Category: TRT

Testosterone Test Kit Home: Your T Under Your Control
A testosterone test kit home edition offers you a convenient way to test your levels of this essential sex hormone.

Having abnormal levels of testosterone can affect your overall health and well-being. By doing a test to check if you have low testosterone, you can take steps to increase your levels as soon as possible and thus avoid serious health issues.

What Is Testosterone and Why Is It Important?

Testosterone plays an important role in sexual desire, fertility, and even the general development of a man. Although it is traditionally labeled as a male hormone, women also produce testosterone, although at significantly lower levels than men.

Testosterone production is mostly centered in the testes and plays a significant role in the development of numerous secondary sex characteristics of men, including:
- Body Hair
- Greater Muscle Mass
- Physical Strength
- Increased Bone Mass
- Deeper Voice
Testosterone levels peak when you reach 40. After this age, your testosterone level starts to fall by at least one percent per year. This is why the symptoms of low testosterone usually appear in men older than 40. Men who suffer from obesity also have low testosterone levels, no matter their age.

The most common condition related to testosterone deficiency is hypogonadism. It is also known as andropause or “male menopause” since it usually occurs at middle age. The symptoms associated with it include:
- Erectile dysfunction (inability to get and/or maintain an erection)
- Overall fatigue
- Diminished sex drive
- Infertility (inability to conceive)
- Osteoporosis, since low testosterone can cause bone loss
To ensure that your testosterone levels remain in balance, the first thing you have to do is check them on a regular basis. Some experts recommend that starting at age 35, you should monitor your testosterone every five years. If your doctor finds that your testosterone levels are imbalanced, they can prescribe an appropriate treatment.

How Are Testosterone Levels Tested?

A blood test is used to check testosterone levels. A healthcare professional will take a blood sample from the back of your hand or your elbow. Although you may experience some discomfort during the process, this will soon go away. The sample will be sent to a lab for testing.

Your doctor may ask you to take the test at a certain time of the day, usually between 7 to 10 AM. This is because testosterone levels are generally highest during this period.

Your doctor may also request that you repeat the test at a different time to track how your testosterone level fluctuates throughout the day.

This test measures total testosterone in the blood, which includes “bound” and “unbound” testosterone (also known as free testosterone).

“Bound” testosterone is bonded with SHBG (sex-hormone binding globulin) and makes up about 65% of total testosterone levels. Your body cannot use this T for its needs.

Testosterone can also be bound to a protein named albumin, and this fraction potentially bioavailable. This form of testosterone makes up around 35% of total testosterone.

“Unbound” or bioavailable testosterone is available for use by the body since it is not attached to any protein. It makes up just 2% of total testosterone.

The test results will include:
- Total testosterone levels, which include both forms of testosterone. Generally, the acceptable ranges are 240 to 950 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) for men aged 19 and up.
- Bioavailable testosterone, which includes free testosterone and the one bound with albumin. Normal ranges vary depending on age.
- Free testosterone. Normal ranges vary depending on age.
The most important number of the test is the bioavailable testosterone. Even when total testosterone is within the normal range, if bioavailable testosterone is below normal, you can still suffer from symptoms of low testosterone.

What You Need to Know Before Taking the Test

Before you take the test, you must tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking. There are certain drugs that can affect the results and your doctor may ask you to stop taking them for a short time before the test. These may include:
- Steroids
- Estrogen Therapy Drugs
- Androgen Therapy Drugs
- Barbiturates
- Anticonvulsants (Anti-seizure Drugs)
Should I Take a Home Hormone Test?

If you suspect you are suffering from low testosterone, you can use a testosterone test kit to determine your hormone level. These kits require a saliva sample rather than blood. Once you have taken the sample, send it back to the lab in the provided container for testing. You will receive the results within a few days.

The results should come with an explanation of the measurements so that you’ll know if your hormone levels are normal or not. Even if the test shows that you have healthy testosterone levels, you may still choose to consult a doctor if you are suffering from symptoms that worry you. Of course, if your levels are too low or too high, you should get in touch with your physician as soon as possible. These unbalanced levels may be an indicator of a more serious underlying problem.

