Benefits of GP Methan by Geneza Pharmaceuticals

GP Methan by Geneza Pharmaceuticals was more or less the second anabolic steroid ever produced. The first, as we all know was Testosterone, which was produced in the early 1900s and experimented with by Nazis in WW2, in an attempt to produce a better soldier. Enough with the history lesson, lets get into what this GP Methan is and what it does. Well, first off, its usually found in pill form, though it can be found as an injectable also (Under the Trade name: Reforvit-B, which is 25mgs of methandrostenolone mixed with B-vitamins). GP Methan is a 17aa steroid, which means it has been altered at the 17th Carbon position, to survive its first pass through your liver, and make it into your blood stream. GP Methan will raise your blood pressure and is also hepatoxic (Liver-Toxic), so be careful with it. Lets examine this particular study a bit further, though:

GP Methan this study, done in the early 80s, a very high dose of Dianabol (100mgs/day for 6 weeks) decreased plasma testosterone to about 40% of its normal value, plasma GH went up about a third, LH dropped to about 80% of its original value, and FSH went down about a third also (these are all approximate numbers, for the sake of brevity, but you get the idea). Body fat did not go up significantly and fat free mass went up anywhere between 2-7kgs (3.3kgs average gain). The researchers concluded that GP Methan increases Fat Free Mass as well as increasing strength and performance.

Side effects:
As with many other 17aa steroids, GP Methan is also a very weak binder to the androgen receptor, so most of its effects are thought to be non-receptor mediated, and are attributable to other mechanisms (i.e. protein synthesis as indicated by the production of muscle tissue with very high levels of nitrogen, etc. which was indicated in the 100mg/day study). This also means GP Methan only has a modest aromatase activity.

In order to kick start a Dianabol cycle, usually what you do is incorporate a fast acting oral like GP Methan (or anadrol) and combine it with long acting injectables (such as Deca or Equipoise with some Testosterone). The reasoning here is that the oral will give almost immediate results, while the injectable takes time to produce results. The end result is that you start seeing results within the first week of your cycle and continue up until the end with the injectables. This entails taking anywhere from 25-50mgs of dbol (although as little as 20mgs or as much as 100mgs have been reported) for 3-6 weeks at the start of a cycle (average time for a "Kick Start" is 4 weeks, though), and then ceasing their use as the injectables start to produce results.

In order to successfully bridge between cycles (and this means using a low dose of anabolic steroids, in this case dbol), you need to recover your natural hormonal levels to pre-cycle levels or to within acceptable parameters, and then you start your next cycle. The idea here is that you wont lose any gains, but rather a low dose of an anabolic steroids will help you maintain them. Typically, you'd use around 10mgs/day of dbol and combine it with an aggressive Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) course of Nolvadex (and/or Clomid) and HCG. This would give you full androgen replacement from the GP Methan and a shot at recovering your natural hormonal levels via the other stuff you are taking. Remember, the 100mg/day dose of dbol in the study we looked at earlier did not suppress Test, LH, or FSH to a degree that would make recovery impossible and certainly not with 1/10th that dose in conjunction with an aggressive PCT.

How use Testosterone Enanthate or Primoteston in sports

Steroids were once viewed as a substance only being used by body builders, fitness fanatics and professional athletes, however, in the society of today, steroid use is becoming more commonplace. Testosterone is an anabolic steroid secreted by the testicles in a male, in the ovaries of women and in small amounts by the adrenal glands in both sexes.  In males, testosterone plays an integral role in overall health and accounts for the physical differences between genders.

For males, testosterone is responsible for virilization and androgenic qualities.  The anabolic effects of testosterone include muscle growth and strength, increase in bone density and stimulating linear growth and bone maturation.  The virilizing effects of testosterone in males includes maturation of the sex organs, deepening of the voice, the growth of facial hair and male secondary sexual characteristics.

How testosterone effects the female body is best witnessed in adulthood.  The hormone is responsible for clitoral enlargement, sex drive, mental and physical energy and plays a role in the fight-or-flight hormonal response regulation.

Testosterone can be labeled as the “impulse” hormone, and how it effects the body of a male versus a female differs dramatically.  Having a normal level of testosterone in the body is very important for the health, development and well-being of both males and females.

How Testosterone Builds Muscle:
There are many hormones that play an important part of how the body responds to exercise, increases strength and builds muscle tissue.  Testosterone is an anabolic steroidal hormone, the word “anabolic,” refers to the building up of body tissues.

Testosterone is the number one hormone used in the development of muscle and strength and through regular exercise, fine motor skills, fitness, muscle and bone strength and joint function increase.  The mechanism of action by which testosterone increases muscle mass is not well documented and further studies are ongoing.

Primotestone (Testosterone Enanthate) is an injectable steroid which first developed in the 1950s. Primoteston has a slow release mechanism allowing less frequent injections while the steroid remains active for between 2 and 3 weeks. Replacing Oreton (testosterone propionate), Primoteston has generally been used in the medical community for the treatment of delayed puberty as well as in androgen deficient patients. Testosterone Enanthate compounds have also been shown to be an effective male contraceptive, but it has not achieved popularity in this regard. Despite its age and unsophistication, especially when compared to newer products on the market, still remains one of the top bulking choices, particularly in the U.S., amongst those seeking performance enhancements. In fact, enanthate is the most popular ester of testosterone currently available.

Primoteston Effects: Like all testosterone based steroids, Primoteston aromatizes into estrogen which results in significant water retention. Although this artificially raises weight and hides muscles gains. It does, however, protects the muscles and the joints while the testosterone promotes muscle growth. These side effects can be mitigated with the use of an anti-estrogen but are generally only necessary when higher dosages are being administered. Gains with Testosterone Enanthate based compounds such as Primoteston are significant.

Because the body only naturally produces between 2.5 and 11 mg of testosterone per day, one can easily imagine the effects increasing that amount significantly could have. Primoteston functions by promoting nitrogen retention within the muscles which, in turn, allows more protein to be stored supporting more rapid tissue growth. It also increases production IGF-1, a naturally occurring anabolic in the body. Red blood cell levels should also increase while on Primoteston. This results in a higher VO2 max is possible. It also boosts recovery times, energy, and libido. Testosterone enanthate based compounds such as Primoteston are generally used for bulking although it can be effective while cutting provided the user is on a strict diet. Women are advised against using Primoteston due to its masculanizing effects.

Primoteston Dosage and Side Effects: Within the bodybuilding community, the standard injection dose is usually between 200 and 600mg once or twice weekly for 6-12 weeks. Higher doses than those specified are not uncommon with advanced bodybuilders but side effects will become much more pronounced as the dose is increased. Testosterone Enanthate compounds are also stackable and combines well with other steroids. As mentioned above, female body builders are advised against using Primoteston as it is difficult to maintain hormone levels and prevent virilization.

Side effects of Primoteston may include an increase in estrogen levels (resulting in gynecomastia at higher levels), water retention, body hair growth, acne, oily skin, testosterone suppression, increased aggression, male pattern hair loss, negatively affected cholesterol levels and a rise in blood pressure (albeit a significantly lower rise than with other steroids). Men who are predisposed to hair loss may wish to consider a less androgenic steroid. Many of these side effects can be effectively minimized, controlled and potentially avoided with proper supplements. Testosterone levels should return to their natural levels within approximately 1-4 months without any intervention or post-cycle therapy. Women, who are not recommended to take Testosterone based compounds, will be at risk of masculinization related effects. These consist of a deepening in their voice, body and facial hair growth, menstrual irregularities, and clitoral enlargement. In the event any of the aforementioned symptoms begin to manifest, women should cease use immediately to avoid permanent changes. Athletes using Primoteston are advised to use a step down routine after ending a cycle in order to reduce the possibility of a post-cycle crash. This may not be necessary for cycles less than 10 weeks.

Very powerful oral steroid GP Oxy

Anapolon (GP Oxy) is a very powerful oral steroid. It is considered by many bodybuilders to be the ultimate mass building drug. This remarkable ability to increase muscle mass comes at a price though and the main drawback of this steroid is the number and severity of side-effects associated with it. Just about every side-effect linked to steroid use is likely to be experienced while using this drug. The most severe in my opinion is Anapolon’s toxic effects on the liver. However, one has to take into account the dosage range for this drug. Anapolon is taken in dosages between 50 to 150mg per day, where many others like Dianabol and Winstrol are taken in dosages from 10 to 40mg per day. This makes a direct comparison impossible and it’s very likely that 150mg of Winstrol will be just as toxic if not more harmful.

