
- Severe allergic conditions
- Traumatic shock
- Leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis
- Organ and tissue transplantation
- Acute pancreatitis
- Replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency
Side effects:
- Withdrawal syndrome
- Acute adrenal insufficiency
- "Steroid diabetes"
- Osteoporosis
- Itsenko-Cushing's symptom
- Exacerbation of peptic ulcer
- Increased risk of developing infectious diseases
- Slowing down regeneration processes
- Menstrual irregularities
- Impotence
- Insomnia, psychosis, convulsions, euphoria
- Glaucoma
- Increased blood clotting
Since glucocorticoids are essentially a “double-edged sword”, representing drugs that are irreplaceable in terms of therapeutic effects, and causing severe side effects, a method was developed to monitor the occurrence of side effects of glucocorticoid therapy:
- 1. Monitoring the dynamics of body weight.
- 2. Blood pressure control.
- 3. Study of blood sugar and urine.
- 4. Monitoring the electrolyte composition of plasma. To prevent hypokalemia, the risk of which increases with the concomitant use of diuretics, potassium supplements are prescribed.
- 5. Monitoring the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. In patients with dyspeptic symptoms, antacids are prescribed to prevent ulcer formation, but their protective effect has not been firmly proven.
- 6. Monitoring the condition of the musculoskeletal system. Long-term use of glucocorticoids at a dose of >7.5 mg/day for prednisolone leads to the development of osteoporosis of long bones.
- 7. Ophthalmological examination. Measurement of intraocular pressure and slit lamp examination to detect cataracts.
- 8. Monitoring the development of infectious complications.
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Itsenko-Cushing's disease
- Nephrosis, nephritis
- Osteoporosis
- Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum
- Diabetes
- Active form of tuberculosis
- Glaucoma
- Severe forms of hypertension
Contraindications:
The therapeutic and toxic effects of glucocorticoids are reduced by inducers of microsomal liver enzymes, and enhanced by estrogens and oral contraceptives. Digitalis glycosides, diuretics (causing potassium deficiency), amphotericin B, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors increase the likelihood of arrhythmias and hypokalemia. Alcohol and NSAIDs increase the risk of erosive and ulcerative lesions or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Immunosuppressants increase the likelihood of developing infections. Glucocorticoids weaken the hypoglycemic activity of antidiabetic agents and insulin, the natriuretic and diuretic activity of diuretics, the anticoagulant and fibrinolytic activity of coumarin and indanedione derivatives, heparin, streptokinase and urokinase, the activity of vaccines (due to a decrease in the production of antibodies), and reduce the concentration of salicylates and mexiletine in the blood. Erythromycin increases the activity of glucocorticoids (slows down their metabolism in the liver), salicylates (increase the fraction of glucocorticoids not bound to proteins), and estrogens. When using prednisolone and paracetamol, the risk of hepatotoxicity increases. Increased activity is also observed in acute liver diseases, hypothyroidism, hypoalbuminemia, and increased levels of endogenous estrogens. Activity decreases with hypothyroidism. In critical care medicine, pulse therapy and intravenous administration of ultra-high doses of glucocorticoid hormones are widely used. Indications are septic shock, status asthmaticus, acute myocardial infarction with the development of Dressler's syndrome, Quincke's edema, cerebral edema, Lyell's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, etc. The use of pulse therapy for the prevention and relief of a transplant rejection crisis is considered standard. The rationale for this type of therapy is the ability of glucocorticoids to suppress the activity of the immune system. The effect is to suppress the activity of neutrophils and monocytes, which leads to transient redistributive lymphopenia. In addition, when B cells are exposed to hormones, immunoglobulin production decreases, followed by a decrease in the number of circulating immune complexes and autoantibodies.
The best steroids for relief[edit | edit code]
Yuzhakov Anton BEST DRUGS AND COURSES FOR DRYING
- Oxandrolone (Anavar)
One of the safest anabolic steroids. The advantages and distinctive features of Anavar are its mild anabolic effect, low toxicity and low androgenic effect. Anavar in recommended doses practically does not disrupt the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and does not require the use of antiestrogens and PCT.
