Why BF Needs to be < 15% to Start AAS Cycle

[AnabolicDoc]

I'm just curious to know some of the reasons this is heavily touted on this forum. Are the concerns of using AAS in those over 15% bf that they'll have more blood pressure and lipid problems or is it the fear of estrogen conversion. I get that certain AAS just won't make an appreciable difference unless your bf is low, such as mast, primo, proviron, and so forth. There is rampant use of AAS among power lifters who have bf > 15% and their use seems to be successful. This is a genuine question - I'm not questioning the advice.

Thanks

[redz]

Blood pressure is one issue. Gyno is more likely as well not to mention if you are carrying a lot of extra weight you are also more likely to get stretch marks if you grow. If you can`t naturally get down to 15% then probably you are not ready for steroids because you clearly would not be dieting and training properly.

[nondescript]

I'm not sure if I agree with that advise 100%. I'm 3 cycles in and my BF% has dropped some but I'm still sitting in the 20's. my BP went up about 15 points on the top number, the bottom number is the same. All around though the muscle is showing through the fat and I look better than when I started. With a gain of about 40 lbs since the start, it seems like my weight has been sitting steady at 225 at 5' 7" but more and more fat is being replaced my muscle. I may not have started out right according to most but I think it has worked out for me. What I can fault myself for though is not having a solid diet. My gains would have been much better if I just had a cleaner diet. Seems like either way it can work.

[Lunk1]

I'm just curious to know some of the reasons this is heavily touted on this forum. Are the concerns of using AAS in those over 15% bf that they'll have more blood pressure and lipid problems or is it the fear of estrogen conversion. I get that certain AAS just won't make an appreciable difference unless your bf is low, such as mast, primo, proviron, and so forth. There is rampant use of AAS among power lifters who have bf > 15% and their use seems to be successful. This is a genuine question - I'm not questioning the advice.

Thanks

Doc, you really answered your own question in you post. Keep in mind very few ppl coming here seeking advice are expereinced in controling side effects, especially estrogen related sides.

Also the greatest majority are seeking a more lean muscular look vs a typical power lifters build

[austinite]

I'm just curious to know some of the reasons this is heavily touted on this forum. Are the concerns of using AAS in those over 15% bf that they'll have more blood pressure and lipid problems or is it the fear of estrogen conversion. I get that certain AAS just won't make an appreciable difference unless your bf is low, such as mast, primo, proviron, and so forth. There is rampant use of AAS among power lifters who have bf > 15% and their use seems to be successful. This is a genuine question - I'm not questioning the advice.

Thanks

I don't think 15 is the magic number. The idea is if the muscle is covered with too much fat, you won't see the results when your cycle is over, unless you manage to shed a ridiculous amount of fat during that 8 to 12 week cycle.

Blood pressure, estrogen management, etc... I would safely say that less than 3% of users actually get blood work done. Which is the only real way to manage and safely succeed with a cycle. I would even venture to say that less than 1 % of users have extensive experience with blood work. IE pulling panels before, during and after, which is what I do. This will change going forward because I am no longer using long esters and will stick to 6 week cycles.

But the point is simple. Not lean enough to see effects. And not experienced enough to manage side effects.

AAS at ANY body fat does what it's supposed to do. I've cycled at 20% BF and maintained decent blood levels, only by monitoring and adjusting accordingly. I was however, disappointed in the result and the money spent.

[MickeyKnox]

Great question Doc.

Just to add a partial quote of mine, with supporting data, that i often use for those who have unusually high BF% and thinking about AAS.

The shorts answers is, "it reduces the likelihood of experiencing unwanted sides attributed to high E2 levels like, Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Acne, Raised Blood Pressure, Increased Heart Rate, Bloating, Cardio vascular Issues, Mood swings, changes to your Cholesterol Factors (HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, TC)...ect.

Excess fatty tissue is a huge proponent of Estrogen. "Adipose tissue can contribute significantly to the circulating pool of estrogens." You want your BF to be as low as possible before you begin your proposed cycle - very important!

Read this clinical study…Estrogen production and action. [J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001] - PubMed - NCBI"

[AnabolicDoc]

Very interesting. Thanks!

[ProStatus]

I would safely say that less than 3% of users actually get blood work done.

Srs? From my research thus far, it isn't optional.

[largerthannormal]

Good read Mick!

[tigerspawn]

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