A

ADP (Adenosine Triphosphate): An important cellular metabolite involved with energy exchange within the cell. Chemical energy is conserved in a cell by the phosphorylation of ADP to ATP primarily in the mitochondria, as a high energy phosphate bond. ADP combined with CP forms ATP, the usable fuel for muscular contractions.

Adrenal Gland: The organ that sits on top of each kidney and that makes a variety of hormones including the sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone), stress hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine), and steroid hormones (DHEA), among others.

Aerobic Capacity: The body’s ability to process oxygen. It is a combination of lung capacity, the size of the capillaries, the pumping action of the heart, and transfer of oxygen from red blood cells to target tissues.

Aerobic Exercise: Exercise with a low enough intensity to facilitate adequate oxygen transfer to the muscle cells so that no buildup of lactic acid is observed. This type of exercise is useful for reducing insulin levels and lowering blood glucose.

Aging: The general deterioration of the body with increasing age.

Alpha Alkyla1ED 17: The addition of an alkyl substitute on the 17 carbon position, or a C-17 position, of the steroid molecule. This manipulation increase the life of an oral steroid in the body, but also makes orals highly toxic.

Amino Acids: Building blocks of protein molecules necessary for every bodily process. The body does not produce essential amino acids, which are necessary for growth and development, but must obtain them through the diet. Nonessential amino acids are those that the body synthesizes itself. Growth Hormone is a complex molecule composed of 191 amino acids.

Amygdala: The portion of the limbic system in the brain that processes emotions. – See also Limbic System

Anabolic: The promotion of anabolism or the actual building of tissues — primarily muscle. An anabolic or muscle building effect is the most sought after effect from steroid use by athletes.

Anabolic Steroids: These are synthetic derivatives of testosterone; a naturally occurring hormone in the body which controls many functions. One such functions is the promotion of anabolism. Steroids mimic this natural occurring effect and can accelerate the rate. Once in the blood, anabolic steroids bind to androgen receptor sites. Steroids enter the cell and alter the function of that cell. After changes in DNA and RNA patterns, an increased rate of protein synthesis is observed. Improved conversion of protein to muscle happens concurrently with increased nitrogen retention or slightly thereafter. The retention of nitrogen indicates that muscle tissue is being deposited. Anabolic steroids inhibit the amount of cortisol — a catabolic hormone — from entering muscle tissue. Less cortisol also aids in muscle growth. Anabolic steroids are classified as anabolic and/or androgenic. The kind and quantity of androgen receptors found within an organ or tissue determine how it is effected by the anabolic or androgenic properties of a steroid. All anabolic steroids are both anabolic and androgenic. Elite Fitness would rate a steroid a perfect ten if it could be totally anabolic and not at all androgenic. As this is presently impossible, the highest rating we have given any steroid is a nine. The ideal steroid would only exert its effect on muscles; however, steroids effect many other parts of the body as well. This is why dramatic gains in muscularity are often accompanied by dramatic side effects.

Anabolism: The process by which bone, muscle, and other tissue build up. Any process that produces energy in which simple substances are converted into more complex matter.
- See also Catabolism
- See also Metabolism

Androgenic: This designation refers to the second classification of testosterone. In addition to muscle development, testosterone is responsible for male secondary sexual characteristics like body hair, deepening of the voice, development of the male sex organs and sex drive. A steroid’s androgenic properties cause the majority of side effects. The androgenic quality is preferred by some who feel they benefit from the increased aggressiveness and rather fast strength increases associated with androgens. Glycogen retention of androgenic steroids is very pronounced. High androgenic steroids are often very high in anabolic properties as well. This type of steroid will give good size and strength gains, but the prolonged use of highly androgenic compounds result in serious side effects.

Androstenendione: Increases energy, enhances growth from exercise and reduces recovery time. It’s a key intermediate in the bio-synthesis of hormones which regenerate the tissues of muscle, bone and skin. Androstenedione is metabolized in the liver into testosterone and increases energy, strength, sense of well being, and recovery from exercise. It also yields heightened sexual arousal and function

Anterior Pituitary: Powder Stimulates the production of somatomedin

Anti-Aging: Strategies, programs, and supplements that reduce, prevent, and reverse the decline of physiological function.

Antibody: A protein produced in the body in response to contact with an antigen. An antibody neutralizes the antigen and creates an immunity to that antigen. An integral part of the immune system.
- See also Antigen

Antigen: Any substance recognized as “foreign” by the immune system. In certain disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly targets healthy body cells as foreign.
- See also Antibody

Antioxidant: A chemical molecule that prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds to create free radicals.