Saliva testing is generally considered as reliable as blood tests but cannot be used as the basis for making a diagnosis of low testosterone. Your doctor will still require you to take a blood test to confirm the results, in which case we recommend MyLabFax. You can buy saliva hormone testing kits from Amazon and use them in the comfort of your own home. There are also hormone test kits that can measure testosterone levels in men and women.

Besides saliva tests, there are also some home tests that use a blood spot for a sample. Although these are possibly more accurate than saliva tests, they are still not accepted for diagnostic purposes.

Treatments to Restore Testosterone Levels

If you have been diagnosed with low testosterone, your doctor may recommend testosterone replacement therapy. However, TRT can have side effects and possible long-term health risks. For instance, there is some evidence that testosterone use can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack, but this has yet to be confirmed by large-scale clinical trials. You should also undergo screening for prostate cancer because testosterone may stimulate its growth.

All in all, testosterone is available in several forms:
- Transdermal skin patch. The patch is worn on the upper body or arm and applied every 24 hours, generally in the evenings. It slowly releases small amounts of testosterone into the skin.
- Clear gel. This gel is applied to the skin once a day on the shoulders, thighs or upper arms. The testosterone is absorbed directly through the skin. After applying, make sure that you wash your hands and wear clothing that covers the areas where the gel is applied.
- Mouth tablet. The tablet is placed in the mouth, between the inner cheek and the gums. As the tablet dissolves, the testosterone is absorbed through the surface of your mouth and promptly reaches the bloodstream.
- Implants. These are placed under the skin, usually beneath the buttocks or hips, and gradually release testosterone into the body. The implants are changed every three or six months.
- Injections. A testosterone formula such as Testosterone Cypionate is injected every 1 to 4 weeks. After the testosterone injection, T levels can spike, causing mood swings and energy levels to jump up temporarily before they normalize.
Patients who undergo therapy can usually see improvements within four to six weeks. However, more fundamental improvements such as increase in muscle mass may take up to 3-6 months to appear.

The benefits of testosterone replacement therapy may vary based on the individual. About one in ten people have reported feeling ecstatic after starting therapy while an equal number of respondents reported not experiencing any significant changes. Generally, the majority of men who undergo therapy report positive results.

By the way, you can increase your testosterone using natural methods as well. For example, just increase your intake of testosterone-boosting foods such as eggs, grass-fed butter and beef, liver, coconut oil, mushrooms, olive oil, avocados, Brazil nuts, celery, turmeric, and ginger.

You can also take certain foods to increase your levels of free testosterone. The supplements that you should focus on include Vitamin D, Zinc, Magnesium, Stinging Nettle, and Boron.

You can also use these supplements to lower your SHBG levels. To recap, SHBG binds with testosterone and makes the body unable to use it. In addition, you should avoid excessive intake of alcohol, fibers and anti-androgen drugs such as NSAIDs, anti-depressants, and beta-blockers.

Conclusion

Maintaining a balanced level of testosterone in your body is extremely important, especially if you are a man. Having either too little or too much of this hormone can have detrimental effects on your health, mood, physical performance and fertility.

While doctors might not accept the results of a home saliva test for diagnostic purposes, they can still provide you with useful information. For instance, if the results show that your testosterone levels are low, you can set an appointment with your doctor to confirm them and discuss possible remedies. If your testosterone levels are in the normal but lower end of the range, you can use natural methods to boost them.

If you are already using natural techniques to increase your testosterone, you can use a testosterone test kit home version before you start to establish baseline levels. You can then take another test later to see how successful your efforts are.
January 21, 2018
Anastrozole (Arimidex) for Men: TRT Dosing, Infertility Protocol, and Estradiol Targets
Here’s one intriguing question that’s probably on your mind right now: why would someone take Anastrozole Arimidex for men? Well, to put it simply, it’s a safe way to reduce elevated estrogen levels.

Most men are not aware that their bodies also produce estrogen, which is traditionally seen as a female hormone. In fact, women and men have both testosterone and estrogen in their bodies; the only difference is the level of each.

Men have higher testosterone levels and women have more estrogen. In men, estradiol is the main biologically active form of estrogen, which is created by the conversion of testosterone.

