conversion rates

captainbicept

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using the handtransdermal calculator made by curt2go, i can easilly see that applying 400mg of 4-AD allows my body to abosrb 180mg/day. out of this 180mg how much of this is actually convered to its target hormone?? also is there another nice little spreadsheet that can figure out conversion rates, i looked and couldnt find one. thanks
 

jweave23

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My understanding is about 90%, allegedly. :)
 

captainbicept

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does anybody know if that above is correct or have any definitive answers. I know the 4-AD on its own has some anabolic properties but does anyone know for sure its conversion rate to its target hormone
 

Dio

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15% is the number that's typically thrown around, but no one really knows for sure.
 

jweave23

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ok, not sure what I was thnking of there, lol maybe I didn't read it right :)
 

chi_town

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My understanding is about 90%, allegedly. :)

Can I have some of what you were smoking when you posted this ?

Remember, IT lowers test and increases cortizol. LOL :cool:
 

captainbicept

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can you post those studies showing that pot lowers testosterone and increases cortisol. this is an ongoing debate in bodybuilding. i have many articles saying pot is harmless to bodybuilders besides the obvious cardio factor, and those supporting what you say. if you have any truly convincing articles id like to see them. thanks
 

jweave23

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Originally posted by chi_town
Can I have some of what you were smoking when you posted this ?
I think it was so good I forgot where I put it now, lol :D

 
 

neurotic

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4-AD conversion rate to testosterone is about 15% , but you don't have that much to worry if you think this is a low conversion rate, because 4-AD due to its inherent anabolic properties plus its impossibility to convert to estrogen and/or DHT might be one of the safest steroids ever created and, at the same time, doesn't have much to envy to testosterone: it's 80% as anabolic as testosterone and 120% as androgenic.
 

captainbicept

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4-AD can not convert to estrogen??? since when? 4-AD causes bloat, can cause gyno, it certainly seems like it converts to estrogen to me
 

chi_town

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Captainbicept,

I was jokingly saying that to jweave. I know its debatable by some, but most accept that it cannot me helpfull only harmfull.

I am not that interested in this.....so no I do not have any studies......as my pot smoking days are way behind me. LOL

PEACE
 
Dwight Schrute

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4-AD can not convert to estrogen??? since when? 4-AD causes bloat, can cause gyno, it certainly seems like it converts to estrogen to me
4-AD by itself does not aromatize and converts to DHT at a very low rate. Its target hormone however (test) does to an extent.
 

Dio

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1. that 15% is based on how much test is produced within one hour after dosing. This does not prove that it's conversion rate is 15%, it could be higher or lower. You only know what was present in the blood an hour later.

I also wonder if there is more aromatization than is commonly thought. It's pretty difficult to get supraphysiological levels of test from 4AD, yet the bloat that is commonly reported seems to indicate otherwise.

Another interesting item is that despite a supposedly being more androgenic than test, hair loss is not as commonly reported as you'd think it would be.
 
Dwight Schrute

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It doesn't take much estrogen or aromatization to cause bloat and genetics also have a factor. Some don't report any bloat with supraphysiological amounts of test yet others bloat up like crazy. You can't achieve supraphysiological amounts of test with 4-AD for any substantial peroid of time. PH's will not raise levels above your natural levels so this could also account for more side effects since that amount will be converted to other substances (estrogen, DHT, etc...)
 

Dio

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PH's will not raise levels above your natural levels so this could also account for more side effects since that amount will be converted to other substances (estrogen, DHT, etc...)
If you're referring to the 4ADs then I agree, but it's certainly possible with 3alpha and possibly boldione and 1AD (less likely though)

As far as the bloat issue goes, I'm sure individual variation can account for some of it, but holding major water with test levels of 800ng/dl or less seems odd since that's well within the normal range.

Not sure what that last sentence about sides is referring to...
 
Dwight Schrute

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Possible but not for any substantial length of time and in no way comparable to the real thing. 4-AD bloat is no way comparable to Test in my case. Just because test levels are in the normal range doesn't mean estrogen or E2 levels are in the same normal range. It doesn't take that much in those levels (especially E2) to cause singificant bloat. THe last sentence means that once that natural level (with 4ad's case) is reached there is more chance of the target hormone (or 4ad) to be converted into something else (because of ph's weak ability to break that natural level) besides testosterone which could cause more side effects. Its just an opinion since as you've stated more side effects seem to be occuring than should be according to the chemical structure and attributes associated with 4AD.
 

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Actually, I was stating that fewer androgenic sides seem to be occuring, but higher estrogen sides than expected.

