Comprehensive Guide to Steroid Use and Health Monitoring for Athletes

Today's Realities of Steroid Use by Amateur Athletes

The overwhelming majority of athletes, approximately 80%, begin their "steroid journey" without much thought:

• They do not monitor their health indicators before, during, or after a course of anabolic steroids.

Without monitoring general health indicators and understanding the state of the hormonal system, it is impossible to conduct a steroid course properly and with minimal health risks.

While it is possible to plan a course based on intuition alone (which I strongly advise against), properly exiting the course, conducting PCT, and monitoring the recovery of natural testosterone production without hormone level control is practically impossible.

Anabolic Steroids and Testing

Health monitoring tools before starting a course of steroids include blood tests and, if necessary, diagnostic studies of internal organs.

Why Test Before a Course of AAS?

1. To determine the state of your hormonal system and the condition of your internal organs and circulatory system.

2. To identify any existing or potential health issues (problems may worsen during a course of AAS).

3. To gather data on hormone levels to choose suitable AAS and avoid those that may not be appropriate.

4. To obtain baseline hormone levels for comparison, ensuring full recovery after PCT.

Blood tests should only be done in the morning on an empty stomach:

• Avoid food and water for at least 4-6 hours before the test, ideally 11-12 hours. Avoid stress and physical activity for 48 hours and abstain from sex for 24 hours. No alcohol or smoking.

How to Save on Tests

You can save significantly on multiple tests by visiting your local clinic and consulting your family therapist, citing a fabricated ailment. The therapist will refer you for a complete blood count (CBC), ECG, or to a specialist such as an endocrinologist who will order necessary tests and interpret them.

Alternatively, private laboratories can handle blood collection and analysis. With the results, you can consult us for analysis and recommendations on suitable steroids, potential health issues, and ways to address them.

Necessary Tests and Diagnostic Procedures Before a Steroid Course

Blood Pressure Monitoring (BP)

Start with the simplest diagnostic - measuring blood pressure, which can be done at home with a sphygmomanometer or at most pharmacies for free. Ideal BP is considered to be 120/80.

• If your BP is above normal before a course, it is likely to rise during the course, especially with steroids that highly aromatize or contain progestins.

In most cases, elevated BP during a course is due to fluid retention in the body. The extent of BP increase depends on the individual's aromatase levels.

ECG and Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Next, you should get an Electrocardiography (ECG) to detect any existing heart conditions (which contraindicate steroid use) and a Complete Blood Count (CBC) to identify inflammation, oxygen exchange disorders, CNS damage, and blood thickness.

• Steroid courses are not recommended with elevated hematocrit levels (normal up to 53%). Anti-coagulants may be necessary during the course if levels are high.

Monitoring Cardiovascular Health

The primary indicator of cardiovascular health is the lipid profile (biochemical blood test), specifically the ratio of "good" to "bad" cholesterol (HDL and LDL).

• The normal HDL to LDL ratio is between 3:1 and 8:1.

If your ratio is at the higher end or above normal, you need to normalize it before starting a steroid course.

Liver Function Monitoring

A complete liver examination is advisable if your course includes oral AAS or if you use them in combination with other steroids.

Key liver enzymes to monitor:

• Bilirubin , ALT (alanine aminotransferase) , AST (aspartate aminotransferase) : Elevated levels can indicate liver and other organ diseases. High levels of these enzymes contraindicate the use of oral AAS.

Hormone Level Testing Before a Steroid Course

Necessary hormone tests before starting a steroid course:

• Total Testosterone

• Free Testosterone

• Estradiol

• Prolactin

• SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin)

• FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

• LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

These tests provide baseline levels for comparison, help determine appropriate dosages, and indicate potential issues with specific steroids.

Additional Testing for Men Over 40

Men over 40 should also test for Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) to rule out prostate issues.

Common Mistakes

1. Starting steroids without health monitoring, which could exacerbate existing conditions.

2. Choosing unsuitable steroids or dosages based on hormone levels, leading to side effects or ineffective results.

3. Improper PCT timing and dosage adjustments, leading to poor recovery and loss of gains.

Rational Approach to Steroid Use

I advocate for a rational approach to steroid use and offer the following services:

Analysis Review for Athletes

Before a Steroid Course

Based on pre-course test results, I will select suitable steroids or compose a course tailored to your hormonal profile. This approach ensures:

• Maximum efficacy of the steroid course.

• Prevention of potential side effects.

• Identification and management of potential health issues during the course.

• Determination of the need for additional medications.

During a Steroid Course

Monitoring what happens in the body during the course, including the need for anti-estrogens or dose adjustments.

After a Steroid Course (Pre and Post-PCT)

Determining the right time to start PCT and monitoring hormone levels to ensure proper recovery.

Health Indicator Analysis for Trainees

I specialize in analyzing health indicators and composing steroid courses and PCT plans based on test results. While I am not a universal doctor, I focus on sports pharmacology and health monitoring for athletes. If needed, I refer clients to specialized professionals.

How to Order My Services

My consultation services are available in various formats:

One-Time Consultation

• Suitable for addressing specific issues such as test analysis, diet, course clarification, etc.

• Includes up to 60 minutes of consultation time, which can be split into two parts if tests need to be conducted.

• Cost: 14 USD

For a detailed consultation and tailored advice, you can contact me directly.