5alphareductase said:
Some of them are effective, but not the old ones like andro.
Just to clarify, he's talking about 4-androstene
dione (andro).
For a beginner, I think the safest, cheapest, most effective stack would be a combination of 1-Testosterone & 4-Androstene
diol (4-AD). This stack is especially ideal for bulking cycles. When cutting, you should lower the dosage of 4-AD.
1-testosterone is NOT a prohormone, it is a legal steroid (meaning it does not require conversion) that is over 7 times as anabolic as testosterone. With 1-test there is no aromatization to estrogen. What this means is it causes very significant increases in muscle size and strength with almost no estrogenic side effects (water retention, fat gain, gynecomastia).
4-androstenediol is a prohormone (requires conversion) to testosterone. 4-AD converts to testosterone at a much higher rate than other commercially available prohormones (such as androstenedione), and also doesn’t have the weakness of conversion to estrogen and/or DHT prior to conversion to testosterone.
When stacked together, the 1-test provides high anabolic activity, while the 4-AD reduces or reverses common side effects of 1-test (such as lethargy and reduced libido) as well as providing additional anabolism. Sex drive is usually maintained or even significantly increased. This is the #1 recommended stack for beginners who want to see good gains with a good side effect profile. The price for a transdermal cycle is very low, however oral administration will jack up the price a bit.
1-testosterone and 1,4-andro can also be stacked during cutting periods - and probably more effectively - although at a higher cost.
Recommended dosages:
1-test: 150-250 mg transdermally, 300-500 mg oral
4-AD: 200-400 mg transdermally, 600-1200 mg oral
Always err on the side of caution.
Another one of my favorites is 17aa-1-testosterone or methyl-1-testosterone (M1T). M1T is VERY inexpensive and highly anabolic, however, I would strongly recommend against it for beginners.
This compound is not to be taken lightly. M1T is a substance that begins to work immediately and can provide large gains in a very short period of time. Reactions to M1T vary widely. Common sides include lethargy, increased blood pressure and joint pain. Many people have reported very uncomfortable side effects (flu-like symptoms, severe lethargy, painful back pumps, bloat..) while others (such as myself) have reported very few. The side effects can be reduced by lowering dosage or taking smaller doses more frequently. Many of the side effects may be due to decreased testosterone and estrogen levels. I highly recommend stacking it with another androgen such as 4-AD.
The main concern with M1T (and methylated steroids in general) is hepatotoxicity. Avoid other substances that are toxic to the liver (alcohol) at all costs while on cycle.
When stacking M1T, it is best to stack it with something other than an oral steroid/prohormone, such as a transdermal. Milk thistle, r-ALA, and N-acetyl-cysteine are a must to help protect the liver.
M1T causes a decrease in appetite, which can be harmful or beneficial, depending on your goals. Adding 4-AD will help by increasing appetite and reducing lethargy, as well as improving libido.
Recommended dosage is 5-10 mg daily, or 10-20 mg daily for highly experienced users ONLY. I would limit M1T cycles to 2 weeks. I have had GREAT results and minimal sides with a 2-week cycle consisting of 10mg M1T ed & 200mg trans 4-AD ed. The idea with this product is to take as little as possible to see gains. If you are not seeing gains, increase dosage, but PLEASE be cautious. You will also need to take a longer time-off between cycles of M1T than with ordinary “prohormones”.
Another one to look into is 17a-methyl 5alpha Androstenediol (M5AA). M5AA is a similar match to the steroid Proviron or Masteron. It’s an awesome pre-workout stimulant, and may even surpass M1T as far as strength gains. What’s really kewl about M5AA is that by stacking it with another anabolic such as M1T, you can actually lower the dose of both M1T and M5, but still see synergistic effects (1+1=3).
M5AA also helps reduce the effects of estrogen on cycle, as well as binding to SHBG, allowing for more of other more powerful androgens to attach to the receptor, which creates an overall more anabolic effect. Most people I know like to take this compund during the last 2 weeks or so of a cycle to give their muscles that ultra-hard look.
It's advised to take liver protectants throughout the course of any prohormone cycle, such as milk thistle, r-ala and nac, and proper PCT nolva or clomid.
That should get you started at least. There’s plenty of others, but I think these are a good starting point for you to begin your own research. Good luck.