While I'm sure there's no comparison to bloat from test (btw, what was your dosing), there should not be much at all. Think about it, using test raises your levels to supraphysiological levels, while using androdiol may put your test levels only slightly higher than your normal levels. Yet the estrogen effects increase at a much faster rate.

If you review some of the studies done on androdiol supplementation you'll see that in at least one case (there may be more) estrogen rose by a bigger percentage than test levels.

Also it's entirely possible to raise DHT levels with 3alpha (transdermally)to what what you would get from shooting a moderate amount of DHT, this wouldn't drop off until you stopped using it.

Finally, I don't see the reasoning behind this statement:

THe last sentence means that once that natural level (with 4ad's case) is reached there is more chance of the target hormone (or 4ad) to be converted into something else (because of ph's weak ability to break that natural level) besides testosterone which could cause more side effects.
I know you stated it's an opinion, but what are you basing this on? Once the 3bHSD enzyme is maxxed out the androdiol will do nothing but float around waiting to be converted or likely be converted into inactive metabolites through some as yet documented process. As far as we know all other conversions would be limited by the 3bHSD enzyme.
 
Dwight Schrute

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Actually, I was stating that fewer androgenic sides seem to be occuring, but higher estrogen sides than expected.

While I'm sure there's no comparison to bloat from test (btw, what was your dosing), there should not be much at all. Think about it, using test raises your levels to supraphysiological levels, while using androdiol may put your test levels only slightly higher than your normal levels. Yet the estrogen effects increase at a much faster rate.

If you review some of the studies done on androdiol supplementation you'll see that in at least one case (there may be more) estrogen rose by a bigger percentage than test levels.

Also it's entirely possible to raise DHT levels with 3alpha (transdermally)to what what you would get from shooting a moderate amount of DHT, this wouldn't drop off until you stopped using it.

Finally, I don't see the reasoning behind this statement:



I know you stated it's an opinion, but what are you basing this on? Once the 3bHSD enzyme is maxxed out the androdiol will do nothing but float around waiting to be converted or likely be converted into inactive metabolites through some as yet documented process. As far as we know all other conversions would be limited by the 3bHSD enzyme.
From what I understand the conversion is almost instantanious. And your basically saying what I think to be true. Maybe I didn't explain well enough.

1. I agree that more estrogenic effects seem to happening because estrogen and E2 levels are proportionally higher than test levels being that 4AD can only convert so much. Once that conversion takes place the 3bHSD enzyme is freed to convert more 4AD(its instantanious from what i know but I definetly could be wrong here). But since natural levels are already reached (test) more is convernted into active or inactive metabolites (E2, 17 methyl E2, etc..not sure what exactly though). Those metabolites are extremely potent especially 17 methyl E2 and can cause estrogen related effects even in small amounts. Also since there is a natural control mechanism for DHT that converts back to 3-alpha this culd explain that more effects are estrogenic than androgenic. Small amounts of E2 and 17 methyl E2 are much more potent and would cause much more side effects than any DHT derivitive. That control mechanism for DHT seems to be tougher to break. This is also evident in Proviron since its a methylated DHT and still doens't really exert many androgenic properties.
 

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I think the idea that 4AD may convert into some active (yet currently unknown) metabolites is interesting, especially since it seems likely that the same could apply to several steroids.

However, exceeding natural test levels won't do much except suppress the HPTA -- the conversion stops because all of the available 3bHSD is occupied. Even then this would only apply at extremely high doses (I think Par posted a ceiling for 4aderm on bb.com a while back)

I'm pretty sure though that 4ad cannot convert to E2 or any estrogen for that matter. Although I think it may convert to 4adione (there was some controversy on whether this happened or not a while back)

Not sure if you were just jumpin between two ideas, but there are no estrogenic sides from 3 alpha at any dosage. I do wonder how much self regulation (conversion between 3alpha and DHT) goes on though, before it's finally metabolized.

Interesting note on proviron, since I've heard repeatedly that it's both harsh on the hairline and good for the libido.
 
lifted

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whoa, whoa, whoa. PH's dont raise test levels beyond natural limits? i know a little about this stuff (ie, molecular structure, sides, conversion, etc, etc.) but i always understood that they would indeed do so, but not sky high. whats up with that?

so, are u sayin that one would experience less gains from 4AD than 1-test?
 