The most common daily dose of Anapolon (GP Oxy) is 100mg, but even at that dosage side-effects like water-retention, elevated blood pressure, acne, hair loss, blood clotting changes, gynocomastia, liver toxicity and mood swings are very often reported. Using aromatase inhibitors to control estrogen aromatization will be ineffective as this drug does not directly convert into estrogen. It was suggested that oxymetholone can activate the estrogen receptor, similar to, but more profoundly than the estrogenic androgen methandriol. Supplements like Milk Thistle can be taken to help keep liver enzyme levels between safe ranges.

When used correctly and responsibly Anapolon (GP Oxy) makes a great addition to any bulking cycle. The best results are seen when Anapolon is stacked in conjunction with other injectable steroids. Anapolon makes a great kickstart to a bulking cycle and is normally used during the first 3 to 4 weeks of the cycle. Avoid using other oral steroids in the same stack, because when combined with other 17-alpha alkylated compounds the hepatotoxic effects will become impossible to control and serious liver damage may occur.

A dosage of 1-2mg per kilogram of body weight is a good starting place, however not recommend this drug to novice steroid users and they are better off looking into Dianabol as a kick start. A drop in weight is often experienced when the switch is made from the kick start phase to the remainder of the cycle, but this is likely to be water weight only and should not be of any concern.  It was designed to be a safe and mind anabolic steroid and in low doses was well tolerated by women and children. Oxandrolone is a Class I anabolic, mildly androgenic steroid, which makes it safe to use in many cases. This drug has been used for anything from, burn victims to treatment of osteoporosis as it provides calcium to the body which will aid in bone regeneration. However in 1989 this drug was discontinued by Searle Laboratories partly due to the illegal use among bodybuilders. Around 6 years later Bio-Technology General Corp negotiated a deal with Searle where they would continue to manufacture the drug Anavar and supply it to BTG. This is when a press release went out stating its effects on involuntary weight loss and focused itself on HIV/AID’s wasting indications which were approved by the FDA where they were able to dictate the price by it being granted Orphan Drug status by the Food and Drug Administration.

As stated in the history of Anavar it is a Class I anabolic steroid giving it mild anabolic and low androgenic properties. This drug is also a derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and this is where confusion comes into its effects. Due to it being a derivate of DHT this drug is already “5-alpha reduced”, meaning it is unable to react with this enzyme like the means of testosterone making it a more potent form of “di hydro”. There is no conversion from neurosteroid allopregnanolone (5AR type I) to DHT(5AR type II), so false claims of using Procepia (Finasteride) which inhibits 5AR type II or Dutasteride which inhibits both 5AR type I and type II would be completely ineffective. However if you are concerned about hair loss there have been reports that spironolactone, flutamide and nizorol shampoo may work.

Now that we have that out the way let’s talk about some of the positive effects and dosing of this drug. Dosage of Anavar for men is in the region of 40 to 100mg every day. The active life of this drug is around 9 hours so splitting your dose up during the day would be advised.

Anavar starts to work within minutes of digestion however people reported noticeable changes from day 3 where they reported larger pumps. As far as strength and vascularity this happens anywhere from day 8 to 14 of the cycle, the strength on this product is insane and increases every week. It is reported that Oxandrolone causes a strong strength gain by stimulating the phosphocreatine synthesis in the muscle cell without depositing water and I’m guessing this is why reports state adding creatine to your Anavar cycle could be favoured. Anavar has also being closed linked to fat loss, and in a study there were reports of reduction in abdominal and visceral fat in men, the other logical explanation is its appetite suppressant effects.

Anavar is pretty mild on the liver and even though it is a 17aa compound, meaning that it´s been altered to first pass through your liver without being destroyed, however Anavar is not primary metabolized by the liver like other 17-alpha alkylated orals. At higher doses however one can see an increase in liver enzyme values, these results return to normal after cessation of a moderate, short cycle.

As much as many researchers might claim that Anavar doesn’t supress your Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPTA) it does. Research has shown a dose as low as 2.5mg a day can supress some. And because this product is suppressive, proper post cycle therapy (PCT) is a must. However a minimum of Clomid / Nolvadex would be required however Human Chorionic Gonadotropin or a synthetic version like Ovidrel would be desired. Dosage plays a large part in the effects this drug will have on your HPTA and sex drive and anywhere on the 40mg mark could tip either way.

The best steroids in the history of bodybuilding Nandrolone Decanoate

Nandrolone is one of the best known steroids in the history of bodybuilding. Originally synthesized in 1950s, athletes quickly found there was a good use for this powerful steroid. As far back as the mid 1960's Nandrolone has been used as a great addition to a dianabol and/or testosterone cycle. Since Nandrolone works for any athlete looking to increase the amount of steroids he is using, without increasing the side effects, it has been a favorite of many old school bodybuilders. In simple terms, deca allows you to use more steroids, without having more side effects.

Interestingly, trace amounts of Nandrolone have been found in the urine of pregnant women after the 6th week; as a result, we know that it is possible for a human body to make base Nandrolone. 

Nandrolone is the base hormone, but it is better known under the trade name Deca Durabolin, which contains Nandrolone Decanoate. This popular preparation takes the nandrolone hormone and adds a decanoate ester chain. This ester chain is attached during the manufacturing process and it serves dual purposes. The main purpose is to make the hormone oil soluble, so it can be put in an amp or multi-dose vial. The second purpose of this ester chain is to slow-release the steroid by keeping deca from interacting with androgen receptors until the ester chain is cleaved off by enzymes in your body. Since Nandrolone Decanoate cannot attach to an androgen receptor until enzymes in your body have cleaved off the decanoate ester, it causes the steroid to slow-release into your system over many days. For medical use, the ester's main function is to allow the hormone to be injected only once every 3 weeks. However, bodybuilders may inject Deca Durabolin weekly or as often as every three days.

Since the mid 1960's, Deca Durabolion has become a staple in most testosterone and/or dianabol cycles, the main reason is that Deca adds a lot of strength to a cycle without increasing side effects.

When used in a testosterone and/or dianabol cycle, deca really adds weight to the cycle without much more stress on the system. Deca does not add additional side-effects when used with other steroids, but it should never be used alone. Standalone use of Nandrolone comes with its very own set of nasty side-effects, the most infamous of them all, where the affected user is unable to get or sustain an erection. This is due to the fact that without the stronger testosterone metabolites like dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the softer and much weaker metabolites from deca will flood your receptors, not leaving room for stronger androgens. Not only are deca's weaker metabolites an issue when there is an absence of stronger androngens, but nandrolone itself can, and will, attach to progesterone receptors. This causes side effects that only affect the user in the absence of supraphysiological amounts of stronger androgens.

The best way to explain Deca Durabolin is that it's basically a progesterone-like hormone that builds muscle mass, strength and, to a lesser degree, helps repair joints. It should not give you any bad side effects when used with stronger androgens that will mask and counteract possible problems from Nandrolone. If ever used by itself, the bad side-effects from Nandrolone will crush your libido, sexual desire, cause bloating and gynecomastia.

Since Deca Durabolin is formulated using Nandrolone Decanoate, one of the longest esters in existence, it is very oil soluble, the way all steroids with long esters are. This easy solubility in oils means that manufacturers have to use a lower percentage of solvents to manufacture the products; thus, making for a less irritating shot. Generally, Deca injections are done weekly by most bodybuilders.

By adding 400mg per week of Nandrolone to a testosterone cycle or a Dianabol cycle, you'll be able to increase your overall steroid dosage, without increasing the side effects. For example, a bodybuilder taking 500mg Sustanon 250 per week, who felt he needed more power in his cycle, would find himself with more side-effects if he were to just take more of the same testosterone. Since testosterone aromatizes at an increasing rate at higher doses, there would be an exponential increase in the likeliness of gynecomastia and water retention if more testosterone was added weekly. When adding Nandrolone Decanoate to the same testosterone cycle, you are increasing the total amounts of steroids your body is receiving every week. However, you are not adding anymore viable substrate for undesired enzymatic reactions from aromatase and 5-reductase. In simple terms, you use more steroids without more side effects.

The dosage for men is around 400-600mgs per week but that varies depending on goals.
Side effects when stacking Deca Durabolin are a little different. As we all know, Deca is usually stacked with test and dbol. The problem is that testosterone and Dianabol are known to cause major side effects like water retention and the growth of breasts in men (gyno). These effects stem from these steroids being converted to estrogen (from testosterone) and 17a-methylestradiol (from Dianabol) by the aromatase enzyme. Other side effects these two steroids display are major hair loss and enlarging of the prostate, mainly due to testosterone's conversion to dihydrotestosterone via its inevitable interaction with the 5-reductase enzyme. Although Nandrolone has some limited interaction width both the aromatase and 5-reductase enzymes, the metabolites resulting from these interactions do not cause the same extreme side effects as test and dbol. Therefore, Deca Durabolin is basically a synergetic steroid that work well with all other bulking steroids. Allowing you to bulk more without more side-effects.

