Original AX Retain vs Retain 2

Ninjo

Ninjo

Well-known member
Anyone used both original AX Retain and Retain 2? Just wondering if one is considered superior to the other and if so, why? I have only used the original and it seemed to do the trick.

p.s. I have searched for this info but have come up empty so far
 
Here is a basic layout of the difference between the original retain and retain2. This is information is from thesinner.

Retain 1 contains b-triol, clary sage and para-tyramine. It was designed for use after a prohormones cycle to in conjunction with the regular PCT.

Retain 2 is b-triol, 7-keto, and Relora. This one is designed with cortisol as the main target. It works great not only as an anti-catabolic (keeping muscle), but an excellent way to burn fat (especially around the midsection).
 
gltrdone83 said:
Here is a basic layout of the difference between the original retain and retain2. This is information is from thesinner.

Retain 1 contains b-triol, clary sage and para-tyramine. It was designed for use after a prohormones cycle to in conjunction with the regular PCT.

Retain 2 is b-triol, 7-keto, and Relora. This one is designed with cortisol as the main target. It works great not only as an anti-catabolic (keeping muscle), but an excellent way to burn fat (especially around the midsection).
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Thanks for the quick reply. I'm confused however about the comment that Retain 2 was designed with cortisol as the main target; wasn't cortisol control the main purpose of the original Retain as well?
 
Yes, But the cortisol control was much stronger in the original retain which would be helpful after a strong PH cycle. Reatin 2 was made to control cortisol but for the purpose of shedding fat. Some people experienced aching joints from the original retain because it was drying out their joints.
 
gltrdone83 said:
Yes, But the cortisol control was much stronger in the original retain which would be helpful after a strong PH cycle. Reatin 2 was made to control cortisol but for the purpose of shedding fat. Some people experienced aching joints from the original retain because it was drying out their joints.
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So the cortisol control was much stronger in the original; that's great to hear as I'm using it now after a 4 week Havoc cycle. Actually, I still have three bottles of the original which I'll continue to use in my PCTs. Thanks again.
 
I have a bottle of Retain2, which I plan on using during PCT once I finish my Epi/JW cycle here within the next week and a half.

I've seen people say to follow the directions as instructed on the label, i.e. 4 caps ED, but I've also seen people say to taper down from 4 ED for the first week, then 3 ED for the second week, and so on.
 
You should be fine running retain2 at 3 caps per day throughout your PCT. Take 1 cap first thing in the morning when cortisol levels are at there highest, 2nd cap about 4hrs later and then your 3rd cap post workout.

You could actually leave out retain2 in your first week of PCT. Cortisol levels don't typically spike immediately following a PH cycle. So starting Retain2 on the 2nd week should be fine at 3 caps per day.
 
Should I not worry about having to taper down then?

gltrdone83 said:
You should be fine running retain2 at 3 caps per day throughout your PCT. Take 1 cap first thing in the morning when cortisol levels are at there highest, 2nd cap about 4hrs later and then your 3rd cap post workout.

You could actually leave out retain2 in your first week of PCT. Cortisol levels don't typically spike immediately following a PH cycle. So starting Retain2 on the 2nd week should be fine at 3 caps per day.
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gltrdone83 said:
You should be fine running retain2 at 3 caps per day throughout your PCT. Take 1 cap first thing in the morning when cortisol levels are at there highest, 2nd cap about 4hrs later and then your 3rd cap post workout.

You could actually leave out retain2 in your first week of PCT. Cortisol levels don't typically spike immediately following a PH cycle. So starting Retain2 on the 2nd week should be fine at 3 caps per day.
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I do my workouts in the morning should I then take 1 cap before or after my workout? and then 4 hours later the 2nd and 4 hours later the last cap?

TIA
 
while on the topic...i have both retain and retain2...deciding which to run during my pct for 3-ad. any thoughts considering that my main goals are maintaining my gains and shedding abdominal fat
 
I would use Retain 2 for your 3-AD PCT if your main goal is going to be shedding some body fat. Dose it 1 cap first thing in the morning and then follow up every 4 hrs with one of those dosing being post workout.
 
beefcake12901 said:
I have a bottle of Retain2, which I plan on using during PCT once I finish my Epi/JW cycle here within the next week and a half.

I've seen people say to follow the directions as instructed on the label, i.e. 4 caps ED, but I've also seen people say to taper down from 4 ED for the first week, then 3 ED for the second week, and so on.
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Sorry to hijack . . . .but

Any feedback on the JW/Epi? Sounds like an interesting combo.
 
gltrdone83 said:
You should be fine running retain2 at 3 caps per day throughout your PCT. Take 1 cap first thing in the morning when cortisol levels are at there highest, 2nd cap about 4hrs later and then your 3rd cap post workout.

You could actually leave out retain2 in your first week of PCT. Cortisol levels don't typically spike immediately following a PH cycle. So starting Retain2 on the 2nd week should be fine at 3 caps per day.
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Brandon,

I don't mean to be skeptical, but the first week should be the toughest as that is when anabolic hormones are lowest. One could view the return to hormonal homeostasis (rise in anabolic) as rising from a lowered state on day 1, or no?

Is your suggestion from practical experience/anecdote or from something you read.

