Some one break this stuff down for those of us who have not used Dermacrine
Cliffs first: It's topical DHEA with estrogen bloackers & AIs that when applied to the skin convert to favorable metabolites and androgens (i.e., 7-oxo DHEA, testosterone, androstediol, etc.). Mild suppression can occur, but an OTC testbooster like PhytoSerms or HCGenerate will take care of PCT.
My personal experience is that it gives mild strength gains while helping lean out. The PP version gave me a rash, so I had to limit use and places I could apply it. The new Transaderm will have an imporved carrier that works better and has double the active ingredients (lasts twice as long).
Here's the full write-up from Primordial Performance. Basically, it's what the old dermacrine was but now with
DOUBLE THE SERVINGS in a carrier that dries faster and provides
INCREASED ABSORPTION AND DELIVERY with the addition of DMSO and emu oil.
What is Dermacrine?
Dermacrine is a topical cream that boosts male hormone levels. This enhances performance, reduces body fat, and increases lean muscle. At 4 pumps Dermacrine will last 27 applications, at 5 pumps it will last 23 applications.
Dermacrine is a complete hormonal optimization formula which contains balanced levels of active bio-identical hormones and natural anti-estrogens. These delicate active ingredients are delivered by Primordial Performance's advanced OHV topical delivery system, and carried directly to the blood stream. This unique delivery system enhances the uptake and efficiency of the active ingredients for immediate physiological benefits.
Pushing past plateaus and encouraging new muscular growth requires high levels of anabolic & androgenic hormone activity. By supplying the body with high amounts of pro-hormones (aka, hormone precursors), Dermacrine dramatically increases the body's anabolic and androgenic capacity. This "hormonal edge" becomes noticeable within hours of application, fueling the body with the high-octane, adrenaline-pumping, rock-crushing power that raises performance to a new level.
What are anabolic & androgenic hormones?
Anabolic means stimulation of growth, as in muscle growth. Androgenic means stimulation of male characteristics such as libido, strength, and aggression. Testosterone is a perfect example of a hormone that possesses anabolic & androgenic properties.
Unknown to most, is the "other" naturally occurring hormones that have strong anabolic & androgenic properties - just like Testosterone. For instance, androstenediol and androstenedione both have anabolic & androgenic activity that supports muscle growth, fat loss, and muscular strength. Dermacrine not only boosts testosterone, but it also boosts these other male hormones. (1,2)
What are the ingredients and how do they work?
The primary hormone in Dermacrine is DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) - the precursor to all anabolic/andrognic hormones in the body. (1)
Although DHEA has been available for years, and is found in many other hormonal supplements, Dermacrine offers a distinct advantage that makes it up to 20x more effective than oral based products. You see, when DHEA is delivered topically and absorbed through the skin, it is forced to convert to more anabolic/androgenic hormones. (3-11) This is because the skin is highly concentrated with steroid-converting (steroidogenic) enzymes that catalyze the conversion of DHEA to more powerful hormones, such as androstenediol, androstenedione and testosterone. (4-11) This is where Dermacrine gets it's anabolic & androgenic horsepower - for increasing strength and lean muscle beyond your natural limit.
The DHEA is also converted to more powerful fat burning hormones such as 7-oxo-DHEA and 7-beta-DHEA. (5) These are powerful thermogenic hormones that increase the rate of fat loss, helping you shed fat as you gain muscle. (12-17) Oral DHEA products do not provide these same effects, since the digestive track lacks the same steroidogenic enzyme activity as the skin. (4)
The second hormone in Dermacrine is pregnenolone. This hormone was added in a precise ratio with the DHEA to balance and control conversion to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which may cause hair loss in men prone to androgenic alopecia. (24) Those sensitive to DHT who are concerned with hair-loss need not worry; Dermacrine won't cost you the hair-line! Pregnenolone is also a powerful neurosteroid, which can enhance cognitive focus and memory. (21-23)
Since certain anabolic & androgenic hormones can convert to estrogen, Dermacrine was fortified with an anti-estrogen complex which consists of resveratrol, 7,8 benzoflavone and chrysin. These are natural plant based compounds that block estrogenic effects such as gyno and fat storage. (25-33) Resveratrol, 7,8 benzoflavone and chrysin have also been proven to have potent fertility stimulating properties, which can help promote increased sexual desire, erectile function and stamina. (25-33)
What sort of results should I notice with Dermacrine?
Within the first couple days the following results should become noticeable -
Increased motivational energy
Improved cognitive focus & drive (20,23,37)
Improved libido & sexual performance
Within 2-3 weeks users start to notice -
Enhanced strength during training
Increased stamina in the gym & bedroom
Faster recovery time (35,38-40)
Aggressive increase in appetite
Better sleep quality
Improvements in generally well-being (34,36,37)
Even without changes in diet or exercise Dermacrine will cause an improvement in body composition of a 2-3 lb loss in fat with a 2-3 lb gain in lean muscle within a 4-6 week period. This shift in body composition is most noticeable when proper "pre" and "post" measurements are taken. As with any muscle building product, best results are obtained when combined with high protein intake, heavy weight training and sufficient rest.
How long can I use Dermacrine? Do I have to take time off?
Since Dermacrine supplies the body with an outside source of hormones and causes such a significant boost in hormone levels, it can eventually suppress the body's natural hormone production. Therefore, it is recommended that Dermacrine be cycled to avoid inhibition.*
We recommend using Dermacrine for 4 weeks at a time, with at least 4 weeks off between each cycle. 6-8 week cycles with Dermacrine are safe, however if you choose to use Dermacrine for longer than 4 weeks we recommend you consider post cycle therapy (PCT) after the cycle to ensure quick and full recovery of natural testosterone production.
For more information about PCT, please visit our forum.
* Men on long-term hormone or testosterone replacement therapy (HRT/TRT) may use Dermacrine indefinitely with their hormonal regimen since shutdown of natural testosterone production is generally acceptable.
Are there any side effects?
Aside from the above mentioned suppression of your body's hormone production, using Dermacrine within the recommend dose is safe for men, granted there are no serious pre-existing medical conditions. The only side-effects to consider could possibly be irritability or semi-anxiety which is generally avoidable if the user is participating in vigorous physical activity on a daily basis.
Why should I choose Dermacrine over other pro-hormones?
As explained earlier, Dermacrine is more effective than oral DHEA supplements because it delivers DHEA through the skin. Delivering DHEA through the skin forces it to convert to more powerful anabolic & androgenic hormones, because of the enzyme activity in the skin.
Unlike other orally active pro-hormones or pro-steroids, Dermacrine does not stress the liver, prostate or cholesterol levels. Dermacrine will also not cause the typical side effects of lethargy or appetite suppression because of toxic effects. The hormones in Dermacrine are non-toxic and naturally occurring in the human body.