Steroid Injecting Bodybuilders At High Risk Of HIV Infection

The medical observer Australia has reported an alarming increase of HIV infection with 1 in 10 steroid users having evidence of infection with either HIV, Hepatitis B and C. In Australia, education for recreational drug users on safe use of needles has lead to a dramatic decrease in HIV and Hepatitis infections. Many anabolic steroid and injectable tanning product users do not identify as “recreational users” so may miss the important messages about using clean needles. If you are a steroid user it’s vital to remember the importance of using clean needles for every injection and to never share equipment. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. This virus, when transmitted into the human body, causes HIV infection, which is known to destroy the complete immune system of the person. This makes the body susceptible to illness and thus it gets very difficult to fight off the infection. Eventually, the last stage of HIV infection is AIDS.

The HIV can spread in three ways:

Contaminated Blood transfer
Intimate sexual relations
Use of syringes and needles that are contaminated.

The HIV could also spread to the baby from an infected pregnant woman. People with HIV infection show no symptoms even up to 10 years of being infected; however, they can pass the virus on to others during this period. The HIV Western blot tests and HIV ELISA detect antibodies in the blood. These antibodies work against the virus. If there are antibodies present in the blood stream, it indicates that you are body has the HIV virus within it. In the event of the test being negative, the presence of the antibodies is also negated and it would mean that you are not infected with HIV. However, you will have to take the test once again in three months. If the HIV western blot tests and HIV ELISA then show positive, it means that there are antibodies present in your blood stream. At this point, further tests must be done to determine the level of HIV present in the bloodstream. For the treatment of HIV infection, doctors recommend drug therapy. However this is for patients who have been taking their medications regularly and have a CD4 count of below 500 cells/mL. Some people, such as pregnant women and people with kidney problems caused by HIV may need to go through treatment regardless of their CD4 count.

It is very important that people with HIV take all doses of their medications. If they don’t, the virus will become resistant to the drugs. There are various types of anti-viral drugs used in therapy. In infected pregnant women, treatment is done to reduce the chances of transmitting the virus to the baby.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). The HIV retrovirus may be passed from one person to another when infected blood, semen, vaginal secretions or other bodily fluids come in contact with an uninfected person's broken skin or mucous membranes. People with HIV have what is called HIV infection and are fit and well. Some of these people will develop AIDS as a result of their HIV infection. Growth hormone is a popular bodybuilding and performance enhancing aid, and the use of recombinant human growth hormone (rHGH, or simply GH) to treat various conditions in HIV infection has been debated with excitement for years. Indeed it is licensed for the treatment of wasting syndrome in advanced stages of AIDS. GH is also a commonly used bodybuilding and performance enhancing drug, which can be purchased on the black market, used to help both muscle anabolism / strength and reduction in body fat levels. Both of these applications have possible significance in the treatment of HIV.

Other than in the treatment of wasting disease, results from the studies using rHGH to treat body changes associated with HIV and/or drugs used to treat HIV have been very favorable. One which has been studied extensively is the use of rHGH in reducing HIV-associated adipose redistribution syndrome (HARS). However, the positive effects of HGH treatment in HIV may be more direct. Several studies have proposed that rHGH may bolster the immune system in ways that might improve clinical outcomes in HIV. Like cancer cachexia, advanced stages of AIDS are characterised by severe muscle wasting and weakness. The reasons for this are because the patient often has a very poor appetite and food intake, as well as there being direct wasting effects from the HIV and some associated diseases which the patient may have, e.g. pneumonia. The patient then enters a downward cycle with diminished strength, poor food intake and further wasting, and it's often this which leads to eventual death. Both anabolic steroids (AS) and rHGH therapy are used clinically to both slow the effects of wasting and to help improve appetite. Both have been shown to prolong life significantly and improve quality of life in advanced stages of AIDS.

HIV-associated adipose redistribution syndrome (HARS):
HARS is a type of lipodystrophy (abnormal distribution of body fat), where there is accumulation of excess truncal fat and visceral adipose tissue, as opposed to regular gynoid (glutes and hips) or android (abdomen) deposition. This is observed in HIV infected people, moreso as virus load increases. Although not a debilitating condition in itself (indeed extra body fat can prolong life if followed by wasting), HARS is unpleasant for the individual, giving reduced confidence in body image, another negative aspect of the disease.

rHGH therapy has been shown to significantly reduce HARS, leading to an improved body image, and significant improvement in psychological well-being. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of this, leading to rHGH being licesenced for the treatment of HARS in some countries. It should also be noted that improvement in psychological well-being could also contribute to a positive clinical outcome, in that it reduces the effects of wasting.

Non-HIV-related illnesses – hepatitis
    Hepatitis B
    Hepatitis C
    Liver transplants
    Hepatitis A

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is the largest internal organ in your body. It is located at the upper right-hand side of the abdomen. Having a healthy liver is important for everybody, but it is especially important for people with HIV. The liver plays a vital part in processing medicines used to treat HIV and other conditions. Viral infections that affect the liver, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, can make you ill and also mean that the liver is unable to process medicines properly.

Co-infection with hepatitis B virus or/and hepatitis C virus is increasingly becoming a cause of illness in people with HIV. Both these viruses affect the liver, can make you very ill and can be fatal. However, it is also possible to recover from these conditions spontaneously, and for them to be treated. Hepatitis B virus (often known as HBV) is common in some of the communities affected by HIV in the UK, as it can be contracted in the same ways as HIV, particularly through contact with blood, semen or vaginal fluid, and from mother to baby. It is possible to clear HBV without treatment, through the response of the immune system. If this does not happen (which is the case for about 10% of people), the infection can remain for many years and become ‘chronic’. People with HIV are more likely to develop chronic hepatitis B. HBV can cause severe or even fatal damage to the liver. Long-term infection with hepatitis B can cause liver cancer, and rates of liver cancer in people with HIV are elevated because of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. However, you may not have any symptoms at all for many years. During this time, it is still possible to pass HBV on to others. Using condoms correctly, every time you have sex, can protect against hepatitis B if you have a detectable HBV viral load. HBV can also be passed on through saliva, unlike HIV. You should be tested soon after your HIV diagnosis for hepatitis B, to see if you have been infected with the virus. If you have had a previous infection, and have recovered from it, you will then be immune to HBV. A vaccine is available to protect you against hepatitis B. If you don’t have the virus, and a test shows that you do not have natural immunity against it, it is recommended you are vaccinated against it. It is now recommended that all people with HIV, who have never had HBV, should have an annual test to check their immunity levels and be offered a booster vaccine if their immunity level has dropped below protective levels since their last vaccine. Your regular HIV monitoring involves checking the health of your liver. If you are co-infected with hepatitis B, this becomes even more important. Your healthcare team will regularly monitor your liver function using blood tests. Ultrasound examinations may also be performed, particularly if your liver shows signs of damage. Treatments are available for hepatitis B. These include antiviral drugs such as  adefovir (Hepsera) and interferon alpha. Some  anti-HIV drugs also work against hepatitis B. These are 3TC (lamivudine, known as Zeffix when used to treat hepatitis B and Epivir when used to treat HIV), tenofovir (Viread) and FTC (emtricitabine, Emtriva). Tenofovir and FTC are available in a combined pill called Truvada. There is conflicting evidence about the impact of hepatitis B on the progression of HIV disease. Anti-HIV drugs can be used safely and effectively in people with hepatitis B. However, when some people start HIV treatment, they experience a short-term flare-up of hepatitis B. This is because the immune system is getting stronger and is fighting hepatitis B. Some doctors try to stop these flare-ups happening by starting treatment for HIV and hepatitis B at the same time. Because of the risk of developing drug resistance, you should only take anti-HIV drugs that are effective against hepatitis B as part of an HIV treatment regimen. Nor should you take adefovir unless you are taking HIV treatment because of a risk of resistance.  If you are going to take treatment just for hepatitis B (and not for HIV), you should take interferon alpha. Which drugs you are treated with will depend on your CD4 cell count and whether you already need HIV treatment.

Anavar to treat severe weight loss

Anabolic steroids can be used to help patients regain weight after surgery, or to treat chronic infection or trauma. The drug has also been used by the bodybuilding community to increase muscle mass and decrease visceral fat. These steroids are thought to work in the body like artificial testosterone.

