Anabolic Steroids & Performance Enhancing Drugs w Victor Black The Muscle Mentors Podcast

Introduction and Disclaimer

The hosts introduce the podcast and provide a disclaimer that the information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only. They emphasize the importance of consulting a healthcare practitioner before implementing any discussed topics.

Education Portal

The hosts mention their education portal for exercise professionals, coaches, and individuals in the health and fitness industry. They encourage listeners to join the portal to access up-to-date information on various topics such as exercise mechanics, hypertrophy, sleep, and online coaching services.

Guest Introduction - Victor Black

The hosts welcome Victor Black as their guest. Victor is recognized as an expert in performance-enhancing drug (PED) usage within the fitness industry. They express their excitement about having him on the podcast.

Complimenting Muscle Mentors Website

Victor commends the quality of content produced by Muscle Mentors' website membership site. He appreciates the structure, quality, and delivery of information provided by them.

Background of Victor Black

Victor shares his background as a 53-year-old competitive amateur bodybuilder with experience in weapons engineering for the military. He clarifies that he is not a medical professional but an evidence-based trainer who considers both anecdotal observations and clinical evidence when forming opinions.

Methodology Behind Opinions

Victor explains that he follows an evidence-based approach to arrive at his opinions. He emphasizes the importance of sharing this methodology upfront to add value to conversations. He mentions respecting clinical evidence while also considering hands-on experience in the gym.

Balancing Anecdotal Observations and Clinical Evidence

Victor discusses the balance between anecdotal observations and clinical evidence. He believes blindly following clinical evidence may not always be the best approach and highlights the importance of strategic decision-making based on a combination of both sources.

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This section discusses the importance of respect in the industry and the need for decision-making based on health and longevity.

Importance of Respect and Decision Making

• In the industry, respect is crucial for long-term success. Influencers who gain respect from the community are more likely to succeed.

• Decision making should prioritize health and longevity over short-term gains. Spending money on performance enhancement should consider the potential risks and consequences.

• There are three alternatives in 2021 for decision making: low-risk models, viewpoints of path, and causing an escalation in risk with anabolics.

• Context matters when discussing topics like risk elevation. While individuals have the freedom to do what they want, logic suggests that there may be inherent risks involved.

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This section explores the use of anabolic steroids as a monotherapy in performance enhancement and highlights the need for understanding multiple pathways.

Anabolic Steroids as Monotherapy

• In the past, anabolic steroids were commonly used as a monotherapy for performance enhancement. However, in 2021, there is growing acceptance that multiple pathways can be modulated for better outcomes.

• The use of recombinant human growth hormone compounds alongside anabolic steroids can lead to synergistic effects and improved outcomes compared to using only one substance.

• By utilizing different pathways, it may be possible to achieve similar or even better results while potentially reducing overall stress levels and maintaining metabolic balance.

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This section emphasizes the importance of understanding different pathways and modulating them for optimal outcomes.

Understanding and Modulating Pathways

• To achieve optimal outcomes, it is essential to identify and modulate different pathways. There are at least six pathways that can be targeted for modulation.

• By considering the plausible benefits of using lower doses of anabolic steroids, growth hormone, and other substances, individuals can potentially achieve desired results while minimizing risks and costs.

• However, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the effects and monitor health when utilizing these substances. Monitoring health may require additional investments in terms of time and resources.

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This section discusses the financial considerations associated with performance enhancement strategies.

Financial Considerations

• The cost of performance enhancement strategies should not be taken lightly. It is not practical for everyone to afford all available substances or therapies on a limited budget.

• People who are willing to invest in their long-term well-being may consider alternative models that prioritize certain substances over others based on potential benefits.

• However, it is important to respect the financial limitations of individuals who cannot afford certain treatments or therapies. Safety should always be a priority when considering performance enhancement options.

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This section highlights the need for monitoring health and investing in one's well-being when engaging in performance enhancement strategies.

Monitoring Health and Investing in Well-being

• Monitoring health is crucial when using performance-enhancing substances or therapies. It requires understanding the effects and potential risks associated with these interventions.

• Engaging in performance enhancement strategies may require financial investments beyond just purchasing substances or therapies, such as regular check-ups or additional tests to assess the impact on health.

• While recreational use may differ from professional or competitive use, it is still important to consider the financial implications and prioritize one's well-being when engaging in any form of performance enhancement.

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This section discusses the different pathways and actions of molecules on the body, specifically focusing on the androgen receptor. It also mentions the classic and non-classic genomic pathways, as well as the potential benefits of myostatin inhibition.

Pathways and Actions of Molecules

• Molecules can have actions on the body beyond just acting on the androgen receptor.

• There are receptors on the cell membrane itself that can be involved in these actions.

• The estrogen receptor has its own hypertrophic pathway, but it is not well understood.

• The growth hormone, IGF-1, insulin discussion involves the androgenic receptor pathway.

• Myostatin inhibition is being researched for age-related muscle wasting conditions.

Safer Use Model

• Turning up the volume across all pathways instead of solely focusing on the androgen receptor is considered a safer use model.

• Instead of using high doses of testosterone or other substances, a small increase across multiple pathways may be more beneficial.

• This approach could potentially minimize side effects while still providing therapeutic benefits.