Aromatize: The reaction in the body where excess testosterone or androgens are converted to estrogen. Steroid users do not want this effect. Androgenic steroids are the ones that most often aromatize. Numerous side effects can occur, the most common being the development of breast tissue in men. Estrogen deposited in the mammary gland is called gynecomastia. Limiting the prolonged use of androgenic steroids and using only small dosages is the best way to prevent this effect. Dianabol, Anadrol, and Testosterones aromatize very easily.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): This is an intermediate high energy compound which upon hydrolysis to ADP releases chemically useful energy. ATP is generated during catabolism and utilized during anabolism. ATP can be thought of as the actual fuel that makes muscles move. Oxygen and glucose contribute to the formation of ATP.

B

B Complex: Essential for new cell growth and division, increasing metabolism of proteins, carbs and fats, and the maintaining of healthy skin and muscle tone.

Beta Sistosterol: Regulates and enhances immune system function. Research indicates that Beta Sistoserol maybe beneficial in helping the body fight or inhibit disease.

Biomarkers: The ten markers for age that are now considered reversible:
• Aerobic Capacity
• Basal Metabolic Rate
• Blood Pressure
• Blood-Sugar Tolerance
• Body Fat
• Body Temperature Regulation
• Bone Density
• Cholesterol/HDL Ratio
• Lean Body Mass
• Strength
These markers typically grow worse as people age.

Black Market: The illegal distribution and sale of illicit drugs. A majority of athletes obtain steroids on the black market.

Blocking Agent: A prescription medicines that can prevent the excretion of steroids from the kidneys into the urine. By temporarily blocking this excretion many athletes can test negative for anabolic steroids on a blood test while currently on a cycle. Popular blocking agents have included: Probenecid, Carinamide, and Anturane. Most blocking agents are banned by committees who also ban anabolic steroids.

Blood Glucose: The primary source of energy for the brain. Elevated blood glucose levels cause diabetes and accelerate aging.

Boron: Assists with muscle building and absorption of calcium.

Bromelian: Reduces inflammation and swelling and improves digestion.

Buccal Sublingual: These steroids are made to be dissolved in the cheek or under the tongue.

C

Calorie Restriction: The reduction of calories that maintains adequate levels of protein and essential fats while also supplying adequate amounts of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).

Catabolic: The opposite of anabolic; catabolic means the breakdown of tissue. Catabolism often occurs in disease, infection, and immobilization. Intense weight training also induces catabolism. A negative nitrogen balance most often accompanies catabolic states. Anabolic steroids reverse this state and actually function optimally on muscles which are in this condition. Therefore, the intensity of a person’s training can contribute to the effectiveness of an anabolic steroid.

Catabolism: A chemical process of the body in which energy is released for use in work, energy storage, or heat production. The body breaks down complex substances into simple compounds.
- See also Anabolism
- See also Metabolism

Chromium: Balances blood sugar levels and promotes the rise of DHEA.

Chromosome: A long-chained molecule containing genes and genetic information. Each chromosome is made up of a double strand of DNA.

Chronobiology: The study of internal body rhythms in order to map hormonal, nerve, and immune system cyclical functions. Chronobiologists hope to design hormone replacement and other strategies based on these cycles that will work more effectively and safely than prescription drugs and help extend life.

Coenzyme-ATM: The most active metabolic enzyme. Must exist for the body to metabolize protein, fat and carbohydrates. Enhances performance, reduces build up of lactate, and facilitates the formation and repair of cartilage. It is the initiator of the Krebs Cycle.

Collagen: A fibrous protein that forms a connective tissue supporting the skin, bone, tendons, and cartilage.

Collagen Peptone/Collagen Hydolstate: Major structural protein that strengthens tendons and skin.

Cortisol: The hormone released from the adrenal glands in response to stress or low blood glucose. Its primary mode of action in times of stress is to shut down eicosanoid synthesis.

Counterfeits: Products which purport to be but which are not real pharmaceutical drugs.

Creatine Monohydrate: Naturally occurs and is stored as energy in the muscle cells. It increases available instant energy, muscular strength, size and fullness, and improves endurance. It also replenishes ATP which diminishes muscle soreness, lactate build-up and fatigue.

CP (Creatine Phosphate): Creatine Phosphate is an inorganic phosphate molecule which binds with ADP to form ATP. Steroids potentially increase the availability or production of CP resulting in more available strength and endurance increasing ATP.