Potential mild side effects associated with taking Oxandrolone may include nausea, vomiting, and headache. More severe side effects, including trouble urinating, breast swelling, and prolonged erections, have also been noted. When taken for bodybuilding purposes, side effects, like reduced erectile function, increased anger, and anxiety may result. Severe side effects should be reported to a physician immediately. Patients prescribed Oxandrolone should fill out a complete medical history before taking the drug. A medical history of kidney problems, high blood pressure, and all types of cancer may affect the decision to prescribe Oxandrolone. Blood sugar levels may be decreased when taking Anavar or Oxandrin, so diabetic patients should be wary of taking the medication.

Interactions with other medications may increase health risks associated with taking this anabolic steroid. Corticosteroids, blood thinners, and certain herbal supplements can negatively interact with oxandrolone. Taking corticosteroids with Anavar or Oxandrin may increase the risk of heart failure or edema. In the bodybuilding community, oxandrolone is often taken as an oral cutting agent. These are thought to increase muscle hardness, maximize lifting strength, and decrease body fat. Taking oxandrolone without a prescription for bodybuilding purposes is illegal in the United States.

As an anabolic steroid, Oxandrolone is considered mild. High doses are typically prescribed to deter wasting, or weight loss, associated with disease. AIDS patients, for instance, can be prescribed 20 to 80 milligrams (mg) to counteract weight loss. Bodybuilders typically take 100 mg or more to achieve optimal cutting effects. Such steroids are typically cycled in and out of a bodybuilding diet. Cycles may include eight to 12 weeks on the drug, followed by several weeks off, before restarting them. These drugs are often stacked, or taken in conjunction, with other supplements or medications.

Psychological dependence has been noted in the bodybuilding community. During the on cycle, increased muscle gains and energy may leave bodybuilders feeling powerful. During off cycles, gains tend to reduce or cease all together and energy may wane. These negative effects on muscle and energy can lead to drug abuse. Anavar was originally developed to treat severe weight loss and has was prescribed for muscle wasting diseases, including AIDS. It was found that dosages of 5-10 mgs a day gave good results. But the prevention of muscle wasting and muscle building are two very different things.

Of course, as with ANY oral steroid once you go too far beyond 50 mgs or so, that’s when the potential problems begin. However, Var is thought of as less toxic to the liver than most other orals. Unfortunately, that belief is complete myth. Once again, the studies on the low toxicity of Var were done with the recommended dosages for medicinal purposes. Naturally, at 2.5 – 5 mgs a day one can expect no impact on the liver at all. This skewed evaluation falls under the category known as “bro-ology science.” In other words, someone does some reading, learns a little scientific knowledge, upon which he draws an seemingly reasonable yet erroneous conclusion, which in turn is then parroted endlessly from one so-called “expert” to another and on to a legion of followers. And on and on it goes. Before long, it’s considered common knowledge. Don’t be fooled. Anavar is 17 alpha alkylated , which in simple terms means that it is formulated to prevent breakdown in the liver. This makes for a greater effect but puts a tremendous strain on the liver. THAT is the main problem with orals, NOT the toxicity of the substance itself . And that is why Var in effective dosages should be regarded as hepatotoxic as most other oral steroids. Var can be stacked with any other steroid and can provide a welcome addition to any cycle. If you’re a newcomer to steroids and decide to use Anavar by itself, you can put on some solid muscle just don’t expect overnight gains. Var increases anabolism tremendously, which essentially means it allows the muscles to absorb more protein. So the muscle building process is intensified but keep in mind, it still takes some time to grow muscle . People often confuse actual muscle growth with a steroid taking time to kick in, when in fact it begins working immediately, it’s just that muscle growth takes time to show. You probably won’t notice much at all until the third or fourth week. This is where Var is too often underestimated. Since the effect is strictly of an anabolic nature, the muscle grown on Var is usually very solid and long lasting. It’s fair to expect up to five pounds of pure muscle from using 25 mgs a day for a month. That may not seem like a lot. When using steroids, people expect to see those numbers on the scale go up (even if it’s temporary or from water weight). That won’t happen with Var which is why many consider it weak. But imagine five pounds of meat spread out throughout your body. That’s a good amount of lean mass.

Anavar is not considered a good drug for “bulking” for the fact that it doesn’t cause water retention, nor does it increase blood volume. (Something dianabol does to a great degree). Therefore, there is no significant weight gain. But Var does increase strength dramatically, due in part to the increase in creatine production and utilization which increases contractile strength, so it can be a great asset to a bulking program where lifting heavier weights is paramount to gaining size. Don’t surprised if your bench goes up 20% within a few weeks. That’s how powerful it truly is.

Var is often compared to Winstrol since both produce very “dry” gains, but the two drugs are nothing at all alike. Winstrol is a derivative of DHT , therefore it’s most androgenic and has masculating sides effects. (Hair loss, increased body hair, tougher skin, etc). Var has almost no androgenic properties. This is another advantage in that Var doesn’t cause a hard shut down of the HPTA. Though like all steroids, its structure is based off of the testosterone molecule, there’s bound to be some suppression, but it will be minimal with Var. So if you want to give your cycle some “kick” without stressing the HPTA, or if you’re a first or second timer and want to take something that won’t be that hard to recover from, Var is an excellent choice.

Because Var doesn’t cause much water retention high blood pressure shouldn’t be a problem. Because of its mild androgenic nature, it does not “aromatize.” Aromatization is when the body gets flooded with too much androgen and converts some of it into estrogen. That causes bloating, acne, and a possible loss of libido. Due to its low androgenic profile, Anavar is a favorite among women. They can gain muscle without the fear of masculizing side effects such as excess body hair. Excess estrogen is not a problem with Var and that too appeals to women going for a leaner more defined look. 5-10 mgs a day are as far as a gal may want to push it though. Too much more than that and the risk/benefit starts to tilt in an unfavorable direction.

Nandrolone Decanoate Cycle for Bodybuilders

Nandrolone Decanoate is widely regarded as the most popular steroid used among athletes and others in the last several decades. It has gained a reputation for its ability to produce large muscle gains, relieving joint pain and enhancing the immune system. Those suffering from rheumatism claim they’ve benefited from using Nandrolone Decanoate cycles. This anabolic steroid is among the most widely used throughout the world as “Deca” is known for having a low risk of negative side effects as well as a very low chance of converting to estrogen in the body. When you compare the negative side effects with those risked by using testosterone, you will find that Deca has only a 20% chance of negative side effects. It poses a low risk of liver toxicity while promoting gains in strength and size and at the same time a reduction in body fat.  Over the decades athletes have been stacking it with basically every drug and claim to have received positive results. It has apparently proven itself to be a great “foundation” drug for any type of cycle.

In order for Deca to be effective it must be used in a cycle of at least 12 weeks. It should also be taken along with testosterone due to the body’s natural levels of testosterone dropping. When a Nandrolone Decanoate cycle ends, testosterone should continue to be taken in therapeutic doses. It is recommended that Proviron and/or Nolvadex be taken. All in all it seems to be a very safe steroid. Many consider it the best steroid to use overall for men when you add up the benefits and low risk of negative side effects. One of the most interesting benefits is for those suffering from HIV. Nandrolone Decanoate is considered a safe drug to use for increasing lean body weight as well as for improving the immune system of those with HIV.

Those using a Nandrolone Decanoate cycle usually inject it once or twice a week. Men usually use a dosage of 200mg – 800mg every week or two. It perform optimally in doses of 2mg per pound of lean bodyweight a week. While taking Deca an estrogen antagonist like Nolvades or Clomid should also be used for the first few weeks. This helps to stimulate the production of testosterone, although not immediately as it may take two weeks to take effect.

If preparing for an event or show it is recommended that bodybuilders combine Deca with Winstrol in order to substantially improve definition and muscularity. Nandrolone Decanoate can also be used as part of a bulk cycle since it’s an acceptable anabolic and will provide good results. Combining Deca with Dianabol has been a classic cycle for getting excellent muscle growth. Another option is to substitute a stronger androgen with something like Testosterone or Anadrol. When you combine Nandrolone Decanoate with Winstrol in the weeks and/or months prior to an event it can greatly improve your definition and muscularity. To add even more hardness and density to your muscles, you could add Trenbolone, a strong non-aromatizing androgen. But basically by undertaking the classic steroid with Dianabol cycle you can count on having excellent growth. For even greater results you could substitute an even stronger androgen like testosterone or Anadrol.

Nandrolone Decanoate is among the most widely used and popular steroid compounds used in the last several decades. The reason for this is due to the fact that Nandrolone Decanoate cycles produces large muscle gains, helps with joint pain and also enhances the immune system. Because it does not convert to estrogen to the extent that other steroids do, it has a lower risk of negative side effects. Deca is not totally without its risks, for example it must be taken over a minimum of 12 weeks in order to produce results. Furthermore it must be used with Testosterone due to the fact that the body’s natural production will drop.

