Introdocution

Since we’ve put together the concept behind TunedSports.com which is to provide free high quality articles regarding popular designer steroids and pro-hormones, we have been asked constantly about putting together a non-hormal stack that would come closest to the results one would typically see on a steroid/pro-hormone cycle.  While this is essentially an impossible task as a properly planned cycle with an appropriate diet will always deliver superior results, we can certainly put together a non-hormonal stack based on over the counter supplements that will deliver consistent results without ‘entirely’ breaking the bank.

Therefore we are pleased to introduce the TunedSports.com NON-Hormonal stack based strictly on over the counter supplements that can be purchased in stores and online.  Since we aim to be vendor neutral we will try to provide several different options for you as in the supplement industry they’re various products that are comparable or in some cases practically identical.

Prerequisites

First and foremost users should have past supplement experience and a couple years of lifting experience, certainly if you’re new to supplements starting with this stack is not advised as with supplements there’s some progression that needs to be followed, starting out with something as simple as creatine is recommended, in general don’t jump too far ahead when you haven’t reached enough of a natural plateau to do so.

Second this stack is NON-Hormonal therefore a Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) or Cycle Support Supplements are not required.

This article assumes you’re already taking staple supplements such as Multivitamins, Fish/Flax Oil, Creatine, Protein and possibly some form of BCAA/EAA.

Fourth and finally remember that results are dictated by proper lifting and DIET, diet alone is more important than any supplement or lifting program, if you’re not seeing results always check your diet first.  One thing that’s not being provided in this article is nutritional advice therefore please have your diet in order prior to starting ANY supplementation cycle regardless whether it’s hormonal or non-hormonal.

TunedSports.com NON-Hormonal Stack

Our stack is built around a relatively simple presence, we want to increase our testosterone levels, decrease estrogen levels and create more “free” testosterone which can be used for our desired goals (building muscle, enhancing workouts etc).  We also want to saturate our muscles with Arachidonic Acid which allows for greater workout endurance/strength and slow increases in muscle mass.  We have put together this example non-hormonal using some of the most popular and proven compounds on the market, properly dosing them, creating the ideal usage length and providing that information to you, so let’s begin.

Testosterone Boosters

Testosterone is one of our bodies primary hormones (in Males) it’s responsible for maintaining muscle mass, strength, fat distribution, bone mass, sperm production, sex drive and potency among others.  By increasing the natural Testosterone levels in our system, we will assisting our bodies in numerous ways but in particular for weight lifters, increase testosterone levels typically result in increases muscle mass, strength and in some cases reduced fat distribution, having higher testosterone levels will also assist in the gym in some cases resulting in more intense, effective and longer workouts.  Many newer popular natural testosterone boosting supplements also help “free-up” our testosterone making it more available for our desired tasks (creating muscle, increasing strength etc).

Therefore for the base of our non-hormonal stack we recommending using ONE of the two proven and effective testosterone boosters, both are solid products.

1. Driven Sports – Activate Xtreme.
2. Biotivia – Bio Forge.

Aromatose Inhibitor

Estrogen is the primary hormone in Females, while also being present in Males in limited amounts.  Typically when increasing testosterone levels, Estrogen levels can also indirectly increase as well, increased estrogen levels can increase bodyfat, reduce muscle mass and strength among other side effects.  This is something we certainly want to avoid, but even with normal estrogen levels, by regulating these levels with an Aromatose Inhibitor we can effectively lower estrogen levels which will indirectly increase our testosterone levels, reduce water weight, increase strength and mass.  Therefore combining our Testosterone Booster with an Aromatose Inhibitor we effectively give our bodies a one two punch in reducing estrogen and increasing testosterone, therefore the second portion of our TunedSports.com non-hormonal stack is the addition of an Aromatose Inhibitor.

We recommend a 3,6,17-Androstenetrione (6-OXO) based AI as it’s one of the most proven and effective on the market.  Both products below contain Androstenetrione (6-OXO)

1. Shocker Nutrition – TS2 – Also includes tribulus which boosts libido and may also help raise testosterone levels.
2. PrimaForce - Androstenetrione

Arachidonic Acid

Arachidonic Acid is somewhat of a more “recent” invention in the bodybuilding world, it was brought to market several years ago by Molecular Nutrition as “X-factor”, it’s effectiveness at times has been questioned, but many users report excellent strength and muscle mass increases while using it at the appropriate dosage.  As per iForce Nutrition “By aggravating muscle fibers with additional AA, it sends a message to the rest of the body that extra repair/growth must be performed in order to properly recover from training. This helps build extra muscle and strength, as well as induce fat loss. This means greater post-workout soreness, rapid strength and lean body mass (LBM) gains, intense pumps, and increased lipolysis (fat loss)”.  The down side to Arachidonic Acid is that it takes time for it to saturate muscle tissue, therefore simply running one bottle won’t be sufficient, driving the cost up further.  However with that said, the final component of our non-hormonal stack is.

1. Molecular Nutrition – xFactor
2. iForce Nutrition – Max Out. – Also contains 25-R-diol, Icarrin and Narangin which may help enhance gains and assist increasing testosterone.

Putting it Together.

Now that we have laid out the natural supplements for this stack, we can begin to put it all together and discuss dosing regiments.  You can substitute in other products depending on your brand preference but we feel based on the ingredient profiles using Activate Xtreme as our test booster, TS2 as our estrogen regulator and iForce Max Out for our AA source would perhaps make the best combination.  Now let’s get down to dosages.

• iForce Nutrition – Max Out.  (Two Bottles Required).  Take 4 capsules per day for 50 days.
• Activate Xtreme.  (Two Bottles Required).  Take 5-6 capsules per day for 35 days.  (Start on day 15 of Max Out).
• Thermolife TS2.  (One bottle required).  Take 4 capsules per day for 30 days.  (Start on day 25 of Max Out).

Therefore our entire cycle would look something like this.

• Day 1 to Day 15:   Max Out 4 pills per day.
• Day 15 to Day 25:  Max Out 4 pills per day, Activate Xtreme 5-6 pills per day.
• Day 25 to Day 50:  Max Out 4 pills a day, Activate Xtreme 5-6 pills a day, TS2 4 pills a day.
• Day 50 to Day 55:  TS2 4 pills per day.

If you decide to go with another series of products from the options we provided, you can essentially interchange them easily without issue, just follow the manufacturers recommenced daily dosage, however the length of cycle and when to begin each compound type should remain the same as above.

Miscellaneous

Users with a solid lifting program and appropriate diet should expect muscle gains in the 5-15lb range over a 50 day cycle.

Users should consume 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight, therefore a person who weighs 200lbs should consume 200 grams of protein per day.

This is an article we will continue to progressively update, bookmark for future updates.

Prelude

Superdrol is a powerful anabolic designer steroid originally brought to market by Designer Supplements in 2005, however due “heat” revolving the compound by the FDA the original “Superdrol” was pulled from the market, however like many other compounds, has been made available again courtesy of superdrol clones.  Below is a short listing of two high quality superdrol clones.

1. Competitive Edge Labs – M-Drol
2. iForce Nutrition – Methadrol
3. PHF SuperMass

Both clones will be the base point for our article as they’re both arguably the most popular and common superdrol clones, between the two there are no known differences as they’re both the same active compound (2a, 17a Dimethyl Etiocholan 3-One, 17b-Ol).  They are also priced competitively, contain 10mg of active per pill and contain 90 pills respectively and since the original Superdrol is not available, going with a clone is the only option, however quality clones will produce identical results to the original superdrol.

Superdrol is perhaps the most powerful compound available on the legal market, it also happens to be one of the most toxic as well, therefore Superdrol is only for advanced users that have done several(3+) designer steroid or pro-hormone cycles in the past, users should also have several years experience of proper lifting and dieting and should ideally have a starting weight of at least 200 Lbs.  There’s also some progression that should be followed, jumping into Superdrol too early will give most users little future options as it’s essentially at the top of the designer steroid chain.

NOTE:  There are several products that are also based on the Supderdrol compound however have slight variations that may result in better/lesser gains and or a reduced/increased risk of side effects, here are a few examples of these products: iForce Dymethazine, Anabolic Innovations Cynostane and IDS Mass Tabs.

Maintaining Health

Superdrol is an oral based designer steroid that’s processed by the liver, Superdrol is also a methylated compound and thus puts additional strain on our bodies liver.  It’s been well documented that superdrol is one of the harshest compounds available on the market it will negatively impact blood pressure, lipid values, cholesterol levels and will put stress on the bodies endocrine system, there is also additional side effects (discussed shortly) that can also present themselves, however in most cases they’re typically minor and a slight inconvenience.

However with proper planning and preventative supplementation we can assist our bodies with protecting our livers, lipid values, cholesterol levels and help control adverse blood pressure effects, this may seem like a daunting task finding supplements to tackle all of these concerns, however luckily several supplement companies have been making “all-in-one” cycle protection products that work to address many of these potential side effects and subsequently an “all-in-one” product will be the basis for our on cycle support.  Therefore ANYONE running Superdrol, is required to supplement with one of the following products throughout the entire duration of the cycle.