Again, just curious…kind regards.
 
spiderduncan said:
Brandon,

I don't mean to be skeptical, but the first week should be the toughest as that is when anabolic hormones are lowest. One could view the return to hormonal homeostasis (rise in anabolic) as rising from a lowered state on day 1, or no?

Is your suggestion from practical experience/anecdote or from something you read.

Again, just curious…kind regards.
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Couple things.

1) The prohormone/steroid usually hasn't cleared your system during that first week, so I wouldn't say it's when anabolic hormones are the lowest.

2) Cortisol is produced endogeneously from the same substrates that testosterone (and all androgens) come from. It takes about a week or two before the catabolic effects of cortisol begin to kick in when your body's rate of steroidogenesis starts to get back to normal.
 
thesinner said:
Couple things.

1) The prohormone/steroid usually hasn't cleared your system during that first week, so I wouldn't say it's when anabolic hormones are the lowest.

2) Cortisol is produced endogeneously from the same substrates that testosterone (and all androgens) come from. It takes about a week or two before the catabolic effects of cortisol begin to kick in when your body's rate of steroidogenesis starts to get back to normal.
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Sinner,

Thanks for the input.

1) Don't most orals carry a low half life? If so, shouldn't they clear the body relatively fast?

2) On Anabolicminds.com, when asked about cortisol control (retain2) during PCT, Dr. D stated, "You are correct, it's important in post cycle therapy, but only for the first 3wks really. Other times when I take a dose of R2 are pre-w/o, post-w/o and first thing in the morning if I'm not gonna eat anytime soon. It can also be used 3-6x/day at anytime just to enhance fat loss." (Invalid Link Removed , p.18)

3) Incidentally, does Dr. D still work with Anabolic Xtreme? I stop by the AX board once and a while. On my last visit, it appeared that his board appears to have disappeared or expired?
 
spiderduncan said:
Sinner,

Thanks for the input.

1) Don't most orals carry a low half life? If so, shouldn't they clear the body relatively fast?

2) On Anabolicminds.com, when asked about cortisol control (retain2) during PCT, Dr. D stated, "You are correct, it's important in post cycle therapy, but only for the first 3wks really. Other times when I take a dose of R2 are pre-w/o, post-w/o and first thing in the morning if I'm not gonna eat anytime soon. It can also be used 3-6x/day at anytime just to enhance fat loss." (Invalid Link Removed , p.18)

3) Incidentally, does Dr. D still work with Anabolic Xtreme? I stop by the AX board once and a while. On my last visit, it appeared that his board appears to have disappeared or expired?
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Compounds clear on a logarithmic scale, therefore it decreases slower and slower and slower as serum levels drop. While it clears "relatively quickly" as compared to an esterified, injectable steroid, esters take months to clear. Orals and PH's take a week or two.

Based on the research and recommendations of Dr. Houser (posts on occasion as dinoiii), who speciallizes in endocrinology, an anti-cortisol supplement is not necessary until the 2nd week. Please also don't misinterpret, there's seriously nothing wrong with taking it your first week of PCT, it is just not necessary.

Dr.D still works with AX, albiet not exclusively. We are in the process of switching over to a vBulletin forum, so a few things are missing. One of which is Dr.D's forum. Everything should be back in order as soon as the vBulletin switch is finished.
 
thesinner said:
Compounds clear on a logarithmic scale, therefore it decreases slower and slower and slower as serum levels drop. While it clears "relatively quickly" as compared to an esterified, injectable steroid, esters take months to clear. Orals and PH's take a week or two.

Based on the research and recommendations of Dr. Houser (posts on occasion as dinoiii), who speciallizes in endocrinology, an anti-cortisol supplement is not necessary until the 2nd week. Please also don't misinterpret, there's seriously nothing wrong with taking it your first week of PCT, it is just not necessary.

Dr.D still works with AX, albiet not exclusively. We are in the process of switching over to a vBulletin forum, so a few things are missing. One of which is Dr.D's forum. Everything should be back in order as soon as the vBulletin switch is finished.
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Dr. Houser is an outstanding guy. I read a few of his articles at discountanabolics dot com.

Thanks for your time and insight.
 
Toxicity/Side Effects of Original Retain

Sorry to revive an old thread but I really didn't want to start a new one since my question is in regards to the original Retain.

I'm wondering if there are any side effects to taking Retain on a prolonged basis. Reason is I'm currently running it for PCT but would like to start using it again about a month after I finish PCT when I start doing the Velocity Diet.
 
thesinner said:
So long as you're giving yourself ample time between cycles, it should not be an issue.
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Are you referring to time in between AAS/PH cycles or are you saying I should cycle the Retain? To clarify, I don't intend to run another AAS/PH cycle for several months. I would like to take Retain to combat cortisol in January however while on the Velocity Diet (i.e. comparatively lower carbs than what I'm currently eating).
 
thesinner said:
You should cycle both.

I wouldn't stay on retain for more than 8-12 weeks, without taking time off.
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Appreciate the reply and will take your advice. Can you please elaborate as to why Retain should not be used for longer than 8 - 12 weeks though?
 
Ninjo said:
Appreciate the reply and will take your advice. Can you please elaborate as to why Retain should not be used for longer than 8 - 12 weeks though?
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It has an impact on your endocrine system, which can cause negative feedback with prolonged use.
 
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