- Stanozolol (Winstrol)
A popular steroid that is used only during cutting. It is not recommended to use Winstrol for weight gain, since, despite the fact that this steroid has the ability to accelerate protein synthesis, it does not have a pronounced effect on muscle mass. Winstrol can be considered a cheap replacement for Anavar. Winstrol is toxic to the liver. It should be noted that the tablet form of the drug is less effective and at the same time more toxic, so it is better to use the injection form. Winstrol increases strength and enhances venous definition.
- Testosterone propionate
One of the testosterone esters, used mainly for drying. The disadvantages are the need for frequent injections, as well as their pain.
- Trenbolone
High affinity for androgen receptors, as well as the ability to increase the level of insulin-like growth factor, allows Trenbolone to be used not only as an anabolic agent for gaining muscle mass, but also for burning fat.
- Drostanolone (Masteron)
An anabolic steroid with a pronounced androgenic effect, therefore it often causes side effects. Used to get relief before competitions. Masteron is similar in properties to dihydrotestosterone; it promotes muscle hardening due to its diuretic effect. This drug is not recommended for amateur athletes to use.
Open voting[edit | edit code]
Vote only if you are familiar with the effects of at least three drugs.
"Dianabol"
This is one of the most popular anabolic steroids in the world. Today there is a lot of critical information about this drug, but from an objective point of view it remains the best among the drugs of its pharmacological group. Many of the disadvantages of this medication can be easily eliminated if it is used correctly. Dianabol effectively and quickly increases muscle mass, but has disadvantages: conversion to estrogens, moderate toxicity and the phenomenon of rollback of results.
Table of steroids with main characteristics[edit | edit code]
| Tradename | International name | Gain muscle mass | Increased strength | Fat Burning | Side effects |
| Anadrol | Oxymetholone | 9 | 10 | 2 | 10 |
| Anavar | Oxandrolone | 2 | 8 | 8 | 2.5 |
| Andriol | Testosterone Undecanoate | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Androgel | Testosterone (Creme) | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Boldenone (esterless) | Boldenone | 5 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Deca-Durabolin | Nandrolone Decanoate | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| Dianabol | Methandrostenolone | 8 | 5 | 3 | 6 |
| Equipoise | Boldenone Undeclynate | 5 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Halotestin | Fluoxymesterone | 1 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| Laurabolin | Nandrolone Laurate | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| Masteron | Drostanolone Propionate | 3 | 6 | 6.5 | 3 |
| Masteron Enanthate | Drostanolone Enanthate | 3 | 6 | 6.5 | 3 |
| Methyltestosterone | Methyltestosterone | 7 | 6 | 4 | 7 |
| Omnadren | Testosterone Blend | 8 | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| Parabolan | Trenbolone Hexahydrobencylcarbonate | 5 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| Primobolan (Injectable) | Methenolone Enanthate | 4 | 6 | 7 | 1 |
| Primobolan (oral) | Methenolone Acetate | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Proviron | Mesterolone | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Sten | Testosterone Blend | 8 | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| Sustanon | Testosterone Blend | 8 | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| Test 400 (T400) | Testosterone Blend | 8 | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| Testolent | Testosterone Phenylpropionate | 8 | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| Testosterone Cypionate | Testosterone Cypionate | 8 | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| Testosterone Enanthate | Testosterone Enanthate | 8 | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| Testosterone Propionate | Testosterone Propionate | 8 | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| Testosterone Suspension | Testosterone Suspension | 9 | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| Testoviron | Testosterone Blend | 8 | 8 | 4 | 10 |
| Trenbolone Acetate | Trenbolone Acetate | 5 | 7 | 8 | 7.5 |
| Trenbolone Enanthate | Trenbolone Enanthate | 5 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| Winstrol | Stanozolol | 4 | 6.5 | 7 | 6.5 |
Drugs with metabolic effect
Agapurin
The active substance is pentoxifylline, an angioprotector.
Effect:
- Improves microcirculation
- The blood is more quickly saturated with oxygen and nutrients and delivers them to the muscle fibers more quickly
Recommendations for use:
- Dosage: 2 t. 3 times a day
- Course – 4-6 weeks
Cytochrome C
An enzyme preparation obtained by extraction from the heart tissue of cattle.
