Orals effect SHBG and Cholestrol severely because both are synthesized by the liver and having a steroid pass through the liver multiple times "tricks" the liver into not producing correct lipid profile and SHBG. Almost all non-aromatizing orals, and some injectables (primo/masteron) cause a drop in SHBG...sex hormone binding globulin. A very highly regarded, secondary reason to include var or winstrol in a test cycle because these drugs directly lower SHBG production resulting in much much more free-testosterone.
I used arimidex appropriate to my test dosage on cycle. However, when the havoc is added, I must increase my dosage of arimidex. This did not happen with anavar.
I have run havoc twice with a testosterone base now, and I'v experienced this both times. Like I said, alone, havoc causes dry joints and low estrogen...but this tells me coupled with testosterone is has very strong lowering affect on SHBG. In fact, by blood tests showed an SHBG of 9.
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as far as the pheraplex issue...patrick arnold published it in a magazine...here is a link to a thread discussing the controversy.
http://anabolicminds.com/forum/steroids/85390-epistane-phera-plex.html
Additionally, alot of people have complained of lactation post epistane usage. So, I personally believe there might be a bit of upregulation occuring to the progesterone receptors, similar to the same way nolvadex/tamoxifene can cause this issue...hence the reason nolvadex is never recommened against nandrolone gyno.
I myself have a slight gyno lump under my right nipple i developed after my FIRST epistane solo run, in which i used nolvadex as my pct. I had severe sex drive loss the entire PCT which I attribute to unexplainable prolactin levels rather than low-t, as my strength was very high during pct, and my breast tissue should have been blocked.
So, in the end, anavar is clearly predictable, has hundreds of studies, and has been PROVEN to increase collegan synthesis which is wonderful benefit. You can lift hard and heavy and burn fat without worrying about tendon issues as much on anavar. Epistane/havoc may have these properties but its just not known/studied. Havoc/epi is a great choice, but I wouldn't necessarily justify it as a superior compound to anavar.
I remember seeing 2 people on this board with high liver enzymes. In fact one guy used havoc for 5 months and had cholestasis, and sued RPN which is why RPN discontinued the product.
Anavar is used year round at <20mg in aid/cancer/burn victims because its safety.
Finally, My reasoning to using BOTH compounds is because apparently, it is suggested that havoc has a very high affinity for the AR, and binds very strongly, almost like trenbolone. Which should result in actual muscle mass gains moreso than anavar which is more of a type II activity drug. Stacked together would yield Type 1 growth and Type 2 support.