The use of pharmacology in bodybuilding is associated with certain factors that influence their positive use. If you use steroids without adhering to certain rules of treatment, then getting the expected results is very problematic. As a rule, beginner athletes suffer from this.
One of the most important factors is considered to be a healthy diet during the steroid use stage. Nutrition plays an important role in a person’s life, since a person’s health and the shape of his body directly depend on it. If you actively engage in sports, receiving advice from experienced athletes, but do not eat right, when the body does not receive the full range of nutrients, you should not count on a positive result. Only an integrated approach to any problem can give a positive result.
Why can there be high blood pressure during the course?
There may be several reasons:
- increase in blood volume. The vast majority of anabolic steroids cause an increase in the amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood. This helps improve athletic performance, but at the same time thickens the blood. Abundant hematopoiesis is caused by the growth of iron in the blood and against the background of the secretion of the hormone erythropoietin, which stimulates the formation of red blood cells. All anabolic steroids stimulate the secretion of erythropoietin, thereby additionally affecting blood thickness;
- increased blood pressure on a course of steroids due to an increase in cholesterol. A high level of the latter provokes the appearance of plaques on the walls of blood vessels; there can be so many of them that it can lead to a heart attack;
- fluid retention in the body. It is provoked by drugs with estrogenic activity (testosterone and dianabol);
- some steroids can also aggravate the increase in blood pressure, although they do not aromatize, for example, this applies to steroids such as trenbolone, stanozolol, turinabol, nadrolone and masteron.
Subtleties of nutrition when taking steroids
The most important nuance that should always be remembered is an enhanced high-calorie diet. Anabolic drugs increase the rate of metabolic processes in the body, which leads to rapid recovery and increased muscle volume, and this requires the presence of building material (protein) and more effort and energy (carbohydrates). Physical exercise (including strength training) causes muscle tissue to increase weight, but the process of implementation is carried out by the body based on nutrition, recovery, hormonal levels, etc.
Experienced bodybuilders increase the dose of drugs containing protein by 2 times. If the usual intake of protein consists of 2 grams per 1 kilogram of a person’s weight, then in the process of taking steroids the dose increases to 4 grams per 1 kilogram. When taking steroids, it should be taken into account that nutrition during this period, in terms of diet, is practically no different from nutrition during the period of mass gain, but food is taken with increased energy value (more calories and proteins). The diet should include foods consisting of 55-60% carbohydrates, 30% proteins and 10% fats. Such proportions have a positive effect on the athlete’s health and help increase muscle mass. The basis of the diet should be long-term carbohydrates (rice, buckwheat), as well as protein products (cottage cheese, chicken, eggs, protein shakes). It is equally important to consume foods containing fiber and a complex of vitamins. As a rule, they are found in vegetables and fruits.
What to do about blood volume growth and cholesterol?
These problems are more difficult to solve. It is important to start not with eliminating the problem, but with its prevention. The most important thing here is a diet that will help establish a balance between saturated and unsaturated fats. In case of insufficient help from proper nutrition, statins are available to help fight cholesterol, which are recommended to be taken on the recommendation of a specialist.
On a course of steroids, as a first aid, take more water, start taking L-arginine from 6-15 grams per day, and you can also add mildronate at a dosage of 500-750 mg per day. If these pharmacological agents do not help you, you will have to resort to medications that reduce blood pressure.
Attention! Remember that, according to the classification, there are a lot of medications for blood pressure and only a specialist should prescribe the medicine on an individual basis, and not a tip from the gym or an armchair consultant through a forum!
Is conversion blocking necessary?
Blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT can lead to worse results on the testosterone cycle, that is, inhibition of the growth of muscle mass and strength. Blocking is done by adding a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, for example a drug such as finasteride. However, I will say that DHT should not be viewed as an exclusively negative and unnecessary hormone; it is extremely important in building muscle mass and increasing strength.
I would like to add that a person with elevated levels of DHT will not necessarily have any side effects associated with the latter. In many ways, the unpleasant effects are caused not only by excess conversion, but also by the individual number of androgen receptors in certain tissues.
So, we found out that DHT is an extremely strong anabolic and androgenic agent. With a large number of androgen receptors in certain tissues or with an increased background of DHT, the hormone can lead to a number of side effects. However, without it, the progress of muscle fiber hypertrophy and strength growth will be significantly lower or completely absent.
Stimulants and fat burners as a supplement during a steroid cycle
Geranium (geranium extract, DMAA) is a strong stimulant at the psycho-physiological level that increases performance, strength and motivation. It has a minor effect on appetite suppression and therefore a fat burning effect. Geranium is 4-10 times stronger than caffeine, which is why it is so widely used in pre-workout complexes. But many companies are now getting rid of them and switching to geranium derivatives or analogues, since geranium extract has become a prohibited substance. It is possible to use steroids during a cycle, as well as outside the cycle, but it is not recommended to use every workout, as addiction occurs and the effect is lost. You can take from 50-100 mg at a time.