Estrogen in women regulates the menstrual cycle and affects the reproductive system. In men, it plays such roles as regulating testosterone levels and cholesterol, maintaining libido, and enhancing bone and skin health.

However, as you’d expect, there needs to be a balance between testosterone and estrogen. Otherwise, it can have negative effects on a person’s health.

On Things to Watch Out For

When the estrogen level in men is too high, it can manifest through the following symptoms:
- Enlarged breasts (also known as gynecomastia)
- Feeling fatigued
- Loss of muscle mass
- Increase in abdominal fat
- Sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction and decreased libido)
- Depression and other emotional disturbances
- Frequent urination, slow urine flow, and symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer
One thing to remember is that while estrogen can lower testosterone levels in men, it should not be mistaken for having low testosterone. This is a separate condition with its own set of symptoms.

What’s Anastrozole for Men?

Anastrozole is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. This class of drugs inhibits the aromatase enzyme that converts testosterone and other androgen hormones into estrogen hormones.

It’s available under the brand name Arimidex or as a generic drug and is generally given in pill form (taken once daily). It is not an over-the-counter medicine, so you will need a prescription to buy it.

Anastrozole is commonly given to postmenopausal women to stop or slow the development of early-stage breast cancer by decreasing the amount of estrogen they produce.

A doctor may prescribe this medication in addition to radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy to starve these cancers of the estrogen they use. It’s also prescribed in cases of late-stage breast cancer when tamoxifen (brand name Soltamox) no longer works.

In men, Anastrozole is used to reduce the effects of excess testosterone, which can be converted into estrogen by aromatase. It’s most commonly given to men who are undergoing testosterone replacement therapy to prevent the effects of high estradiol levels.

Bodybuilders and other athletes taking anabolic steroids may also take Anastrozole to dodge the side effects of steroid use, although the drug is not approved for this purpose.

Risks and Benefits of Anastrozole

Elderly men may particularly benefit from taking Anastrozole. Past the age of 30 or 40, the testosterone produced in the testes gradually declines by around 1% a year.

However, the levels of estradiol continue to remain high due to often increased amounts of fat in middle-age and elderly men, particularly around the abdomen, as well as rising aromatase activity.

In particular, Anastrozole can be effective in cases where low testosterone is due to hypogonadism.

Hypogonadism is a condition in which a problem with the pituitary gland or testicles prevents the body from producing enough testosterone.

This condition is usually treated through hormone replacement therapy to reduce the symptoms of low testosterone. Anastrozole, however, may be a viable alternative to traditional testosterone therapy or treatment.

At the same time, you should consider the long-term effects of taking Anastrozole. For instance, it has been associated with lower bone mineral density, requiring patients with pre-existing osteoporosis to undergo regular monitoring as well as undertaking strategies to protect bone health.Also while using Anastrozole regular blood tests are needed to confirm you are not taking too much or too little:

Natural Testosterone Boosters

If, for whatever reason, taking Anastrozole is not appropriate for you, there are several alternatives you can choose for increasing your testosterone levels without resorting to medication.

For one, you could increase your diindolylmethane (DIM) levels. DIM doesn’t actually boost testosterone production but instead ensures that the hormone remains unbound so that the body can use it.

You can increase your DIM levels by eating more cruciferous vegetables, which supplies the body with indole-3-carbinol (I3C) – when broken down, this releases DIM as a byproduct.

Of course, you could also go for natural aromatase inhibitors. Although there are many advantages to laboratory-made estrogen blockers, they can have serious side effects.

This is why it would be better to pursue natural alternatives, such as eating food rich in nutrients that help suppress estrogen and maintain hormonal balance.

Keep in mind that not all supplements made in the laboratory are bad. There are many manufacturers that produce supplements with natural formulations, using plants with known healing properties and naturally occurring compounds as the main ingredients.

For instance, Brassaiopsis Glomerulata is a shrub found in Vietnam whose leaves appear to have bioactive compounds that exhibit aromatase inhibition effects.

Pine Bark Extract is a natural alternative to hormone therapy GnRHa, which stops estrogen production. This herb is not only believed to have similar effects but also reduces erectile dysfunction symptoms.

Before choosing a supplement, make sure that you read the label carefully so you’ll know what ingredients are included in the formulation.