One of the most common side effects is acne and water retention. It also doesn’t act very fast to build muscle plus the muscles built are not very dramatic. Because it is slow to activate in the body and has fairly mild properties it must be taken for a longer duration. Generally speaking users will gain muscle weight in about twice the length of time it takes to get the same results from using Testosterone in equal amounts. When using Nandrolone Decanoate it should be in a cycle timed to last 8 to 12 weeks as you will get slow, even gains in muscle mass. Deca users usually inject themselves once or twice a week, although it does remain active in the body for a lot longer.

Bodybuilding and how do you get tested for HIV?

Although there is some overlap, research has shown that women use androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) for reasons that are often quite different from those of men.  Even more dissimilar are the risks and consequences associated with female steroid abuse.  It is clear that AAS use is not equally as dangerous for everyone.  For example, AAS are:  less dangerous for adult male elite athletes, than their non-athletic counterparts; still more dangerous for teenage boys whose bodies are not yet fully developed and by far the most dangerous for both women and girls, as the female body is simply not equipped for exogenous (external in origin) male hormones.

Many women erroneously believe that since men already possess greater testosterone levels, and are made bigger and stronger with AAS, that they require considerably more of these drugs to achieve similar results.  However, since muscle size and strength does not increase in a manner directly proportionate to the amount of male hormone within the body, this theory is categorically false.  In fact, studies have shown that women get considerable anabolic benefit out of dosages that are only a fraction of those needed by men.  Thus, even those women who detrimentally decide to risk their health by using male hormones have no business taking them in large quantities.


There are many reasons women begin using anabolic steroids.  Several female AAS users have muscle dysmorphia, a disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with the idea that he or she is not muscular enough.  Those who suffer from this condition tend to hold delusions that they are "skinny", “fat” or "too small" when they are often above average in musculature.  Dysmorphia is sometimes referred to as bigorexia or reverse anorexia nervosa, and is a very specific type of body dysmorphic disorder.  Muscle dysmorphia is NOT a simple obsession with working out or bodybuilding.  To be clinically diagnosed as muscle dysmorphic, a person must exhibit symptoms of the ‘type’ and ‘degree’ outlined within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV), and not merely be overly interested in their physique or engaging in fitness behaviors that other people would consider excessive.  Some of the inclusion criterion for the disorder are:

    Constantly examining themselves in a mirror
    Becoming distressed if they miss a workout session or one of six meals a day
    Becoming distressed if they do not receive enough protein per day in their diet
    Taking potentially dangerous anabolic steroids
    Neglecting jobs, relationships, or family because of excessive exercising
    Having delusions of being underweight or below average in musculature
    Other Reasons

Of course AAS provide tremendous performance enhancement benefits, and though men garner the bulk of such scandals, professional and amateur women athletes also administer them for this purpose.  Although such abuse has gone largely unnoticed in mainstream society, this issue is becoming so prevalent that some organizations have taken overtly preventative measures.  For example, cafe press.com markets a “Without Steroids Women's” t-shirt to those who remain and support drug free athletics.

Every year, thousands of women are infected with HIV. Learn the facts. Teach the women in your family and community how to prevent and treat HIV. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. A person with HIV is called HIV positive (HIV+).
HIV makes it hard for your body to fight off sickness.
HIV is spread through body fluids like blood, semen or breast milk.

You can get HIV when you:

    Have sex with a person who is HIV+ and do not use a condom
    Share needles or syringes (drug works) with someone who has HIV
    Get blood from a person who has HIV. Now all donated blood is tested for HIV. You can’t get HIV from giving blood.
Most women get HIV from having unprotected sex with men. Always use a condom every time you have sex.
You can’t get HIV from shaking hands, kissing, or sharing household items like forks or glasses with someone who has HIV.
The only way to know for sure is to get an HIV test.

    You cannot tell who has HIV just by looking at them. Most people do not show any outward signs when they first get HIV.
    A person can spread HIV even if he or she does not look sick.
There are three basic types of HIV tests:
    Blood – A small amount of blood is taken from your finger or arm.
    Oral – Fluid is taken from the inside of your mouth
    Urine – A small cup of urine is used.

Some HIV tests take 1-2 weeks to get results from a lab. Other tests called “rapid HIV tests” can give results in about 20 minutes. You can get tested at places like a doctor’s office, mobile health van, or health fair. There are also home HIV tests that let you test yourself.

Anabolic steroids are another experimental treatment for lipodystrophy

Anabolic steroids are another experimental treatment for lipodystrophy as well as a standard treatment for HIV-related wasting. French researchers reported on a man receiving treatment with AZT/3TC who developed a buffalo hump and insulin resistance nine months after beginning treatment. He received intramuscular Testosterone Cypionate biweekly for four months and lost abdominal fat and gained lean muscle mass. Furthermore, studies have found that anabolic steroids produce weight and lean body mass increases in people with HIV-related wasting. Steroids may disguise the visible signs of lipodystrophy rather than stop or reverse loss of fat tissue.

A randomized study of Oxymetholone treatment in 92 individuals with weight loss due to HIV wasting or lipodystrophy found that the anabolic steroid had no impact on total body fat after 16 weeks of follow-up, although weight and muscle increased.

Despite the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), chronic, involuntary weight loss still remains a serious problem for some people living with HIV. Various alterations in energy metabolism and endocrine regulation have been found to cause loss of lean body mass (LBM) and body cell mass (BCM).

Previously studies in HIV-positive men undergoing androgen replacement therapy or treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rGH) have shown partial restoration of lean body mass, but these treatments have been largely ineffective in eugonadal individuals.

Now researchers from the Universities of Essen and Bonn have shown that the anabolic steroid oxymetholone can be considered an effective treatment for eugonadal male and female patients with AIDS-associated wasting.

A total of 89 patients (79 men and 10 women: 69 gay/bisexual men, 12 intravenous drug users, 7 heterosexual contact, one transfusion recipient) were enrolled

Patients were randomized to receive either 100mg/day twice daily (BID) or 150mg/day three times daily (TID) or placebo for 16 weeks. Patients in the placebo group gained 1.0 kg compared to 3.0kg among those receiving therapy three times daily and 3.5kg among those receiving therapy twice daily.

Seventeen patients (19%) discontinued treatment during the double-blind phase of the study. Fourteen patients (16%) were lost to follow-up or discontinued for personal or unknown reasons. One patient in the Oxymetholone BID arm discontinued due to nausea and vomiting and two patients in the Oxymetholone TID arm discontinued due to elevated liver enzymes.

Significant improvements were noted in appetite and food intake, increased well-being and reduced weakness by self-examination. Recent research has found that higher LBM is significantly associated with better physical functioning and better general health perceptions as well as with fewer days in bed in men, though not in women. The most important adverse event was liver associated toxicity. Overall, 35% of patients in the TID arm, 27% of patients in the BID arm and no patients in the placebo group had a greater than five times baseline increase for alanine aminotransferase during the double-blind phase of the study.

Weight gain was observed after an average of two weeks. The initial increase was rapid until week 4, but body weight remained at the same level from this point on. There was no correlation between the extent of weight gain and age, sex or disease stage.

Only one female developed a self-reported clitoris enlargement, whereas changes in libido were similar across groups. Oxymetholone can be considered an effective anabolic steroid in eugonadal male and female patients with AIDS-associated wasting, with the twice daily 100mg/day regimen appearing equally effective as the three times daily 150mg/day in terms of weight gain, LBM and BCM, as well as being associated with less, but still significant liver toxicity.

Deca Durabolin used effectively to treat muscle wasting associated with HIV

Deca Durabolin is the brand name for an injectable steroid originally produced by Organon in 1962. It contains the active hormone Nandrolone with the Decanoate ester. The Nandrolone hormone is highly anabolic and produces very few side effects when used in reasonable doses, the Decanoate ester is a fatty acid which slows its release into the body over several weeks.

Nandrolone is technically a derivative of testosterone but it is created by removing the carbon atom at the 19th position of the steran nucleus, which creates a completely different family of steroids (the 19nor-testosterone family). It is one of the most versatile steroids on the market today, and can be used successfully in both bulking and cutting cycles, while in the clinical setting it has been used effectively to treat muscle wasting associated with HIV and AIDS. Deca Durabolin doesn’t produce many estrogenic side effects due to its low rate of aromatization (metabolic conversion to estrogen via the aromatase enzyme). Its ability to improve collagen synthesis and bone mineral content  is highly prized by bodybuilders and athletes who may have nagging injuries or joint pains.

