This testosterone blend, originally created for test replacement therapy, quickly took the bodybuilding world by storm. But what does Sustanon do exactly? Read on to learn about the substance’s unique formula, its impressive benefits, and its potential side effects.
How It’s Made
Sustanon, in its 250 or 350 form, is just a blend of four esters. Two of those esters enter the bloodstream within days after injection or consumption. The other two linger for awhile; they can remain active in the body for up to three weeks. Sustanon is most commonly made into an injectable, but there are pills available as well. These tablets can be taken more frequently than the injections, keeping hormone levels stable.
What It Does
By increasing the body’s testosterone levels, Sustanon increases the rate of both protein synthesis and nitrogen retention. These factors keep the body in an anabolic, or muscle-building, condition. It also promotes the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to tissues, and IGF-1, a substance that promotes cell renewal. Additionally, it lowers levels of cortisol. Increased oxygenation and cellular turnover, paired with reduced stress hormones, make workout recovery much more efficient.
Side Effects
As a testosterone blend, Sustanon produces severe androgenic effects in the body. For this reason, it is never recommended for female athletes. There are plenty of other performance enhancers on the market that produce milder masculinization symptoms in women. Even men may suffer from increased acne or hair loss while using Sustanon.
It is also highly aromatic, so it can cause some estrogenic effects in men, particularly gynecomastia (“man boobs”), water retention, and prostate enlargement. Water retention can lead to increased blood pressure. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) can control Sustanon’s estrogenic activity, but they can also raise LDL cholesterol. Because of the potential health risks, it is important that only healthy adult males use Sustanon.
Sustanon is not an anabolic steroid, but it does produce anabolic results. In contrast to other steroids, it can be just as beneficial in a bulking cycle as in a cutting cycle. It’s androgenic side effects make it off limits for women, and even men need to be aware of the way the supplement can negatively impact their health.