1. Anabolic Innovations – Cycle Support (Powder)
2. Anabolic Innovations – Life Support (Capsules)
3. Competitive Edge Labs – Cycle Assist (Capsules)

Either of the three are suitable choices, cost should be the deciding factor or whether you prefer capsules or powder.  A general rule of thumb is to pre-load either of the products two weeks prior to beginning your cycle and continue to use throughout the entire cycle from start to finish, buy accordingly so you have enough on hand.   These products will assist your body with maintaining healthy blood pressure, prostate health, liver function and lipid profile by utilizing popular herbs such as Hawthorn Berry (BP), NAC (liver), Milk Thistle (liver), Saw Palmetto (prostate) among others.  Please follow the manufactures recommended dosage (as per bottle) as it’s the dosage known to work best.

Where as with many cycles, one of the products above would be sufficient on it’s own for cycle protection, however for Superdrol it’s recommended to take the route “better safe than sorry” and provide our bodies with additional protection by supplementing with the following.

1. Himalaya LiverCare (Liv.52) – Will provide strong liver protection in conjunction with an the “all-in-one” products, very affordable at under $20 for a bottle.  For Superdrol cycles 3 capsules per day is recommended, use throughout the duration of the “on” period, can use in PCT as well.
2. NOW Grape Seed Antioxidant – Grape Seeds have shown in many studies to provide benefits in regards to blood pressure, cholesterol levels and lipid values by limiting lipid oxidation.  For Superdrol cycle, 3 capsules per day is recommended, use throughout the duration of the “on” period, can use in PCT as well.  Under $10.
3. (Optional) Universal Animal Flex or NOW Joint Support – Superdrol is non-aromatizing compound therefore low estrogen levels may create joint discomfort, also due to the possible rapid strength gains on superdrol it’s recommended to supplement throughout the entire cycle with a joint support product.

We also recommend having Taurine on hand with Superdrol to control back pumps, for more information on combating other sides please read our article combating cycle sides.

Dosing

Superdrol is a very strong compound therefore it’s generally best to start with a lower dosage, asses tolerance and slowly increase it to the desired range.  For first time Superdrol users generally 20mg is sufficient and should be an ideal first cycle dosage, superdrol cycles are typically 3-4 weeks in length with 4 weeks being the most common, typically after 4 weeks the gains begin to slow and side effects increase thus cycles longer than 4 weeks aren’t common or recommended.  Below are two common dosing protocols.

Superdrol dosing for new superdrol users:  Week1:  10mg / per day | Week 2-4:  20mg / per day

Superdrol dosing for experienced superdrol users:  Week1:  20mg / per day | Week 2-4:  30mg / per day

If going with a 3-week cycle instead of a 4-week cycle, don’t use a lower first week dosage, keep it the same the entire way through the cycle (example week 1-3:  20mg/20mg/20mg per day).  More experienced users with past Superdrol experience can experiment with dosages to around 40mg, however the added benefit may be negligible compared to the added sides at high dosages.

Superdrol works relatively quickly, therefore the majority of users typically begin to experience the effects of Superdrol within 5-12 days, depending on the user.  Superdrol has an average half life and should have it’s dosages split, ideally with one dosage in the morning and one around dinner time.  On workout days it’s advisable to take a dosage roughly one hour prior to starting your lifting session, it’s also advisable to avoid taking a dosage close to bed time as it can alter sleep patterns.

Ideally each Superdrol dosage should be taken simultaneously with fish or flax seed oil to enhance absorption, it’s also recommended to consume 16-24 ounces of water at each Superdrol dosage.

Common Side Effects

The occurrence rate of side effects while using  Superdrol would be from moderate to common, however they’re completely user unique, some users may not experience any side effects, while other users will experience a combination of sides.  It should be noted that the majority of these side effects are simply of inconvenience more so than a possible health affecting issue and for the most part can be resolved through simple supplementation, take sometime to read our article on combating side effects.

• Decreased Libido/Sexual Function
• Lethargy / Fatigue
• Increased hair growth / Increased hair shedding
• Puffy / Sensitive Nipples
• Joint Discomfort
• Back Pumps (Dull pain in back after/during workouts)
• Increased aggression, head aches, flushing and various other sides can happen as well.

Typical Results

Results will vary based upon the dosage, experience, diet and many other factors, in general Superdrol will provide exceptional lean body mass gains, excellent strength gains and endurance in the gym.  Superdrol works best when used in a Bulk due to it’s ability to help our bodies pack on the muscle when eating a clean caloric surplus diet, with that said Superdrol can also be used in a cutting or recomp cycle, however other compounds are typically better suited than Superdrol for those diet types.

• When used in a bulking diet, gains can range from 12-20lbs on a 4 week cycle at 20mg.
• When used in a recomp diet, gains can range from 7-10lbs on a 4 week cycle at 20mg, while also possibly reducing body fat 0-2%.
• When used in a cutting diet, gains can range from 4-6lbs on a 4 week cycle at 20mg, while also possibly reducing body fat 1-3%.

The ‘gain’ ranges above are considered normal, however some users have reported gains in upwards of 20lbs and some users may not experience many noticeable gains at all, results are largely dictated by diet.

Post Cycle Therapy

Possibly the most important item on the menu is post cycle therapy, when taking a foreign substance (Superdrol/M-Drol/Methadrol) that creates testosterone your body begins to shut down it’s normal production, when you stop taking a pro-hormone or steroid compound your body needs a way to jump start it’s own natural production again, while limiting endocrine system stress, this is why we need post cycle therapy.  It’s not just as simple as that however, when coming off of a compound your body goes through a very stressful phase as your hormones are out of balance, failure to mitigate these imbalances can result in a unique set of side effects not related to the Superdrol compound.  Below is just a *few* of the noted side effects of an improper post cycle therapy regiment, it should also be noted that the occurrence of side effects in the post cycle stage is more common than the “on-cycle” phase, however a properly planned post cycle therapy regiment can mitigate these risks.

• Gynecomastia (or Man Boobs)
• Anxiety/Depression (Can range mild to severe)
• Body Aches/Pains (Can range mild to severe)
• Impotence and other sexual function side effects.
• Loss of gains made on cycle.

As you can see, these are side affects we definitely want to avoid at all costs, so let’s start discussing a proper Superdrol PCT (Post Cycle Therapy).

Post Cycle General:  You should begin your PCT regiment immediately after your pro-hormone or designer steroid cycle, it should begin the day after your last dosage of Superdrol.  PCT regiments are typically 4-6 weeks depending on the type of compound being used, user and type of PCT.  As noted in the previous section under “Maintaining Health”, you should continue to use Life Support, Cycle Assist or Cycle Support throughout your entire cycle, INCLUDING your PCT regiment.

• Boost Natural Testosterone Production.
• Regulate Estrogen.
• Restore HPTA function.
• Reducing SHBG.
• Control Cortisol Effects.

Over The Counter:  An OTC (Over The Counter) post cycle therapy regiment is not an acceptable PCT for Superdrol, for Superdrol cycles a Research Drug is REQUIRED.

Research Drugs:  The MOST effective PCT regiment is one that includes a prescription/research drug, however some users prefer not to go this route, you may be asking why would someone go another route if this is the most proven and effective PCT method.  There’s various reasons but one to point out is that these drugs aren’t technically available without a prescription, these are also very powerful drugs that can also have their own side effects, notice that I say they aren’t “technically” available that’s because they can be purchased online at research drug sites, I won’t provide you with any links, if you chose to go this route googling for these sites will won’t take you long.

1. Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate).  Comes in Liquid or Pill form.

2. Optional (But highly-recommended):  Competitive Edge Labs – P.C.T Assist

3. Optional (But recommended):  Competitive Edge Labs – Suppress-C

It’s recommended that Users with deep pockets can also add in a natural testosterone booster such as S.A.N. MyoTEST, in the event you go this route, it would be best to run a test booster starting week two through week six.  Below is an example PCT when using a research drug (such as Nolvadex aka Tamoxifen Citrate, as we are in this case).

Week 1 Nolvadex 30mg & P.C.T Assist (6 caps)| Week 2-3 Nolvadex 20mg & P.C.T Assist (6 caps) | Week 4 Nolvadex 10mg & P.C.T Assist (6 caps)

Example Cycle

This is an example cycle from start to finish to give you an idea how it should look, assumes you’re using Nolvadex.  From start to finish our properly designed cycle will take approximately 10 weeks total.

• Week 1-2:  Pre-load Cycle Support, Cycle Assist or Life Support @ Bottle Recommended dosages.
• Week 2:  Cycle/Life Support | Superdrol 10mg
• Week 3-6:  Cycle/Life Support | Superdrol 20mg
• Week 7:  Cycle/Life Support | Nolvadex 30mg | PCT Assist (6 Caps).
• Week 8-9:  Cycle/Life Support | Nolvadex 20mg | PCT Assist (6 Caps).
• Week 10:  Cycle/Life Support | Nolvadex 10mg | PCT Assist (6 Caps).