You should also read reviews from trusted sources since they can provide you with important information about the product. But, of course, the best option would always be to visit your doctor before taking a new supplement.

The Bottom Line

While Anastrozole is still the main way to balance hormone levels and increase testosterone, it may not be for everyone. This is why you should explore the various alternatives for boosting natural testosterone production.

While they may take longer to provide the desired outcome, at least you won’t have to worry about suffering from the side effects associated with Anastrozole Arimidex for men.
January 8, 2018
Clomid for Men: How To NOT Cook Your Balls & Actually Increase Fertility

Clomid is generically known as clomiphene citrate. Clomid for men and women is medication given who are suffering from infertility caused by the body not producing or releasing cells needed for reproduction.

It is a nonsteroidal selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) which means it inhibits certain estrogen receptors in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus.

When these receptors are inhibited, the brain sends a signal to ramp up production of luteinizing hormones, LH, and follicle stimulating hormones, FSH. Luteinizing hormones also have a role in reproduction. In women, for example, high LH hormone levels can trigger ovulation.

Upon production of these two hormones, a man’s body responds by increasing its sperm and testosterone production, which then improves erectile strength, libido, and mental confidence.

When Is It Used?

For Management of Hypogonadism

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, otherwise known as HH, secondary central hypogonadism, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone deficiency, is a condition where in the gonads (testes for men and ovaries for women) do not function optimally.

This leads to insufficient production of gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). With low levels of LH and FSH, the body has difficulty sustaining adequate production levels of its testosterone and producing androgen-binding protein needed for sperm cell maturation.

This condition can either be classified as primary or secondary. Primary HH is due to congenital disorders in the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary while Secondary HH is either due to brain or pituitary tumors, head trauma, ingestion of select drugs, obesity, or certain systemic syndromes and diseases.

However, as it has been found effective, Clomid is also prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of HH even though the one taking it does not have HH. These symptoms include erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, decreased body hair growth, fatigue, difficulty focusing, low libido, and hot flashes.

You can check if you suffer from HH by doing a blood test for Total Testosterone, LH and FSH:

When Diagnosed With Non-Obstructive Azoospermia

Non-obstructive azoospermia is a condition where an individual’s semen has no sperm but there are no blockages to prevent it from ejaculating. This is usually due to a failure of sperm maturation, or spermatogenesis, arising from either intrinsic testicular impairment or low stimulation by gonadotropins.

With Clomid, those with this condition can boost their sperm count or, if unsuccessful, have their immature sperm extracted to be artificially matured.

For Spermatogenesis and Testosterone Recovery After Steroid Use

Anabolic steroids disturb the natural production of the body’s testosterone. This results to insufficient testosterone production when an individual stops using steroids. Clomid has been found to be successful in bringing estrogen and testosterone back to its physiological levels.

Studies have shown that, within four to five months of clomiphene citrate medication, successful cases show significant improvements in seminal patterns while staying cost effective unlike other more expensive options.

However, Clomid is not always successful in bringing back testosterone and estrogen levels back to its normal levels. In these cases, FSH supplementation was seen to be successful.

Unfortunately, as it is often used without guidance by a doctor, those who found little success with its use often continue taking it in the long term.

This is very bad because while there are adverse effects in the short term, long term use has been found to cause adverse effects.

Associated Risks

Like any medication, Clomid has its associated risks in the form of adverse effects. Here are some of the more common side effects that one can experience with clomiphene citrate:

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision is less likely if one is taking Clomid at a very low dose at 12.5 mg to a maximum of 25 mg at three times a week. This is why it is important that the dosage to be taken as prescribed by a qualified health practitioner.

However, do pay attention, as there are cases of blood vessel damage in the eyes due to careless use of clomiphene citrate. This is one side effect that someone using Clomid must watch out for and, when one experiences any form of vision irregularity, it is recommended to contact one’s doctor immediately.

Moodiness

Although moodiness is often associated with Clomid use among women, this side effect is rarely seen among men who use it. But, when it does manifest in men, it is generally recommended to stop intake.

Nausea

Nausea is also one of the common side effects of clomiphene citrate use for both men and women. This is quite common for any medication that affects the production of hormones in one’s body. But, if it persists, it is best to get in touch with your doctor about it.