Effect:
- In bodybuilding it is used to activate tissue respiration and oxidative processes in muscles
Recommendations for use:
- 20 mg 4 times a day or 60-100 mg simultaneously, 2 hours before training
- Course – 5-10 days
Glutamic acid
Replaceable amino acid.
Effect:
- Stimulates protein and carbohydrate metabolism, oxidative processes
- Improves skeletal muscle activity
- Prevents a decrease in redox potential
Recommendations for use:
- Usage rate – 4 t. 2-3 times a day
List of the most dangerous anabolic steroids
Athletes need to choose safe steroids for muscle growth and correctly calculate their dosage.
The most dangerous steroid drugs that cause unwanted reactions:
- Synthol is used to increase muscle mass and is available in injections. It is not recommended for beginners. Injections are given into the muscle if a vessel is damaged during the procedure - this is fraught with loss of motor activity.
- Fluoxymesterone has a negative effect on the liver and prostate and does not promote muscle growth.
- Insulin increases the deposition of visceral fat.
- Nandrolone negatively affects reproductive function.
Course on weight: solo drugs
There are the following solo drugs:
- Methane. Sold in tablets. It must be taken into account that the steroid has a negative effect on the liver, accumulates fluid in the body, causes hypertension, acne, and suppresses the production of its own testosterone. Weight gain is observed due to water retention.
- Testosterone esters: Propionate, Sustanon, Enanthate. Enanthate is taken 1-2 times a week. The initial dosage is 250 mg. If there is no effect in the second week, the dosage is increased to 500 mg. Sustanon is injected at 500 mg once every 7 days. Propionate is available in a dosage of 500 mg, but the half-life of the drug from the blood is 3-4 days. Testosterone esters, which remain in the body for a longer time, exhibit greater activity, so it is advisable to give preference to them.
- Deca . Used to increase strength and muscle mass. You should not take the drug before competitions, as the half-life of the steroid is 24 months. It is not advisable to use it for athletes over 35 years of age, when the level of their own testosterone decreases, it negatively affects sexual desire and potency.
If you have not previously taken steroids, it is recommended to start with methane.
Advice! It is not advisable to start a weight gain course with Deca as a solo drug.
Contraindications to the use of steroids:
- It is highly undesirable to use speakers under 25 years of age. The use of these drugs at a young age can lead to changes in hormonal levels, which in turn can cause bone growth to stop;
- atherosclerosis;
- high blood pressure;
- It is not advisable for women to use anabolic drugs, as this can cause masculinization;
- the presence of heart disease is an absolute contraindication, so the use of steroids can aggravate the condition;
- prostate tumor;
- renal and liver failure.
Andrew
Welcome to IronSet, a blog about sports and healthy trends. Andrey is a writer and sports consultant who contributes to our blog.
How to take and features of use?
Tablet preparations are taken 10 minutes after meals or before taking a sports supplement. Taken before meals is associated with powerful absorption of nutrients for muscle growth. A course of tablet drugs is taken as a “ladder” or a pyramid (gradually increasing the daily dosage) or as a background, when the dosage does not change throughout the entire intake.
It is important to know the time of elimination of a particular drug from the body, so that the hormonal background created by synthetic hormones does not have any “holes”, that is, it has an even effect. For example, the effect of methandienone does not exceed 6 hours and with a one-time dose the effect on the body completely disappears, while a drug such as stanozolol acts for nine hours.
The use of injectable drugs must be taken seriously.
Firstly, oil injections take a long time to dissolve, and if administered incorrectly, they can lead to an abscess. Injections can only be done intramuscularly. The gluteal muscles, deltoids and quadriceps are great for injections.
Secondly, it is important to insert the needle to its full length and use needles from 5 cc syringes, for ease of administration of the drug; needles from 2 cc are too thin and are completely unsuitable for some esters.
Thirdly, the ampoule needs to be warmed up before administration, this will make the oil more liquid. Unlike oral medications, for which a daily dosage is calculated, injectable medications are calculated for a week or ten days. For example: the weekly dose of testosterone enanthate is 500 mg, which means that this dose is divided into two injections, with an equal period of time between them. Or every five days or every day of the week (Monday, Thursday).
