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10/01/09
Your cycle started flawlessly. Perhaps you began with 4 weeks of a moderately strong oral, while you waited for the injectable testosterone to kick in. Once it did, and your own natural levels of testosterone began rising, you were quite the happy camper! However, over time, as you grew bigger and stronger as your natural blood testosterone levels rose and peaked, something else happened. The side effects you were able to dodge in the beginning of the cycle suddenly began to materialize. You thought you were one of those lucky souls, impervious to the negative effects of steroid use. The truth is, you were safe when your blood levels were at less than peak. Now, as with many users, you are learning the side effects are very real as late-stage cycling arrives.
Some bodybuilders will only run shorter eight week cycles for just this reason. They know that after two months on artificial testosterone, receptors reach maximum capacity and some of the negatives begin to become apparent. Some bodybuilders choose to cut back their cycle at this point, or rotate out testosterone for the last few weeks while opting for an oral which might affect their body differently. They’ll keep the elevated testosterone, but they may be able to avoid the side effects. This isn’t in your best interest, however. You don’t want to be running oral steroids at the end of a cycle, because your post-cycle therapy is going to consist of oral steroids as well. Your best bet is going to be to stay on testosterone for the duration of the cycle. You’ll have to face these side effects, or end the cycle.
If you are losing your hair, stop the cycle. You’ve obviously had enough, and staying on for another month might cost you a half-inch of hairline. This is certainly not worth an extra 2 or 4 pounds of muscle, is it? If gynecomastia is developing, you can halt the cycle, but it probably isn’t going to be your best bet. You would be better off keeping the cycle, and not causing further fluctuation to your hormone levels. Rather, add Letrozole or another safe anti-estrogen product to your mix.
Acne is a side effect that is often not seen with many bodybuilders until week 8 or 10 of the cycle. Then, it will arrive very suddenly and will be very unpleasant. Prevention is your best bet when it comes to acne. Wash frequently during the start of the cycle, and consider tossing in an extra shower each day during those last 4 weeks of the cycle, if you know acne is coming. Use a good anti-bacterial soap, and dry the area with a towel, wiping away any oil on the surface of the skin. Change your sheets more frequently, particularly if night sweats are part of the problem. If you’re already suffering from acne due to steroid use, treat it immediately. Antibiotics work well, as long as you aren’t running harsh oral steroids at the same time. Benadryl is popular also. Take care of your skin, as it is the wrapping paper for your muscles on the bodybuilding stage!