Individual Tolerance and Titration

• Starting with a reasonable dose of testosterone (e.g., 200 milligrams per week) based on TRT guidelines can be a starting point.

• Titration for effect allows individuals to adjust their dosage based on their response to treatment.

• Some individuals may tolerate higher doses (e.g., 300 milligrams per week) without experiencing significant stress or negative consequences.

Supernatural Man Model

• The supernatural man model involves pushing dosages to super physiological levels to maximize benefits but comes with increased stress and potential side effects.

• This model challenges traditional thinking about natural levels of hormones in the body.

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This section continues discussing different models of hormone usage, including increasing dosages and the consequences of exceeding physiological limits.

Toxic Return and Diminishing Therapeutic Benefit

• Continuously increasing dosages can lead to a point of toxic return where therapeutic benefits diminish.

• Beyond this point, the body may experience negative consequences, such as insulin resistance.

• The next step in this model would be to increase growth hormone (HGH) dosage until consequential changes occur.

Challenging Traditional Thinking

• This approach challenges the belief that starting with high doses is necessary for any noticeable effects.

• Clinical evidence shows an increase in lean muscle tissue mass even with lower doses (e.g., 300 milligrams of testosterone).

• Observations from thousands of individuals support the idea that physiological changes start occurring once androgen levels are raised.

Embracing a New Model

• While this approach may not align with conventional practices, more people are beginning to embrace it.

• It may take time for some individuals to understand and accept this alternative model of hormone usage.

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This section concludes the discussion on different models of hormone usage and highlights the need for open-mindedness when considering alternative approaches.

Six Pathways Summary

• The previous sections provided a quick rundown of the six pathways involved in hormone usage.

• These pathways include actions beyond just targeting the androgen receptor.

Open-Mindedness and Acceptance

• Embracing alternative models requires being open-minded and willing to challenge traditional thinking.

• While it may take time for some individuals to fully grasp these concepts, progress is being made towards acceptance.

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The speaker discusses the multifactorial nature of hair loss and the importance of a multifactorial treatment approach.

Hair Loss Treatment Approach

• Hair loss is a multifactorial issue, and its treatment should also be multifactorial.

• Clinical evidence supports various treatment models, such as vasodilators, topical application of melatonin, and scalp massage to improve blood flow to the scalp.

• A 10-minute scalp massage may not be a standalone treatment for baldness but can contribute meaningfully to the overall treatment plan.

• Alzheimer's disease has seen breakthroughs with a lifestyle intervention approach rather than relying solely on drug treatments.

• Similarly, hair loss requires a multifactorial approach that combines different treatment methods for optimal results.

• People should trust the clinical literature supporting each treatment model and consider incorporating them into their own treatment plans.

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The speaker discusses the cumulative effects of stress from training and drug use on overall health.

Cumulative Stress from Training and Drug Use

• Training itself is a form of stress, so taking a more stressful approach in terms of performance-enhancing drugs (PED) usage can further increase allostatic load.

• Combining high PED usage with intense training can have negative effects on certain physiological areas like the liver.

• Many individuals who use PEDs are also recreational drug users, which adds to their cumulative stress levels.

• All stress is cumulative, so it's important to choose one's "poison" wisely and avoid excessive stressors from multiple sources.

• Bodybuilders often resort to pain medication or opioids due to injuries caused by pushing themselves too hard without proper recovery.

• In the past, some bodybuilders used questionable drugs that may have assisted with appetite suppression but are not recommended.

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This section provides recommendations for choosing paper and discusses the importance of picking the right one.

Recommendations for Paper Selection

• Choose paper carefully to ensure optimal results.

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In this section, the speaker clarifies certain points about lowering potential risks and the effects of angiotensin II on hematocrit levels.

Lowering Risks and Effects on Hematocrit Levels

• Lowering risks further is recommended, as even a slight decrease in hematocrit can lead to anemia.

• It is important to suppress angiotensin II levels, as it takes very little to elevate them.

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The speaker discusses research chemicals and their potential risks compared to approved drugs.

Research Chemicals vs Approved Drugs

• Be cautious when using research chemicals, as they may not have undergone rigorous testing like approved drugs.

• One example is GW1516, which showed promise in human trials but failed toxicology testing.

• It is unnecessary to default to using an ARB or PPAR agonist without considering their potential risks.

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The speaker mentions influential individuals in his field and highlights their contributions.

Influential Figures in the Field

• Dr. Scott Stevens has been influential due to his expertise and practical approach.

• Despite differences with academia, Dr. Stevens' insights are valuable and deserve recognition.

• Another notable figure is someone from the Starting Strength community, who has provided valuable content through podcasts.

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The speaker discusses his own projects and resources available for those interested.

Personal Projects and Resources

• The speaker has a website dedicated to female enhancement practices, addressing the differences between men and women.

• He also runs a membership site that provides ongoing value and engagement for members.

• Free content is available to give an idea of what the speaker offers before committing to the membership.

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The speaker encourages coaches and individuals in various fields to explore his resources.

Encouragement for Coaches and Individuals

• Coaches or individuals in any field can benefit from exploring the speaker's resources.

• A small investment of $15 per month allows access to valuable content that may lead to long-term followership.

Focusing on Getting Bullet Points Linked to Timestamps

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