Guarana contains a large amount of caffeine, which increases muscle tone and gives a boost of energy and vitality. Recommended single dosage is 1500 - 2000 mg.
Yohimbine hydrochloride increases activity, improves potency, and stimulates the central nervous system. It is optimal to take 20-40 mg per day.
L-Carnitine provides a good depot of energy and improves the metabolism of fat cells. Often used in functional sports and drying cycles. The effective dosage is from 1000 mg per day, the optimal is 1500-2000 mg.
Ephedra has a stimulating effect and also suppresses appetite, which helps in burning fat during the cutting cycle. The dosage ranges from 50-150 mg per day.
Caffeine improves attention, reaction, and increases activity. The dosage is selected individually from 200-600 mg or more at a time.
Ginseng tincture does not burn fat, but it increases endurance and strength, training is easier to endure, and you want to exercise more. The optimal dosage is 30-40 drops of 3% ginseng tincture half an hour before meals, 3 times a day.
The dosage of each supplement should be selected individually, and be sure to study contraindications. Many of the supplements combine well with pre-workout complexes and amino acids.
Volumetric training program on the course
Monday – Legs Barbell Squats – 6 sets of 10 reps Leg Press – 4 sets of 15 reps Romanian Deadlifts – 5 sets of 8 reps Superset: Front Squats – 4 sets of 15 reps Leg Curls – 4 sets of 20 reps Superset: Donkey Exercise – 4 sets of 15 reps Calf press – 4 sets of 15 reps
Tuesday – chest and anterior deltoids Bench press – 6 sets of 10 reps Incline press – 6 sets of 10 reps Dips – 4 sets of 8 reps Superset: Arnold press – 5 sets of 15 reps Dumbbell front raises – 5 sets of 15 reps
Wednesday – back and rear delta Bent-over barbell rows – 6 sets of 10 reps T-bar rows – 6 sets of 10 reps Lower block rows – 6 sets of 12 reps Superset: Bent barbell rows – 5 sets of 10 reps Seated dumbbell swings – 5 sets of 15 reps
Friday – shoulders and arms Military press – 5 sets of 12 reps Barbell rows – 5 sets of 12 reps California press – 5 sets of 10 reps Superset: Biceps curls – 5 sets of 15 reps Cable curls – 5 sets 15 reps
Saturday – back Deadlift – 5 sets of 10 reps Lav rows – 5 sets of 12 reps Machine pullover – 5 sets of 15 reps
Notes* the first exercise is 90 seconds rest between sets, the second and third exercises are 60 seconds rest between sets, subsequent exercises and supersets are 30 seconds rest. The principle of the pyramid is used, to progress the load by increasing the working weight in the approach approaches, when after increasing the weight in all approach approaches you will complete the last approach easily, you can increase the weight in the last approach, starting the circle again.
High-intensity program on the course
Since high-intensity training involves huge differences in the construction of the training process depending on the athlete’s adaptive reserve, which forces the trainer to work directly with the athlete, adjusting the load depending on his reaction to it, we offer you two schemes. The first is the Plintovich system, which You can try to go through it without periodization, adding it if the need arises. If you can pass Plintovich without problems, then in the next course you can try the Ukrainian school . The main thing is to remember that it is better to go towards your goal in small steps than to run, stumble and never get up again! Be careful when using intensive AAS regimens!
Training programs for the gym
Prolactin
Prolactin is a 199 amino acid peptide hormone that is structurally similar to growth hormone but has different functions, although there are some functional similarities.
The functions of prolactin in the male body are reduced to the regulation of the release of sex hormones and sperm, as well as the regulation of sexual function, immunostimulation and control of sperm motility.
Prolactin is also responsible for lactation. That is, it is responsible for the development of gland lobules in the breast and the milk duct from the gland to the nipple. If prolactin is high, then the nipple begins to grow in size.
Men also need progesterone; it performs a number of important functions. Progesterone is a precursor to testosterone and cortisol and regulates the functioning of the central nervous system.
Prolactin itself does not cause gynecomastia in men, but sometimes it can contribute to its development, as it enhances the effect of estrogens, which are always present in the blood of the male body.
Only elevated prolactin is harmful. Many people like to eat half a tablet of Dostinex or Bergolac (the active ingredient is cabergoline) weekly without being tested, which I think is wrong. As a result, prolactin drops to zero, and progesterone rises.
Norm prolactin Prolactin 53–360 mU\l
What are the side effects of anabolic drugs?
Side effects of steroids depend on many factors: gender and age, health status, dose of anabolic steroid and duration of use. Adverse reactions are divided system by system. The most common side effects of anabolic drugs are described below.