But it’s not just Deca’s healing attributes which have made it such a popular steroid; bodybuilders and athletes have found Deca Durabolin to be one of the best all-around steroids for gaining lean mass and we see this played out in various clinical studies also. Muscle gained with this product is very solid with minimal bloat, as long as dosages are kept reasonable.

Because Deca Durabolin is so popular, that it’s important to note that it is considered a very long acting steroid, but the research is very inconsistent regarding just how long lasting it is. In healthy, normal, men one study found an average half-life of 8 days (but the range was from 5 to 17 days) at a dose of 50 mg, while another study found an average half-life of 5.9 days at a dose of 200 mg, another found an average of 7.7 days at a dose of 100 mg, and a final study  looked at showed an average of 7.1, 11.7, and 11.8 days depending heavily on the dose being either 50 mg, 100mg, or 150 mg, respectively.

In a practical sense, people will still shoot Deca once a week, but I thought it was important to show that typical half-life charts don’t factor in every single dose or dose response.

And, to further complicate things, the milligram per milliliter concentration and location of injection site heavily determines the actual blood plasma concentration achieved by a single shot of Nandrolone Decanoate: gluteal shots of Nandrolone Decanoate give you higher blood plasma levels of the parent hormone, and more highly concentrated preperations (mg/ml) also give you a higher overall blood level – and will probably provide better results, all things being equal.

Practical Use: Deca-Durabolin is easily the most versatile anabolic steroid on the market today (testosterone just misses that mark by virtue of the fact that women need to avoid it). It can be used in cutting cycles as well as bulking cycles, depending on the other compounds (and diet) one chooses.

Deca Duaraoblin Side Effects: Deca is one of the most mild steroids on the market in terms of side effects. Men who are very prone to hair loss will sometimes experience this with Deca-Durabolin, and gynecomastia is possible with higher doses. The most common side effect experienced with Deca-Durabolin is sexual dysfunction, although most users simply stack it with testosterone and avoid this entirely.

Used By: Because it’s so versatile, Deca-Durabolin is used by athletes, bodybuilders, and powerlifters alike. Women have found it to be mild enough to use at low doses, and many champion physiques of both genders have been built with its use. The only people who would be well advised to avoid Deca are drug tested athletes, as Nandrolone metabolites are detectable in urine for up to 18 months after the last injection.

Deca Durabolin Dosage: For men, an average dose of Deca-Durabolin is in the range of 200-600 milligrams. In women, 50 milligrams is a much more reasonable dose, although I have seen women go up to 100 milligrams without experiencing intolerable side effects.

Deca Duraboline Cycle: Deca-Durabolin works well with virtually every steroid. A good cutting cycle could include Deca, Winstrol, and testosterone – while a good bulking cycle could include Deca, Testosterone, and Anadrol.

One of Favorites Anabolic Steroids and immune system

Primobolan is generally advised in case of men suffering from the deficiency of a hormone known as androgen in men. In some rare instances this drug has also been advised to treat a condition known as aplastic anaemia which is mainly characterised by the deficiency of blood cells. In some other instances it has been advised to counter the abnormal weight loss associated with certain disorders or following major trauma. It is illegal to obtain and use Primobolan without being prescribed by the doctor.
Primobolan has been advised for women suffering with breast cancer in some instances as it has been believed to aid in the reduction of the tumor size. The anabolic steroids such as Primobolan reduce the excretion of nitrogen from the tissue. This retention of nitrogen within the muscle tissues aids in the building of muscle mass to a certain extent. The muscle building effect may be present to a certain extent while no clear evidence about enhancement in athletic performance has been observed with the use of Primobolan.

Primobolan supposedly burns fat thereby reducing its amount in the body. This effect of Primobolan has increased its popularity among athletes who look at building a lean mass with less fat in their body. Further it has been stated that Primobolan prevents wasting of muscles and reverses the effects of anaemia. Anabolic steroids may enhance the formation of blood cells in some instances. In case of individuals suffering from chronic immune disorders such as AIDS, Primobolan has been advised as immune booster drug.

Being described as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s favorite steroid, Primobolan is widely abused in sports and bodybuilding. It is considered that it Primobolan builds strength with adding bulk to the muscles. Primobolan is generally more favoured by athletes as it helps them to maintain a lean body mass while improving the ability of the muscles to contract. Also it has been proposed that it is not associated with the common side-effects of other steroids such as acne, water retention, infertility and others. In case of body builders, it is used during the bulking or cutting cycles.

Chronic abuse of Primobolan is associated with a number of adverse effects. Providing a constant supply of synthetic steroids to the body can have a multitude of side-effects on the normal functioning of various organs in the body. The body regularly requires steroids at a controlled level and is generally produced within our body. Loading up the body with steroids though may provide benefit to a certain extent, the harmful effects always have an upper hand. Some of the major effects have been discussed below.
Effect on heart

Prolonged use of Primobolan has been associated with a wide number of effects both directly and indirectly on the heart. An increase in the blood pressure is commonly noted. Other effects such as abnormal changes in the cells and tissues of the heart and premature onset of heart related disorders are also noted in chronic abusers of anabolic steroids. Occurrence of stroke has been reported in anabolic steroid abusers. Other neurological symptoms such as mania, hallucinations, mood swings and depression have also been associated with the abuse of Primobolan.

Ingestion of high doses of Primobolan within short interval periods can result in vomiting and gastric irritation. Primobolan can alter the normal functioning of the liver resulting in the elevation of certain enzyme levels that can often be harmful. At times, it results in the increased incidence of jaundice in chronic abusers. Excessive use of anabolic steroids such as Primobolan can result in a condition called peliosis hepatitis. This abnormal condition of the liver is generally characterized by the formation of cysts (fluid filled cavities) in the liver. These cysts affect the liver function and at times result in liver failure which may lead to life threatening situations. The incidence of liver tumors is also noted to be increased in individuals who abuse Primobolan. Increased occurrence of cancer of the prostate gland has been noticed in anabolic steroid abusers. Prolonged use of Primobolan is associated with increased proliferation of the cells and tissues of the prostate gland, a condition commonly referred to as prostate hypertrophy.

Anabolic steroids for the treatment of weight loss in HIV-infected people

Individuals with HIV infection often lose weight during the course of their disease. Furthermore, low serum concentrations of testosterone are common in individuals with HIV infection, particularly those with weight loss. Treatment of weight loss with anabolic steroids in HIV-infected individuals may be beneficial. Randomized controlled trials that compared the use of an anabolic steroid to placebo to treat weight loss in adults with HIV were included. Randomized controlled trials that compared the use of anabolic steroids to placebo for the treatment of weight loss in adults with HIV were selected. Change from baseline in lean body mass or in body weight was reported as on outcome measure.

Two reviewers independently assessed the trials for quality of randomization, blinding, withdrawals and adequacy of allocation concealment. For continuous data, weighted mean differences (WMD) were calculated. For dichotomous outcomes, risk differences, were calculated. Because of uncertainty as to whether consistent true effects exist in such different populations and treatments, the authors decided a priori to use random effects models for all outcomes.

Thirteen trials met the inclusion criteria. Two hundred ninety-four individuals randomized to anabolic steroid therapy and 238 individuals randomized to placebo were included in the analysis of efficacy for change from baseline in lean body mass. Three hundred forty-three individuals randomized to anabolic steroid and 286 randomized to placebo were included in the analysis of efficacy for change from baseline in body weight. The mean methodological quality of the included studies was 4.1, of a maximum 5 points. Although significant heterogeneity was present for both outcomes, the average change in lean body mass was 1.3 kg (95% CI: 0.6, 2.0), while the average change in total body weight was 1.1 kg (95% CI: 0.3, 2.0). A total of eight deaths occurred during the treatment period; four in the anabolic steroid treatment groups and four in the placebo-treatment groups (risk difference 0.00, 95% CI -0.03, 0.03). The risk difference for withdrawals or discontinuations of study medication due to adverse events was 0.00 (95% CI: -0.02, 0.03).

Although the results of the trials were heterogeneous, on average, the administration of anabolic steroids appeared to result in a small increase in both lean body mass and body weight as compared with placebo. While these results suggest that anabolic steroids may be useful in the treatment of weight loss in HIV infected individuals, due to limitations, treatment recommendations cannot be made. Further information is required regarding the long-term benefit and adverse effects of anabolic steroid use, the specific populations for which anabolic steroid therapy may be most beneficial and the optimal regime. In addition, the correlation of improvement in lean body mass with more clinically relevant endpoints, such as physical functioning and survival, needs to be determined. Testosterone has been demonstrated to increase muscle mass and lean body mass in testosterone-deficient but otherwise healthy men.
Individuals with HIV infection often lose weight and have low blood levels of testosterone; thus, the use of anabolic steroids in the treatment of weight loss in individuals with HIV infection may be beneficial.

