Both Mass Tabs & Cynostane were legal over the counter designer anabolic steroids that were both based somewhat on the potent superdrol compound. IDS Mass tabs (newer release) and A.I Cynostane were available for a very limited time, at this time they have both recently been pulled from the market making them more difficult to find for purchase.

If you’ve read any of our other compound articles, you’ll notice that we typically cover a single steroid or pro-hormone compound per article, however in this case both Mass Tabs & Cynostane are partially based on superdrol, therefore many of the same principles apply to both Mass Tabs & Cynostane, we also felt neither compounds needed an individual bible written about them due to their limited availability.

Mass Tabs by IDS.

The ‘new’ Mass Tabs were released by IDS in 2009, at the time of it’s release many assumed it contained the compound methyl-sten, but FCC and third party testing has confirmed that Mass Tabs contains the potent steroid Superdrol. Unfortunately to this date, there is no factual information as to how much Superdrol it contains per capsule, as their formula is proprietary, however estimates have put it in the 10-20mg range, we believe it’s roughly 15mg (per capsule) range and that seems to be the general consensus.

In light of this, Mass Tabs should be treated in an identical fashion to Superdrol (2a,17a di methyl etiocholan 3-one, 17b-ol) in regards to your regiment and expectations, however we will discuss that a bit more shortly.

General Opinion: Mass Tabs typically gets excellent feedback with gains comparable to superdrol (depending on comparable doses) with slightly less occurrence of side effects.  It is still possible to purchase Mass Tabs on sites such as Ebay however it is a bit expensive due to the high demand and low availability.

Cynostane by Anabolic Innovations.

Cynostane was introduced by Anabolic Innovations as part of their new “black label” in late 2009, however it was discontinued shortly after it’s release due to recent activity by the FDA regarding designer steroid supplements.  Cynostane doesn’t actually contain superdrol like Mass Tabs does, nor is it the same exact nomenclature but cynostane does share a very similar chemical structure with superdrol.  Let’s briefly analyze the two.

• 2a,17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one (Superdrol)
• 2-cyano-17a-methyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-3-one (Cyanostane)

The most important difference here is that cynostane is not dimethylated with a cyano group at the 2 position.  Despite the very similar structure, any modification to a structure can change the compounds intended results, therefore Cynostane shouldn’t be viewed as “comparable” to Superdrol, but instead viewed as a relative, they share some properties but have differences.

General Opinion: Don’t expect superdrol caliber results, Cynostane is noticeably weaker than superdrol in regards to results, but has a much lower risk of side effects and in the event of side effects they’re typically much more manageable.  Cynostane seems to be hit or miss, with some folks reporting excellent results and others reporting very little.

Cycle Health Support

Both Mass Tabs & Cynostane are oral based steroids that are processed by the liver, in addition they’re both methylated which puts additional strain on the liver, in the case of Mass Tabs it will be more harmful to the liver than Cynostane so take slightly more precaution.  Since both Mass Tabs & Cynostane share similarities with superdrol, they should both be considered potentially very powerful steroidal supplements, which can negatively impact blood pressure, liver function, lipid values, cholesterol levels and will put strain on the bodies endocrine system, there is also additional less serious side effects that we will discuss later.  Most of these negative side effects have been present in steroid usage for decades, luckily over the years preventative herbal supplementation has been vastly improved to provide our bodies with protection for our livers, lipid values, cholesterol levels and help control adverse blood pressure effects. All-in-one cycle protection products have existed for several years and should be a staple in any steroid or pro-hormone cycle, therefore an all-in-one will be our basis for on cycle health support and is required for a proper mass tabs or cynostane 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 Mass Tabs & Cynostane it’s recommended to take the route “better safe than sorry” and provide our bodies with additional protection by supplementing with the following.