Going All Natural

If you’re not too keen with the side effects from a medicine like Clomid, you could opt for forellagic acid, which is a natural SERM. Studies have proven its potential as a good natural source of selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM).

Aside from its ability to counter estrogen, it has been shown to provide other benefits in cardiovascular health by preventing the buildup of abnormal fat deposits in the arterial walls that can, eventually, lead to coronary artery disease. It also helps in preventing cancer in the colon, prostate, and bladder because of its antioxidant properties.

Another option for a natural alternative for pharmaceutical SERM is Eucheumia Cottonii Seaweed. E. Cottonii Seaweed or Sea Bird’s Nest is marine algae that can be found all over the world with large concentrations in the Pacific Ocean.

It contains trace minerals, vitamins, amino acids, plant growth hormones, and antioxidants. It is a good alternative to tamoxifen citrate, Nolvadex, which is also used off-the-label as an SERM like Clomid.

However, these natural SERM alternatives are only recommended for those who are thinking of taking pharmaceutical SERMs for their post cycle therapy (PCT).

Pharmaceutical SERMs are used off-the-label by individuals when they intend to reduce and to eventually eliminate the use of anabolic steroids. What does off-the-label mean? It means the usage of a prescription drug not intended by the Food and Drug Administration.

Therefore, if you were prescribed with any SERM and have hypogonadism or non-obstructive azoospermia, it is best to follow the doctor’s orders and not explore with substituting it with natural alternatives.

November 10, 2017
PCT Cycle: Natural Alternatives To Cycle Off Steroids & Keep Your Gains
If you’ve been lifting a lot, you’ve probably thought about using an anabolic steroid at one point or another. The harmful effects of anabolic steroid abuse by healthy adults needs no longer to be emphasized. Even normal usage may result in PCC (post cycle crash). PCT Cycle is simply running a regimen of supplements that make sure that the hard work you put on during your steroid cycle doesn’t go to waste while also minimizing the damage.

It’s no wonder that many medical practitioners and sports organizations speak against steroid usage. However, it’s understandable to desire to improve your strength and build your body though. We at Anabolic Health don’t agree with steroid use and recommend against its use except in cases of chronic disease. If you still want to pursue steroids despite the risks involved, the logical thing is to find natural alternatives where possible to make this a safer endeavor.

Using anabolic steroids should not be taken lightly. Research and extensive blood testing needs to be done all through the cycle, as well as after, to monitor your health and recovery:

The Dynamics of Anabolic Steroids Use

The use of anabolic steroids alters the body’s natural hormone levels. Many steroids in particular tend to reduce natural testosterone production in the body and enable estrogen levels to skyrocket.

The supplementation of testosterone injections during an anabolic steroid cycle suppresses the HPTA function. The HPTA (hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal) is the multi-gland axis that regulates your natural testosterone production, and this suppression or “shutdown” is sometimes referred to as the “post cycle crash”.

The main hormones involved in the natural testosterone production are the LH, FSH, and GnRH. These are endogenous steroids, or steroids that are naturally produced by the body.

When the HPTA senses a low testosterone level, the pituitary gland releases the gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH), which in turn, secretes the LH and the FSH. The LH and FSH are the hormones that signal the Leydig cell in the testes to produce more testosterone.

When there is enough testosterone circulating, a negative feedback loop happens. The presence of excess testosterone in the body is a negative signal for the HPTA to temporarily cease its natural testosterone production.

When the production of testosterone has stopped and the HPTA senses this too low testosterone levels, the HPTA function begins again. This is how the stable equilibrium of hormones in your endocrine system is maintained.

Now, the primary reason why steroid users inject more testosterone is to override the effects of the negative feedback loop. They want more testosterone in the body even while the HPTA function is momentarily shut down.

That’s why during anabolic steroids use, the HPTA function is continually suppressed. After the (anabolic androgenic steroids) AAS phase of the cycle, your artificially elevated testosterone levels begins to fade away and your body desperately tries to reconfigure itself to start its natural processes again.