The purpose of this review was to evaluate anabolic steroids as a means of treatment of weight loss in individuals with HIV infection.
However, the results were not consistent among individual trials and the average increase was small and may not be clinically relevant.
Furthermore, the results need to be interpreted with caution as this meta-analysis was limited due to small sample sizes, short duration of treatment and of follow-up; and heterogeneity of the study populations, the anabolic interventions, and concomitant therapies.
Furthermore, low serum concentrations of testosterone are common in individuals with HIV infection, particularly those with weight loss. Our objectives were to assess the efficacy and safety of anabolic steroids for the treatment of weight loss in adults with HIV infection. Androgen deficiency is a common endocrine abnormality among men and women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Low testosterone concentrations are associated with lower CD4 cell count, advanced stage of illness, medication use, and weight loss. Signs and symptoms may be nonspecific. The most useful laboratory indicator is the serum bio available (free) testosterone concentration. A number of different testosterone preparations for treatment of androgen deficiency in HIV-infected men now exist. Administration of testosterone significantly increases weight and lean body mass, energy, quality of life, and depression scores in HIV-infected men with low testosterone levels. Newer trans dermal and gel preparations provide more-consistent steady-state dosing but are not as well tested, and sufficient testosterone concentrations may not be achieved with their use. Androgen deficiency is also common among HIV-infected women. Preliminary studies suggest that use of physiological testosterone administration, to achieve testosterone levels within the normal range, is of benefit in HIV-infected women, but further studies are necessary to define the therapeutic role of androgen therapy in this population.

Abuse of Anadrol in Bodybuilding and Sport

Anadrol has been used to prevent loss of muscle tissues in chronic disorders such as AIDS and other disorders. It was noted that the use of Anadrol resulted in reduce in the muscle loss in individuals suffering from such disorders. However, the side-effects associated with prolonged use of Anadrol have restricted its use for severe cases.

An increase in the abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids such as Anadrol by bodybuilders has been reported in Western Europe and the USA since the 1990s. Body builders and other sports athletes’ overuse (abuse) this drug for its ability to build lean muscle mass and reduction in body fat. The steroids are commonly used as faster way of losing fat and gaining muscle mass across various sports. Some of the bodybuilders even grow the dosage at abnormal levels to gain muscles at a much rapid rate. The dosage generally prescribed for medicinal purposes is about 1-5 mg/kg corpse weight per day which amounts to about 100-150mg per day in a standard adult single. However, bodybuilders have been reported to consume about 400-600mg/day which increases the risk of side-effects to a large extent. Abuse of Anadrol is associated with a wide range of side-effects that affects the functioning of organs such as liver and heart along with other effects. The adverse effects on the liver due to increased use of anadrol are sometimes considered living-threatening.


Anadrol cycle refers to the use of Anadrol in a routine manner by bodybuilders to construct muscle mass. The bodybuilders usually consume anadrol tablets once to thrice daily for a certain interval of period while building the muscle mass in their cadaver. Although Anadrol increases lean muscle mass initially, the effects do not keep increasing after a certain limit. Increasing the dosage of anadrol subsequently increases its side-effects that have dangerous effects on the corpse.

Side Effects of Anadrol: Abuse of Anadrol is associated with a great list of side-effects. The increased incidence of side-effects associated with its use has restricted the use of anadrol in the medical field. Anadrol is usually considered as the last line of treatment wherein it is advised only if the regular treatment modalities have failed to resolve the condition being treated. Abusers of Anadrol have an increased danger of being affected by the side-effects owing to the fact that they consume anadrol at very high doses.
Result on Liver: The most common and potent side-effect that can be life threatening at times is the result of Anadrol on the liver. Excessive use of anadrol results in a condition known as peliosis hepatis which is characterised by formation of cysts (fluid filled cavities) in the liver and at times also in the spleen. These cysts may effect in liver failure that is considered living threatening. Although withdrawal of anadrol results in complete reversal of symptoms, the liver failure generally remains asymptomatic until it reaches the living-threatening stage. Increased incidence of liver tumours has also been associated with Anadrol abuse.

Anabolic steroids and adverse effects

Anabolic steroids may cause many adverse effects, depending on the dosage and period of use. An increase in blood pressure is the most common side effect, especially when the user already has hypertension. Steroid users also experience an increase in total cholesterol level and a decrease in HDL cholesterol in many cases. Testosterone increases the risk of heart disease. Acne is also a relatively common side effect of anabolic steroids. Testosterone is metabolized into dihydrotestosterone, which can increase the rate of male pattern baldness in users with this genetic predisposition. Testosterone can also produce baldness by itself in female users. Skin conditions are among the earliest predictors of the presence of HIV in the body, and are often viewed as markers for the disease’s progression. Approximately 90 percent of all HIV-infected individuals will present rash-like symptoms during the course of their disease. HIV-related rashes generally fall into one of three categories: generalized dermatitis; bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections and skin tumors. Generalized skin rashes are the most commonly experienced symptom of HIV.

Among the primary types of generalized dermatitis seen among HIV infected patients:  

Xerosis: Approximately 20 percent of all HIV-infected individuals will experience xerosis, which can be described as general dryness of the skin. This form of skin dryness often affects the body’s extremities and presents with dry, itchy, and scaly skin patches. Treatment of xerosis includes topical moisturizers containing urea and topical steroids.
Atopic dermatitis: This chronic inflammatory condition, often characterized with red, scaly, and itchy rashes, is seen in approximately 30 to 50 percent of HIV-infected patients. Typical treatment involves the application of topical steroids.
Prurigo nodularis: Prurigo nodularis can be characterized as lumps on the skin that cause scab-like appearances and itchiness. This type of dermatitis is typically seen among patients with extremely compromised immune systems. Current treatment protocol includes topical steroids and antiviral drugs.
Eosinophillic folliculitis: Characterized typically by itchy, red bumps centered on hair follicles, this form of dermatitis presents most frequently in patients in later stages of the disease’s progression. While it can appear on any bodily surface, it tends to cluster on the upper body. Current treatments include antiretroviral drug regimens to help restore the patient’s immune system, topical steroids, and antihistamines.

People with HIV who are treated with anabolic steroids

People with HIV who are treated with anabolic steroids to prevent AIDS wasting may realize modest gains in weight and muscle mass, a new review shows. 13 studies of adults period 24 to 42 with HIV, 294 of whom received anabolic steroids for at least 6 weeks and 238 of whom received placebo. The average weight grow in those taking anabolic steroids was nearly three pounds.

“The magnitude of weight gain observed may be considered clinically relevant,” said lead author Karen Johns, a medical assessment officer from the agency Health Canada. “One hopes there would be greater weight gain with the long-term use of anabolic steroids; however, this has not been proven to date in clinical trials.”
In the most recent issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that evaluates medical research. Systematic reviews draw evidence-based conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and property of existing medical trials on a topic.

AIDS wasting, which leads to important weight loss in people with HIV, causes severe loss of weight and muscle and can lead to muscle weakness, organ failure and shortened lifespan. Researchers have extensive sought to reverse this common, destructive result of HIV with mixed success. The wasting stems from loss of the body’s ability to increase muscle and from low levels of testosterone. Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male gender hormone testosterone that promote growth of skeletal muscle and the development of male sexual characteristics.

Although most recently in the news for their misuse by professional athletes, anabolic steroids have legitimate medical application for men with low testosterone and people with certain types of anemia. Two anabolic steroids available in the United States, Nandrolone Decanoate and Oxandrolone, have been used to help increase weight and muscle mass in little studies of people with wasting. Conversely, anabolic steroids use has been associated with increased rates of HIV in those who share needles or use nonsterile needles when they inject steroids. The HIV/AIDS program director at the Group Health Cooperative in Seattle, suggests that clinicians should obtain blood testosterone levels, “if an HIV-infected individual has had important weight loss, important fatigue or muscle wasting, and particularly if associated with a significant decrease in libido and erections. If testosterone is in the low or low-standard range then a trial of steroids could be tried. The individual and the clinician should decide what result would constitute a lucky trial: weight gain of 15 pounds, a 30 percent improvement in sense of well-being or a successful erection once a week.”