1. LiverCare (Liv.52) – Provides strong liver protection in conjunction with an “all-in-one” product, very affordable at under $23 for a large 180-count bottle. For Mass Tabs cycles 3 capsules per day and for Cynostane 1-2 capsules per day, use throughout the duration of the “on” period, carry into PCT as well.

For more information on combating other common on-cycle sides please read our article combating cycle sides.

Mass Tabs Dosing & Results

Mass Tabs seem adequately dosed based upon IDS’s recommendation of one pill per day, most users report excellent results at one pill daily with minimal side effects.  Advanced users with past superdrol or mass tabs experience can experiment with dosages up to two pills per day, however at this point the cost factor and risk of side effects may out weigh any benefits of two pills daily versus one.

Mass Tab cycles are almost always four weeks in length as this was IDS recommendation and it seems to be the ideal length, so we recommend it, some users have ran successful cycles that were three weeks in length as well and there have been some reports of highly experienced steroid users running five weeks (although not recommended).  Like Superdrol begins to work relatively quickly, on average users typically begin seeing noticeable strength and muscle gains by week two, it should be taken simultaneously with fish or flax seed oil to enhance absorption.

Results will depend on the users diet, experience and training regiment, Mass Tabs work best when used in a Bulk due to it’s ability to help pack on the “dry” lean muscle at a vastly increased rate when eating a high protein caloric surplus diet.  With a proper diet and lifting regiment gains typically range between 10lbs to 15lbs at one capsule daily for four weeks, the ‘gain’ ranges above are considered somewhat normal, however some users have reported gains in upwards of 20lbs and some less than 10lbs.

Cynostane Dosing & Results

Cynostane is adequately dosed therefore a large amount isn’t required to obtain desirable results, for some, Cynostane seems to be hit or miss with some users loving the compound and others not seeing results that meets expectations.  The most common dosing regiment is 30mg (3 capsules) daily for four weeks (30/30/30/30) and it’s generally recommended to stick with this, however more advanced users can and have ran cycles at 40mg daily (4 capsules) for four weeks or five week cycles at 30mg daily.  In the event you decide on 40mg daily, run the first two weeks at 30mg daily and the final two weeks at 40mg daily.

Cynostane begins working relatively quickly, on average users typically begin seeing noticeable strength and muscle gains sometime around week two, it should be taken simultaneously with fish or flax seed oil to enhance absorption.  Cynostane has a relatively short half life at around 6-7 hours, therefore to keep a consistent level in the blood stream, if possible split your dosages by 5-6 hours each day.

Results will depend on the users diet, experience and training regiment, Cynostane works well in in a bulk or recomp due to it’s ability to help pack on “dry” lean muscle with minimal (if any) water retention.  Typically gains range between 7lbs to 10lbs at 30mg daily for four weeks, in some cases users have reported gains in upwards to 15lbs+ and in other cases some reported gains less than 5lbs, but typically a poor diet is the culprit for lack of gains.

Common Side Effects

The occurrence rate of side effects while using Mass Tabs would be from semi-mild to moderate and with Cynostane would be mild to semi-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
• 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.

Post Cycle Therapy

Possibly the most important item on the menu is post cycle therapy, when taking a foreign substance 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 steroid or pro-hormone 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 / Gyno (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 Mass Tabs & Cynostane PCT (Post Cycle Therapy).

Post Cycle General: You should begin your PCT regiment immediately after your pro-hormone or designer anabolic steroid cycle, it should begin the day after your last dosage of Mass Tabs or Cynostane. 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 Mass Tabs or Cynostane, for either of these cycles a Research Drug is REQUIRED. Some users will argue that in some cases an OTC PCT will suffice, but it’s not worth the risk, go with a SERM (prescription grade) PCT and feel confident.

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, we can’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. Highly-recommended: Competitive Edge Labs – P.C.T Assist or Purus Labs ReCycle.

