After the first "artificial" steroid, testosterone, was synthesized and began clinical trials in humans, it was discovered that, in addition to numerous positive therapeutic effects, testosterone also had many side effects. One of the side effects of using exogenous testosterone is its aromatization.
Aromatization is the process of converting testosterone into estradiol (a hormone considered the primary female hormone). Aromatization is not a side effect in the conventional sense. In the male body, testosterone produced by the endocrine glands is constantly aromatized, converting into estradiol, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Therefore, testosterone aromatization is an entirely normal physiological process. While a certain amount of estrogen is vital for a man's body, an excess often leads to side effects.
When we start using anabolic steroids—mainly testosterone preparations and some types of AAS derived from it—the level of testosterone entering the body from outside far exceeds physiological levels. The body "tries" to maintain a balance between testosterone and estrogen levels, so there is a direct correlation: the higher the testosterone level in the body, the higher the estrogen level. As mentioned earlier, physiological levels of estrogen are essential for the proper functioning of a man's body. Excess estrogen often triggers side effects, such as:
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Development of gynecomastia (the most cosmetically undesirable effect for men)
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Excess fat deposition in a female pattern (hips, abdomen, buttocks)
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Fluid retention in the body, which increases blood pressure and muscle "pump"
Furthermore, hormone levels in the body are regulated by feedback mechanisms. High estrogen levels further suppress testosterone production and lead to subsequent testicular atrophy, especially during long steroid cycles.
This is why non-aromatizing steroids were developed for medical use, as they do not pose the risk of estrogenic side effects. Most non-aromatizing steroids are considered "safe AAS" and are primarily used by beginners who want to explore bodybuilding but fear potential negative consequences.
Non-Aromatizing Steroids
In this list of steroids, we introduce you to steroidal drugs that do not aromatize. Generally, these steroids are weaker than their aromatizing counterparts. We have listed these drugs in order of their ability to significantly influence muscle growth, from the weakest to the strongest steroids. Detailed descriptions of the active substances, dosages, usage schemes, and other information can be found in the corresponding categories on our website.
Oxandrolone
Oxandrolone, or Anavar, is the weakest steroid in this ranking. It was created for medical use by women and children. It is the best steroid for women to gain muscle mass without causing side effects. It has a minimal impact on muscle growth in men but possesses qualities that make it popular among beginners.
Stanozolol
Stanozolol is a popular tablet steroid primarily used for "cutting" and enhancing muscle definition in combination with other steroids. It is often used as a solo drug for the first cycle. Muscle gains during a Stanozolol cycle are small, but the gained muscle mass is hard and defined.
Turinabol
Turinabol is an excellent drug for gaining muscle mass and strength without causing side effects. This makes it particularly popular among beginner "chemists." Experienced athletes also use Turinabol to gain quality mass or for cutting. It is the top oral steroid recommended for beginners for their first cycle.
Metenolone (Primobolan)
Metenolone, or Primobolan, is a relatively weak and expensive drug, making it less popular among those seeking rapid muscle mass gain. It can be used by women without the fear of virilization side effects. The effectiveness of Metenolone depends on the dosage used. Small doses do not yield the desired effect. However, many athletes note that Primobolan can be an excellent and safe steroid for mass gain at doses of 400 mg per week without causing side effects. Increasing the dosage significantly raises the cost of the cycle, making it suitable for beginners with a larger budget for "pharma" who want to conduct the safest possible cycle.
Masteron (Drostanolone)
Masteron, or Drostanolone, is a steroid that is very similar to Primobolan in its working characteristics. It is considered a "weak" steroid, which is not entirely accurate. When used with other steroids at the correct dosage, its effectiveness per mg can be comparable to testosterone, nandrolone, or boldenone. Of course, the required dosage should be more than 200 mg per week. It is rarely used solo due to its high price and the fact that only the propionate form was available on the market for a long time. With the introduction of the enanthate form of Masteron (Masteron Enanthate) and a decrease in the drug's price, Masteron Enanthate can be recommended for solo cycles, with dosages ranging from 500 to 700 mg per week.
Boldenone (Equipoise)
Boldenone is a versatile steroid often compared to nandrolone and is frequently suggested as a nandrolone substitute on many online resources. However, this comparison is incorrect. The boldenone molecule is a modified testosterone molecule and should be compared to testosterone. There is a myth that boldenone does not aromatize at all, but this is not true. Boldenone aromatizes, but this ability is half that of testosterone, so dosages up to 600 mg do not cause estrogenic side effects in most athletes. This is why it is included in our list of non-aromatizing steroids.
Oxymetholone
Oxymetholone is considered the most potent oral AAS used for mass gain. It is not recommended for beginners. It does not aromatize but can cause estrogenic effects (increased blood pressure, bloating, general malaise) with an unclear origin. Since oxymetholone is a DHT derivative, it cannot aromatize. One theory suggests that oxymetholone binds to estrogen receptors but does not convert to estrogen. Some athletes who have tried using aromatase inhibitors (Letrozole) have noted that the side effects of Anadrol disappear or become less pronounced.
Trenbolone
Trenbolone is the most powerful steroid in the arsenal of professional bodybuilders. It has anabolic and androgenic activity five times higher than testosterone, which has an anabolic and androgenic rating of 100 units. It is a versatile steroid for both mass gain and cutting. It stimulates IGF-1 production and effectively burns fat deposits. Trenbolone does not convert to estrogen at any dosage. It is rarely used solo, typically being part of combined cycles.
In our steroid shop, you can buy non-aromatizing steroids at competitive prices. Our online consultant can help you choose the right product.
Author: Alexander Tykhy
Expert in the use of sports pharmacology in bodybuilding. Trainer-nutritionist. Author of articles on steroid use.