Dwight Schrute

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Its good for libido, I can attest to that. It will raise DHT levels to the highest they naturally can be so that could account for hairloss problems. Thats an area I'm not too familiar wiht. I think the idea is that the conversion is instantanious is which my opinion rests. I agree there is a saturation point but how long does that last? From different readings is seems in real world time its instantantious and is freed up fairly quickly. Usually test derivatives (methytest) aromatize heavily to E2 or 17 methyl E2 so my assumption that 4AD or target hormone or metabolites could even do this in small amounts IMO. If test levels are raised slightly over natural levels even for a very short time then this could occur also. I think we agree there are mechanism that are just unknown at this time.
 
Dwight Schrute

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whoa, whoa, whoa. PH's dont raise test levels beyond natural limits? i know a little about this stuff (ie, molecular structure, sides, conversion, etc, etc.) but i always understood that they would indeed do so, but not sky high. whats up with that?

so, are u sayin that one would experience less gains from 4AD than 1-test?
1-Test is a steroid. ;)
 

Dio

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Originally posted by Bobo
Its good for libido, I can attest to that. It will raise DHT levels to the highest they naturally can be so that could account for hairloss problems.
Proviron does not raise DHT levels; it is a steroid in its own right. All effects that it has come from its intrinsic action.

I think the idea is that the conversion is instantanious is which my opinion rests. I agree there is a saturation point but how long does that last?
I'm not sure if conversion is instaneous or not; PA is not even sure. There are several possibilities for how 4AD actually works. It's possible that 4AD converts at a higher rate at certain (muscle for example) target tissues -- giving greater effects than blood levels would imply. I looked into this a while back, but couldn't find anything either way.

As far as the saturation issue goes: when using a high dose transdermal, which is how most people would achieve saturation, it would be stay at that point as long as dosing was made constant.

From different readings is seems in real world time its instantantious and is freed up fairly quickly. Usually test derivatives (methytest) aromatize heavily to E2 or 17 methyl E2 so my assumption that 4AD or target hormone or metabolites could even do this in small amounts IMO. If test levels are raised slightly over natural levels even for a very short time then this could occur also. I think we agree there are mechanism that are just unknown at this time. [/QUOTE]

4AD is not a test derivative -- it's a test precursor so I would not expect that metabolisation to run along the same lines as known derivatives. Target hormones (test and maybe 4dione) could certainly convert to E2 and DHT.

Definitely agree on the unknowns -- there's just not enough info out there. Although someone with a complete understanding of steroid chemistry (PA, Bill) could probably speculate.
 
Dwight Schrute

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1. Provirin is 1-methylated DHT and reacts in the same fashion. Should of said 1-methylated DHT levels. The control mechanism keeps it from reaching supraphysiological levels and the rest is converted back to 3-alpha until DHT levels are low enough for it to get converted back to 1-methylated DHT.

2. PA doesn't know but also agrees its probably instataneous. I've seen him post that somewhere but this is also speculated by others.

3. Well its more similar to Test than D-bol but D-bol still aromatizes into E2 and 17 Methyl E2 along with methyltest. I didn't say it was a derivative but its reacts in the same way AS test derivatives. If it reacts in the same fashion in terms of side effects, then its a good assumption, if what is happening is unknown. Like you said, the side effects suggest something else is going on. If its estrogen related, this could be it.

4. With most of the PH absorbed within the first hour and the rest hours after that, saturation doesn't really play much of an issue IMO. Plus if conversion is instantaneous like most speculate, then its not an issue in my book. I'm more worried about what happens when natural levels of test are reached and what happens after that point.
 

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Originally posted by Bobo
1. Provirin is 1-methylated DHT and reacts in the same fashion. Should of said 1-methylated DHT levels. The control mechanism keeps it from reaching supraphysiological levels and the rest is converted back to 3-alpha until DHT levels are low enough for it to get converted back to 1-methylated DHT.
Do you have a reference for this? I'm pretty sure any self-regulation of DHT levels (at least when supraphysiological amounts are involved) will come from shutting down test production.

2. PA doesn't know but also agrees its probably instataneous. I've seen him post that somewhere but this is also speculated by others.
I've seen him speculate the other way so this is pretty much a wash. I had a similiar discussion with him on 4AD over at bb.com

3. Well its more similar to Test than D-bol but D-bol still aromatizes into E2 and 17 Methyl E2 along with methyltest. I didn't say it was a derivative but its reacts in the same way AS test derivatives. If it reacts in the same fashion in terms of side effects, then its a good assumption, if what is happening is unknown. Like you said, the side effects suggest something else is going on. If its estrogen related, this could be it.
Could be, but this is a shot in the dark. Again, we know what it does convert to -- most effects probably come from conversion to test and possibly 4dione

4. With most of the PH absorbed within the first hour and the rest hours after that, saturation doesn't really play much of an issue IMO. Plus if conversion is instantaneous like most speculate, then its not an issue in my book. I'm more worried about what happens when natural levels of test are reached and what happens after that point.
I'm curious as how you can say this. Transdermals deliver a constant flow, which means once levels are saturated -- they stay saturated. There is a finite amount of 3bHSD in your body; once it's occupied no more 4AD will convert.