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

1. Week 1:  30mg daily of Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate)
2. Week 2:  20mg daily of Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate)
3. Week 3-4:  10mg daily of Nolvadex & PCT Assist or ReCycle (as per bottle)
4. Week 5-6:  PCT Assist or ReCycle (as per bottle)

Supplements

It’s recommended that users supplement with a quality Multi-Vitamin and Fish Oil throughout the ENTIRE cycle, keep something on hand for your joints in the event you experience some discomfort Universal Animal Flex works wonders. 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. We do not condone steroid usage, this information being provided is simply personal opinion.

Prelude

Prostanozol & Orastan-E are both non-alkylated legal pro-hormones/designer-steroids that are variations of the anabolic steroid Stanozolol (aka Winstrol). Prostanozol was originally brought to market by ALRI in 2005 and was later cloned by Gaspari Nutrition later that year and sold as Orastan-E, since then it has been cloned by several other companies, but most recently it was cloned by Competitive Edge Labs and sold as “P-Stanz”. Regardless of the clone at hand the compound should be as follows ([3,2-c]pyrazole-5alpha-etioallocholane-17beta-tetrahydropyranol) and since at this point Competitive Edge Labs P-Stanz is the most readily available clone that’s of high quality we will be using it as our primary reference throughout this article.

Introduction

Orastan-E/P-Stanz is one of the mildest compounds available which makes it a great fit for first timers looking to get their feet wet in the world of pro-hormones and anabolic steroids, it’s also non-methylated therefore liver issues aren’t a major concern. Unfortunately because it’s on the mild side, it’s not incredibly effective when used stand alone by users that are bulking, it typically works best when stacked with a stronger methylated steroid or pro-hormone for those looking to bulk up. It’s can be quite effective (even stand alone) when being used by those cutting or re-comping (building some muscle while losing fat) it should be noted however that this compound isn’t often ran solo, in nearly all cases it’s stacked with another compound for better results.

Maintaining Health

Orastan-E/P-Stanz 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 Orastan-E/P-Stanz should use one of the following products throughout the entire Cycle.

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

All threeare, for the most part, identical products the biggest difference is the form and cost, whether you prefer to take pills or powder. A general rule of thumb is to pre-load either one (Life Support or Cycle Support) one week 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. If running Orastan-E/P-Stanz solo, you can reduce the Life/Cycle support dosage by 25% to conserve money.

Dosing

For first time users it’s recommended to begin with 100mg daily then slowly work it up to around 150mg which is the most popular dosing.  Experienced users with past pro-hormone or designer steroid experience can experiment with dosages up towards 250mg, however the added benefit may be negligible compared to the added sides at higher dosages.  Regardless of past experience, users running Prostanozol/P-Stanz as part of a ’stack’ should keep the dosage around 150mg.

Most users begin to experience the effects of Prostanozol/P-Stanz around week 2-3 of the cycle, therefore most cycles are typically 5-6 weeks in length to take advantage of the late kick in.  Advanced users shouldn’t run Prostanozol/P-Stanz any longer than 7 weeks in length, when being used in a stack Prostanozol/P-Stanz shouldn’t be ran any longer than six weeks, regardless of the circumstances.

Unfortunately, Prostanozol/P-Stanz has a relatively short half life (around 5-8 hours) therefore you should split up your dosages to compensate.  For example, if you’re running 150mg daily, you would be best served by taking one 50mg pill in the morning, one 50mg pill in the afternoon and one 50mg pill several hours before bed.  Overall you should aim to take a dosage every 6-8 hours, in some cases taking a dosage close to bed may disrupt normal sleep patterns, adjust to what fits your schedule.

Common Side Effects

Side effects with Prostanozol/P-Stanz 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 Prostanozol/P-Stanz.

• Decreased or Increased Libido/Sexual Function
• Anxiety / Stimulated Feeling
• Hair shedding / Thinning
• 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 Prostanozol/P-Stanz will assist with decreasing bodyfat, increase muscle hardness, enhance recovery and improve vascularity.