This natural recovery may take around 1 to 4 months, even longer sometimes. It may take longer because the interdependent natural processes in your body have been disrupted and your overall hormonal balance is thrown off. There is also the possibility that your HPTA function have been partially shut down forever as well, which is why using anabolic steroids is almost always a bad idea in the first place.

This hormonal imbalance is the reason that common problems such as gynecomastia (breast development), testicular atrophy, and hypogonadism are encountered after anabolic steroid use. This is where the importance of a PCT cycle comes in.

What Is Post Cycle Therapy?

Post-cycle therapy is simply running a regimen that helps to make sure the hard work you put on during your steroid cycle doesn’t go to waste. PCT steroids go hand in hand with AAS cycle to help your body recover in the fastest and best possible way.

The PCT length or period of one’s recovery may vary for each user. That’s why if you’re planning to go on anabolic steroids, a PCT protocol for your first steroid cycle must be planned ahead as well.

PCT steroids are typically a combination of pharmaceutical drugs and supplements that work synergistically to aid in your recovery.

However, the use of synthetic PCT drugs has its own side effects as well. These can adverse effects such as for example mood swings, high blood pressure, kidney failure and sleep apnea.

With each PCT protocol, there are all-natural alternatives that may lessen these risks. These natural compounds from plant-based sources have been and are continually being scientifically studied for their potential in both men and women’s health.

SERMs in The PCT Cycle

SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator) are a class of drugs that interact with estrogen receptors to produce some estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects, depending on their respective activities.

Some of the most common SERMs are used as estrogen-blockers in the bodybuilding world, are Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate) and Clomid (clomiphene citrate):
- Nolvadex PCT or Nolva works by binding to the estrogen receptors, thus preventing estrogen hormones from performing some of its functions in the body. It is used as protection during PCT to prevent you from developing gynecomastia.
- Clomid is weaker than Nolva but it can significantly stimulate the pituitary gland to secrete LH-releasing hormones. A Clomid PCT is beneficial to individuals after a steroid cycle when testosterone levels are low and you want to kickstart natural production.
- Enclomiphene Citrate, a derivative of Clomid, is another hormone-stimulating drug that is probably stronger than Clomid. It can be taken orally. But its manufacture as an off-label drug for men’s use and has been disapproved by the FDA recently.
If you want to go the natural way to reduce estrogen levels during your PCT cycle, there are still some options for you such as ellagic acid.

Natural Alternatives to Pharmaceuticals:

Ellagic Acid and Euchoma Cottonii as a Natural SERM Alternative

Studies confirm that ellagic acid is a natural substitute for SERMs, which is why it became widely-used as an alternative treatment therapy for menopause. Its mechanisms of action are similar to that of synthetic tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) and raloxifen (Evista).

Even at low concentrations, ellagic acid exhibits significant estrogenic activities and interaction with estrogen receptors.

Ellagic acid is a dietary polyphenol abundant in berries such as raspberries and strawberries. It can also be found in walnuts, pecans, and grapes.

Its other proven benefits include:
- Antioxidant and Antiatherogenic – promotes healthy blood pressure by preventing the abnormal deposits of fat in the wall of the arteries
- Antiproliferative and Chemopreventive – Helpful for breast, colon, and prostate cancer, as well as in liver, lung tissues and leukemia cells
Eucheoma cottonii, present in the extract of edible seaweed from Southeast Asia, is another polyphenolic compound that shows the same properties as tamoxifen. It is proven to be 27% more effective in interacting with estrogen receptors. It also has strong anticancer properties and it doesn’t cause much toxicity to the liver and kidneys.

Each of these compounds is available as a stand-alone supplement for a variety of health purposes, while the combination of the two is becoming popular in the sports and bodybuilding world as a supplement by by Black Lion Research.

Fadogia Agrestis as a Natural HCG Alternative

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is actually an exclusively female LH-releasing hormone because it is produced in the placenta when a woman is pregnant.

HCG injections mimic the functions of LH, enabling the Leydig cells to produce more testosterone. Thus, HCG in PCT is also run to address the issue of testicular atrophy or sunken testicles, as well as to keep natural testosterone production going and prevent shutdown.

Fadogia Agrestis, the closest natural equivalent of lab-produced HCG, is a herb used in African folk medicine as an aphrodisiac. Its testosterone-enhancing properties were confirmed in a study involving rats, but there has been no studies conducted on humans yet.