Supplements

It’s recommended that users supplement with a quality Multi-Vitamin and Fish Oil throughout the ENTIRE cycle.  You should stop taking any other supplements on Cycle as well such as Creatine, NO, Test Boosters and so on, these should be saved for PCT in order to preserve strength.  It’s heavily recommended that during PCT, you add Creatine and a Cell Volumizer type of product.  Supplementing with Protein is highly recommended on cycle

Interactions

Users who are on anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication may experienced increased anxiety/depression while on cycle and during PCT.  It is HEAVILY advised not to drink alcoholic drinks while on Cycle & PCT, doing so will put significant strain on the liver and can result in a major health hazard.  Users should avoid using stimulants on cycle as blood pressure may elevate too high and possibly cause fainting.  In general, avoid starting any new medications while on cycle or just before, if you’re concerned about a possible interaction consult your doctor.  Users should also eat a clean diet on cycle.

Disclaimer

We are not doctors, therefore before starting any supplement or training regiment you should consult with your doctor.  The information being provided is simply personal opinion.

Prelude

Promag or as many know it “P-Mag”, is a popular designer anabolic steroid/pro-hormone, it was brought to market in December 2005 as Promagnon-25 by Peak Performance Labs, Promagnon-25 has since been discontinued and has gained popularity as affordable clones have become available such as Competitive Edge Labs P-Mag, which we will be using as our reference for this article.

Promag is a versatile compound that will produce lean muscular gains and is suitable for cutting or bulking, however is typically most used when bulking due to reasons noted shortly below.  Promag remains a popular due to it’s consistent gains, minimal side effects and “dry” gains that are relatively easy to maintain post cycle, subsequently it’s also a popular selection for beginners due to the reasons aforementioned above.

Note:  Due to the similarities between both Promag/P-Mag  and Halodrol/H-Drol, this article largely shares information from our h-drol article.

Halodrol vs Promagnon

The nomenclature of the p-mag compound is (4-Chloro-17a-Methyl-Andro-4-Ene-3,17b-Diol), for those who read our Halodrol Informative Bible, you’ll notice the nomenclature of p-mag is nearly identical to h-drol (or halodrol) and this is where things can get confusing.  While both P-Mag and H-Drol are very similar in many areas such as dosages, potency, common sides and nomenclature, however there are some small differences worth pointing out.

1. Promag/P-Mag is considered a better bulker and slightly better for strength gains than Halodrol/H-Drol.
2. It’s been noted that P-Mag begins working faster than H-Drol, therefore results may come slightly earlier in the cycle.
3. Water retention on P-Mag while minimal may be slightly higher than H-Drol.

In general users whom want to focus on adding size, P-Mag is generally a better choice than H-Drol, however those wishing to cut or recomp (gain muscle, lose fat simultaneously) H-Drol is the logical choice.

Maintaining Health

Promag/P-Mag is an oral based designer steroids that are processed by the liver, they’re also a methylated compound thus put additional strain on our bodies liver.  Like many other compounds on the market p-mag can have a negative impact on blood pressure, lipid values, cholesterol levels and will put stress on the bodies endocrine system, there is also additional side effects (discussed shortly) that can also present themselves, however in most cases they’re typically minor and a slight inconvenience.  Luckily through proper planning and supplementation we can help our bodies protect our livers, lipid values, cholesterol levels and help control adverse blood pressure effects, these are all well documented side effects in just about every compound on the market, therefore supplement companies have been making “all-in-one” cycle protection products that work to prevent these side effects or reduce their magnitude.  Therefore ANYONE running P-Mag, is required to supplement with one of the following products throughout the entire duration of the cycle.

1. Anabolic Innovations – Cycle Support (Powder)
2. Anabolic Innovations – Life Support (Capsules)
3. Competitive Edge Labs – Cycle Assist (Capsules)

Either of the three are suitable choices, cost should be the deciding factor or whether you prefer capsules or powder.  A general rule of thumb is to pre-load either of the products two weeks prior to beginning your cycle and continue to use throughout the entire cycle from start to finish, buy accordingly so you have enough on hand.   These products will assist your body with maintaining healthy blood pressure, prostate health, liver function and lipid profile by utilizing popular herbs such as Hawthorn Berry (BP), NAC (liver), Milk Thistle (liver), Saw Palmetto (prostate) among others.  Please follow the manufactures recommended dosage (as per bottle) as it’s the dosage known to work best.

Dosing

For first time users it’s recommended to begin with 50mg and then slowly work it up to 75mg which is considered to be P-Mag’s “sweet spot”.  More experienced users with past pro-hormone or designer steroid usage can experiment with dosages to around 125mg, however the added benefit may be negligible compared to the added sides at high dosages.

Most users begin to experience the P-Mag benefits somewhere around week 2 of the cycle, therefore P-Mag Cycles are usually 5-6 weeks in length, users stacking with another compound should stick to P-Mag Cycles that are 5 weeks in length.  For the most part, many consider 5 weeks to be the ideal cycle length for P-Mag in terms of risk and gains.  It is not advised to run P-Mag any longer than 6 weeks, even if being ran solo, this is simply for overall health as 6 weeks of a methylated compound is certainly more than enough and any longer than 6 weeks may result in possible health issues.

As noted Promag (P-Mag) has a very long half life, therefore it’s recommended that the largest dosage be taken in the morning, assuming that you’re taking 75mg of P-Mag, you would be best served by taking two pills in the morning (50mg) and one pill before workout/around dinner (25mg).

Common Side Effects

The occurrence rate of side effects while using Promag/P-Mag are typically mild, however they’re completely user unique, some users may not experience any side effects, while other users may experience a combination of sides.  It should be noted that the majority of these side effects are simply of inconvenience more so than a possible health affecting issue and for the most part can be resolved through simple supplementation, take sometime to read our article on combating side effects.

• Decreased Libido/Sexual Function
• Patterned Acne
• Hair Thinning/Shedding (Especially those prone to hair loss)
• Increased hair growth
• Puffy / Sensitive Nipples
• Sore/Aching Joints
• Back Pumps (Dull pain in back after/during workouts)
• Increased aggression, head aches, lethargy and various other sides can happen however aren’t terribly common.

As you can see there are various *possible* side effects, including some not listed, however for the most part users have limited sides on P-Mag and the ones that are most typical (Acne, Libido Loss, Back Pumps) can be mitigated as noted in our combating side effects article.

Typical Results

P-Mag is a dry compound therefore should produce excellent lean body mass increases without any water weight or bloating.  It’s also a great multi-purpose compound with many people using it for a wide variety of stages including cutting, bulking and recomping (gaining muscle, losing fat simultaneously), as always your diet will dictate your results.

• When used in a bulking diet, users typically report gains somewhere in the 11-15lb neighbourhood on a 5 week cycle at 75mg.
• When used in a recomp diet, users typically report gains somewhere in the 7-10lb neighbourhood while simultaneously losing 1-2% bodyfat on a 5 week cycle at 75mg.
• When used in a cutting diet, users typically report gains somewhere in the 3-5lb neighbourhood while losing 1-3% bodyfat on a 5 week cycle at 75mg.

These ranges are considered normal, however some users have reported gains in upwards of 20lbs and some users may not experience many noticeable gains at all, however lack of results is typically a result of poor diet and workout regiment.

Stacking

P-Mag can be stacked with other NON-Methylated compounds, it is critical that it not be stacked with another Methylated compound, doing so can put serious strain on your liver.  Due to P-Mag being relatively mild it makes for a solid stacker, however stacking two compounds should only be done by users with past pro-hormone or designer steroid experience.  Below is a short list of compounds that are commonly stacked with P-Mag.

1. BOLD (1,4AD)
2. 11-OXO (Adrenosterone)
3. Furazadrol or Furaguno
4. Propadrol

Post Cycle Therapy

Possibly the most important item on the menu is post cycle therapy, when taking a foreign substance (Promag/P-Mag) that creates testosterone your body begins to shut down it’s normal production, when you stop taking a pro-hormone or steroid compound your body needs a way to jump start it’s own natural production again, while limiting endocrine system stress, this is why we need post cycle therapy.  It’s not just as simple as that however, when coming off of a compound your body goes through a very stressful phase as your hormones are out of balance, failure to mitigate these imbalances can result in a unique set of side effects not related to the P-Mag compound.  Below is just a *few* of the noted side effects of an improper post cycle therapy regiment, it should also be noted that the occurrence of side effects in the post cycle stage is more common than the “on-cycle” phase, however a properly planned post cycle therapy regiment can mitigate these risks.

• Gynecomastia (or Man Boobs)
• Anxiety/Depression (Can range mild to severe)
• Body Aches/Pains (Can range mild to severe)
• Impotence and other sexual function side effects.
• Loss of gains made on cycle.

As you can see, these are side affects we definitely want to avoid at all costs, so let’s start discussing a proper Promag/P-Mag PCT (Post Cycle Therapy).

Post Cycle General:  You should begin your PCT regiment immediately after your pro-hormmone or designer steroid cycle, it should begin the day after your last dosage of P-Mag.  PCT regiments are tpyically 4-6 weeks depending on the type of compound being used, user and type of PCT.  As noted in the previous section under “Maintaining Health”, you should continue to use Life Support, Cycle Assist or Cycle Support throughout your entire cycle, INCLUDING your PCT regiment.

• Boost Natural Testosterone Production.
• Regulate Estrogen.
• Restore HPTA function.
• Reducing SHBG.
• Control Cortisol Effects.

Over The Counter:  An OTC (Over The Counter) post cycle therapy regiment is simply that, a PCT that consists with strictly over the counter products that can be bought at major supplement outlets such as BodyBuilding.com or stores such as Vitamin shoppe or GNC.  The following is just an example PCT, you can interchange other similar products if you have a preference.