• When used in a bulking diet, users may see gains somewhere in the 3-5lb neighborhood on a 6 week cycle at 150mg.
• When used in a recomp diet, users may see gains somewhere in the 2-3lb neighborhood while simultaneously losing 1-2% bodyfat on a 6 week cycle at 150mg.
• When used in a cutting diet, users may see gains somewhere in the 1-2lb neighborhood while losing 1-3% bodyfat on a 6 week cycle at 150mg.

These ranges are considered common, however some users may experience gains in upwards of 8+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

Prostanozol/P-Stanz and clones are incredibly popular stackers, this is because they’re mild and non-methylated which allows users to stack this compound with popular methylated compounds such as Halodrol.  Prostanozol/P-Stanz is most commonly used by users who are bulking while using other stronger compounds (i.e H-Drol, BOLD), with the addition of Prostanozol/P-Stanz users can bulk with less worries of fat gain (Prostanozol/P-Stanz will help reduce fat gains while bulking).  Users using Prostanozol/P-Stanz simply for it’s noted fat control during a bulk can get away with running lower dosages (i.e 100mg) as it’s effective for that application at this dosage.  Below is a short list of several compounds Prostanozol/P-Stanz is commonly stacked with.

1. Methylated Compounds (Halodrol, H-Drol, P-mag, Superdrol, M-Drol, Epistane, Havoc, etc)
2. Non-Methylated Compounds (BOLD, 11-OXO, Tren, 3-AD, Furazadrol, 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 Prostanozol/P-Stanz and other Orastan-E clones.  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 Prostanozol(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 Prostanozol/P-Stanz.  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 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 Prostanozol/P-Stanz is a relatively non-suppressive and mild compound, an over the counter PCT is acceptable for dosages in the 50-100mg range, users utilizing a dosage of 150mg should consider going with a SERM, using Prostanozol/P-Stanz in a stack requires a SERM.  In general if you have access to a SERM such as Nolvadex or Clomid, regardless of the dosage, a SERM is the most effective PCT method.

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 affordable effective estrogen inhibitor.

When using an over the counter Prostanozol/P-Stanz PCT, it’s recommended to run a 4 to 6-week PCT regiment, assuming you were using the products above, here is how you would schedule your PCT.

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

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 Prostanozol/P-Stanz a research drug really isn’t needed except for users running dosages at or above 350mg.  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.

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  |  Week 2-4 Nolvadex 10mg

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 12 weeks total, this cycle assumes you’re running Prostanozol/P-Stanz for 5 weeks at 150mg per day.

• Week 1:  Pre-load Cycle Support or Life Support @ Bottle Recommended dosages.
• Week 2:  Cycle Support or Life Support | Prostanozol/P-Stanz @ 100mg daily
• Week 3-6:  Cycle/Life Support | Prostanozol/P-Stanz @ 150mg daily
• Week 7-8:  Cycle/Life Support | PCT Assist
• Week 9-10:  Cycle/Life Support | PCT Assist | Inhibit-E (or other AI/Estrogen Control)
• Week 11-12:  Inhibit-E (or other AI/Estrogen Control)

Drug Testing

Those being tested for elevated testosterone levels and or lowered estrogen levels will produce a positive test result while on Prostanozol/P-Stanz, 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 and gains.  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 nose bleeds or even in some rare cases 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.

The Pro-hormone & Designer Steroid Chart.

This chart is simply a listing of popular over the counter ‘legal’ designer steroids and pro-hormones, we have also put them into “classes” in regards to their strength.  When it comes to anabolic compounds that affect hormone levels there is progression that needs to be followed, novice users should start with weaker compounds, jumping immediately into stronger compounds can cause serious problems (including health hazards) for many.  It’s also important that you not jump too far ahead of yourself as once you arrive at the “stronger” compounds there’s no turning back to the weaker compounds, follow the different classes and phases, start with weaker compounds and gradually work yourself to the stronger compounds over a period of several years.

