Sunday, June 22, 2008

Information On The Legal Designer Steroid Know As Epistane

Epistane

Other brand names:

Epistane , Havoc, Hemaguno

What is Epistane?

Epistane is one of the newest designer steroids on the market today, and it is gaining attention very quickly. Epistane is actually a methylated version of the controlled substance Epitiostanol (2�,3�-Epithio-5�-androstan-17�-ol), which was created in the 1960's and used as a treatment for breast cancer. Since the only place Epitiostanol is only availabe at this time is in japan, chemists added a methyl group to the compund and the final product was a substance now known as Epistane. Epistane is a sulfur containing steroid which is known to have strong and long lasting anti-estrogenic activity as well as weak androgenic and mytropic activities.

What you can expect?

Since it is designed to be anti-estrogenic you can expect very dry gains from this compound. Epistane has low androgenic to anabolic activity. This meaning that it is much more anabolic then androgenic. Thus making sides very minimal to non existant from this substance. Also one of the great properties of this substance is that it does a great job in keeping the natural suppression of the gonads away. Since it has anti-estrogenic properties it keeps your LH levels elevated and it is also said both through science and human trial that epistane may have the ability to reduce gyno. This is still a widely debated outcome of epistane but is actually showing more and more positive results as it becomes more popular. Even though users will see dry gains on epistane it does not mean that it would be any insufficient for a bulking cycle. In fact it would be beneficial because it would generate lean gains. Through research it is reported that most users who have taken this substance have gained anywhere from 5-12 lbs in a 3-5 week cycle. Now in my opinion epistane would be better in a cutting cycle to keep the body dry while preserving and potentially add more lean muscle tissue.

Dosing:

Most users run epistane for 1-6 weeks using a dose between 10 and 60 mgs.

You should not run this substance for longer than 6 weeks.

A recommended beginner cycle would be starting at 10 mgs for the first 2 days of the cycle and then running it like this for the rest of the cycle.

Week 1: 10 mgs for the first 2 days then increasing the dose to 20 mgs.


Week 2: 20 mgs


Week 3: 30 mgs


Week 4: 40 mgs- This week should be optional depending on how your body reacts.

While taking epistane you should be aware that it is a methylated compund therefore you should not exceed the proper dosing.

What needs to be taken with Epistane?

Even though epistane has very minimal side effects, you should still use the proper support supplements to make sure your body stays in good health throughout the cycle. Since Epistane is methylated, milk thistle is highly recomended to protect the liver values. It would also be wise to get blood work done after completing a cycle.

Red Yeast Rice- This product is a Fermented Rice product that basicly protects your cardiovascular system from any damage Sostonol that may come from Sostonol.

Celery Seed- Acts as an anti-oxidant which helps reduce blood pressure and also can aid the liver on cycle.

Hawthorne Berry: Also very useful to lower BP and keep it on check. A great on cycle supplement.

Dosage 1000mg ed on cycle.

Milk Thistle (80% standardized Silymarin)- This should be taken all the way through. It should be started as a pre load and be taken all the way through PCT(Post Cycle Therapy).

Also you may want to look further into these products to help with blood pressure and cholesterol regulation / liver and support:

Liver: K-R-ALA, NAC ( N-Acetyl-Cysteine), Lecithin

Cholesterol: Sesathin, Guggul, CoEnzyme Q10*, Flax Seed Oil, Safflower Oil*, Policosanol*, Niacin, Garlic, Pantethine

Blood Pressure: Coenzyme Q10, Garlic ,C-12 Peptide, high-dose vitamin B6 and vitamin C.

Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)

Even though epistane does have anti-estrogenic properties, it does not mean that PCT should be avoided. A proper SERM will make sure that your natural hormone levels are back where they were before the cycle.

Here I have outlined the basic Clomid and Nolvadex doses for a proper cycle of Sostonol.

Basic Post Cycle Therapy:

Note: You only need to use one of these serms.

Clomid:


Day 1: 300mg


Day 2-11: 100mg daily


Day 12-21: 50mg daily

Clomid:


week 1: 150mg


week 2: 100


week 3: 50


week 4: 50

If you do not want to use Clomid then:

Tamoxifen:


Week 1 (or 2): 40-50 mg daily.


Week 2 (or 3) through week 4 (or 5): 20-25mg daily.

Tamoxifen:


week 1: 40mg daily


week 2: 40mg daily


week 3: 20mg daily


week 4: 20mg daily

Conclusion:

I would definitely recommend epistane for both amateur and experienced AAS users because of it's greal lean muscle building properties. Even though it is a great substance to use on its own, I think it would be beneficial to add another substance like Prostanozol, or 1,4 AD which is not a methyl and stack the two. The reasoning behind using a non-methyl while stacking is because epistane is already metyhlated and could be dangerous if used with a methylated Prohormone/Designer Steroid like Superdrol or Halodrol.

We at http://www.hormone-expert.com have no affiliation with IBE or any of the companys which make the products that we write about. All information here is real and written for the benefit of our users.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Anovulation and Infertility

Many women have abnormal or irregular periods. If infertility becomes an issue, then these irregular periods may be a sign that you are not ovulating normally. If you are not ovulating at all, it is referred to as anovulation.

Many things can affect your ovulation ability. Certain diseases such as diabetes and liver disease can stop you from ovulating. There are also a number of glandular disorders that can halt ovulation. There may be adhesions or other complications with the ovaries themselves. Whatever the reason, it is important to work closely with an infertility specialist to rule out certain disorders before continuing with hormonal treatments for anovulation.

Fertility drugs such as Clomid are fairly effective in stimulating ovulation. The purpose of fertility drugs like Clomid is to block the effects of estrogen in the body. When estrogen is blocked, it simulates the natural drop in estrogen that should be occurring, but may not be, in your body. When estrogen drops, your body produces luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones stimulate the ovaries into ovulating.

Multiple ovulations are common and sometimes multiple births can be expected. Your doctor will monitor the effects of the fertility drugs and adjust the dosage to best suit your needs. Generally, you will start out low and increase over six months until you become pregnant. Different medications may be prescribed if the first one does not seem to be effective.

Some fertility drugs stimulate the ovaries and others actually mature the egg so that it can be released. When given in combination with each other, these can be very effective. Most fertility drugs are administered by injection, sometimes daily, and some are taken orally. Your infertility doctor will take regular blood tests and perform many ultrasounds to monitor your egg development.

Some problems that can occur include bloating and fatigue, irritability and headaches. Sometimes infertility drugs can alter cervical mucus and actually make it a hostile environment for sperm. In this case, artificial insemination can be used to bypass the cervix and fertilize the egg in utero. Intrauterine Insemination, IUI, is the most common form of artificial insemination. This is where sperm is introduced directly into the uterine cavity or fallopian tubes, bypassing any cervical problems that may be present.

In the case of polycystic ovary syndrome, the body produces too much Testosterone and develops an insulin resistance. This causes ovulation not to happen. Your doctor may provide fertility drugs to combat these effects and start ovulation again.

The goal of using fertility drugs to combat anovulation is to get your cycle back on track and get ovulation started. Talk to your infertility specialist about what options may be available to you.

This information is provided by Dr. Eric Daiter MD.

About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter MD, the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC. Dr. Eric Daiter MD provides information regarding infertility causes, diagnosis and treatment.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Help For PCOS In A Nutritional Supplement?

Medical research is discovering that selected nutritional supplements can be helpful for some women who have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). PCOS is a complex glandular and metabolic disorder that affects 6%-10% of women of reproductive age.

Symptoms of PCOS include infertility, weight gain, acne, excess hair, hair loss, and depression. There is an increased risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease and possibly some cancers.

Conventional therapy for polycystic ovary syndrome includes birth control pills, medications and surgery. However, these methods do not provide a conclusive cure for PCOS.

Fortunately, there are natural therapies available that any woman can use such as a healthy diet, plentiful exercise, stress management and nutritional supplementation. One of the nutritional supplements worth considering is NAC (n-acetyl-cysteine).

NAC is a derivative of cysteine, an amino acid found in high protein and other foods. NAC is not found in the diet but is available as a nutritional supplement. It is also available as a FDA-approved prescription drug.

Some medical studies suggest that NAC could have the following health benefits for PCOS women.

It is also available as a FDA-approved prescription drug. Some medical studies suggest that NAC could have the following health benefits for PCOS women.