Also, what's the obsession with natural levels of test and DHT? You're suppressing test production almost immediately, whether you go past natural levels or not (at least in the examples we're discussing)
 
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Dio, whats ur observation on frontloading 4AD orally?
 

captainbicept

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a quick question to throw in here. if PH's dont push our test levels above our natural levels than what is the point of anyone under 40 using them. if you are 25 and under your test levels are naturally very high. i dont see the point of shutting down the hpta if you arent going t o exceed what it can naturally produce in the first place.
 
Dwight Schrute

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Originally posted by Bobo
1. Provirin is 1-methylated DHT and reacts in the same fashion. Should of said 1-methylated DHT levels. The control mechanism keeps it from reaching supraphysiological levels and the rest is converted back to 3-alpha until DHT levels are low enough for it to get converted back to 1-methylated DHT.
Do you have a reference for this? I'm pretty sure any self-regulation of DHT levels (at least when supraphysiological amounts are involved) will come from shutting down test production.

2. PA doesn't know but also agrees its probably instataneous. I've seen him post that somewhere but this is also speculated by others.
I've seen him speculate the other way so this is pretty much a wash. I had a similiar discussion with him on 4AD over at bb.com

3. Well its more similar to Test than D-bol but D-bol still aromatizes into E2 and 17 Methyl E2 along with methyltest. I didn't say it was a derivative but its reacts in the same way AS test derivatives. If it reacts in the same fashion in terms of side effects, then its a good assumption, if what is happening is unknown. Like you said, the side effects suggest something else is going on. If its estrogen related, this could be it.
Could be, but this is a shot in the dark. Again, we know what it does convert to -- most effects probably come from conversion to test and possibly 4dione

4. With most of the PH absorbed within the first hour and the rest hours after that, saturation doesn't really play much of an issue IMO. Plus if conversion is instantaneous like most speculate, then its not an issue in my book. I'm more worried about what happens when natural levels of test are reached and what happens after that point.
I'm curious as how you can say this. Transdermals deliver a constant flow, which means once levels are saturated -- they stay saturated. There is a finite amount of 3bHSD in your body; once it's occupied no more 4AD will convert.

Also, what's the obsession with natural levels of test and DHT? You're suppressing test production almost immediately, whether you go past natural levels or not (at least in the examples we're discussing)
"Mesterolone is an orally active, 1-methylated DHT. Like Masteron, but then actually delivered in an oral fashion. DHT is the conversion product of testosterone at the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, the result being a hormone that is 3 to 4 times as androgenic and is structurally incapable of forming estrogen. One would imagine then that mesterolone would be a perfect drug to enhance strength and add small but completely lean gains to the frame. Unfortunately there is a control mechanism for DHT in the human body. When levels get too high, the 3alpha hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme converts it to a mostly inactive compound known as 3-alpha (5-alpha-androstan-3alpha,17beta-diol), a prohormone if you will. It can equally convert back to DHT by way of the same enzyme when low levels of DHT are detected."

1. PA is not the only one. Many discussion over at CEM speculate the same thing so I don't personall think its a wash. Thats your opinion.

2. I don't think its a shot in the dark. I think its a wise assumption since the majority of the side effects are similar and its a precursor to test anyway. Its theorizing based on available data.

3. I think the conversion is instantaneous or happens in a very short amount of time. If we were to follow your theory once that number is reached, no more 4AD will ever convert. I think once the convreion is made, the enzyme is free to convert more. The limiting factor is the amount being absorbed and with a trans its more of a controlled slower delivery so I don't believe saturation is a big factor unless your taking insane amounts.

4. I explained my reasons about natural levels of test above and I'm not really concerned about suppression. I more concerned to what substance or what metabolites are produced when test levels hit their maximum (converison of 4AD). If 4AD ability to convert test is limited, then what substance does it convert too when those levels are reached. I think its more active or inactive metabolites which could explain the increased estrogenic side effects that most see.