Class I | Stage 1 – Anabolic Compounds

These are compounds that are non-methylated (liver friendly), have low risk of side effects, easy to maintain gains and cycles that are easier to plan.  These also make for great ’stackers’ for more experienced users.  An over the counter PCT will suffice for ‘class 1′ compounds.

Class II | Stage 2 – Anabolic Compounds

The following compounds are methylated therefore liver protection is required, side effect occurrence is typically greater than “stage 1″ compounds, however gains are often better with ’stage 2′ compounds.  Prescription grade PCT regiments are recommended for ’stage 2′ compounds, however in some cases over the counter will suffice.

Class III | Stage 3 – Anabolic Compounds

These compounds are for advanced users that have previously completed 2-3 successful cycles, side effects are more common than ’stage 2′ compounds, gains at this level are harder to maintain post cycle and require prescription grade post cycle therapy regiments.  Cycles at this stage are also short in length due to the occurrence of side effects.

Class IV | Stage 4 – Anabolic Compounds

Compounds in this category will produce rapid gains, however come with significant risk of side effects, these compounds are for ADVANCED users only.

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 H-Drol, 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.

Introduction

1,4AD  (also known as BOLD) is a legal designer steroid/pro-hormone made popular by iForce Nutrition, the chemical makeup of Bold is as follows (1,4-androstadiene-3b,17b-dione or androst-1,4-diene-3b,17b-dione) as you can see Bold is not a methylated compound, therefore is easy on the liver which makes it a great beginners cycle.

BOLD is relatively expensive and hard to source therefore there are very few clones on the market and overall the cost of the compound remains one of the more expensive on the market when compared to other designer steroids/pro-hormones.  Another possible downside of BOLD is it’s relatively under dosed by most accounts, therefore to get an effective dosage requires additional product driving the cost even further.

Aside from the cost BOLD remains one of the most popular compounds on the market and is considered an excellent beginners cycle due to it’s reputation for minimal side effects and non-methylated status making it liver friendly.  BOLD also produces decent results as well as we will talk about later in this article.

Maintaining Health

As with any pro-hormone or designer steroid, there’s always risk associated with their usage, however through proper knowledge planning we can mitigate the risk to our bodies overall health.  BOLD is not methylated which makes it liver friendly, however as like many other pro-hormones and or designer steroids BOLD may increase blood pressure to some degree however vary’s on the user and other factors such as diet and genetics.  As such BOLD can also alter Lipid Levels/High Cholesterol levels as well.  There’s obviously additional side effects to worry about (see below) however for the most part they’re just an inconvenience.  So you’re probably asking how we go about protecting our bodies to mitigate these possible undesirable side effects, well 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 BOLD 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.

Proper Dosages

BOLD is typically most effective when ran in the 600-800mg range, with 800mg being considered the “sweet spot”, more experienced users may experiment with dosages up until the 1000mg range, dosages above 1000mg range may add little to no benefit when weighed with the additional risk of side effects at the highest dosages.

BOLD is known to work very slowly, most BOLD users won’t begin to see results until week 4 or 5, therefore BOLD is typically ran for relatively long cycles typically 6-8 weeks in length with 8 weeks being the normal.  Some experienced users have ran cycles that exceeded 8 weeks, typically 10-12 weeks, however is not advised and could possibly cause negative side effects in some users.

BOLD dosages should be equally split with one dosage in the morning and one around dinner.  Ideally one dosage should be timed and taken 45 minutes prior to working out on training days.

Common Side Effects

BOLD just like most other pro-hormones and designer steroids have a wide array of side effects, however side effects are typically user unique, some users may experience none, while others may experience a variety of side effects.  It should be noted that BOLD is considered very mild and side effects typically aren’t very common, the following are common side effects of BOLD.