Cycle: The time one is on steroids.

D

DHEA: Acronym for Dehydroepiandrosterone. This powerful hormone is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a role in the regulation and production of other hormones including testosterone and estrogen. Its primary function is to inhibit the binding of cortisol. DHEA also appears to facilitate improved cholesterol profiles, loss of body fat, increased muscle gain, etc.
- See also Cortisol

DHEA Produced by the adrenal glands and converts to testosterone. Plays an important role in metabolism by inhibiting storage of dietary energy as fat. DHEA significantly elevates insulin growth factor IGF-1 for muscle and bone growth, improves muscle, enhances memory and mood, Improves immune function.

Diabetes: A condition in which blood glucose is not well controlled. Type 1 diabetics make no insulin, whereas Type 2 diabetics are characterized by the overproduction of insulin and the inability of the target cells to respond to the insulin.

DiHydroTestosterone: The precursor of numerous steroids. The hormone occurs naturally in the body and is responsible for several androgenic effects including: facial hair, genetic balding and male reproductive organ development. DHT is important in the augmentation of skeletal muscle. Many endogenous and exogenous testosterones convert to DHT in the body. Common side effects of DHT are acne and accelerated balding.

Diuretic: Any product that increases the body’s excretion of urine. These range from herbal formulas to strong chemicals which drain the body of electrolytes and fluid. The primary clinical use is as a hypertension treatment. Bodybuilders use diuretics to remove subcutaneous water improving definition. This is effective for some bodybuilders but even often it leaves the athlete’s muscles drawn and flat. Occasionally, too much potassium is depleted and muscle cramping is so severe that the bodybuilder cannot pose. Athletes also use diuretics to dilute drug test urine samples. Often the diuretics themselves are banned by most committees which ban steroids. Needing to make a certain weight class, athletes may use diuretics for rapid weight loss. Side effects are numerous and can include heart failure.

DNA: Acronym for DeoxyriboNucleic Acid. The genetic material of all living things found mainly in the chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell. Along the length of each strand of DNA lie the genes, which contain the genetic material that controls the inheritance of traits.

E

Eicosanoid: A hormone derived from a 20-carbon atom, polyunsaturated fat. Eicosanoids are made by every cell in the body. As autocrine hormones, they are constantly produced by the cell to sample the external environment.

Endocrine System: The system of glands and other structures that secrete hormones into the bloodstream, including the adrenals, ovaries, pancreas, pineal, pituitary, testicles, and thyroid. These hormones then travel through the bloodstream to target tissues.
- See also Hormonal Synergy

Endogenous: Naturally occurring in the body. Endogenous steroids are hormones which are a part of the body’s natural day to day functions.

Enzyme: An organic catalyst produced by living cells but capable of acting independently. Enzymes are complex proteins capable of inducing chemical changes in other substances without being changed themselves.

Ergogenics: The study of ergogenesis or muscle performance. Anabolic steroids are an ergogenic aid because they can enhance muscle performance.

Essential Fatty Acids: These are fats the body cannot make and therefore must be part of the diet. Essential fatty acids are also the building blocks of eicosanoids. There are two groups, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and each gives rise to a different group of eicosanoids.
- See also Eicosanoid

Estrogen: The female sex hormone responsible for secondary sexual characteristics in females and found in small quantities in males.

Exogenous: Originating outside the body. An injected synthetic steroid is an exogenous source of that hormone.

F

Fast Pass: A compound crossing from the stomach or intestines to the liver where it is either destroyed or enters blood stream. Oral steroids must undergo this process before entering the blood and binding to cells where they exert their functions. An oral steroid’s first pass destroys a majority of the substance and is rough on the liver.

Free Radical: A molecule containing an odd number of electrons, making it highly reactive and, as a result, potentially dangerous to healthy cells.

G

GABA (Gama Amino Butyric Acid): A powerful amino acid that aturally stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to secrete higher levels of Human Growth Hormone (HGH). As a result, people taking GABA tend to lose excess body fat. Increased energy and feelings of vigor are common side effects of supplementing with GABA.

GC/MS: Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The most accurate analytical method for testing urine samples and for doing substance analysis. GC/MS is the superior method for analysis of steroids and urine because it detects extremely low levels of steroids and can differentiate one compound from another. A gas chromatograph (GC) isolates each individual component of a substance for analysis by the mass spectrometer (MS).

Germanium: Increases transport of oxygen into the cells and helps balance the electrical field.

Glycine: Important for the manufacture of hormones and contributes to maintaining a strong immune system.

Growth Factors: Also known as Elk Velvet Antler, naturally boosts testosterone and the production of growth factors, increases strength and endurance, slows fatigue and strengthens nerves.

Gynecomastia: Abnormally large mammary glands in males. BITCH TITS are a popular gym term for Gynecomastia.

H

HGH: 191 amino acid polypeptide, the master hormone, produced in the pituitary gland. Strongly supports amino acid uptake and synthesis of new proteins, promotes cell regeneration – growth and repair – in muscles, bones and organs, enhances the utilization of fat, energizes the immune system and supports the functioning of all organs and glands.

Hyaluronic Acid: Holds an incredible amount of water, lubricating the joints and cartilage to give them greater fluidity, weight-bearing and shock absorption.

Hyperplastia: An increase in the number of cells. The majority of muscle bulk that comes from using anabolic steroids occurs from muscular hypertrophy. Some studies suggest that anabolic steroids can possibly cause hyperplasia or an increase in the actual number of muscle cells. Many feel that Growth Hormone causes hyperplasia which enables more muscular development than using anabolic steroids alone. This theory is controversial.

Hypertrophy: The goal of nearly all weight training athletes — the increase in size or mass of a muscle.

I

IGF-1: Increases lean body mass, builds muscle, bone and nerves, and reduces fat. It assure the proper absorption of amino acids into the muscle cells, stimulates glucose (blood sugar) transport in the muscle tissue, and is able to slow the rate of protein breakdown.

K

Kelp: Promotes a healthy thyroid and stimulates blood circulation.

Krebs Cycle: Metabolic process that creates at least 90% of the energy used to power the entire body. This energy is called ATP and is formed inside tiny power plants called mitochondria within each cell. The Krebs Cycle (a.k.a. ATP, TCA or Citric Acid cycles) formulates the cellular fuel (glucose + oxygen), ignites it so as to create the ATP, and then eliminates the waste products (CO2 + Water).

L

L-Arginine: A powerful and essential amino acid for human development and the release of HGH in the pituitary gland.

L-Arginine Pyroglutimate: Builds muscle, enhances fat metabolism and assists in the release of growth hormone.

L-Carnitine: Is necessary for the conversion of stored fat into energy, allowing you to burn off fat like never before.

L-Glutamine: The most prevalent amino in muscle/skeletal tissue. Also prevalent in the brain for alertness and concentration.

L-Isoleucine, L-Leucine and L-Valine: The branch chain aminos (BCAA’s), especially involved in protein synthesis, energy and muscle metabolism.

L-Lysine: Amino acid that facilitates proper chemical balance and lean body mass. Helpful in the utilization of muscle protein and recovery from exercise and injury. Enhances the effects HGH increasing effects of L-Arginine. L-Lysine is a necessary building block for all protein in the body. Researchers believe that Lysine may have a role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Lysine works with other essential amino acids to maintain growth, lean body mass.

L- Ornithine: A natural promoter of Growth Hormone in the body. Works in conjunction with arginine to stimulate the body’s HGH production

L-Tyrosine: Important to the structure of almost all the body’s protein

Lean Body Mass: The total body weight minus the fat mass. Lean body mass consists of water, bones, collagen, and muscle.
- See also Percentage Body Fat

Limbic System: The part of the brain that is concerned with more primitive impulses and maintaining biological homeostasis.
- See also Amygdala

Lipolysis: The release of stored fat for use as fuel by the body.

M

Melatonin: The hormone made in the pineal gland that controls circadian rhythms. It is also a powerful antioxidant for hydroxyl free radicals.

Metabolism: The sum of all chemical processes that take place in the body to convert food to energy and other substances needed to sustain life. The first step is the constructive phase (anabolism) in which smaller molecules (amino acids) are converted to larger molecules (proteins). The second phase is the destructive phase (catabolism) in which larger molecules (like glycogen, sugar stored in the liver) are converted to smaller molecules (like glucose, blood sugar). Exercise, body temperature, hormone activity, and digestion all affect metabolism.

Mucuna Puriens / L-DOPA: Has been shown to increase testosterone levels and improve synthesis of protein in muscle, facilitating increased muscle mass and strength. L-Dopa is a neuro transmitter said to increase one’s sense of well being and enhance sexual function.

N

NADH: Also known as Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.
Creates ATP that powers the muscles, heart, brain, nerves and cell repair – everything that needs power. Important element of the Krebs Cycle.
- See also Krebs Cycle

Neurotransmitter: A chemical that changes or results in the sending of nerve signals. Serotonin, norepinephrine, acetycholine, and dopamine are among the many neurotransmitters that send and receive messages in the brain and body

Niacin: A water-soluble vitamin required by the body for health growth and reproduction.

Nitrogen: An important constituent of many cells and what distinguishes protein from other substances.

Nitrogen Balance: The state in which the daily nitrogen intake of from proteins equals daily nitrogen excretion. A negative nitrogen balance occurs when excretion exceeds intake. A positive balance exists when nitrogen ingestion is greater than what is excreted. A positive nitrogen balance possibly indicates that muscle acquisition is occurring.

Nortestosterone 19: The precursor of numerous steroids. Steroidal derivatives exhibit minimal liver toxicity and related side effects, but easily detectable on drug tests even up to 12 months after administering the drug.

O

OKG (Ornithine alpha-KetoGlutarate): Boosts strength and muscle size, promotes fat loss, decreases protein breakdown, assists in HGH release and is utilized in the Kreb’s Cycle.

Orals: Drugs that are intended to be swallowed and ingested through the gastrointestinal tract. Oral steroids are subject to first pass before they enter the system and then must go back through the liver before they are eliminated. They both rapidly enter and exit the system. Often, the entire dosage is eliminated in less than a day requiring multiple dosages to keep a constant level of the drug in the blood. Oral compounds are typically hard on the liver, especially the 17 alpha alkylated group. Some of these are Anadrol, Metandren, Dianabol, and Halotestin.

Over-The-Counter (OTC): Drugs legally available without a prescription.

P

Pancreas: The gland that lies behind the stomach and produces the hormone insulin as well as secretes a digestive fluid.

Papain: Helps body digest protein.

Parenterals or Injectables: Refer to liquid drugs which are taken by injection. This might be intravenous (into the vein), subcutaneous (under the skin), or intramuscular (in the muscle). Anabolic steroids require deep intramuscular injection. This usually requires a 1 to 1 1/2″ needle, 21 to 25 gauge. The recommended injection site is the upper outer quadrant of the gluteal muscle.

Percentage Body Fat: This describes the percentage of total body weight that is composed of fat. The higher the percentage of body fat, the greater the likelihood of chronic disease, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes.
- See also Lean Body Mass

Pineal Gland: The hormone gland located in the brain that secretes melatonin. The pineal gland eventually begins to shrink and calcify during the aging process, thereby significantly reducing the amount of circulating melatonin.

Pituitary Gland: The small gland joined to the hypothalamus at the base of the brain. It supplies many hormones that control growth, sexual development, and a host of other essential body functions.

Pituitarium: Re-strengthens the pituitary gland to help it secrete growth hormone.

Plateau: The point in a cycle where a steroid’s effectiveness diminishes. This often occurs because of receptor down regulation. At this point steroid receptor sites are no longer recognizing the exogenous androgens — they then are of no further benefit to the user. Plateaus can occur after as few as three weeks, but are more often reported after six weeks. Athletes try to overcome plateaus by increasing the dosage of the drug to keep it working. This is effective up to a certain point, but soon reaches potentially harmful dosages. Another common practice is to cycle the steroids in a stack-stagger pattern. In this type of cycle the user takes a number of different steroids, each for three to six weeks. Taken in short intervals, the receptor sites usually do not shut down. Other steroid users stop the drugs when they reach a plateau. Other users feel special arrays do not reach plateaus. An array is a stack of two or more steroids, or drugs.

Pregnenolone: Improves energy and motivation, reduces fatigue and stress, and increases mental acuity. It is a natural hormone the body uses to produce testosterone and DHEA.

Protease: Breaks down peptide bonds in protein. It thus frees amino acids during digestion so they can be absorbed and used by the body.

Protein: Any of a large group of complex, organic nitrogen compounds. Each is made up of linked amino acids that have the elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. Protein is the main building material for muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails, and organs. It is also needed to form hormones, enzymes, and antibodies.

Protein Metabolism: The ways in which protein in foods is used by the body for energy and to make other proteins. Food proteins are first broken down into amino acids, then absorbed into the bloodstream and used in body cells to form new proteins.

R

RadioImmunoAssay (RIA): One method used for anabolic steroid detection. This method is inadequate as it produces false positive and negative readings.

Rebound: A condition many athletes experience after they discontinue a steroid cycle. During this rebound state the athlete often incurs his best strength and size gains. This may be due to an over production of testosterone by the testes upon the cessation of exogenous steroid use. HCG administration further enhances this effect.

Receptor: A molecule that recognizes a unique hormone. Once that hormone is bound to the receptor, the information carried by the hormone can now exert its biological action.

Receptor Mapping: This is a technique used in attempt to determine a certain steroid’s effects on a given individual. Each person reacts differently to dosages of different steroids. Mapping is done in an effort to individualize dosages so that one maximizes gains while minimizing side effects. Mapping starts with recording a number of aspects of a cycle. First, all the steroids taken must be carefully documented everyday. Graphs of weight and strength gains should be made up and filled in once a week. A thorough diary should be kept which reports any side effects like acne, water retention, gynecomastia, etc. Other variables should be monitored like energy levels, sex drive, and appetite. Usually these are recorded three times a week. During the cycle, the dosages should be steadily increased. If side effects are occurring concurrently with strength and weight gains, the dosage should be lowered to see if gains outweigh the adverse reactions. All the variable readings can give clues as to whether the drugs are working. If effective, energy levels, appetite, and sex drive should be high. This method has some flaws. It does not account for variables such as a sufficient off cycle, improper training, and/or deficient nutrition. Mapping one drug at a time is more accurate than trying to map a stack of drugs.

Recombinant: A cell or organism that results from the rejoining of genes in the DNA molecule. The change can occur naturally or synthetically.

Recombinant DNA: A DNA molecule that has been broken into pieces that are then put back together in a new form. Parts of DNA material from another organism may also be placed into the molecule.

Ribose: Used by all cells for the production of ATP. Naturally restores energy levels and reduces recovery time.

Risk to Benefit Factor: Using prudent restraint in administering anabolic steroids. The risk to benefit factor analyzes the increase in benefit derived from using additional quantities of a drug or by additional items to the anabolic steroid stack. The risk to benefit factor should favor the benefit to justify the additional use of anabolic steroids.

S

Serotonin: A naturally occurring neurotransmitter derived from the amino acid tryptophan.

Side Effects: The unwanted effects or adverse reactions from using drugs read anabolic steroids.

Somatopause: Like female menopause, the fall in growth hormone (somatotrophin) is predictable, and the effects profound. For this reason, it has been given a similar name, “Somatopause.” Two differences between growth hormone decline and estrogen decline are rate and reversibility. Whereas estrogen drops like a stone, growth hormone descends slowly, taking other hormones, and your youthfulness, with it. And while the estrogen drop is unavoidable by natural means, growth hormone decline is now more a matter of choice than a fact of human destiny.

Somatropin: Recombinant (rDNA) human growth hormone.

Somatotropin / Somatotrophin: The scientific name for human growth hormone (hGH).

Stacking: Taking two or more anabolic steroids at the same time. Athletes will saturate multiple steroid receptor populations more effectively than if only one steroid was used. Thus lower dosages are necessary reducing side effects for the user. Users claim that certain drugs are synergistic or work better together. Popular stacks are Deca and Dianabol, Anavar and Testosterone, and Winstrol and Parabolan. Other drugs are “pre-stacked” by the manufacturer. Some of these are: Primoteston, Sustanon, Drive, and Spectriol. ARRAY: This is a term that some athletes refer to as a stack. This might refer to a number of steroid preparations being used in a select pattern and/or stagger combination.

Stagger: The use of several steroids in an overlapping pattern with or without variable dosage.

Sublingual: Administration of supplements or medicines intended to rapidly enter the bloodstream by being placed and held “under the tongue.”

Supplement: A non-food preparation, pill, powder or liquid, containing nutrients.

Synergistic: The cooperative enhancement when one drug multiplies the effectiveness of another.

T

Telomerase: An enzyme, part protein and part RNA, that extends the telomere.

Telomere: One of the ends of each of the four “arms” of a chromosome.

Telomere Therapy: Treatment of chromosomes to lengthen their telomeres in order to prevent further aging of the cells to which they belong, for the ultimate purpose of increasing the human life span. In the case of cancer cells, treatment of the cells in order to prevent telomerase function and destroy the cells.

Testosterone: The hormone that promotes the building of muscle mass in males and libido in both sexes.

Testosterone Is highly anabolic, promoting the biosynthesis of protein. It builds strength and lean muscle mass, increases energy levels, speeds up metabolism (fat burning), strengthens bones, supports cardiovascular health, fortifies the central nervous system and enhances skin tone.

Thymus Gland: A small endocrine gland located in the upper chest that regulates the development of certain immune system cells and makes hormones important in maintaining a strong, healthy immune system.

Thyroid Gland: An organ at the front of the neck responsible for producing thyroxine. The thyroid begins to shrink as we age, slowly decreasing the amount of thyroxine available to the body. Replacing growth hormone may help maintain the integrity of the thyroid.

Thyroxine (Thyroid Hormone): A hormone affecting body temperature and the metabolism of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Thyroxine also keeps up growth hormone release, skeletal maturation, and the heart function.

Toxin: Any substance with the potential to cause disease or damage to body tissues.

Trans-Ferulic: Acid Functions like an anabolic steroid with natural muscle building (strength, size, definition) and fat burning properties. It improves endurance and performance, reduces fatigue and sensations of pain. Works in the release of growth hormone (HGH) and as a component of the Kreb’s cycle.

Triglycerides: The form of fat found in various lipoproteins in the bloodstream. High levels of triglycerides are usually indicative of high levels of insulin. The ratio of triglycerides/HDL is a powerful indicator of insulin levels and is strongly predictive of future cardiovascular events.

Trypsin: A type of protease used to curb inflammation, pain and stiffness, and speed recovery from injuries.

V

Vanadium: Helps maintain blood glucose levels and stimulate muscle anabolism.

Virilize: The attainment of the characteristics of a mature male. Women who use steroids risk virilizing effects — caused by the androgens which exist in all anabolic steroids to a varying degree.

Vitamin: Any of a group of substances required by the body for healthy growth, development, and cell repair

Vitamin E: Supplies oxygen to the blood, strengthens the capillary walls and helps to limit cellular aging.

Z

Zinc: Is important in the metabolic process, for growth of body tissues, and is required for the production of testosterone.

Alternative name:

Somatropin

Description

Human growth hormone (GH) or somatropin is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Normal growth in children is dependent upon GH. Growth hormone affects the growth of almost every organ and tissue in the body. It has been shown to cause retention of nitrogen, and an increase in protein synthesis, producing an anabolic effect.

Growth hormone also stimulates the mobilization of lipids from adipose tissue and increases their oxidation as a source of energy, thus sparing muscle glycogen. Overproduction of GH before growth is complete can result in gigantism. If it occurs after cessation of growth when the epiphyses have closed, it causes acromegaly. Acromegaly is characterized by an increase in the size of the skull with prominent cheekbones and a protruding jaw and the broadening of the hands and feet. Facial features become coarse as a result of increased growth of subcutaneous tissues.

There is some evidence suggesting a relationship between long-term administration of GH and the development of acute leukaemia, with the incidence of leukaemia in GH-treated patients representing a twofold increase over the expected rate. The use of GH has also been linked to the development of osteoporosis.

A number of deaths from CJD in patients who had received GH extracted from human pituitary glands resulted in the suspension of the distribution of pituitary-derived GH. Synthetic preparations of GH are now available that are free from contamination with the CJD virus. However, because of the long incubation period of this virus, cases of infection are still being reported in patients who had received pituitary-derived GH many years ago.

Athletes using GH to either increase their size and strength or their ultimate height, depending on the maturity of the user, are at risk of developing the clinical syndromes gigantism or acromegaly.

Reported side-effects have included skeletal changes, enlargement of internal organs including cardiomegaly, development of diabetes, arthritis, impotence and inflammation and pain at injection sites. One of the most commonly reported adverse effects of GH in athletes is the thickening and coarsening of the skin.

We, as athletes, must be careful with diseases and infections. For steroid users, this need is increased by the vulnerability caused by both the hormone fluctuations and the repetitive injections we take our bodies through.

Injecting anything, even the best-sterilized gear, can cause microorganisms to enter the body and cause disease. And how unsurprising is it to catch the flu when cutting down, preparing for a show or just entering PCT? You hear it all the time. The reasons why are well understood, and the only commonly accepted ways to prevent these are proper nutrition and supplementation as well as plentiful rest and of course, avoiding overtraining. While this represents a best case scenario, it is obviously not always doable and even when all precautions are followed perfectly, getting sidetracked by health problems is very common.