Use of Testosterone and Anabolic Steroids in Patients Who Have HIV

Decreases in energy, sense of well-being, libido, muscle strength and muscle mass occur often in patients who have persistent diseases, such as HIV infection. When these symptoms were first recognized in HIV-positive patients, they were thought to be manifestations of HIV infection but may possibly be associated with hypothyroidism. Most HIV-infected patients who have hypogonadism have secondary or central hypogonadism, not prime testicular failure. In HIV-infected hypogonadal men, administration of testosterone appears to increase overweight-free mass, muscle mass, and quality of living (increased libido, erectile role, and sense of well-being). Similarly, anabolic steroid hormones appear to increase lean body weight and decrease fat content. Although androgens have been used for the treatment of HIV-related wasting and for hypogonadism, many questions remain unanswered, including those regarding the large-term effects, if any, of suppression of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, as well as the long-term possibilities of malignancy of the prostate and of hepatocellular cancer. Appropriate doses of the various preparations of testosterone and anabolic steroids have not been determined. For several years, androgens particularly testosterone have been used for the treatment of HIV-related wasting. Despite a substantial cadaver of literature on the topic, there remain a big number of unanswered questions. Perhaps the best place to begin a review of the role of androgens in counteracting wasting is to recall the standard physiology of testosterone.

The testes have 2 principal functions - spermatogenesis and the secretion of testosterone. Spermatogenesis is a function of the Sertoli cells and is stimulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is secreted by the pituitary gland. Negative feedback on the pituitary gland to command the release of FSH is provided by the hormone inhibin, which is thought to be secreted by either the Sertoli cells or the cells of the spermatogenic tubules.
The compound of testosterone begins with the mobilization of cholesterol by the steroid acute regulator protein. The dominant steps implicated in synthesizing testosterone from cholesterol are the development of pregnenolone, 17- -hydroxypregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, and testosterone. A less dominant pathway involves the formation of progesterone from pregnenolone, followed by 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, and testosterone.

Regardless of the pathway, the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of testosterone is the primary formation of pregnenolone from cholesterol. This movement is catalyzed by the enzyme P-450scc (cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme) and is inducible by luteinizing hormone (LH) secreted by the pituitary gland. Once released from the testes, testosterone may be converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in various target cells by the enzyme 5 -reductase. Testosterone may also be converted to estradiol by the enzyme P-450arom (aromatase). Testosterone regulates the secreting of LH through a negative feedback structure. Under normal circumstances, the pituitary gland is very sensitive to the feedback provided by testosterone. In patients who have low blood levels of testosterone, blood levels of LH are increased. Testosterone also acts on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to suppress the stimulating action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone on the pituitary release of LH.

AIDS Wasting

AIDS wasting syndrome is a condition associated with advanced HIV disease. It involves overall weight loss, but more importantly, the loss of lean cadaver mass, or muscle, which sometimes may be replaced by fat. Weight loss results from a number of factors, alone or in combination, including lack of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, oral problems that build eating difficult, and problems related to intestinal absorption and use of nutrients. The condition was much more prevalent in the developed planet before combination antiviral remedy became available.

A correct diagnosis and the proper intervention for each individual are as important in treating AIDS wasting as they are for any other medical difficulty. Early intervention is often most successful, and a variety of effective and relatively inexpensive tools (such as nutritional supplements, appetite stimulants, and exercise) can be used. HGH is not a universal treatment for treating AIDS wasting. While it can have a dramatically beneficial effect in some individuals (presumably those with a deficiency of natural HGH), the majority may see no good.

The current hGH regimen for AIDS wasting consists of a daily injection administered at bedtime to mimic the natural cycle of growth hormone release into the bloodstream. The dose is 4-6 mg, based upon body weight. HGH alone is likely to effect in weight gain that is primarily fat, while adding a regimen of resistance exercise, such as weight training, can help construct lean cadaver mass. The average cost of HGH remedy for AIDS wasting is approximately $250 per day.

Risks and Side Effects:
Because hGH is a protein that would be destroyed in the stomach and intestines by digestive enzymes, it cannot be taken as a pill and must be injected subcutaneously (under the skin). HGH should not be taken by people with acute critical illness due to complications of open heart or abdominal surgery, multiple accidental trauma, or acute respiratory failure. HGH may stimulate the growth of active tumors and should not be used by people who have cancers that are not under control. HGH also may affect blood triglyceride levels and may increase the risk of developing diabetes in those who are already at risk, particularly people who are obese. Individuals taking insulin may need to have their doses adjusted. In spite of Dr. Kotler's findings, there may be increased cardiovascular risk with long-term HGH use, perhaps related to insulin resistance. Studies of growth hormone have not been conducted in pregnant women.

Up to 50% of all people experience mild to moderate musculature discomfort when starting hGH, and about 25% experience some fluid retention and swelling of the hands and feet. While both generally decrease as the body becomes accustomed to the drug, a significant number of people must stop taking HGH due to these side effects. Some people develop carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS, a condition characterized by numbness, pain, or tingling in the wrists or hands) while taking HGH, CTS typically resolves when the drug is discontinued. Other possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, and chest pain; only rarely are these severe enough to require discontinuation of treatment.

Steroid Can Restore Body Tissue in HIV-Positive People

Of the 3 orally dynamic anabolic steroids, Oxandrolone has been studied in HIV-infected patients more extensively than has oxymetholone. Stanozolol is used for the treatment of hereditary angioedema and has not been used for its anabolic effect in this patient populace to any great extent.

One of the earlier studies of Oxandrolone in HIV-infected patients was begun before the introduction of the PIs. Sixty-three HIV-infected men with a deprivation of corpse weight greater than 10% were randomized to receive placebo, oxandrolone, 5 mg/d or Oxandrolone, 15 mg/d. The patients who received 15 mg/d of oxandrolone gained weight throughout the 16-week interval, whereas those who received 5 mg/d of oxandrolone maintained their weight. In contrast, the patients who received placebo continued to lose weight.

In a follow-up study, which has not yet been published, patients were randomized to placebo or to 1 of 3 dosages of Oxandrolone 20 mg/d, 40 mg/d, or 80 mg/d. The patients in the group who received 40 mg/d had the most statistically significant weight gain. However, both the patients in this assembly and those who received 80 mg/d showed important increases in serum levels of liver transaminases.

A study published in 1999 sought to terminate whether a regimen of supraphysiologic doses of androgen (testosterone) plus an anabolic steroid (oxandrolone) would better the LBM and strength gains achieved with advancing resistance exercise in HIV-infected men who had practised weight loss. A second objective of the study was to determine whether antiretroviral remedy with a PI prevented lean corpse anabolism.

All subjects in the study participated in supervised progressive resistance exercise for 8 weeks. At the same period, they received testosterone, 100 mg/wk, by intramuscular injection. Twenty-four eugonadal men were then randomized to either placebo or oxandrolone, 20 mg/d. Twenty-two patients completed the read. The results indicated that compared with patients who received placebo, those who received oxandrolone experienced improved nitrogen weigh (P = .05); increased LBM (P = .005) and increased muscle strength, as judged by either maximum weight lifted (P = .02 to .05) or dynamometry (P = .01 to .05). The results were like regardless of whether the patients were taking a PI. However, compared with placebo, oxandrolone was associated with a statistically significant decrease in blood levels of high-den-sity lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (P < .001).

Because all patients in the study participated in progressive opposition training and received testosterone, only an additive effect of Oxandrolone versus placebo was being decided. Therefore, the study appears to be valid even though the number of patients enrolled was little. On the other hand, had the design of the study called for dividing the patients into multiple groups, so that not all patients received testosterone or participated in progressive resistance exercise, the number of patients required to reach statistical significance would have been much higher on the organization of 350.

The conclusions that can be drawn from the study are that Oxandrolone 20 mg/d, added to a program consisting of both progressive resistance exercise and physiologic doses of testosterone improved the anabolic and functional responses in patients who showed HIV-related weight loss.

Only 1 study of oxymetholone in HIV-infected patients has been reported. This study was a nonblinded pilot trial that was completed in Germany and reported in 1996. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either Oxymetholone (14 patients) or Oxymetholone plus ketotifen (16 patients). Ketotifen is an H1-receptor antagonist that has been shown to block tumor necrosis factor A. The patients receiving the medications under study were compared with 30 matched control patients who met the same inclusion criteria, such as advanced HIV infection and chronic cachexia.

At entry into the study, all patients had experienced significant weight loss (greater than 12 kg [26.4 lb]). The average weight get by the patients who received Oxymetholone was 8.2 kg (18 lb), a 14.5% grow over weight at entry (P < .001). The average weight gain by the patients who received association therapy was 6.1 kg (13.4 lb), a 10.9% increase over weight at entry (P < .005). The untreated control patients lost an average of 1.8 kg (4 lb). Both groups of treated patients showed improvement in the ability to perform activities of daily living and in several quality-of-life variables. Although this study was not a double-blind clinical trial, the investigators believed that the results suggested the need for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial.