Testosterone – the most powerful of all anabolic steroids!

By far the most popular drugs used by bodybuilders are anabolic steroids. Since their first synthesis in the late 1950’s literally millions of individuals have used these powerful drugs to pack on muscle size and strength.

But despite their popularity, steroids are not the most anabolic of drugs. That distinction goes to their father – testosterone.

Testosterone can be considered the primary male hormone in the body (females also contain testosterone in their bodies but in very small amounts).Testosterone is both anabolic and androgenic in nature. Anabolic effects are what bodybuilders use the drugs for – increased muscle size and strength. Androgenic effects include hair loss, acne, and the development of the sex organs. Steroids were created to maximize anabolic effects and minimize androgenic effects; although complete separation of the two is almost impossible.

Despite the potency of today’s steroid drugs, none of them are as powerful as pure testosterone for packing on muscle mass. Unfortunately testosterone also has a high risk of side effects because it easily converts to the more androgenic form, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). And to make matters worse one of the breakdown products of testosterone is the female hormone, estrogen. Ironically it is these same characteristics that give testosterone its powerful anabolic properties. Estrogen believe it or not can actually increase growth hormone output. It also improves glucose utilization and makes androgen receptors more receptive to testosterone stimulation.

Most bodybuilders find that outstanding results can be achieved on 500mg per week. In fact many users report that good results can be obtained on as little as 250mg per week. Besides its powerful muscle-building effects, testosterone is also popular because of its relatively cheap cost. With the reclassification of anabolic steroids as controlled drugs in the early 1990’s, legitimate sources of steroids dried up. And while the demand has been filled by the blackmarket, prices have sky rocketed. Testosterone on the other hand is still used for hormone replacement therapy, which means legitimate supplies are still readily available. A two-month supply of testosterone can be bought for $50 to $100 on the blackmarket, as opposed to $200-$300 or more for Dec-Durabolin. 

Side effects

While it’s the most powerful anabolic drug, testosterone also produces the most undesired side effects. As we said earlier, steroids were designed to minimize androgenic side effects, but not so testosterone. Its androgenic properties are just as pronounced as its anabolic effects. The most common side effects include acne, increased aggression, and male-pattern baldness. Its conversion to DHT also increases the risk of prostate problems. Given that the body’s hormones work on a feedback loop system, those individuals who use testosterone will experience shrinkage of their testes. The body assumes testosterone levels are high (which they are since you are injecting it every week) and hence shuts down its own production. While most users will not suffer any lasting effects and natural levels will return to normal after cessation of testosterone use, a few unlucky individuals may need a drug such as HCG to kick-start their testes into production.

Finally, as one of the breakdown products of testosterone is estrogen, males who take high doses of testosterone may develop gynecomastia. Gyno, also called “bitch tits” occurs when excess estrogen stimulates dormant receptors in the nipple region. Once activated the nipple region may start to take on the appearance of female breasts (hence the name, bitch tits). 

So what alternative do you have?

We know the temptation to use testosterone or anabolic steroids is strong but don’t rush into things. Unless you are extremely lucky, you will develop one or more of the side effects we just discussed if you use these drugs. Is an extra inch or two on your arms worth shrinking your balls? We think not. Instead check out one of the new legal steroid alternatives that have come on the scene over the past few years. These safe and legal compounds are reported to produce muscle strength and size gains just as effective as testosterone and steroids. Check them out for yourself.