1. Competitive Edge Labs – PCT Assist.  An ALL purpose PCT product that will help boost testosterone production, help balance hormones and assist with estrogen regulation.
2. SAN Attitude.  An effective Estrogen Regulator and Testosterone Booster.
3. (Optional) Driven Sports – Lean Xtreme.  One of the most popular and proven products that control the effects of Cortisol.

When using an over the counter PCT for this compound, it’s recommended to run a 6-week PCT regiment, assuming you were using the products above, here is how you would schedule your PCT.

Week 1-3: PCT Assist, Lean Xtreme.  |   Week 3-4 PCT Assist, SAN Attitude, Lean Xtreme |  Week 5-6 SAN Attitude

For all products, follow the dosages recommended by the manufacturer.

Research Drugs:  The MOST effective PCT regiment is one that includes a prescription/research drug, however some users prefer not to go this route, you may be asking why would someone go another route if this is the most proven and effective PCT method.  There’s various reasons but one to point out is that these drugs aren’t technically available without a prescription, these are also very powerful drugs that can also have their own side effects, notice that I say they aren’t “technically” available that’s because they can be purchased online at research drug sites, I won’t provide you with any links, if you chose to go this route googling for these sites will won’t take you long.

1. Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate).  Comes in Liquid or Pill form.
3. Optional (But recommended):  Driven Sports Lean Xtreme

It’s reocmmended that Users with deep pockets can also add in a natural testosterone booster such as S.A.N. MyoTEST, in the event you go this route, it would be best to run a test booster starting week two through week six.  Below is an example PCT when using a research drug (such as Nolvadex aka Tamoxifen Citrate, as we are in this case).

Week 1-2 Nolvadex 20mg, Lean Xtreme (3 caps) | Week 2-4 Nolvadex 10mg, Lean Xtreme (3 caps)

Example Cycle

This is an example cycle from start to finish to give you an idea how it should look, assumes you’re going with a prescription drug for PCT.  From start to finish our properly designed cycle will take approximately 11 weeks total.

• Week 1-2:  Pre-load Cycle Support or Life Support @ Bottle Recommended dosages.
• Week 2:  Cycle Support or Life Support | P-Mag  50mg
• Week 3-7:  Cycle/Life Support | P-Mag 75mg
• Week 7-9:  Cycle/Life Support | Nolvadex 20mg | Lean Xtreme.
• Week 9-11:  Cycle/Life Support | Nolvadex 10mg | Lean Xtreme.

Drug Testing

Those being tested for elevated testosterone levels and or lowered estrogen levels will produce a positive test result while on Promag/P-Mag, it’s also important to note that if using a research/prescription drug for your PCT regiment, this will also cause a positive test result in many cases.

Supplements

It’s recommended that users supplement with a quality Multi-Vitamin and Fish Oil throughout the ENTIRE cycle.  You should stop taking any other supplements on Cycle as well such as Creatine, NO, Test Boosters and so on, these should be saved for PCT in order to preserve strength.  It’s heavily recommended that during PCT, you add Creatine and a Cell Volumizer type of product.  Supplementing with Protein is highly recommended on cycle

Interactions

Users who are on anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication may experienced increased anxiety/depression while on cycle and during PCT.  It is HEAVILY advised not to drink alcoholic drinks while on Cycle & PCT, doing so will put significant strain on the liver and can result in a major health hazard.  Users should avoid using stimulants on cycle as blood pressure may elevate too high and possibly cause fainting.  In general, avoid starting any new medications while on cycle or just before, if you’re concerned about a possible interaction consult your doctor.  Users should also eat a clean diet on cycle.

Disclaimer

We are not doctors, therefore before starting any supplement or training regiment you should consult with your doctor.  The information being provided is simply personal opinion.

Prelude

Popular anabolic designer steroid(s) Havoc and Epistane were simultaneously brought to market by Recomp Performance Nutrition and Innovative Body Enhancement respectively in 2007.  Epistane and Havoc have remained one of the most popular compounds available on the market due to it’s reputation as a dry compound that produces lean body mass and gains that are relatively easy to maintain post cycle, with minimal to moderate sides depending on the user.  Both Havoc (2a,3a-epithio-17a-methyl-5a-androstan-17b-ol) and Epistane (2a,3a-epithio-17a-methyl-etioallocholan-17b-ol) are essentially identical, are interchangeable and will produce similar/identical gains, throughout this article we will refer to them as Epi-Havoc.  It is not recommended that users without prior designer steroid or pro-hormone experience select Epi-Havoc as their first cycle, users should have at least one cycle under their belt prior to going with an Epistane or Havoc cycle.

Another documented benefit in *some* users is it’s ability to reduce existing cases of gynecomastia (or male breast tissue), this is due to it’s noted effect of depleting estrogen cells which can cause apoptosis in breast tissue (effectively reducing gyno), more on this later.

Maintaining Health

Both Epistane and Havoc are both oral based designer steroids that are processed by the liver, as such they’re methylated compounds thus put additional strain on our bodies liver.  Like many other compounds on the market Epi-Havoc can have a negative impact on blood pressure, lipid values, cholesterol levels and will put stress on the bodies endocrine system, there is also additional side effects (discussed shortly) that can also present themselves, however in most cases they’re typically minor and a slight inconvenience.  Luckily through proper planning and supplementation we can help our bodies protect our livers, lipid values, cholesterol levels and help control adverse blood pressure effects, these are all well documented side effects in just about every compound on the market, therefore supplement companies have been making “all-in-one” cycle protection products that work to prevent these side effects or reduce their magnitude.  Therefore ANYONE running Epistane or Havoc, is required to supplement with one of the following products throughout the entire duration of the cycle.

1. Anabolic Innovations – Cycle Support (Powder)
2. Anabolic Innovations – Life Support (Capsules)
3. Competitive Edge Labs – Cycle Assist (Capsules)

Either of the three are suitable choices, cost should be the deciding factor or whether you prefer capsules or powder.  A general rule of thumb is to pre-load either of the products two weeks prior to beginning your cycle and continue to use throughout the entire cycle from start to finish, buy accordingly so you have enough on hand.   These products will assist your body with maintaining healthy blood pressure, prostate health, liver function and lipid profile by utilizing popular herbs such as Hawthorn Berry (BP), NAC (liver), Milk Thistle (liver), Saw Palmetto (prostate) among others.  Please follow the manufactures recommended dosage (as per bottle) as it’s the dosage known to work best.

For Epistane/Havoc cycles we also recommend running Himalaya LiverCare (Liv.52) as it will provide strong liver protection in conjunction with one of the products listed above, additionally Himalaya LiverCare is a steal at under $20, for an Epi-Havoc cycle 1-2 capsules per day will suffice.  LiverCare (Liv.52) should be started one week before cycle and continued throughout the entire duration (however can be stopped the first day of PCT for Epistane/Havoc cycles).

Dosing

For first time Epi-Havoc users it’s recommended to begin with 30mg and then slowly work it up to 40mg which is considered to be Epi-Havocs “sweet spot”.  More experienced users with more advanced past pro-hormone or designer steroid usage can experiment with dosages to around 60mg, however the added benefit may be negligible compared to the added sides/risk at high dosages.

The majority of users typically begin to experience the effects of Epi-Havoc within 10 to 20 days, depending on the user,the most common Epi-Havoc cycles are typically 4-5 weeks in length, however users with more advanced experience can run cycles in upwards of 6 weeks.  Many consider 5 weeks to be the ideal length for an Epistane or Havoc cycle, however 4 weeks will certainly suffice for many.  It is not recommended to run Epi-Havoc any longer than 6 weeks, as a methylated compound, significant strain is placed on the liver and over extended cycles can cause possible negative health side effects.

Epi-Havoc have  an average half life and should have it’s dosages split, ideally with one dosage in the morning, one after lunch and one around dinner time.  On workout days it’s advisable to take a dosage roughly one hour prior to starting your lifting session, it’s also advisable to avoid taking a dosage close to bed time as it can alter sleep patterns.

It’s also been stipulated that Epistane and Havoc both have a very short shelf life, it’s been said that Epi-Havoc will begin to loose it’s potency after six months of storage, therefore users buying in advance should plan accordingly, storing in a vacuum sealed apparatus may also extend shelf life.

Common Side Effects

The occurrence rate of side effects while using Epi-Havoc would be from mild to moderate, however they’re completely user unique, some users may not experience any side effects, while other users will experience a combination of sides.  It should be noted that the majority of these side effects are simply of inconvenience more so than a possible health affecting issue and for the most part can be resolved through simple supplementation, take sometime to read our article on combating side effects.

• Decreased Libido/Sexual Function
• Patterned Acne
• Hair Thinning/Shedding (Especially those prone to hair loss)
• Increased hair growth
• Puffy / Sensitive Nipples
• Sore/Aching Joints
• Back Pumps (Dull pain in back after/during workouts)
• Increased aggression, head aches, lethargy and various other sides can happen however aren’t terribly common.

It should be noted that due to Epistane/Havocs estrogen regulation, sore/aching joints is typically very common and we recommend users supplement from the get-go to avoid this, please read our combating side effects article for supplement suggestions for this.