Quote by PA

"Enzymes do not have to recover any more than a toll booth has to recover after the car ahead of you goes through. I would imagine also that the conversion of a steroid molecule by this enzyme happens in like a nanosecond or something like that. Boom! Its done"

"I think we have to remember that there are competing enzymes that can do other things to the hormones, so its a matter of what percentage gets to interact first with the 3beta HSD, what percentage first gets hydroxylated, what percentage first gets converted to the 17ketone by 17b-HSD, what percentage gets dumped by the kidneys before any metabolism can occur, etc etc

But if 3beta HSD were the only enzyme in the body then perhaps you would be correct.

As it stands, i think its my guess that the majority of 4diols do get converted by 3beta-HSD before they undergo any other fates."

"If it converts to testosteorne then surely you will also see formation of all metabolites of testosterone.

HOwever, there is apparently no DIRECT 5alpha reduction of 4-AD"

These are the statements I base my opinion on. Its seems conversion is rather quick, and metabolites are produced (although we don't kow which ones) . From this I also assume saturation is rather tough to do unless your taking ridiculous amounts. If your doing that, you mine ass well take the real thing.
 

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Dio, whats ur observation on frontloading 4AD orally?
I don't really see the point. Frontloading is used with gear when injecting long acting esters. The point is to maximize levels initially, so you don't have to wait a for levels to rise. With transdermal use max levels would be reached within 24 hours, so there's no need to frontload.

Also, I'm not sure how you'd front load with an oral, unless you just mean using a higher dose for the first few days. If that's the case it could get your gains kickstarted, but you'd suppress test levels faster too.
 

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a quick question to throw in here. if PH's dont push our test levels above our natural levels than what is the point of anyone under 40 using them. if you are 25 and under your test levels are naturally very high. i dont see the point of shutting down the hpta if you arent going t o exceed what it can naturally produce in the first place.
measurable blood levels may not exceed the normal range, but the results everyone is getting show there's more to it than that.
 
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I don't really see the point. Frontloading is used with gear when injecting long acting esters. The point is to maximize levels initially, so you don't have to wait a for levels to rise. With transdermal use max levels would be reached within 24 hours, so there's no need to frontload.

Also, I'm not sure how you'd front load with an oral, unless you just mean using a higher dose for the first few days. If that's the case it could get your gains kickstarted, but you'd suppress test levels faster too.
hehe yea, excuse the newbie. thats what i meant. just using a much higher dose for a few days.(orally)

thx
 

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"Mesterolone is an orally active, 1-methylated DHT. Like Masteron, but then actually delivered in an oral fashion. DHT is the conversion product of testosterone at the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, the result being a hormone that is 3 to 4 times as androgenic and is structurally incapable of forming estrogen. One would imagine then that mesterolone would be a perfect drug to enhance strength and add small but completely lean gains to the frame. Unfortunately there is a control mechanism for DHT in the human body. When levels get too high, the 3alpha hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme converts it to a mostly inactive compound known as 3-alpha (5-alpha-androstan-3alpha,17beta-diol), a prohormone if you will. It can equally convert back to DHT by way of the same enzyme when low levels of DHT are detected."

Where is this quote from? I'm aware of self regulation and the interconversion between 3alpha and DHT. 3aHSD is also present at finite levels in the body. Once those levels are exceeded, this self-regulation will be overridden.

Another thing to consider is that the rules change when 3alpha is used transdermally. Skin contains considerable levels of 3aHSD, so a good portion of the the 3a will hit the bloodstream as DHT.

1. PA is not the only one. Many discussion over at CEM speculate the same thing so I don't personall think its a wash. Thats your opinion.
Not the only one talking about it converting instantaneously? Do you have a link to these other discussions?

I think it's possible, but not all of it would convert at once. It may convert immediately once it hits the enzyme, but may not reach it right away.

2. I don't think its a shot in the dark. I think its a wise assumption since the majority of the side effects are similar and its a precursor to test anyway. Its theorizing based on available data.
Fair enough, but almost all androgen sides are similar to a lesser or greater degree.


3. I think the conversion is instantaneous or happens in a very short amount of time. If we were to follow your theory once that number is reached, no more 4AD will ever convert. I think once the convreion is made, the enzyme is free to convert more. The limiting factor is the amount being absorbed and with a trans its more of a controlled slower delivery so I don't believe saturation is a big factor unless your taking insane amounts.
No, once the number is reached no more 4AD could convert until the enzymes are freed up. Then whatever is still in the bloodstream could convert. This explains the "ceiling" that many have noticed where adding extra 4AD will not produce greater results.

To your point, you do have to use a significant amount to achieve saturation. Also, as stated above, I think you are correct in assuming that the actual conversion takes little time.

4. I explained my reasons about natural levels of test above and I'm not really concerned about suppression. I more concerned to what substance or what metabolites are produced when test levels hit their maximum (converison of 4AD). If 4AD ability to convert test is limited, then what substance does it convert too when those levels are reached. I think its more active or inactive metabolites which could explain the increased estrogenic side effects that most see.

It's interesting way to look at it, but I still don't see why natural levels would constitute the cutoff point. If this theory is valid (and it might be) then the reactions you're speculating on would happen at the point of enzyme saturation, since that circumstance would leave a lot of 4AD floating around.


Quote by PA

"Enzymes do not have to recover any more than a toll booth has to recover after the car ahead of you goes through. I would imagine also that the conversion of a steroid molecule by this enzyme happens in like a nanosecond or something like that. Boom! Its done"

"I think we have to remember that there are competing enzymes that can do other things to the hormones, so its a matter of what percentage gets to interact first with the 3beta HSD, what percentage first gets hydroxylated, what percentage first gets converted to the 17ketone by 17b-HSD, what percentage gets dumped by the kidneys before any metabolism can occur, etc etc

But if 3beta HSD were the only enzyme in the body then perhaps you would be correct.

As it stands, i think its my guess that the majority of 4diols do get converted by 3beta-HSD before they undergo any other fates."

"If it converts to testosteorne then surely you will also see formation of all metabolites of testosterone.

HOwever, there is apparently no DIRECT 5alpha reduction of 4-AD"


These quotes certainly support the theory that there are other actives being produced. Other statements I've seen implied that the other coversions resulted in inactive metabolites. The above also explains why coversion rates are inherently limited.

However, it does not mean that enzyme saturation is impossible. Consider that blood levels of 4AD can reach ~4600 ng/dl -- that's a shitload of 4AD in the bloodstream at a constant level. If that's not enough to cause saturation, it's probably enough to ensure that any excess 4AD gets metabolised by another enzyme first. That is speculation on my part.

These are the statements I base my opinion on. Its seems conversion is rather quick, and metabolites are produced (although we don't kow which ones) . From this I also assume saturation is rather tough to do unless your taking ridiculous amounts. If your doing that, you mine ass well take the real thing.


There's still the legality issue to deal with.
 
Dwight Schrute

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"Mesterolone is an orally active, 1-methylated DHT. Like Masteron, but then actually delivered in an oral fashion. DHT is the conversion product of testosterone at the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, the result being a hormone that is 3 to 4 times as androgenic and is structurally incapable of forming estrogen. One would imagine then that mesterolone would be a perfect drug to enhance strength and add small but completely lean gains to the frame. Unfortunately there is a control mechanism for DHT in the human body. When levels get too high, the 3alpha hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme converts it to a mostly inactive compound known as 3-alpha (5-alpha-androstan-3alpha,17beta-diol), a prohormone if you will. It can equally convert back to DHT by way of the same enzyme when low levels of DHT are detected."

Where is this quote from? I'm aware of self regulation and the interconversion between 3alpha and DHT. 3aHSD is also present at finite levels in the body. Once those levels are exceeded, this self-regulation will be overridden.

Another thing to consider is that the rules change when 3alpha is used transdermally. Skin contains considerable levels of 3aHSD, so a good portion of the the 3a will hit the bloodstream as DHT.

1. PA is not the only one. Many discussion over at CEM speculate the same thing so I don't personall think its a wash. Thats your opinion.
Not the only one talking about it converting instantaneously? Do you have a link to these other discussions?

I think it's possible, but not all of it would convert at once. It may convert immediately once it hits the enzyme, but may not reach it right away.

2. I don't think its a shot in the dark. I think its a wise assumption since the majority of the side effects are similar and its a precursor to test anyway. Its theorizing based on available data.
Fair enough, but almost all androgen sides are similar to a lesser or greater degree.


3. I think the conversion is instantaneous or happens in a very short amount of time. If we were to follow your theory once that number is reached, no more 4AD will ever convert. I think once the convreion is made, the enzyme is free to convert more. The limiting factor is the amount being absorbed and with a trans its more of a controlled slower delivery so I don't believe saturation is a big factor unless your taking insane amounts.
No, once the number is reached no more 4AD could convert until the enzymes are freed up. Then whatever is still in the bloodstream could convert. This explains the "ceiling" that many have noticed where adding extra 4AD will not produce greater results.

To your point, you do have to use a significant amount to achieve saturation. Also, as stated above, I think you are correct in assuming that the actual conversion takes little time.

4. I explained my reasons about natural levels of test above and I'm not really concerned about suppression. I more concerned to what substance or what metabolites are produced when test levels hit their maximum (converison of 4AD). If 4AD ability to convert test is limited, then what substance does it convert too when those levels are reached. I think its more active or inactive metabolites which could explain the increased estrogenic side effects that most see.

It's interesting way to look at it, but I still don't see why natural levels would constitute the cutoff point. If this theory is valid (and it might be) then the reactions you're speculating on would happen at the point of enzyme saturation, since that circumstance would leave a lot of 4AD floating around.


Quote by PA

"Enzymes do not have to recover any more than a toll booth has to recover after the car ahead of you goes through. I would imagine also that the conversion of a steroid molecule by this enzyme happens in like a nanosecond or something like that. Boom! Its done"

"I think we have to remember that there are competing enzymes that can do other things to the hormones, so its a matter of what percentage gets to interact first with the 3beta HSD, what percentage first gets hydroxylated, what percentage first gets converted to the 17ketone by 17b-HSD, what percentage gets dumped by the kidneys before any metabolism can occur, etc etc

But if 3beta HSD were the only enzyme in the body then perhaps you would be correct.

As it stands, i think its my guess that the majority of 4diols do get converted by 3beta-HSD before they undergo any other fates."

"If it converts to testosteorne then surely you will also see formation of all metabolites of testosterone.

HOwever, there is apparently no DIRECT 5alpha reduction of 4-AD"


These quotes certainly support the theory that there are other actives being produced. Other statements I've seen implied that the other coversions resulted in inactive metabolites. The above also explains why coversion rates are inherently limited.

However, it does not mean that enzyme saturation is impossible. Consider that blood levels of 4AD can reach ~4600 ng/dl -- that's a shitload of 4AD in the bloodstream at a constant level. If that's not enough to cause saturation, it's probably enough to ensure that any excess 4AD gets metabolised by another enzyme first. That is speculation on my part.

These are the statements I base my opinion on. Its seems conversion is rather quick, and metabolites are produced (although we don't kow which ones) . From this I also assume saturation is rather tough to do unless your taking ridiculous amounts. If your doing that, you mine ass well take the real thing.


There's still the legality issue to deal with.
1. Its a quote from the Proviron profile on BC's page. Do you have any references on when this self regulation is discontinued? Also will will transdermal 3a overide this self regulation?

2. I will try to find the links but I think they had nothing to do with the title of thread. They were just included in the debates (nandi, fonz, macro if I remember correctly)

3. This ties into the whole point. Once that celing is hit, it seems less 4AD is converted (if any at all) and other metabolites are produced. To me the ceiling is more important than the amount of enzymes available because it seems that conversion happend quickly and it would take an enermous amount to achieve saturation. This is the reason why more estrogenic effects could occur because the active metabolites of test cause this. I am assuming test and 4AD could have similar metabolites. I think we agree nobody knows exctaly what is produced.

4. Actually I think the celing could be more important than the saturation point. Once that celing it hit, more 4AD has a better chance of converting into something else which could cause more side effects. Like I've said, its all speculation since nobody really understand whats happening but it seems like a logical step.

5. I believe saturation is possible but it would take an enormous amount and like we see, more is not always better. As you've stated you can have a huge amount of circulating 4AD that will not get converted. Now could this be caused by saturation or the cuttoff point of natural levels? THe saturation point we don't know and is mere specualtion but we know the cutoff point exists to a degree because then everyone using 4AD would test positive for Test use due to supraphysiologocal levels. So it seems to point to the "cutoff" point being more important and it could also explain more metabolites being produced and causing more side effects. But its all specualtion....Seems logical to me though.
 

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1. Big Cat is inconsistant with this kind of thing, although I'm sure he's basing that statement on something. I think I know which study that came from, but unless I'm mistaken (and there's one dealing specifically with proviron) that study details the mechanism, but does not actually spell out what would happen.

On my end I'm speculating too, I could provide you with a reference on finite levels of enzymes and 3aHSD levels in the skin, but I don't have anything defining limits.

I'm basing that on: Par's experience with transdermal 3alpha, the difference between those results and the feedback I've seen orally, Derek Cornelius's comments on the potency of injecting straight DHT, and the aforementioned feedback on the 4AD ceiling.

2. I'll probably find it sooner or later. I've just started checking that board out.

3-4. If you don't think it's the enyzmes, then what do you think causes the ceiling? There has to be something limiting further conversions. Interesting idea on the estrogen, that would help explain it. My personal theory was that only 1 of the 3 isozymes of 3bHSD was able to convert 4AD to test and that it was present in muscle. So the higher estrogen levels in the blood were a result of test that had already converted.

