Cramping on cycle - AI the issue?

[Ratterman]

I had serious issues with cramping during my first cycle - Test P only. My AI was from a research company online - Liquidex, I guess the research form of Arimidex. With any cardio what so ever, to include walking for more than 5 minutes, my calves and lower back would cramp so bad, it ruined my workout and damn near wrecked my day. I reached out to people here, but all I heard back was, "you're dehydrated", "drink water", and "get more electrolytes on board". I already felt like I was getting more than enough in the way of hydration and I even stepped it up more as that seemed to be the only advice out there. This only made it worse. The cramping persisted through the cycle along with other sides. I never had full blown gyno, but I did have itching in my nipples and a small mass developed behind one - that eventually went away during my PCT. That coupled with crazy night sweats and painful injections kept me off AAS for the last few years.

Recently, speaking with a co-worker, I discussed these issues. He said it sounded like the cramping was compartmentalization syndrome. I looked into it and I think that's the issue. The water retention, plus the pumps from cardio take up every last bit of space behind the fascia and the pain becomes unreal as the muscle tries to push it's way through. He asked about my AI and I told him it was a liquid research chem. He said that was most likely the issue. If I were to use an actual, legit AI, like Arimidex (Anastrozol) - I wouldn't have those issues. This also explains the slight gyno problem.

Question here is - does that sound right? Has anyone had issues with liquid research chems, but success with real AI's? This summer, I'm starting a test-E only cycle with actual Arimidex. I'm hoping to have the same success in strength and growth I did last time, without all the bullshit issues.

Thanks

[solesrch]

Interested in seeing the answers to this. The only thing I can offer is that I had cramping at one point as well. It really was a dehydration problem for me and I had to up my E blocker which seemed to help. Best of luck.

[PistolPete33]

Typically calf cramping is caused from dehydration, low potasium, and/or calcium. Are you also taking creatine? I've had issues years ago when taking creatine and doing Jiu Jitsu. My calf would cramp up so bad that I could no longer train. Interesting that someone would say it's your AI but I have noticed that my prescription Anastrole works better than Liquidex in the past.

[NACH3]

Increase H2O - agree w/Pistol if your cramping your not drinking nearly enough water... And the plus is the more you drink the more you'll expell keeping water retention very low... AIs will take out the water as well but just keep drinking....

How much are taking in(water) in a day?

[Ratterman]

I'm telling you right now... water intake was not an issue. I crushed a minimum of 4 Nalgene's (32 ounces ea) per day - minimum. And that did not include the pre workouts, water with meals, post workout shakes, bed time shakes, etc. My diet was in check too.

Other than what was in my pre-workout, I really didn't mess around with caffeine, I don't touch alcohol on AAS. I drank so much water, I worried I was on the verge of hyponatremia. With that I plussed up on salt with meals and started taking down electrolytes in what ever form I could get them.

[lovbyts]

Then eat more bananas or supplement. Add in some Gatorade or other sports drink not just water. Your electrolytes might be low

[Ratterman]

SO, I just pulled this from some post back in 2012... the guy is advocating lower dose test for endurance athletes - 200mg/week. I'm caught in the middle as my job is endurance based and yet size and strength have a significant advantage. Basically, I want to still be able to get out for a short run, like a 5k, or get on the mats and roll around w/o cramping and having to sit out. Hell, I'd just like to do hill runs and sprints on leg day without the slightest cramp.

Still, like everyone else, putting on a little more size and having strength gains is the ultimate goal. I'm ready to get flamed for posting this dudes comment, but I'd really like to know from experience, if it's legit. Hopefully, I'm not breaking the rules on posting someone else's comment w/o siting the work... if so, please give me a break - I'm new.

Would I still benefit from a test e cycle at a lower dose, lower than 500mg/wk - more than 200mg/wk? And could that help with the cramping issues?

Again thanks for the help here guys/gals... all the comments are greatly appreciated. I don't want to put up with those debilitating cramps this next go around.


"Larger doses also cause muscle mass weight increase and this is not what most road cyclists, nordic skiers or runners want.

This extra water weight is not a good thing for cyclists or runners....it has to do not only with hauling weight up hills but also about how the water negatively impacts your cardio vascular system. The extra water puts more stress on your heart and your VO2 max will GO DOWN FOR SURE if you hold a good deal of water.
It can and usually does also cause crippling pumps in your calves, anterior tibialis and especially your low back. These pumps will stop you cold bro's...trust me.

So even if you take an aromatase inhibitor like arimidex to reduce estrogen conversion and reduce water weight gain you will not be covering all your bases if you take larger doses of test or steroids."

[lovbyts]

200 mg a week is just a high HRT dose. If you had low T it would be helpful. A normal person with a healthy T level would see very little if any benefit running 200mg a week.

[swolehead]

water ,taurine , magnesium , and potasium

[Ratterman]

Any taurine supplements standout or are they all about the same?

[NACH3]

Any taurine supplements standout or are they all about the same?

Taurine is taurine... I don't know about what's the best brand... But as Swolehead mentioned those supps are key - I'd throw in NAC and calcium too zinc fish oil B6 b3 b12 etc

[Buster Brown]

water ,taurine , magnesium , and potasium

Midol too......lol j/k

[NACH3]

Midol too......lol j/k

LMAO that was good tho

[Ratterman]

Thanks guys for the help here. After doing a ton of research for the last few days, I'm certain it's compartment syndrome, brought on by water retention and muscle growth out doing the fascia that surrounds the muscles in my calf and lower back. Those seem to be the most common areas as well for endurance athletes on AAS. I guess "cramping" isn't the best way to describe it. Most people say it's an intense pressure that feels like the muscle is going to explode. Which is exactly how I would describe it.

For those who do their best to help people, like myself, if you ever see this same issue with others, adding more water isn't the best answer. It's not a Na or K deficiency either. Taurine has been mentioned as one of the better options in treatment, along with lasix or an over the counter diuretic (that being the clinical treatment). I think running a good AI and titrating it to effect will do wonders as well. With that said, it becomes a balancing act as you know too much can shut you down.

Still, I'll keep the Mydol in my back pocket as an alternate treatment when I feel like crying like a bitch during my runs. Thanks again guys, holler.

[Ratterman]

Also, for anyone with this issue during cardio or peeps that want to add a little extra size after workouts (and who doesn't) try fascial planing. Works by stretching the fascia and allows for muscular growth. Looks painful, but if it helps...

... Well shit, I can't post the link. If interested check out the video: facial planing at parrillo performance.