Typical Results

Results will vary based upon the dosage, experience, diet and many other factors, in general Epistane and Havoc both provide excellent lean body mass gains and in many cases a reduction in body fat, as a compound it makes for a great cutter or recomp (gain muscle, lose fat simultaneously), it can also be used as part of a bulking diet, however isn’t as common.  Below assumes you’re running a 5 week cycle and are on a clean diet, above maintenance.  Those cutting may experience lower strength and size gains, but will be able to retain muscle while quickly losing fat.

• When used in a bulking diet, gains can range from 10-15+lbs on a 5 week cycle at 40mg.
• When used in a recomp diet, gains can range from 7-10lbs on a 5 week cycle at 40mg, while also possibly reducing body fat 1-3%.
• When used in a cutting diet, gains can range from 4-6lbs on a 5 week cycle at 40mg, while also possibly reducing body fat 2-4%.

It should be noted that the effectiveness of this compound seems to vary greatly by user, some users don’t respond to havoc or epistane, the ratio of non-responders on Epi-Havoc compared to other compounds is significantly higher.  The ‘gain’ ranges above are considered normal, however some users have reported gains in upwards of 20lbs and some users may not experience many noticeable gains at all.

Stacking

Epistane and Havoc can be stacked with other NON-Methylated compounds, it is critical that Epi-Havoc not be stacked with another Methylated compound, doing so can put serious strain on your liver.  Stacking Epi-Havoc with 11-OXO is an incredibly popular combination when used as part of a cutting cycle, however stacking two compounds should only be done by users with past pro-hormone and or designer steroid expiernece.  Below is a short list of compounds that are commonly stacked with Epi-Havoc.

1. BOLD (1,4AD)
2. 11-OXO (Adrenosterone)
3. Furazadrol or Furaguno
4. Propadrol

Post Cycle Therapy

Possibly the most important item on the menu is post cycle therapy, when taking a foreign substance (Epistane/Havoc) that creates testosterone your body begins to shut down it’s normal production, when you stop taking a pro-hormone or steroid compound your body needs a way to jump start it’s own natural production again, while limiting endocrine system stress, this is why we need post cycle therapy.  It’s not just as simple as that however, when coming off of a compound your body goes through a very stressful phase as your hormones are out of balance, failure to mitigate these imbalances can result in a unique set of side effects not related to the Epi-Havoc compound.  Below is just a *few* of the noted side effects of an improper post cycle therapy regiment, it should also be noted that the occurrence of side effects in the post cycle stage is more common than the “on-cycle” phase, however a properly planned post cycle therapy regiment can mitigate these risks.

• Gynecomastia (or Man Boobs)
• Anxiety/Depression (Can range mild to severe)
• Body Aches/Pains (Can range mild to severe)
• Impotence and other sexual function side effects.
• Loss of gains made on cycle.

As you can see, these are side affects we definitely want to avoid at all costs, so let’s start discussing a proper Epistane/Havoc PCT (Post Cycle Therapy).

Post Cycle General:  You should begin your PCT regiment immediately after your pro-hormmone or designer steroid cycle, it should begin the day after your last dosage of Epi-Havoc.  PCT regiments are tpyically 4-6 weeks depending on the type of compound being used, user and type of PCT.  As noted in the previous section under “Maintaining Health”, you should continue to use Life Support, Cycle Assist or Cycle Support throughout your entire cycle, INCLUDING your PCT regiment.

• Boost Natural Testosterone Production.
• Regulate Estrogen.
• Restore HPTA function.
• Reducing SHBG.
• Control Cortisol Effects.

Over The Counter:  An OTC (Over The Counter) post cycle therapy regiment is simply that, a PCT that consists with strictly over the counter products that can be bought at major supplement outlets such as BodyBuilding.com or stores such as Vitamin shoppe or GNC.  The following is just an example PCT, you can interchange other similar products if you have a preference.

1. Competitive Edge Labs – PCT Assist.  An ALL purpose PCT product that will help boost testosterone production, help balance hormones and assist with estrogen regulation.
2. iForce Nutrition – Reversitol.  An effective Estrogen Regulator and Testosterone Booster.
3. Driven Sports – Lean Xtreme.  One of the most popular and proven products that control the effects of Cortisol.

When using an over the counter PCT for this compound, it’s recommended to run a 6-week PCT regiment, assuming you were using the products above, here is how you would schedule your PCT.

Week 1 PCT Assist, Lean Xtreme.  |   Week 1-5 PCT Assist, Reversitol, Lean Xtreme |  Week 5-6 Reversitol

For PCT Assist & Lean Xtreme, follow the manufacturers recommended dosage.  The first two weeks of Reversitol should be ran at 3 capsules per day, the following two weeks 2 capsules per day and the final week one capsule per day.  It should be noted that for Epistane/Havoc it’s heavily recommended to go with a Research Drug based PCT.

Research Drugs:  The MOST effective PCT regiment is one that includes a prescription/research drug, however some users prefer not to go this route, you may be asking why would someone go another route if this is the most proven and effective PCT method.  There’s various reasons but one to point out is that these drugs aren’t technically available without a prescription, these are also very powerful drugs that can also have their own side effects, notice that I say they aren’t “technically” available that’s because they can be purchased online at research drug sites, I won’t provide you with any links, if you chose to go this route googling for these sites will won’t take you long.

1. Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate).  Comes in Liquid or Pill form.
3. Optional (But recommended):  Driven Sports Lean Xtreme

It’s reocmmended that Users with deep pockets can also add in a natural testosterone booster such as S.A.N. MyoTEST, in the event you go this route, it would be best to run a test booster starting week two through week six.  Below is an example PCT when using a research drug (such as Nolvadex aka Tamoxifen Citrate, as we are in this case).

Week 1-2 Nolvadex 20mg, Lean Xtreme (3 caps) | Week 2-4 Nolvadex 10mg, Lean Xtreme (3 caps)

Example Cycle

Cycle Example

This is an example cycle from start to finish to give you an idea how it should look, assumes you’re going with a prescription drug for PCT.  From start to finish our properly designed cycle will take approximately 11 weeks total.

• Week 1-2:  Pre-load Cycle Support, Cycle Assist or Life Support @ Bottle Recommended dosages.
• Week 2-3:  Cycle/Life Support | Havoc / Epistane 30mg
• Week 3-7:  Cycle/Life Support | Havoc / Epistane 40mg
• Week 7-9:  Cycle/Life Support | Nolvadex 20mg | Lean Xtreme.
• Week 9-11:  Cycle/Life Support | Nolvadex 10mg | Lean Xtreme

Drug Testing

Those being tested for elevated testosterone levels and or lowered estrogen levels will produce a positive test result while on Havoc/Epistane, it’s also important to note that if using a research/prescription drug for your PCT regiment, this will also cause a positive test result in many cases.

Supplements

It’s recommended that users supplement with a quality Multi-Vitamin and Fish Oil throughout the ENTIRE cycle.  You should stop taking any other supplements on Cycle as well such as Creatine, NO, Test Boosters and so on, these should be saved for PCT in order to preserve strength.  It’s heavily recommended that during PCT, you add Creatine and a Cell Volumizer type of product.  Supplementing with Protein is highly recommended on cycle

Interactions

Users who are on anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication may experienced increased anxiety/depression while on cycle and during PCT.  It is HEAVILY advised not to drink alcoholic drinks while on Cycle & PCT, doing so will put significant strain on the liver and can result in a major health hazard.  Users should avoid using stimulants on cycle as blood pressure may elevate too high and possibly cause fainting.  In general, avoid starting any new medications while on cycle or just before, if you’re concerned about a possible interaction consult your doctor.  Users should also eat a clean diet on cycle.

Purchase

Havoc/Epistane can be purchased on popular bodybuilding supplement stores, below are some links to Epistane, Havoc along with a few popular clones of the products as well which offer a discounted price.

1. Recomp Performance Nutrition Havoc
2. PrimaForce Havoc
3. Innovative Body Enhancement Epistane
4. EST Methyl-E
5. Competitive Edge Labs E-Stane (Most popular)

Disclaimer

We are not doctors, therefore before starting any supplement or training regiment you should consult with your doctor.  The information being provided is simply personal opinion.

Keep in mind that there are hundreds of products available, this is simply a listing of several popular over the counter post cycle therapy products placed into categories.  Prior to selecting an appropriate set of over the counter PCT products, you should spend sometime reading the articles available here as they will provide more clear cut answers as to what’s viable for an over the counter PCT.  This list should simply be used as a reference to compare products.

As such links are also provided to BodyBuilding.com for these products, alternatively in the event a product is not carried at BodyBuilding.com the product will link to another reputable popular online supplement retailer.  These links are simply provided for simplicity and cost comparison, most can be purchased at many online sites or stores such as GNC or Vitamin shoppe.

All-in-one

The following products are marketed as “all-in-one” PCT products that will boost testosterone and help regulate estrogen.  The following products subsequently have been used as the staple in many over the counter post cycle therapies.  An all-in-one type of product should be the base of any over the counter PCT and should be started day one of PCT.

