From: Chemical Muscle #10
http://www.meso-rx.com/articles/rea/030704.htmTestosterone Is Still El-Rey (The King)
One error that exists in choosing a single AAS is the assumption that one cannot alter its characteristics in favor of personal needs. As example, consider testosterone. As a whole testosterone has been responsible for more tons of new muscle than any other two AAS combined in the history of anabolics. Why? Well, first off it is relatively cheap, and second because it is equally anabolic and androgenic.
This means a significant increase in muscle protein synthesis occurs in conjunction with a comparable increase in strength in the form of weight and work-load capacity. More strength means more tissue is worked, and greater protein synthesis means a greater amount of super-compensation results in the form of more muscle for the effort. One fuels the other.
But Testosterone Is For Chrome Domes
Many assume that an increase in circulating testosterone means a swollen prostate, chrome dome syndrome (due to DHT conversion) and gynecomastia (bitch tits, due to estrogen conversion). Oddly enough few seem to consider the use of synergistic drugs to control these negative side effects while potentiating the effects of testosterone itself for personal goals. (Huh?)
DHT Control
The reason that some of the circulating testosterone in converted into DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is due to an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. There are several drugs on the market that either inhibit the enzyme or block the DHT receptor sites. A prime and common example is finasteride (Proscar and Propecia). Finasteride acts to inhibit the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme from reducing testosterone (and other AAS) into DHT and has "some" capacity to block DHT receptor-sites. This means the prior characteristic prevents DHT formation and the latter keeps the DHT out of its receptors.
Those it is often said that 1mg daily of finasteride allows for adequate DHT control I have found that for most 2.5 -5mg daily was needed when dosages of testosterone reach or exceed 600mg weekly. Interesting when one considers that this also affords a valuable control effect upon prostate growth (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia AKA: BPH) and a reduction in prostate cancer risks.
Purchasing finasteride in 1mg tabs under the product name Propecia is nearly twice as expensive as buying the 5mg tabs under the product name Proscar and cutting them in half. (Yup!) Both are prescription drugs not all that difficult to acquire as the mere existence of BPH in anyone's family history is cause enough for most physicians.
Controlling Those Feminine Urges
It appears that few are aware of the fact that increased estrogens have been heavily implicated as a primary cause of both hair loss and BPH. In fact it appears that the accumulation of DHT combined with increased estrogens is the actual chrome dome combo of all time. It also appears that males who experience a significant elevation in estrogen tend to become more emotional. (Just what we need: A 300 pound freak upset about his training gear color coordination. Geez!)
Aromatase Control
There are two three types of estrogen control drugs:
Estrogen receptor-site antagonist: These merely block the entrance of more powerful estrogens from their own receptors. The result is less estrogenic activity.
Biosynthesis Inhibitors: These drugs stop the synthesis of estrogens by inhibiting the biosynthesis of the first step in all sex hormone synthesis (namely the production of pregnenolone from cholesterol)
Anti-aromatase: This is a group of drugs that inhibit either the production or activity of the aromatase enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into estrogens.
Which One?
Of these the most effective for the control of estrogen production from testosterone are the anti-aromatase. Arimidex, Aromasin and Formestane are the best known. (There is another soon to be available that is more effective, HPTA stimulating and anabolic as well…and it will be over the counter…for awhile). For most who suffer hair loss from AAS use 1-2mg daily of Arimidex, 25-50mg daily of Aromasin, or 250mg of parental (injection) Formestane weekly will keep estrogen levels in reasonable reference ranges.
More Testosterone?
A point to consider hear is that although DHT and estrogen both possess their positive value in the muscle growth process one cannot discount the fact that if less testosterone is converted to DHT and estrogen then there is more actual testosterone left to do its job (Uh, like build muscle)