I spent a fair amount of time looking for some research to support this, but didn't find anything. I learned a shitload about enzymes though ;)

5. Again, if it's not the enzymes then what are you speculating the cause of the ceiling to be?
 
Dwight Schrute

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1. Big Cat is inconsistant with this kind of thing, although I'm sure he's basing that statement on something. I think I know which study that came from, but unless I'm mistaken (and there's one dealing specifically with proviron) that study details the mechanism, but does not actually spell out what would happen.

On my end I'm speculating too, I could provide you with a reference on finite levels of enzymes and 3aHSD levels in the skin, but I don't have anything defining limits.

I'm basing that on: Par's experience with transdermal 3alpha, the difference between those results and the feedback I've seen orally, Derek Cornelius's comments on the potency of injecting straight DHT, and the aforementioned feedback on the 4AD ceiling.

2. I'll probably find it sooner or later. I've just started checking that board out.

3-4. If you don't think it's the enyzmes, then what do you think causes the ceiling? There has to be something limiting further conversions. Interesting idea on the estrogen, that would help explain it. My personal theory was that only 1 of the 3 isozymes of 3bHSD was able to convert 4AD to test and that it was present in muscle. So the higher estrogen levels in the blood were a result of test that had already converted.

I spent a fair amount of time looking for some research to support this, but didn't find anything. I learned a shitload about enzymes though ;)

5. Again, if it's not the enzymes then what are you speculating the cause of the ceiling to be?
1. BC can be inconsistent when you look back on what he wrote in the past but he always corrects himself if he finds new information. At least thats the impression I get everytime I've interacted with him. I know you guys hashed it out over hair loss in the past so you might have a different perspective. I think overall he's proven to be reliable on most of the information he presents (there is a lot of it) so I always give him the benefit of the doubt. I've learned too much from him over the years so I get I'm biased. When you post the amount of information he has in the past couple of years, your bound to be wrong occasionally.

2. Its a very good board especially the Anabolic Pharmacology section. You can really learn a lot over there. I know I have on several issues.

3. Truthfully I have absolutely no idea. Your theory sounds good. The only thing I would question is that if the natural limit is reached, the amount of test aromatized wouldn't be that much (compared to supraphysiological levels). Then again if it metabolizes into E2 or any version, that could easily cause side effects. They are extremely potent.

I'll see what I can dig up on what could cause the celing. As you know the amount of studies on these types of things is enormous.
 

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1. BC later admitted he was wrong about that. I have much more respect for him now. I think he gets many things right, but when you try to cover all the bases on several broad topics, you're bound to miss some things. That's why i used the word inconsistant as opposed to bashing him

3. Yeah, but as you indirectly note my theory doesn't take the ceiling into account. I'm not sure that the natural limit would play into this theory though, since if it's true you could actually have supraphysiological levels and no way of measuring them. Definitely agree on E2's potency.

I'd be very interested in seeing what you turn up. I'll keep an eye out for it too.

Either way this has been fun :)
 

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Another interesting item is that despite a supposedly being more androgenic than test, hair loss is not as commonly reported as you'd think it would be.
Not that interesting if we just take into account that 4-diol doesn't go through 5-alfa-reduction and is just SLIGHTLY more androgenic than testosterone, it's not 120% more androgenic but 120% as androgenic, so it's just a 20% more androgenic.
 

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Its good for libido, I can attest to that. It will raise DHT levels to the highest they naturally can be so that could account for hairloss problems. Thats an area I'm not too familiar wiht. I think the idea is that the conversion is instantanious is which my opinion rests. I agree there is a saturation point but how long does that last? From different readings is seems in real world time its instantantious and is freed up fairly quickly. Usually test derivatives (methytest) aromatize heavily to E2 or 17 methyl E2 so my assumption that 4AD or target hormone or metabolites could even do this in small amounts IMO. If test levels are raised slightly over natural levels even for a very short time then this could occur also. I think we agree there are mechanism that are just unknown at this time.
4-AD will not raise DHT, it's testosterone conversion from 4-AD which will raise DHT, not 4-AD by itself.
 
Dwight Schrute

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That was referring to Proviron. I already mentioned the possibility of other metabolites converting from 4AD's target hormone (test). DHT is one of them.
 

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Not that interesting if we just take into account that 4-diol doesn't go through 5-alfa-reduction and is just SLIGHTLY more androgenic than testosterone, it's not 120% more androgenic but 120% as androgenic, so it's just a 20% more androgenic.
Good point, but test does not need to convert to DHT to cause hair loss. It's potent enough to do it on it's own. Something 20% more androgenic would be more potent. Not to mention that DHT created from the test conversion.
 

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