Competitive Edge Labs P.C.T. Assist

iForce Nutrition- Reversitol

Anabolic Innovations – Post Cycle Support

Aromatase Inhibitor / Estrogen Control

The following are products that help regulate estrogen levels, in some cases these products may contain other herbs/ingredients that will also assist with our bodies natural testosterone production.  During PCT regulating rebounding estrogen is an important task that will help allow our bodies to safely return to normal production and hormone levels.  Estrogen rebound typically occurs later in PCT, therefore if you’re using a product for estrogen control in your PCT, you should begin using it from week 2 through week 6 of PCT.

Innovative Body Enhancement  – Formex

Serious Nutrition Solutions – Inhibit-E

S.A.N. – Estrodex

S.A.N – Attitude

Shocker Nutrition – TS2

PrimaForce – Androstenetrione

LG Sciences – Formadrol Extreme XL

Gaspari Nutrition – Novedex XT

Cortisol Control

Cortisol is a natural hormone produced in our bodies, however an over-abundance of cortisol can lead to possible muscle loss and fat gain, typically when coming off cycle into PCT our hormone levels are out of balance and an increase of cortisol is common.  By controlling cortisol levels we will help our bodies maintain the muscle earned on cycle, without any cortisol related fat gains.  Cortisol products should be started day one of your PCT and ran for four weeks total (in most cases, one bottle will suffice)

Driven Sports – Lean Xtreme

Competitive Edge Labs – Suppress-C

Serious Nutrition Solutions – Reduce XT

Testosterone Boosters

The following products are popular natural testosterone boosters, providing our bodies with a “boost/jump-start” of natural testosterone production during PCT.  Testosterone boosters typically aren’t a requirement during PCT, they’re a luxury.  Most PCT’s are based around an “all-in-one” type product, cortisol control and estrogen regulation as this will provide sufficient testosterone boosting, however those with deep pockets can certainly consider helping their bodies recover and maintain gains after cycle.

Biotivia – Bio Forge

Driven Sports – Activate Xtreme

ThermoLife – T-Bol

S.A.N – MyoTEST

Anabolic Xtreme – Mass FX

Anabolic Innovations – Stoked

Example OTC PCT Regiments

The following are just a few simple examples of several over the counter PCT regiments based on some of the products listed above.  These example PCT’s are based on the following designer steroid/pro-hormone compounds (H-Drol/P-Mag) and will suffice for similar compounds in the same class.  Four examples OTC PCT’s are listed below, each one based on a different “all-in-one” product for the most part.

Example #1:   [Week 1-2] PCT Assist, Reduce XT  |  [Week 2-4] PCT Assist, Reduce XT, Inhibit-E|  [Week 4-6] Inhibit-E

Example #2:   [Week 1-2] Reversitol, Suppress-C  |  [Week 2-4] Reversitol, Suppress-C, Attitude|  [Week 4-6] Attitude

Example #3:   [Week 1-2] Post Cycle Support, Lean Xtreme | [Week 2-4] Post Cycle Support, Lean Xtreme, TS2 | [Week 4-6] TS2

Example #4:   [Week 1-4] Post Cycle Support, Reversitol, Suppress-C |  [Week 4-5] Post Cycle Support

The Beginning

Protodrol is a new pro-hormone brought to market by iForce Nutrition one of the leading companies when it comes to ‘compounds’ and is promised to be one of the few methylated compounds that have minimal liver impact.  Protodrol is also one of the more affordable compounds available as one bottle is typically enough to run an entire cycle. It should also be noted that IBE has recently released a Protodrol clone named ‘Protomax’.

Note:  As with all of our other “informative bibles” as new information becomes available regarding Protodrol we will continuously update the information provided here.

Maintaining Health

Protodrol promises to be a relatively mild compound in regards to side effects, however is methylated and despite being proclaimed as “safe methyl technology” it’s better to be safe than sorry and follow the same regiment as one would with any other methylated compound.  Many herbal based supplements have been scientifically shown to produce desirable results when it comes to Blood Pressure, Liver Function and Lipid profiles.  Over the years several companies have begun creating “all-in-one” products designed specifically for prohormone and designer steroid cycles, these products have been a staple in thousands of users cycles with excellent results including blood work to backup their effectiveness.  Therefore ANYONE running a cycle of Protodrol will need to use one of the following products throughout the entire Cycle.

Anabolic Innovations – Life Support (Capsules)

Anabolic Innovations – Cycle Support (Powder)

Both are, for the most part, identical products the biggest difference is the form, whether you prefer to take pills or powder.  A general rule of thumb is to pre-load either one (Life Support or Cycle Support) two weeks prior to beginning your cycle and all the way through until the end, so buy accordingly so that you have enough on hand.  These products will assist your body with maintaining healthy blood pressure, liver function and lipid profile.

Dosages & Length

Since this is a new compound with limited information available regarding it’s effectiveness, experimenting with dosages is not recommended.  For a base cycle 50mg is recommended for a first time protodrol cycle, experienced users can venture into dosages in upwards of 75mg however should exercise caution as this is a new compound.

Protodrol can be ran in cycles from 4 to 6 weeks, however for optimal gains 5 weeks would be recommended and experienced users can venture into 6 week cycles as well.

Common Side Effects

Side effects with protodrol should be mild if any, protodrol in general should be considered a “mild” methylated compound.  However in general side effects with pro-hormones and designer steroids can possibly happen depending on the user.

• Decreased Libido/Sexual Function
• Patterned Acne
• Sleep Alteration (difficulty sleeping, realistic dreams, etc)
• Slightly increased Blood Pressure
• Back Pumps (Dull pain in back after/during workouts)

Many of these symptoms can be resolved through over the counter supplements please read our side effects article.

Typical Results

Protodrol is a dry compound and should produce lean body mass gains without bloating, therefore it’s a great compound for cutting, recomp or even bulking depending on your diet.  Protodrol should be viewed as a viable alternative to halodrol (h-drol) in regards to overall results, based on early information available the gains seem to be consistent with what one would expect with h-drol.

• When used in a bulking diet, users may see gains somewhere in the 9-14lb neighborhood on a 5 week cycle at 50mg.
• When used in a recomp diet, users may see gains somewhere in the 6-9lb neighborhood while simultaneously losing 1-2% bodyfat on a 5 week cycle at 50mg.
• When used in a cutting diet, users may see gains somewhere in the 2-4lb neighborhood while losing 1-3% bodyfat on a 5 week cycle at 50mg.

These ranges are considered common, however some users may experience gains in upwards of 15+lbs and some users may not experience many noticeable gains at all, however lack of results is typically a result of poor diet and workout regiment.

Stacking

Protodrol can be stacked with other NON-Methylated compounds, it is critical that Protodrol  not be stacked with another Methylated compound, doing so can put serious strain on your liver.  Due to Protodrol being relatively mild it makes for a solid stacker, however stacking two compounds should only be done by users with past pro-hormone or designer steroid experience.  Below is a short list of some compounds to consider when stacking Protodrol.

• BOLD (1,4AD)
• 11-OXO (Adrenosterone)
• Furazadrol
• Tren

Post Cycle Therapy

Possibly the most important item on the menu is post cycle therapy, when taking a foreign substance (Protodrol) that creates testosterone your body begins to shut down it’s normal production, when you stop taking a pro-hormone or steroid compound your body needs a way to jump start it’s own natural production again, this is why we need post cycle therapy.  It’s not just as simple as that however, when coming off of a compound your body goes through a very stressful phase as your hormones are out of balance, failure to mitigate these imbalances can result in a unique set of side effects not related to the protodrol compound.  Below is just a *few* of the noted side effects of an improper post cycle therapy regiment, it should also be noted that the occurrence of side effects in the post cycle stage is more common than the “on-cycle” phase, however a properly planned post cycle therapy regiment can mitigate these risks.

• Gynecomastia (or Man Boobs)
• Anxiety/Depression (Can range mild to severe)
• Body Aches/Pains (Can range mild to severe)
• Impotence and other sexual function side effects.
• Loss of gains made on cycle.

As you can see, these are side affects we definitely want to avoid at all costs, so let’s start discussing a proper Protodrol PCT (Post Cycle Therapy).

Post Cycle General:  You should begin your PCT regiment immediately after your pro-hormmone or designer steroid cycle, it should begin the day after your last dosage of Protodrol.  PCT regiments are tpyically 4-6 weeks depending on the type of compound being used, user and type of PCT.  As noted in the previous section under “Maintaining Health”, you should continue to use Life Support or Cycle Support throughout your entire cycle, INCLUDING your PCT regiment.

• Boost Natural Testosterone Production.
• Regulate Estrogen.
• Restore HPTA function.
• Reducing SHBG.
• Control Cortisol Effects.

Over The Counter:  An OTC (Over The Counter) post cycle therapy regiment is simply that, a PCT that consists with strictly over the counter products that can be bought at major supplement outlets such as BodyBuilding.com or stores such as Vitamin shoppe or GNC.  The following is just an example PCT, you can interchange other similar products if you have a preference.

1. Competitive Edge Labs – PCT Assist.  An ALL purpose PCT product that will help boost testosterone production, help balance hormones and assist with estrogen regulation.
2. SNS Inhibit-E.  An effective low-cost estrogen regulator/inhibitor.
3. Optional:  Driven Sports – Lean Xtreme.  One of the most popular and proven products that control the effects of Cortisol.