1) NAC reduces undesirable insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is the inability to efficiently utilize the hormone insulin and is now thought to be a primary cause of PCOS. So anything you can do to reduce insulin resistance helps to relieve PCOS symptoms, improve fertility odds, and reduce future risk of diabetes and heart disease.

2) NAC lowers homocysteine. Homocysteine is a blood protein. A normal amount is OK. But women with polycystic ovary syndrome tend to have higher levels. An excessive level of homocysteine is toxic and is associated with heart disease and other health problems.

3) NAC improves the effectiveness of Clomid, a fertility drug. Clomid is often the first thing your doctor will give you if you are trying to conceive.

4) Acting as an antioxidant, NAC may provide reproductive support and improve egg quality.

NAC is considered safe. Consult with your doctor before taking NAC, especially if you are taking the drug metformin. If you are taking a substantial dose of NAC, you may need to reduce the dosage of metformin. Although NAC has not been shown to have any adverse effect on the fetus, you should check with your doctor before taking NAC if you are pregnant. Do not take NAC while also taking nitroglycerin.

How much NAC should you take? The answer to that question depends on your unique health profile and needs. It's best to consult with a qualified health professional for the dose most appropriate for you.

Bill Slater and Dr. Nancy Dunne are co-authors of The Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and Infertility.Visit http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/nac.html to get more information about NAC.Bill Slater is the former co-founder of an integrative medicine clinic and consultant to naturopathic physicians. He has 25 years experience in the holistic health field. Dr. Nancy Dunne is a licensed primary care physician in Missoula, Montana. Since 1989, her specialty is natural medicine for improving women's health, especially PCOS and infertility.

Femara as an Efficient Form of Infertility Treatment

There are two conditions that will identify if there is any need of using infertility drugs. One, if the woman is unable to ovulate therefore there is a need for assisted development of the egg cells. And second if there is a need to increase the chances of pregnancy when a patient already has the capability to ovulate. These are termed as ovulation and superovulation respectively.

Letrozole or Femara is the most recent addition in the long list of infertility medications found in the market today along with already-established medications that come in names like Clomid or Serophene and Gonadotropins.

Letrozole, (the brand name of which is Femara) is primarily a drug used by breast cancer patients. But recently, it came into use in the infertility industry.

In the recent years, Femara has been one of the most efficient infertility drugs. However, recent studies suggest that it is somehow associated with low number of birth defects. Birth defects arise when Femara is used during the period of pregnancy. Yet when administered before the establishment of pregnancy, no adverse consequences are found. Nonetheless, the manufacturer of Femara accepted absolute responsibility over those cases that ended up with birth defects.

Femara works by suppressing the production of estrogen. Thus, creating the effect of producing more hormones that work solely for ovarian stimulation. These hormones namely LH and FSH help in both the processes of ovulation induction and superovulation. As a result, Femara has become widely accepted as an infertility drug.

Treatment using Femara have shown substantially higher rates of success as compared with those produced by other drugs like Clomid. In fact, it is known that while patients have failed to ovulate using other medications, there are still possibilities that they will do when Femara is administered in their case.

Common Side Effects of Femara

  • Breast tenderness

  • Headaches

  • Hot flashes
  • Advantages over other major infertility drugs

    So far, researches show no cases of miscarriage in women employing Femara in their infertility treatment. Only, the manufacturer advises that once pregnancy commences, the use of the medication must be automatically stopped.

    Unlike with Clomid, Femara is readily released from the body. Thus producing no other effects that might affect the tissues and other organs in adverse manner.

    When administering Femara, there is usually 60 to 80% increase in ovulation possibility. Nonetheless, assurance of pregnancy is decreased by half.

    Women who are able to ovulate normally take 1 tablet of Femara a day. But this dosage may increase depending on the capability of the body to react to the medication.

    This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Infertility, please visit http://infertility.articlekeep.com

    Tuesday, June 17, 2008

    Choices on Infertility Drugs

    Infertility drugs are normally employed in conjunction with other infertility techniques when a couple or a person is diagnosed of infertility.

    Since infertility by nature is a complex condition, many methods are required before any possible diagnosis is created. Without the extensive and comprehensive procedures that delve into even the smallest details of the condition, diagnosis may be impossible. Thus the impossibility of creating a treatment program for the patients.

