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06/01/09
Bodybuilders are a bold bunch, this cannot be denied. They turn their backs on the common practices of being a couch potato and passing time playing video games and eating junk food, and instead engage a hobby that can best be described as “hard work – and lots of it!” Training 6 hours per week, eating large amounts of clean food, and using anabolic and androgenic steroids to facilitate faster muscle gain and fat loss are unheard of in most circles, but common procedure among bodybuilders.
EPO, or Erythropoietin, is a drug which is used primarily to boost the amount of red blood cells present in the blood. In medical circles, a drug like this has many uses. Patients suffering from muscle-wasting diseases such as cancer, leukemia, or AIDS usually see a tremendous amount of weight loss in the later stages of their illnesses as their white blood cell counts spike and red blood cell counts drop. EPO helps them to maintain high level of red blood cells.
Athletes in other sports, already well aware of the fact that increasing their red blood cell count allows them greater stamina and endurance, soon started enjoying the use of EPO. They ran farther and faster than their peers. Particularly in competitive bike racing, where oxygen efficiency is the difference between first and last place, EPO became popular. Their overseeing sporting organizations soon realized EPO use was making the playing field unfair, and EPO was banned in most sporting organizations. It is still wildly popular among cyclists, and every year we hear more tales of athletes who are suspended after being caught using EPO.
How would a drug like EPO help bodybuilders? Increasing the red blood cell count makes it much easier to gain muscle. You can train longer, and harder, without getting tired. The increased oxygen in the bloodstream also improves the metabolism. Energy efficiency increases. The trainer even thinks clearer. Additionally, the amount of protein which can be utilized in the food we eat increases. We are able to get more out of what we eat via better protein synthesis.
EPO is dangerous, particularly when used in large amounts. Recommended safe daily dosage is 1000 IU for 2 straight weeks, followed by 6 months of zero use. Yes, EPO is that powerful that you will continue to see its effects for a full half-year. EPO does thicken the blood, so users should always keep aspirin handy in case a cardiac episode occurs, which is very possible in new users inexperienced with the drug. Check your blood pressure before beginning use, and every few days during use and afterwards. EPO use is akin to playing with fire. You may find yourself in a very good place physically, but the wrong blood reaction could severely limit your ability to function.
Bodybuilders should only consider the use of EPO after they’ve run several smaller cycles and are fairly well-versed in the world of AAS. Supplies of this drug might be easier to attain than other steroids at the moment, which may increase EPO usage in the future. Do your research, be responsible with dosage, and contact your physician if anything feels wrong.