Acne
Acne (blackheads or pimples) is a skin disease that is manifested by increased activity of the sebaceous glands, the appearance of blackheads, ulcers and scars. Acne most often appears on the face, back and chest, although it can affect any part of the body. Under the influence of testosterone, the sebaceous glands produce more sebum. Sebum becomes thicker and the gland cannot push it to the surface of the skin. Sebaceous plugs form - acne.
The hydro-lipid balance of the skin changes, and microorganisms that live on the surface of the skin begin to multiply faster. Bacteria enter the wide ducts of the sebaceous glands and cause inflammation. Pus accumulates in the gland. Over time, the pus will break out, an ulcer will form, and later a scar.
Factors that increase the risk of developing acne while taking anabolic steroids:
Ø Diet high in sugars Ø Insulin use Ø Hereditary tendency Ø Adrenal gland dysfunction
Suppression of testosterone production
When hormones enter from the outside, the body stops producing them on its own. Side effects of pharmacological anabolic drugs also include suppression of testosterone synthesis. The mechanism of this effect is as follows: a high concentration of the hormone in the blood suppresses the release of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a gland in the brain that controls the functioning of the sex and adrenal glands, where testosterone is produced. As a result, the brain stops sending signals to the glands and androgens are not secreted.
A decrease in the activity of the endocrine glands over time can lead to their complete atrophy. What is not used in the body dies. Suppression of testosterone production and a drop in the concentration of the hormone in the blood leads to such consequences.
Ø Increased bone fragility Ø Decreased sexual desire and sexual activity Ø Accelerated ejaculation Ø Reduced testicular size Ø Infertility Ø Problems with memory, concentration and productivity Ø Fat deposition in the pelvis and abdomen
Liver damage
Long-term use of any synthetic testosterone analogues leads to liver dysfunction. The liver is considered the main filtering organ; transformation of any pharmacological drugs occurs in its cells. Anabolic steroids affect liver functionality through several mechanisms:
• Changes in enzyme function.
When exposed to steroids, cholesterol levels in the blood increase, which increases the risk of toxic inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) and replacement of organ cells with fat.
• Thickening of bile.
As a result of high density, bile settles in the gallbladder. Sediment forms, and later stones. In addition, since bile does not enter the intestines, a lack of fat-soluble vitamins occurs.
• Nodular transformation of the liver.
Taking steroids causes changes in cell structure and nodules form. Over time, these nodes can develop into malignant tumors.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is an enlargement of the mammary gland and surrounding fatty tissue. After a course of steroids, gynecomastia may be irreversible. With a lack of testosterone, the concentration of female sex hormones increases - estradiol, progestogen and prolactin. A high level of these biologically active substances causes the deposition of adipose tissue in the breast area, and the mammary gland increases in volume.
Increased cholesterol and high blood pressure
Steroids can seriously damage the heart. Synthetic testosterone analogs lower “good” cholesterol, increase “bad” cholesterol, and also increase blood pressure. The combination of these factors increases your risk of developing heart disease.
Using anabolic steroids for more than two years causes myocardial dysfunction, accelerates the formation of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels and doubles the risk of death from heart disease.
Abuse of steroids makes the blood thicker, therefore increasing the risk of thrombosis. Dry athletes lead to further thickening of the blood and increase the risk of pulmonary embolism.
Mental problems
The consequences of using pharmacology include the following effects on the nervous system and higher cognitive functions:
Ø Hallucinations Ø Increased aggression and tendency to violence Ø Depression Ø Physical and psychological dependence Ø Increased degree of criticism, dissatisfaction and accusations Ø Decreased memory, concentration and productivity Ø Decrease in creative productivity Ø Neuroses Ø Psychoses
Baldness
Testosterone promotes excess hair growth while reducing the density of hair on the scalp. As a result, with a hereditary tendency to alopecia, baldness occurs. Hair loss is associated with the action of androgens on dihydrotestosterone receptors. The number of receptors is determined genetically. Steroid use increases DHT levels and accelerates hair loss.
Testicular atrophy and infertility
Testicles are male reproductive glands that produce a number of hormones and sperm. Normal sperm production depends on the concentration of testosterone. The use of steroids disrupts the functioning of the pituitary gland (the main endocrine gland of the body) and reduces the production of its own sex hormones. As a result, the quantity and quality of sperm decreases, and the testicles decrease in size (atrophy).
In addition, the consequences of taking steroids in men also include a change in the structure of sperm and a decrease in their number per 1 ml³. A decrease in the number of active sperm and their qualitative mutations lead to infertility in men.
In women, fertility is associated with the menstrual cycle and ovulation. High concentrations of testosterone reduce fat. And fat is necessary for normal childbearing, and is also an endocrine organ that produces hormones. As a result, a woman stops ovulating and menstruating (amenorrhea), and infertility develops.