    If in case a woman is said to have problems associated with ovulation, it is likely that she would be prescribed of ovulation infertility drugs. The main underlying principle of which is for ovulation stimulation.

    The initial step may be marked with the use of clomiphene. If this doesn't work, the patient may move to more advanced form of treatment like the use of HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin that is normally employed in combination with other infertility drugs.

    Clomiphene or Clomid while being more popular with Female infertility treatment is also used as an effective prescription with male-associated infertility. Clomid is the pioneer in the industry. While its use may be traced for as far as some thirty years ago, no major complications are yet discovered that are closely connected with the use of the drug. In fact, cases of birth defects, complications in pregnancy and difficulty of labor are not evident when this infertility drug is used.

    Clomiphene is a prescription-only drug, which appears in tablet forms. HCG, on the other hand, is used only as injection under the strict guidance of a physician.

    Administration of Clomid will increase the presence of hormones responsible in ovulation. It affects the workings of the four major reproductive hormones namely follicle stimulating hormone or FSH, luteinizing hormone or LH, estradiol and gonadotropins.

    HCG is sold under brand names like Profasi, Gonic and Pregnyl. This works on both male and women infertility. For males, HCG increases the production of androgen while it helps release more estrogen in women.

    HCG is linked with weight loss though. However, there are still no evidences that will prove these assertions. Thus, the use of HCG in such programs is questionable.

    Other synthetically prepared hormones like Urofollotropins are used in inducing ovulation.

    Reminders:

    When under an infertility drug treatment, be sure to disclose all necessary details to your physician. These include information like medical history, other drugs presently used, details on known origin of infertility like childhood diseases and ailments and others.

    This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Infertility, please visit infertility.articlekeep.com

    Monday, June 16, 2008

    NaProTechnology In The Ovulation Toolbox

    NaProTechnology is a new approach in obstetrics and gynecology based on the Ovulation Method of Natural Family Planning (NFP). With this revolutionary new approach of understanding and treating the menstrual cycle, we have new ways of addressing problems of the menstrual cycle. One area where NaProTechnology is particularly helpful is when problems of ovulation occur.

    The Conventional Approach

    The conventional concept of an ovulation disorder is when there is a failure to produce an egg which can then combine with the sperm to achieve pregnancy. Why does this occur? Some women produce excessive prolactin, a hormone which is normally used to produce breast milk. High levels of prolactin prevent ovulation. This can be corrected with a drug called Parlodel which reduces the prolactin level.

    Other women may be hypothyroid, meaning they produce limited amounts of thyroid hormone (an oversimplification). The brain tries to stimulate the thyroid gland with thyroid stimulating hormone, which may be elevated in hypothyroidism. Treatment with thyroid medication can correct this problem. If none of the above applies, then ovulation can be stimulated either with an estrogen antagonist (blocker) called Clomid, or with protein hormones which directly stimulate the ovary, which are called gonadotropins. Finally, if all else fails, IVF may be offered.

    NaProTechnology

    NaProTechnology is more comprehensive, because the goal is not only to achieve ovulation, but to achieve good ovulation. By correcting defective physiology, either medically or surgically, the artificial reproductive technologies such as IVF are not necessary. And with this new and broader approach, we are able to develop a much wider range of treatment modalities to help with more subtle difficulties in ovulation. I will bring a few of these ideas together under the title of "The Ovulation Toolbox."

    The traditional drug of ovulation stimulation is Clomid. Clomid is a weak estrogen agonist (enhancer) and partial estrogen antagonist (blocker). It binds to its target site, but only acts weakly. Thus, if no estrogen is around at all, Clomid acts as an estrogen agonist since it will cause more estrogen action than none at all. On the other hand, if a large amount of estrogen is around, then Clomid acts as an estrogen antagonist since it occupies the receptor and causes only a weak response. This drug causes side effects and does not always work. Even worse, and perhaps critical, is the decrease of cervical mucus that is caused by Clomid.

    Understanding the selective action of estrogen is essential, because when it doesn't work, there are other selective estrogen receptor modulators could also be used to stimulate ovulation. Another option would be Tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is also an estrogen antagonist which is a reason why it is used to prevent breast cancer, and also stimulate ovulation like Clomid. Although Clomid can cause thinning of the endometrium, Tamoxifen may actually stimulate growth of the endometrium and there may be better mucus production.