• Loss of Libido (Taking Tribulus, MACA or Horny Goat Weed help with Libido)
• Hair Thinning (Especially those prone to hair loss)
• Sore Joints (Fish Oil helps with sore joints)
• Back Pumps (Taurine helps with back pumps)
• Acne (Typically on arms/back etc)
• Increased aggression, migraines, shrunken testicles, sleep pattern alteration and various other side effects can take place, however aren’t 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 BOLD and the ones that are most typical (Acne, Libido Loss, Back Pumps) can be mitigated as noted above.

Typical Results

BOLD is a dry compound therefore should produce excellent lean body mass increases with limited water weight or bloating.  BOLD is best used while bulking due to it’s noted ability to significantly increase appetite, however can also be used while recomping or cutting body fat.  BOLD is seldom used SOLO while cutting, therefore typical results are not being published below.

• When used in a bulking diet, users typically report gains somewhere in the 8-12lb neighbourhood on a 8 week cycle at 800mg.
• When used in a recomp diet, users typically report gains somewhere in the 5-7lb neighbourhood while simultaneously losing 0-1% bodyfat on a 8 week cycle at 800mg.

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

This is where BOLD shines the most, BOLD is an excellent product to stack with other compounds, due to BOLD’s non-methylated stature it can also be safely stacked with methylated compounds.  It’s more common for BOLD to be ran as part of a “stack” then it is to run BOLD solo, it is often stacked with the following compounds, however has been stacked with many different compounds that won’t be listed here

• Halodrol (H-Drol)
• Epistane
• Furazadrol

Post Cycle Therapy

Possibly the most important item on the menu is post cycle therapy, when taking a foreign substance (BOLD) 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 BOLD 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 occurence 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.

As you can see, these are side affects we definitely want to avoid at all costs, so let’s start discussing a proper BOLD 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 BOLD.  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.  If you can afford to or have adequat health insurance, you should consider obtaining bloodwork that include your liver function values, testosterone levels (both free & overall) and cholestersol levels, sometime torwards the end of your PCT regiment to ensure proper recovery, while not a requirement its certainly recommended.  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.  The following is just an example PCT, you can intercharge 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. ShockerNutrition – TS2.  An effective estrogen regulated/inhibitor, also includes tribulus which enhances libido and according to some, may increase testosterone.
3. Driven Sports – Lean Xtreme.  One of the most popular and proven products that control the effects of Cortisol.
4. Some users, whom can afford to, should also consider adding test booster such as SAN MyoTest or Driven Sports Activate Xtreme.

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, TS2, Lean Xtreme, MyoTest.  |  Week 4-6 TS2, MyoTest

Research Drugs:  The MOST effective PCT regiment is one that includes a perscription/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 perscription, 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. It’s also recommended to include a test booster such as Driven Sports – Activate Xtreme or Thermolife T-Bol.  Those concerned with Cortisol can also include Lean Xtreme.

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

Week 1-4 Nolvadex 10mg, Test Booster.

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 14 weeks total.

• Week 1-2:  Pre-load Cycle Support or Life Support @ Bottle Recommended dosages.
• Week 2:  Cycle Support or Life Support | BOLD 600mg
• Week 3-10:  Cycle/Life Support | BOLD 800mg
• Week 10-14:  Cycle/Life Support | Nolvadex 10mg | Test Booster (i.e Activate Xtreme/T-Bol etc).

Drug Testing

Those being tested for elevated testosterone levels and or lowered estrogen levels will produce a positive test result while on BOLD, 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.  Bookmark our site (TunedSports.com) as we will be putting together an article on passing drug tests while on compounds and or quickly cleaning the system after cycle.  In the meantime the easiest method for passing a drug test is to purchase synthetic urine online, they come in easy to use kits at many websites and are relatively affordable.

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, while BOLD is not liver toxic, drinking on cycle is still not recommended.  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.

Links

Most products mentioned can be purchased online with a substantial discount at http://www.BodyBuilding.com