It’s a unique aphrodisiac because it does not only increase libido, but it also prolongs the time required to ejaculate (ejaculatory latency) following repetitive intercourse.

Aphrodisiacs tend to enhance one’s sex drive often because they modulate the levels of testosterone in the body. Fadogia can help keep your testicles naturally producing testosterone even while on steroids. The ability of Fadogia Agrestis to prolong one’s sexual endurance, which is not common in aphrodisiacs, also makes this herb one of a kind.

This is interesting because, while the pharmaceutical industry is quite focused on addressing impotence or erectile dysfunction, not much attention is lavished on many of the other male problems such as premature ejaculation.

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) as a Natural Testosterone Booster

In Southest Asia, Tongkat Ali is traditionally used to increase physical strength and fight against stress and disease. A study found out that the testosterone-boosting effects of tongkat ali have benefits for bone health as well.

Tongkat Ali causes no side effects and can be effectively used to maintain natural testosterone production during cycle, as well as help restart it afterwards. Other benefits proven by scientific studies include:
- Management of symptoms of late onset hypogonadism (LOH) or reduced testosterone levels in aging men
- Anti-malarial and anti-cancer properties (As exhibited by water soluble extract of Eurycoma Longifolia)
- Prevents calcium loss in bones
- Alternative treatment therapy for androgen-deficient osteoporosis
Arimistane as a Natural Aromatase Inhibitor (AI)

When the body senses that its estrogen level decreases, the aromatase enzymes are activated to convert testosterone into estrogen. During steroid cycles and PCT, excess testosterone levels can convert into too much estrogen which is often the driving force of most of the side effects of anabolic steroids other than toxicity.

Aromatase inhibitors can lower estrogen levels and help low and normal estrogen levels stay that way, even while increasing testosterone levels. Oxo-6 is a popular anti aromatase supplement because it doesn’t only bind to the aromatase enzyme but it also permanently deactivates it. However, oxo-6 has now been banned and is not readily available on the market anymore.

Acacetin is considered to be one of the best plant based aromatase inhibitor because it is derived from natural plant sources such as birch tree and damiana shrubs. It is a compound that is often combined with other ingredients in men’s health supplements to produce a more masculine physique.

Arimistane (androsta-3 3-diene-5 17 dione) is a native steroid or naturally-occurring aromatase inhibitor in the body. It is a metabolite of DHEA, a hormone secreted by the adrenals glands and the brain. This is our favorite natural estrogen blocker.

Arimistane is also found in wild yam or soy, from which the arimistane supplements is manufactured. As a natural aromatase inhibitor, its mechanisms of action are as follows:
- Reduces estrogen level by binding permanently with aromatase, thus preventing the conversion of testosterone into estrogens
- Keeps cortisol levels in check, the stress hormone that are catabolic and can breakdown muscle mass
- Increases the production of testosterone by raising LH-releasing hormones
Epicatechin as a Natural Myostatin Inhibitor (Natural Anabolic)

Myostatin is a molecule produced by the myokines, which are proteins released by the muscle cells to regulate muscle mass. Its opposite, on the other hand, is follistatin, the myokine that indirectly promotes muscle growth by blocking the signals that activate myostatin.

Unlike other compounds in supplements which aim to inhibit the effects of myostatin activities, epicatechin is the only compound that was scientifically studied for its effects in humans.

Epicatechin is a class of flavanoids, a plant pigment which is known for its low toxicity. High quantities of epicathechin are present in cocoa, grapes and tea.

Consuming some of these natural sources or food products (e.g. dark chocolate) in large amounts may of course give you some of the health benefits of epicatechin. But for the purposes of promoting muscle growth, daily supplementation of epicatechin during your anabolic steroid cycle and/or after in your post cycle therapy may help you retain the muscle mass you’ve worked so hard to gain during cycle.

Product Image credits: Amazon.com
April 17, 2017
How to Inject Testosterone in Buttocks (Glute Injection) – Step by Step
Testosterone levels can be increased via TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) injections. The glute injection sites for testosterone are perfect for delivering the hormone for easy injection and maximum absorption.