When using an over the counter PCT, it’s recommended to run a 6-week PCT regiment, assuming you were using the products above, here is how you would schedule your PCT.

Week 1-2 PCT Assist, Lean Xtreme.  |   Week 2-4 PCT Assist, Inhibit-E, Lean Xtreme |  Week 4-6 Inhibit-E

Research Drugs:  The MOST effective PCT regiment is one that includes a prescription/research drug, however some users prefer not to go this route, you may be asking why would someone go another route if this is the most proven and effective PCT method.  There’s various reasons but one to point out is that these drugs aren’t technically available without a prescription, these are also very powerful drugs that can also have their own side effects, notice that I say they aren’t “technically” available that’s because they can be purchased online at research drug sites, I won’t provide you with any links, if you chose to go this route googling for these sites will won’t take you long.

1. Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate).  Comes in Liquid or Pill form.
2. Optional:  Driven Sports Lean Xtreme

Users with deep pockets can also add in a natural testosterone booster such as S.A.N. MyoTEST, in the event you go this route, it would be best to run a test booster starting week two through week six.  Below is an example PCT when using a research drug (such as Nolvadex aka Tamoxifen Citrate, as we are in this case).

Week 1-2 Nolvadex 20mg, Lean Xtreme (3 caps) | Week 2-4 Nolvadex 10mg, Lean Xtreme (3 caps)

Cycle Example

This is an example cycle from start to finish to give you an idea how it should look, assumes you’re going with a prescription drug for PCT.  From start to finish our properly designed cycle will take approximately 11 weeks total.

* Week 1-2:  Pre-load Cycle Support or Life Support @ Bottle Recommended dosages.
* Week 2-7:  Cycle Support or Life Support | Protodrol 50mg
* Week 7-9:  Cycle/Life Support | Nolvadex 20mg | Lean Xtreme.
* Week 9-11:  Cycle/Life Support | Nolvadex 10mg | Lean Xtreme

Supplements

It’s recommended that users supplement with a quality Multi-Vitamin and Fish Oil throughout the ENTIRE cycle.  You should stop taking any other supplements on Cycle as well such as Creatine, NO, Test Boosters and so on, these should be saved for PCT in order to preserve strength.  It’s heavily recommended that during PCT, you add Creatine and a Cell Volumizer type of prodct.  Supplementing with Protein is highly recommended on cycle

Interactions

Users who are on anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication may experienced increased anxiety/depression while on cycle and during PCT.  It is HEAVILY advised not to drink alcoholic drinks while on Cycle & PCT, doing so will put significant strain on the liver and can result in a major health hazard.  Users should avoid using stimulants on cycle as blood pressure may elevate too high and possibly cause fainting.  In general, avoid starting any new medications while on cycle or just before, if you’re concerned about a possible interaction consult your doctor.  Users should also eat a clean diet on cycle.

Users cycling any steroid or pro-hormone subject themselves to a wide range of possible side effects, however in most cases they’re preventable or curable during our cycles and in this article we will cover how to resolve some common side effects users may experience on cycle.  It’s fairly typical for every user to experience at least one of the side effects listed below, however they’re relatively minor and fixable, side effects are heavily user dependent as well.

Libido / Sexual Function

Libido alteration is probably the most common side effect while on cycle, some users report an increased libido (good) and some users report an decreased libido (bad).  Luckily it’s a relatively easily and affordable situation to remedy by using herbal based supplements.  In extreme cases users on cycle may not be able to perform sexually on cycle or not able to obtain an erection.

NOW Men’s Virility Power – This is an all-in-one product that contains tribulus, maca and horney goat weed perhaps the three most popular herbs for sexual function health, also contains other ingredients shown to improve sexual function.  Can be purchased online or in popular vitamin stores for $10-20 and comes with 120 capsules, for best results consume 3-4 capsules per day with a split dosage (morning/night).

Puffy / Sensitive Nipples

Some nipple sensitivity or swelling is very common on cycle, this is related to offset prolactin levels that comes with hormonal changes in our body.  While there isn’t really a treatment for nipple sensitivities, we can help control prolactin levels which should reduce some puffyness or swelling, however without interaction it should resolve itself post cycle.

Supplementing with P-5-P or L-dopa along with Vitex Extract will help control prolactin levels for most and reduce puffyness, may take in upwards of one week to begin working.  Cabergoline is also known to work well however is a bit on the expensive side.

Hair Shedding / Thinning

Some hair shedding on cycle is very common, however users susceptible to male pattern baldness (especially those with family history of baldness) may want to supplement to help prevent over-shedding.  Those on cycle whom are experience high shedding levels may also want to take action as well.  We will only cover some basic over the counter products and supplements.

Throughout your cycle ensure calcium and protein intake remains high.  Using the shampoo Nizoral has also shown to help with preventing hair loss.  A Minoxidil based product is FDA approved for hair loss treatment however takes several months to begin working.

Also many other products exist that will help reduce shedding please see http://www.Folica.com for some examples.

Acne (Facial/Body)

Oily skin on cycle can be quite common, oily skin also can cause skin acne (on cycle acne is typically common on back and or arms).  This typically goes away after cycle so taking drastic measures isn’t recommended, simply using a quality soap for oily skin such as neutrogena will help prevent on cycle acne along with oily skin.  Supplementing with Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) at 2-4 grams per day will help prevent oil production in the glands responsible for acne, usually takes one one week to begin working.  Users who want to take preventive measures should pre-load Pantothenic Acid two weeks prior to starting cycle and run it throughout the duration of the cycle at 2-4 grams per day.

Prostate Pain / Swelling

Prostate discomfort can affect some users on cycle, if you’re following the TunedSports recommendation of using Life or Cycle support throughout your cycle, you’ll be getting some prostate protection, as it contains Saw Palmetto.  However for those not using an “all-in-one” cycle support product, if you’re experiencing prostate discomfort supplementing with Saw Palmetto is recommended due to it’s ease of accessibility and affordability and should be dosed in the 300-500mg range.

Back Pumps / Muscle Fatigue

Possibly the most common side effect and just about most on cycle will experience some mildly painful “muscle pumps” commonly in the lower back region, but can happen in any muscle that’s getting direct or indirect work.  These are so common that it’s best to prevent these from taking place by supplementing with Taurine throughout the cycle as on-cycle muscle pumps can bring a workout to a halt if painful.  Taurine can be purchased very cheaply in stores or online and comes in pill or powder form, it’s recommended consuming 4-7 grams 30-45 minutes before working out.  Those who sip “intra-workout” drinks such as Xtend or Purple Wraath can also add taurine to sip on throughout their workouts.

Joint Pain / Aches

The heavier workout loads on cycle can put stress on the joints as they fall behind to address the sudden increase of weight and workload.  Super low estrogen levels on some cycles are common and you may be thinking that’s a good thing, for building muscle it certainly is, but very low estrogen levels are known to cause “dry-joints” which will cause some mild discomfort on the joints while on cycle.  Luckily it’s a fixable issue through proper supplementation, it’s recommended that users supplement with Fish Oil daily at the recommended dosage as fish Oil has shown to lubricate joints.

Universal Animal Flex – Perhaps the most popular joint support supplement on the market contains MSM, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate among other popular ingredients.  Contains 44 servings and can be purchased in stores or online for between $20-30.

NOW Glucosamine & Chondroitin With MSM - For those on a budget this is a suitable replacement for Animal Flex, however most likely not as effective.  Can be purchased in stores or online for $10-20

Flushed Skin / Redness

Many users report experiencing flushing of the face, redness of skin and so on, this is typically related to blood pressure increases that are common on cycle or can be hormonal related (due to our bodys changing on cycle).  In most cases this can be ignored however for those who would like to reduce occurrence supplementing with quality Celery Seed Extract will help, also another “all-in-one” product to consider.

NOW Celery Circulatory – Contains celery seed extract which studies have proven to improve circulatory function along with other herbs known to support this cause, can be purchased in popular vitamin stores or online for around $10-15.

Prelude

11-OXO also known as (Adrenosterone) is a popular non-methylated designer steroid/pro-hormone originally brought to market by Ergopharm and has since been cloned by several other companies such as Black China Labs 11-test and Competitive Edge Labs 11-Sterone.  Despite the availability of clones with reduced pricing, Andrenosterone remains one of the more expensive compounds to source and thus those costs are passed onto consumers making it one of the more expensive pro-hormones/designer steroids on the legal market.

11-OXO remains a popular choice for users venturing into the world of pro-hormones for the first time, this is due to it’s low risk of side effects and in the event of present side effects, they’re typically mild.  11-OXO is also a non-methylated compound, which means it’s little harm to the liver when compared to other compounds, thus minimal liver protection throughout the cycle is required.

Maintaining Health

11-OXO (Andrenosterone) remains one of the mildest compounds on the market, side effects typically aren’t common however as with other pro-hormones/designer-steroids there’s always some risk of side effects, thus properly planning for common side effects will help reduce any occurrences.  Luckily many herbal based supplements have been scientifically shown to produce desirable results when it comes to Blood Pressure, Liver Function and Lipid profiles.  Over the years several companies have begun creating “all-in-one” products designed specifically for prohormone and designer steroid cycles, these products have been a staple in thousands of users cycles with excellent results including blood work to backup their effectiveness.  Therefore ANYONE running a cycle of 11-OXO will need to use one of the following products throughout the entire Cycle.

