Nuances of solo testosterone use

Author: Yuri Klimishin - an iron enthusiast and veteran of the "chemical" front.
2015-09-17

Important! We do not advocate for the use of steroids and other potent substances. All information is provided so that those who still decide to take them can do so with minimal health risks.

Today, it's become extremely fashionable to use various forms of testosterone as the sole anabolic agent in a cycle, especially among bodybuilding enthusiasts. Professionals are a different matter, and their approach is entirely different. Let's take a look at a proper approach to using testosterone solo and explore various nuances related to this topic.

I fully support this approach. Testosterone is the oldest, most studied, reliable, and predictable substance in the entire class of hormonal doping. Moreover, as time and experience show, it is also the safest, if we consider the efficiency versus risk perspective. Additionally, it is versatile concerning the main goals of bodybuilding. It is equally effective for bulking and cutting.

Add to this the virtually complete absence of toxic effects on the liver and other internal organs, its availability (with some effort, one can source a certified product from a pharmacy), the existence of the declared active substance in ampoules from the black market (there’s nothing to counterfeit), and low cost—and it becomes clear why testosterone enjoys insane popularity. No anabolic steroid can ever rival testosterone in terms of being the foundation of a hormonal cycle. No other steroid possesses such a range of individual and comprehensive qualities.

Positive Qualities of Testosterone

1. Excellent stabilization of the androgen receptor. The complex of testosterone molecule + androgen receptor is extremely stable and reliable.
2. Joint lubrication. The amount of synovial fluid significantly increases during a testosterone cycle.
3. Increased blood volume due to red blood cells, resulting in enhanced "pump" during workouts (pumping) and more pronounced vascularity and muscle density.
4. Tendency to aromatize. A slightly elevated level of estradiol, compared to the physiological level, alongside vastly elevated testosterone levels benefits muscle growth.
5. Pronounced anti-catabolic effect. Testosterone effectively occupies cortisol receptors in muscle tissue.
6. Increase in the number of androgen receptors in muscles. This occurs with prolonged use of testosterone.
7. Intensive and significantly greater recovery and glycogen accumulation in the liver and muscles compared to normal.
8. Enhanced endogenous secretion of IGF-1 and growth hormone by the body.
9. Equally strong effects on both beginners and veterans in the steroid scene.
10. Favorable effects on psyche and mood, increased strength indicators and power endurance. Increased work capacity and accelerated recovery. All this occurs due to the conversion of a certain amount of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.

Name another drug from the class of androgens and anabolic steroids that possesses a similar set of beneficial qualities. Don’t bother, because there simply isn't one.

Negative Aspects of Testosterone and How to Control Them

Well, first and foremost, testosterone suppresses the production of endogenous testosterone and inhibits the function of the reproductive axis. The consequences can include problems with the quantity and quality of sperm, as well as atrophy of the gonads. Not everyone experiences this, and not always, but nonetheless.

Excessive aromatization. In principle, it is ideal to have estrogen levels checked every 3 to 4 weeks during the cycle. Based on these results, measures should be taken. Experienced users can identify excessive estrogen production by water retention and itching in the nipples. In any case, controlling estrogen levels can be assisted by aromatase inhibitors: Anastrozole or Letrozole. Taking one tablet every two days two to three times and thereafter (if there is still a need) half a tablet every other day until symptoms disappear. The best option is half a tablet of either drug twice a week as a preventive measure.

Excessive conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. This only poses a threat to individuals with an excess of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase in peripheral tissues. As a rule, common consequences of this issue include acne, hair loss on the scalp, increased hair growth on the torso and limbs, hyperplasia of sebaceous glands, and negative effects on the prostate. There is only one solution: 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor Proscar (Finasteride) should be taken according to the instructions. However, it’s worth noting that such individuals are the least suited for testosterone solo cycles.

Choosing Testosterone Variants

1. For people with heightened sensitivity to estradiol, testosterone propionate and Sustanon-250/Omnadren-250 are suitable. The modern original Omnadren is a complete analogue of Sustanon, in case someone is unaware.

2. For individuals with a low level of aromatase in the body (this can happen), testosterone enanthate, cypionate, and testosterone suspension are ideal.

3. For individuals with elevated levels of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, testosterone propionate and testosterone suspension are recommended.

4. For everyone without imbalances in either direction, it is possible to experiment with all esters, choosing the most suitable option for oneself. I recommend starting with enanthate and propionate. They are the simplest and most convenient in practice.

Testosterone propionate (the fastest ester) aromatizes and converts to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to a much lesser extent than enanthate or cypionate. Suspension is also less prone to converting to DHT, but the risk of aromatization in its case is much higher than that of long or composite esters. Sustanon and Omnadren are excellently balanced and aromatize quite moderately. However, due to the presence of longer esters in their composition, they can easily convert to DHT. Enanthate and cypionate are introduced into the bloodstream and leave the body slowly and gradually. Accordingly, they convert actively into both estradiol and dihydrotestosterone.

Dosages

• In general, the optimal weekly dosage for long and composite esters can be considered in the range of 500 to 1000 milligrams.
• For testosterone propionate, from 100 mg every other day to 100 mg daily.
• For testosterone suspension, from 50 mg per day to 100 mg.

Naturally, individuals with elevated levels of aromatase and 5-alpha-reductase enzymes should approach increasing doses more cautiously, starting with minimal amounts. At the same time, those with weak aromatization may be able to tolerate higher amounts of testosterone compared to others.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to consistently spend significant sums of money on experimenting with various hormonal drugs, including steroids, as some of them can be quite expensive. This is precisely why for such athletes, using testosterone as the sole anabolic agent is an excellent option. The results are great, and it is easy to monitor changes in the body. Plus, the money saved can be spent on quality food, sports nutrition, and a decent gym. Wishing everyone good health.