The T-nation article says that a steroid which doesnt bind solely to the alpha-receptors or one that does not bind strongly to those receptors would be preferable. This would prevent the decrease of test from happening while also including an additional anti-estrogen.
With Epistane however, the binding to the alpha receptors is very minimal as the primary function it to bind to the 17ß-estradiol receptors or the ER beta receptors...
"While compounds such as Clomid and Nolvadex also block the 17Ī²-estradiol receptor, they do not elicit the same increase in protein synthesis and strength gains that Epistane can offer."
This fact, imo makes it more like running clomid/nolva and as that article suggests should be safe long-term in preventing shutdown..
I think the problem however is that Epistane also seems to be strongly binded with the alpha receptors making it a Class 1 Steroid...
from T-nation:
"Class I = binds to androgen receptor
Class II = does not
Class I
Boldenone based - 1,4AD & Bold
Progestin based - (similar to trenbolone) - Trenadrol & Trenaplex
Dienolone based - (again similar to tren) - Mdien
Mepitiostane (Thioderon) based - Epistane & Clones (like Havoc & so on so forth)
Desoxymethyltestosterone/DMT (Madol) based phs - Pheraplex & clones
Testosterone
DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) based phs - M5AA
Class II
Masteron (Dromostanolone) based - Superdrol & Clones
Oral Turinabol (Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone) based - Halodrol & Clones
Dianabol (methandrostenolone) based - M1,4ADD, M1T, 1-T, Methyl XT
Winstrol (stanozolol) based - Winztrol, Orastan-A, Furaguno, etc
Furazabol (miotolan) based - Furazadrol etc
Progesterone based - Revolt, Propadrol, Max LMG
Clostebol based - Chlorodrol, Oxyguno
4-AD "
Although possible that in such a low dose the alpha receptor binding of epistane could be minimal enough to prevent the decrease of our natty test, it still seems likely that it would imo...
Running 25mg halodrol or 5mg superdrol could possibly be safer (maybe not for your liver, but for keeping natty test up) for long term use as they they are class II and do not bind to the alpha receptor which controls natty test..