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.