SUSTAN-250 is an injectable steroid, this drug is also known as Sustanon and is made by Global Anabolic.
SUSTAN-250 in essence it is a mixture of testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropionate, testosterone isocaproate and testosterone decanoate. The different proportions of the esterified mixtures provide different half lives. This provides for a continuous release of testosterone from the injected site. Sustanon was widely used for the treatment of a few medical disorders in Europe. The drug was useful to treat infertility and administered once a month. While Sustanon has been heavily touted by athletes and bodybuilders as a drug of choice, a single formulation of Testosterone Enanthate or Cypionate can do the same thing. The combination of esters is better suited for the treatment of medical disorders and not for bodybuilders. One negative aspect about SUSTAN-250 is that it does remain in the body for a very long time and can be easily detected in the urine.
Besides being an anabolic agent, SUSTAN-250 also has the ability to increase the production of red blood cells. This results in more oxygen carrying capacity and hence more exercise endurance.
SUSTAN-250 has been used widely by bodybuilders in the past. Why this testosterone formulation is preferred by some is not well understood. Some claim that there is less water retention and more muscle build up. However, like all testosterone products, SUSTAN-250 is converted to estrogen in the body and can cause gynecomastia and water retention. To get rid of the water many builders also use diuretic medications.
Many bodybuilders use a combination of SUSTAN-250, growth hormone or thyroxin during the stacking phase.
SUSTAN-250 is taken for 4 weeks and then a wash out phase is undertaken. During the wash out phase, some athletes take Clomiphene, Tamoxifen or Arimidex. Because the SUSTAN-250 suppresses the hypothalamic pituitary axis, a profound suppression of testosterone synthesis in the body occurs. For this reason it is important to taper off the drug slowly. It is recommended that one take 1-2 injections a month and then stop for a month. During the wash out phase, a mild anabolic steroid can be used, or one can use growth hormone/thyroxin.
The weight gain is gradual but significant. Most builders can expect weight gain of at least 15 - 25 lbs in 2-3 cycles (months). The other aspect of SUSTAN-250 which has been observed is that it can significantly increase exercise endurance and provides for spontaneous bursts of energy. This has been linked to its effect on the red blood cells and the increased oxygen carrying capacity. Others claim that Sustanon can also increase the recovery time following an injury.
SUSTAN-250 is only administered via an intramuscular injection. It is typically injected in the buttock area every week. The dose of SUSTAN-250 usually starts off at 250 mg/week and gradually increased during each cycle. Some athletes use doses as high as 1000 mg/week. Once injected, SUSTAN-250 remains in the body for about a month. For the majority of bodybuilders, a dose of 250-500 mg/week should be sufficient.
Although SUSTAN-250 does not aromatize excessively when taken in a reasonable dosage many people, in addition, also take an antiestrogen such as Nolvadex and/or Proviron to prevent possible estrogen linked side effects. Since SUSTAN-250 suppresses the endogenous testosterone production the intake of HCG and Clomid must be considered after six weeks or at the end of treatment. It is recommended that women not take depot testosterones since the androgen level would strongly increase and virilization symptoms could result. Despite this, it is not uncommon for female competing athletes in the higher weight classes to take testosterone since it helps in remaining "competi-tive." Women who use "Testo" or who would like to try it should limit its use to either only Testosterone Propionate or inject a maxi-mum of 250 mg SUSTAN-250 every 10-14 days over a period of no longer than six weeks. At this point we would like to emphasize once more that steroid novices should stay away from all testosterone compounds since, at this time, they simply do not need them. The side effects of SUSTAN-250 are similar to those of Testosterone Enanthate only that they are usually less frequent and less severe.Depending on the predisposition and dosage, the user can experience the usual androgenic linked side effects such as acne, aggressiveness, sexual overstimulation, oily skin, accelerated hair loss, and reduced production of the body's own hormones. Water retention and gynecomastia are usually within limits with the "Sustas" or are not as massive as with enanthate and cypionate. Liver damage is unlikely with SUSTAN-250; however, in very high dosages, elevated liver values can occur which, after discontinuing use of the compound, usually go back to normal.
Like all anabolic steroid, SUSTAN-250 also has side effects. Even though the side effects are rare, most builders will develop them when the drug is used for a long time. The most common side effects include: general fatigue; mood changes- depression, anger, anxiety, insomnia; gynecomastia; hair loss; impotence; retention of water; changes in liver enzymes; liver masses; testicular atrophy; acne, oily skin.
The majority of these side effects reverse when the drug is stopped. It is important that all individuals who use anabolic steroids have a follow up with a physician to monitor their liver. Rare cases of liver failure and cancers have been reported.