This of course is without mentioning abcesses, which although rare, are the nightmare of all steroid users. Sterile (chemical) abcesses, while no fun in themselves, are not extremely damaging. They can often be removed by pulling the contents out with an empty syringe and a large 18ga needle. Nonsterile abcesses though are downright nightmarish. Fever comes quickly and medical care needs to be sought promptly, lest the infection spreads and life-threatening conditions arise. Those abcesses usually occur deep inside the muscle and require surgery that opens up the muscle belly and is closed by numerous stitches. Obviously, a whole season of training can easily be lost to such an abcess and muscle size, wrecked.

What’s a man to do?

Well, what if I told you there’s an old folk remedy that fell out of usage with the invention of antibiotics in the early 20th century. What if I told you that remedy kills any and all disease-causing organisms without causing any resistant strains to mutate contrary to normal antibiotics. What if I told you that this remedy has been used by countless people on a daily basis for thousands of years with no side-effects, only enhanced health and resistance to all pathogen-caused diseases?

These countless people were referred to as “The nobles” in the old countries. The richer people were given titles and were seen as “noble” by the rest of the peoples. And this supersitious view of their apparently superhuman resistance to plagues, infected wounds, rots and mold diseases was very warranted. These people had very little tooth decay. Their bodies rotted at a greatly slowed pace after their passing. They could get hit my arrows and swords going through and through their bodies multiple times in a single battle and somehow pull through while the more normal citizens were assured of dying from the least of such wounds. How did they do it? This is no mere legend, this is the basis of the political structure of the whole world for the last many centuries. Priests and “nobles” were seen as closer to god for these reasons while the plebe cowered in fear of such favor from the powers above.

How did they do it?

It is a well-documented fact that the richer classes all used silver utensils for food preparation and eating. This released silver nanoparticles in the food and in the body. It is a scientifically well-documented fact that silver nanoparticles inhibit the energy-production enzyme of all anaerobic microorganisms. Only anaerobic microorganisms cause disease. By being exposed to silver, the disease causing organisms undergo a simple starvation. No mutation ensues, just as it is not possible to mutate out of the need for food.

There’s a catch: while all silver will do this, some forms of silver are more suited to internal use than others. For example, silver salts will killl the disease but will also cause argyria. Argyria is a silver deposit in the skin that turns it grey. While this is not an unhealthy condition, it is not necessarily what you want to look like. Getting rid of the silver deposited in the skin requires a cosmetic treatment. So while it is harmless, you want to avoid argyria. And because it is so scarce, as about only 5 cases have been documented in the 20th century, some physicians mistake the condition for cyanotic heart disease. It is not absolutely certain wether or not silver proteins cause argyria or not. To muddle things, silver proteins and silver salts are sometimes called “colloidal silver” whereas they are not the same thing.

What is known is that the colloidal form of silver, electrically-charged nanoparticles of silver in suspension in distilled water, do not cause argyria and kill off any disease-causing microorganisms quickly. It is also known that colloidal silver is the form in which it has been absorbed for countless centuries by the richer classes through the usage of silver implements in food preparation. This form of silver does build up in the body and when the concentrations reach a certain treshold, the blood turns a deep bluish purple instead of being red. Thence the “blue blood” moniker used to designate nobles of old.

How to use it?

Most colloidal silver comes in 20ppm (parts per million) suspension in distilled water. This suspension should be yellowish and have a slightly unpleasant metallic taste. The whole discussion of dosages here will be based on the 20ppm standard strength. Of course, half the quantity should be used if the solution is 40ppm or twice the amount if the solution is 10ppm.

CURE
You’re sick and want to get rid of it in a jiffy? Gulp down 8oz of the stuff every day until the flu/cold/infection is gone.

MAINTENANCE
You want to disease-proof yourself? Gulp down 4oz ED for 2 weeks, followed by 1oz ED for another 2 weeks. Maintain at 1 tbsp ED. If you know you are overtraining or starting the phase of a cycle where you tend to get sick easiest, bump up the dose for a while, just to be on the safe side.

Now of course if you do the above “maintenance” protocol for one month, I cannot guarantee that you are fully disease-proofed on the 32nd day. It all depends on the status of your immune system and what you are exposed to. Over time though, you’ll find that the sick episodes are quickly vanishing. Colloidal silver is somewhat expensive. But then again, when you think of all the hard work you put into building yourself up and how much of that is lost over a bout of the flu, it isn’t. The abcess insurance is a major plus, too. If you think of the cost of going to the doctor, getting a script for antibiotics and all that, you’ll see that the colloidal silver pays for itself very nicely.