    We can also look to other situations of ovulation compromise, one such common cause occurs in women who do excessive amounts of exercise. When they do excessive amounts of exercise and lose too much weight (for example marathon runners or belly dancers) they may stop ovulating and stop having menstrual periods. A potential mechanism for this can be excessive release of corticotropin releasing hormone which is the brains response to excessive stress. This results in an increased production of natural opioids called endorphins. Endorphins cause reduced production of gonadotropin releasing hormone, which is what stimulates the ovaries, and therefore, the result is reduced ovulation. This mechanism could be blocked with a drug called Naltrexone, which is a weak opioid blocker. It can result in increased ovulation and increased cervical mucus.

    The ideas presented here are just the beginning. NaProTechnology focuses attention on natural procreative techniques that cooperate with the menstrual cycle. This broadening of perspective leads new and novel mechanisms by which ovulation can be treated, only a few of which have been described. These treatments can be entered into The Ovulation Toolbox.

    --Paddy Jim Baggot, M.D.

    Copyright 2006 Paddy Jim Baggot

    About The Author
    Paddy Jim Baggot, MD is a Catholic Physician who is a board certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Geneticist specializing in preconception health and NaProTechnology, which is a new reproductive science for assisting couples to conceive naturally without the use of artificial reproductive techniques. To read more from Doctor Baggot visit: http://www.majella.us

    Sunday, June 15, 2008

    Clomid, Metformin and PCOS

    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a serious health condition for women that can lead to an unbalanced hormone output, irregular menstrual cycles, fertility issues, changes in one's physical appearance, as well as problems with her heart and blood vessels. The cause of PCOS is unknown and many physicians believe that a combination of causes likely contribute to the overall condition. Some of these likely causes are heredity, genes, insulin, body chemistry and even weight. Additionally, it is not known if the disease is caused by one factor or a combination of issues.

    Women who suffer from PCOS often exhibit the same symptoms:

    - High levels of androgens, which are sometimes called male hormones. Please note that it is not uncommon for Females to produce these male hormones but not in high levels as they occur in women with PCOS.

    - Infertility

    - Irregular or missed periods

    - Many small ovarian cysts

    - Acne, dandruff or oily skin

    - Weight gain

    - Diabetes

    - High blood pressure and cholesterol

    - Thinning or balding hair

    - Thickened or blackened skin on the necks, arms, breasts and/or thighs

    - Pelvic pain

    - Anxiety or depression

    - Sleep Apnea

    It is estimated that as many as one in ten women suffer from PCOS and it can occur in girls as young as ten. PCOS is also the most common reason Females cannot get pregnant. Early diagnosis allows a Female to treat the disease as fully as possible.

    PCOS is a common cause of infertility because affects a woman's ability to ovulate. Typically, the easiest way to treat women who are not ovulating (because of PCOS or something else) is to give them medication that helps them ovulate.

    This is where Clomid and Metformin comes in.

    The two most common forms of medication prescribed for women with PCOS are Clomid (clomiphene citrate) and Metformin (a diabetes drug). The goal of these drugs is to aid women in ovulation and thus make them able to conceive. The two drugs can be used separately or in combination.

    Recent studies have been conducted to determine using Clomid separately, Metformin separately, or both in combination, were better for women with PCOS. These were conducted by the makers of the drugs but one independent study by the New England Journal of Medicine looked at the same issues and came to several interesting conclusions. Most studies indicated that the best first line defense for women who have problems ovulating due to PCOS, is Clomid.

    The pregnancy rate for women taking Clomid was 22.5%. The pregnancy rate for women taking Metformin was 7.2%. Groups taking both together had more ovulations, but pregnancy rates were not significant enough to make taking them in combination a better option than just taking Clomid. The rates of pregnancy success were the same in all groups tested.

    No drug, no matter how good, is complete without side effects. Individuals who take Clomid sometimes suffer from mood issues, headaches, hot flashes, ovarian enlargement and hostile cervical mucous. Your doctor can prescribe other drugs to combat the side effects, including over the counter drugs. Discussing your options with your doctor is the surest way to discover if Clomid can help you with your PCOS and infertility issues.

    For additional information on PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, please visit http://www.polycystic-ovarian-syndrome.net