UPA Epistane

If you’re anything like most bodybuilders and weightlifting buffs, chances are you’ve already heard about Epistane and its ability to boost strength gains and take muscle mass up a notch.

And if you’re still not that convinced to include Epistane on your list of prohormone picks to consider when it comes to realizing your bodybuilding goals, make sure you follow along to find out more about this product and why it’s become really popular these days.

What is Epistane?

At its simplest, Epistane or “Epi” – as it’s commonly called in the business – is a type of prohormone that’s a derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and shares similar features with epitiostanol.

This prohormone is scientifically listed as 2a,3a-epithio-17a-methyl-5a-androstan-17b-ol and is considered as non-progestanic in nature. Moreover, it melts at 130.7 degrees Celsius (267.3 degrees Fahrenheit).

It is crucial to keep in mind that Epistane listed as 2a,3a-epithio17a methyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstane is considered as a “clone” and can convert into Phera-Plex, an illegal substance, when it is left in storage for a prolonged period of time.

Unlike most anabolic steroids that have to be injected in the body to get their magic going, Epistane is taken orally – which is way more convenient compared to the former – to set off considerable gains in lean muscle as well as pick up the pace on the synthesis of protein in the body that translates to a distinct increase in overall strength levels.

Just to give you an idea of how Epistane works, it basically binds to androgen receptors that are located in muscle stem cells and skeletal muscle cells. When this happens, these androgen receptors send messages to cells to boost their retention of nitrogen and protein synthesis, which improve strength and muscle mass.

What’s even more interesting is Epistane is a c17-alpha alkylated analog of epitiostane, which has been proven in a number of clinical studies as having anti-estrogen effects and has little ability to aromatize. However, it isn’t an aromatase inhibitor or AI in any way.

Given the fact that having too much estrogen in the body can lead to unwanted fat gain, bloating and water retention, you’re sure to keep clear from these issues when you’ve got this prohormone in your arsenal. It is considered by a lot of experienced users as comparable to anabolic steroids like Turinabol and Winstrol.

This is the reason why Epistane has become quite popular as a bulking and cutting cycle agent all rolled into one. It is important to keep in mind that this prohormone isn’t recommended for use by women for bodybuilding purposes.

History

Now while Epistane is somewhat considered as a relatively new addition to the prohormone lineup on the market, it was actually formulated by Japanese researchers in 1966 and initially called methepitiostane. It was aimed at developing a methylated version of mepitiostane that can be used orally in addition to Nolvadex to combat breast cancer by staving off excessive levels of estrogen hormones in the body.

Subsequent tests revealed that apart from having anti-estrogen abilities, Epistane also displayed significant anabolic and androgenic properties, albeit the former was more pronounced compared to the latter. According to research findings, this prohormone has a 1100:91 anabolic to androgenic rating, which basically means it works best as a “cutter” and to achieve dry gains.

But the thing is Epistane’s popularity in the bodybuilding world did not immediately take off after its discovery in the mid-60’s. This prohormone only began to really create a following after being reintroduced in the consumer market in 2006 as a dietary supplement, marketed under Recomp Performance Nutrition as RPN Havoc and Hemaguno.

Since then Epistane has fortified its position as one – if not the most popular prohormone to go for these days. It’s even earned the title of the best option to pick in terms of getting the most ideal dry and hard look when preparing for a competition.

Benefits

Here’s a quick rundown of the proven benefits that you’re in for when you include Epistane in your arsenal:

• Promotes dry and hard muscle gains
• Boosts overall strength levels
• Helps get rid of unwanted fat
• Can help improve general well-being and libido

Side Effects

What’s really interesting about Epistane is it doesn’t set off the usual negative side effects triggered by its prohormone counterparts like aggression, acne outbreaks as well as sudden increased hair loss or hair growth, which makes it a top choice for newbies.

However, there is a possibility that you will experience a mild loss of libido, dry joints and slight lethargy towards the latter stages of an Epistane cycle if you’re quite sensitive to this prohormone. This can be prevented by integrating a mild androgen like Stanodrol or “Stano” into your cycle, though.

It is still highly recommended that you use an on-cycle support and joint supplement to really keep clear from any side effects. Having a post cycle therapy or PCT going is also crucial after cycling with Epistane.

A Quick Rundown on an Epistane Cycle

Akin to all prohormones, maximizing the benefits that you’ll get from Epistane is getting the proper cycle going. If you’re looking to cycle with this prohormone soon and aiming for the best results, here’s a sample guide that you can use to help you get on the right track:

Dosage

If you’re a first time Epistane user, the recommended dose is 30mg daily. Since this prohormone usually comes in 10mg capsules with an average half-life, you’ll need to dose up three times a day in 7-hour intervals, with the very first one taken upon waking. This cycle should be run for 4 weeks for optimum results.

If you’re an intermediate Epistane user, you can bump up your daily dose to 40mg. However, the first couple of 10mg capsules should be taken together upon waking. Some experienced users also recommend taking one 10mg pill before hitting the gym. This cycle should be run for 6 weeks for optimum results.

Additionally, if you’re an experienced user, you can take up to 50 to 60mg of Epistane each day for 6 weeks, but make sure you keep a close eye on your dosing intervals as well as the post cycle therapy or PCT that you’re going to do after.

Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) Pointers

Now while we’ve touched on earlier that Epistane doesn’t set off side effects as much as its prohormone counterparts, it is still highly recommended to have a proper post cycle therapy or PCT going after cycling with this product.

Besides helping your body naturally build up its testosterone levels again, having a PCT also aids in keeping estrogen in check to stave off the loss of gains, increased water retention as well as the possibility of getting “bitch tits” or gynecomastia sooner or later.

Moreover, proper PCT also prevents your cortisol levels from getting out of hand after a cycle, which can promote an accelerated buildup of fat in the body.