Anabolic Innovations – Life Support (Capsules)

Anabolic Innovations – Cycle Support (Powder)

Both are, for the most part, identical products the biggest difference is the form, whether you prefer to take pills or powder.  A general rule of thumb is to pre-load either one (Life Support or Cycle Support) two weeks prior to beginning your cycle and all the way through until the end, so buy accordingly so that you have enough on hand.  These products will assist your body with maintaining healthy blood pressure, liver function and lipid profile.

Dosing

11-OXO is a unique compound, based on the dosages it delivers somewhat drastic differences in overall results.  At the lower end of the dosing spectrum you’ll get effective cortisol control and at the upper end of the dosing spectrum you’ll effectively shut down your natural testosterone production and the 11-oxo results will be comparable to other stronger compounds.  Below we will discuss three common dosages and appropriate cycle lengths.

There are three common dosages 300mg, 600mg or 900mg, the results can vary greatly based on the dosage and we will talk about the effects slightly later in this article.  But in general users wanting effective cortisol control and a leaning effect 300mg is the ideal dosage, users wanting more pronounced strength and mild size gains 600mg is acceptable and at 900mg users should expect muscle and size gains comparable to other more potent products such as BOLD or even h-drol.

11-OXO cycles are typically ran anywhere from 5 to 9 weeks in length, generally the higher the dosage the shorter the cycle duration, however for more advanced users running higher dosages at a full 9 weeks are possible.  11-OXO has an average half life and should have it’s dosages split, ideally with one dosage in the morning, one after lunch and one around dinner time.  on workout days taking a dosage after training is recommended, it’s also advisable to avoid taking a dosage close to bed time as it can alter sleep patterns.

Common Side Effects

Side effects with 11-OXO aren’t common, when used stand alone, however as always with any designer steroid or pro-hormone side effects can occur and in most cases they’re simply a controllable inconvenience.  The following are a listing of some possible side effects with 11-OXO.

• Decreased Libido/Sexual Function
• Patterned Acne
• Sleep Alteration (difficulty sleeping, realistic dreams, etc)
• Slightly increased Blood Pressure
• Back Pumps (Dull pain in back after/during workouts)

Typical Results

Results will vary based upon the dosage, however at ANY dosage 11-oxo will provide strong cortisol control, decrease visceral bodyfat (stomach/chest), increase vascularity and muscle hardness, so when looking at common results below at different dosages, take into consideration that the results below are in addition to those just mentioned.  Below assumes you’re running a 7 week cycle and are on a clean diet, above maintenance.  Those cutting may experience lower strength and size gains, but will be able to retain muscle while quickly losing fat.

When used at 300mg users report moderate strength gains and mild (if-any) size gains.

When used at 600mg users report increased strength and moderate size gains in the 3-5lb range.

When used at 900mg users report increased strength and noticeable size gains in the 5-10lb range.

11-OXO (Andrenosterone) works best in a cutting diet due to it’s ability to greatly enhance fat loss and help retain muscle.  It’s also a viable compound in a bulk to help control fat gain.

Stacking

This is where 11-OXO really shines, in fact 11-OXO is rarely used on it’s own, it’s commonly stacked with other compounds.  Due to it’s  non-methylated design, 11-OXO can be stacked with virtually any popular designer steroid or pro-hormone.  Most users stacking 11-OXO with other compounds are primarily doing so to control cortisol levels and reduce bodyfat, while allowing the other compound to increase strength and size gains, users stacking 11-OXO with other compounds should stick to lower dosages i.e 300mg-600mg.   Below is a short list of several compounds 11-OXO is commonly stacked with.

1. Methylated Compounds (Halodrol, H-Drol, P-mag, Superdrol, M-Drol, Epistane, Havoc, etc)
2. Non-Methylated Compounds (BOLD, Furazadrol, Tren, 3-AD, etc)

Post Cycle Therapy

Giving your body time to adjust is incredibly important and thus post cycle therapy is incredibly important when taking a hormonal compound such as 11-OXO (Andrenosterone).  Once you stop taking a designer steroid or pro-hormone your body goes through a change of hormones and puts stress on your endocrine system, with a properly planned PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) we assist our body with easing back into normal function.  Failure to follow a properly planned PCT can result in undesirable side effects such as.

• Gynecomastia (or Man Boobs)
• Anxiety/Depression
• Weight ‘fat’ Gain / Muscle Loss
• Body Aches/Pains
• Impotent / Sexual Side Effects

As you can see, these are side affects we definitely want to avoid at all costs, so let’s start discussing a proper 11-OXO PCT (Post Cycle Therapy).

Post Cycle General:  You should begin your PCT regiment immediately after your pro-hormmone or designer steroid cycle, it should begin the day after your last dosage of 11-OXO.  PCT regiments are tpyically 4-6 weeks depending on the type of compound being used, user and type of PCT.  As noted in the previous section under “Maintaining Health”, you should continue to use Life Support or Cycle Support throughout your entire cycle, INCLUDING your PCT regiment.  During PCT we effectively want to achieve the following…

• * Boost Natural Testosterone Production.
• * Regulate Estrogen.
• * Restore HPTA function.
• * Reducing SHBG.
• * Control Cortisol Effects.

Over The Counter:  An OTC (Over The Counter) post cycle therapy regiment is simply that, a PCT that consists with strictly over the counter products that can be bought at major supplement outlets such as BodyBuilding.com or stores such as Vitaminshoppe or GNC.  Since 11-OXO is a relatively non-suppressive and mild compound, an over the counter PCT is recommended for dosages in the 300-600mg range, users utilizing a dosage of 900mg should consider going with a SERM.

1. Competitive Edge Labs – PCT Assist.  An ALL purpose PCT product that will help boost testosterone production, help balance hormones and assist with estrogen regulation.
2. S.A.N – Attitude.  An affordable effective estrogen inhibitor and test booster.  (Not required for low dosages of 11-oxo i.e 300mg).
3. Driven Sports – Lean Xtreme.  One of the most popular and proven products that control the effects of Cortisol.

When using an over the counter PCT, it’s recommended to run a 6-week PCT regiment, assuming you were using the products above, here is how you would schedule your PCT.

Week 1-2 PCT Assist, Lean Xtreme.  |   Week 2-4 PCT Assist, Attitude, Lean Xtreme.  |  Week 4-6 Attitude

Research Drugs:  The MOST effective PCT regiment is one that includes a SERM perscription/research drug, however some users prefer not to go this route, as they are “experimental” drugs and can have their own side effects.  As such with a compound such as 11-OXO a research drug really isn’t needed except for users running dosages at or above 900mg.  To obtain a SERM you’ll need a prescription or sometime to research on google regarding research drugs, as they can be purchased legally if being used for research purposes.

1. Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate).  Comes in Liquid or Pill form.
2. Driven Sports – Lean Xtreme.  Helps control cortisol issues.

Below is an example PCT when using a research drug (such as Nolvadex aka Tamoxifen Citrate, as we are in this case).

Week 1-2 Nolvadex 20mg, Lean Xtreme.  |  Week 2-4 Nolvadex 10mg, Lean Xtreme.

Example Cycle

This is an example cycle from start to finish to give you an idea how it should look, assumes you’re going with a prescription drug for PCT.  From start to finish our properly designed cycle will take approximately 14 weeks total, this cycle assumes you’re running 11-OXO (or BCL 11-Test) for 7 weeks at or around 600mg.  The Cycle would be the same for 300mg except the additional PCT product (SAN Attitude) isn’t needed, you would forgo the final two weeks of PCT.

• Week 1-2:  Pre-load Cycle Support or Life Support @ Bottle Recommended dosages.
• Week 2:  Cycle Support or Life Support | 11-OXO 600mg
• Week 3-8:  Cycle/Life Support | 11-OXO 600mg
• Week 8-10:  Cycle/Life Support | PCT Assist | Lean Xtreme
• Week 10-12:  Cycle/Life Support | PCT Assist | Lean Xtreme | Attitude
• Week 12-14:  Attitude

Drug Testing

Those being tested for elevated testosterone levels and or lowered estrogen levels will produce a positive test result while on 11-OXO, it’s also important to note that if using a research/perscription drug for your PCT regiment, this will also cause a positive test result in many cases.

Supplements

It’s recommended that users supplement with a quality Multi-Vitamin and Fish Oil throughout the ENTIRE cycle.  You should stop taking any other supplements on Cycle as well such as Creatine, NO, Test Boosters and so on, these should be saved for PCT in order to preserve strength.  It’s heavily recommended that during PCT, you add Creatine and a Cell Volumizer type of prodct.  Supplementing with Protein is highly recommended on cycle

Interactions

Users who are on anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication may experienced increased anxiety/depression while on cycle and during PCT.  Users should avoid using stimulants on cycle as blood pressure may elevate too high and possibly cause fainting.  In general, avoid starting any new medications while on cycle or just before, if you’re concerned about a possible interaction consult your doctor.  Users should also eat a clean diet on cycle and limit their alcohol intake significantly (best option would be to discontinue usage).

Disclaimer

We are not doctors, therefore before starting any supplement or training regiment you should consult with your doctor.  The information being provided is simply personal opinion.