Where Do I Inject Testosterone?

You can’t just inject testosterone into your body anywhere. There is the issues of rate of absorption and safe administration. The best places to inject testosterone is by intramuscular injection in the thighs and the glutes.

Where to Inject Testosterone in the Glute?

Safety means knowing where to inject testosterone in glute. Visually divide each butt cheek into 4 equal areas. Your sites for injecting testosterone will be the outer, upper quarter, on the left cheek, and the right cheek. These are the best places to inject testosterone in the buttocks.

How to Inject Testosterone in Glute

Prepare your materials for the glute shot. You will need:
- 21 (thicker than 23) gauge x 1.5 inches long needle, for drawing testosterone from the vial
- 2.5 ml syringe
- 23 gauge needle (thinner) 1.25 inches long needle, for injecting into the glutes
- Alcohol swabs
Before you do anything to your glute, you must clean the gluteal injection area first. Otherwise any dirt, grease, and microorganisms, can enter gluteal injection sites along with the needle during insertion. This can potentially cause irritation and infection. Also, wash your hands even if you will be using gloves for the procedure.

How to inject:
1. Wipe the top of the vial with a alcohol swab to sanitize. Some people heat the vial or ampule a little to thin out the testosterone-containing liquid. This is done by placing the vial in a cup of finger warm water for a few minutes, which will make the liquid easier to draw up from inside the vial. Some people report less pain and easier injection with a thinner liquid.
2. Draw up the liquid using the 21 gauge needle:(from the vial)a. Pull the plunger of the syringe back until it reaches the mark that indicates the amount prescribed by your doctor to be injecting. For example, if you are supposed to inject 0.5 ml, draw up 0.5 ml of air.b. Insert the needle into the vial.c. Inject the 0.5 ml of air into the vial.d. Invert the vial.e. Check that the tip of the needle is fully submerged in the liquid.f. Slowly loosen your grip on the plunger and allow the liquid to be passively drawn into the syringe.(from an ampule)a. Locate the break line on the neck of the ampule.b. Break it off.c. Insert the needle and siphon off the liquid.d. No need to introduce air into the ampule.(from multiple containers)a. If you are taking testosterone in a mixture, draw up liquid from the vial first. Otherwise, it will be difficult to introduce air into the vial and draw up liquid without contaminating the contents of the vial. This can lead to incorrect dilution and unreliable dosages.
3. Change the needle into the thinner injection gauge (23).
4. Remove any air from the syringe before giving a gluteal shot. Pull the plunger back a little to consolidate any air bubbles. Slowly push until all air has been expelled.
5. Swab the area where you are going to inject with alcohol.
6. Hold the testosterone syringe between the thumb and the forefinger, as if holding a dart.
7. Insert the needle in the middle of the upper outer quadrant of the buttocks (gluteal injection site). Insert the entire length of the needle.
8. With the other hand, hold the base of the needle steady.
9. Slowly pull the plunger back (aspirate) to check for blood.a. If blood comes up the syringe, you are in the wrong spot. Remove and retry with a new needle. b. If no blood comes into the syringe, slowly inject the testosterone liquid.
10. Slowly pull the syringe out. Press a medi wipe, alcohol swab or cotton ball immediately over the injection site to minimize bleeding.
11. Massage the site for a few minutes to enhance absorption.
How to Inject Testosterone in Thigh

The same procedure applies when injecting in the thigh. Divide the thigh area into 4 areas. The spot will be in the middle of the upper, outer quadrant.

Other Sources of Testosterone

TRT and testosterone injection is not the only way to bring your testosterone levels back into normal ranges. Some foods contain natural compounds that help increase testosterone levels. These compounds either contain precursors for testosterone production or increase the cells sensitivity to testosterone.

Natural testosterone boosting supplements are also another way to increase your testosterone levels naturally. These supplements contain extracts of natural herbs, such as Tongkat Ali, which help boost testosterone production and cellular sensitivity to the hormone.

A Word of Caution

Always practice safety and proper procedure to avoid any risks. Dosage should always be within your doctors recommendation. Never adjust your dosages without checking with your health care provider. Make sure you keep track of your levels by doing regular blood tests:
January 23, 2017