Methylated hormones
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Methylated hormones
By David Tolson
www.bulknutrition.com
The most recent development in legal hormonal supplements has been an influx of various 17 alpha-alkylated (or methylated) prohormones and "designer steroids." These compounds are quite potent, and should not be used by those with limited prohormone experience. The methylation allows them to resist metabolism in the liver, making them highly orally bioavailable. It also makes them somewhat toxic to the liver, so these compounds need to be used with caution. Getting your liver values checked is advised, especially if using for more than two continuous weeks or taking more than two methylated steroids at the same time (both of which are not recommended to begin with). Taking liver protection supplements is a good idea when using these compounds. It is also a very bad idea to drink alcohol or take other drugs that are hard on the liver.
Methyls should be used for cycles of 1-2 weeks. For those that prefer longer cycles, one strategy is to run a long cycle of one substance and at the same time use a methyl in a one week on, one week off or two on, two off fashion.
A common misperception concerning methylated prohormones is that they are "orally bioavailable" or "stronger" versions of the original prohormone. However, methylation yields an entirely different steroid, and the effects can be very different. For example, one cannot expect the effect of methyl-1,4-andro to parallel that of 1,4-andro. Each compound must be evaluated independently. These are some of the new methylated steroids on the market.