Exploring The Evil Hormones - Estrogen, Prolactin and Progesterone (or, How Do You Make A Female Hormone (Whore Moan)) - by N4cer
I’m by no means an expert on this topic. But I have researched the topic, and have some experience with the substances mentioned. I know about gyno, as I’m a freak. Clomid causes gyno for me. So I’ve researched gyno a lot when doing PCT for my first cycle, doing it correctly, and still getting sore, itchy, slightly lumpy nipples.

This article will study hormones you may or may not be familiar with. Or you may only THINK you know about them. Some of the most misunderstood hormones in bodybuilding aren’t used by most of us to increase anabolism. They have benefits to us, but the bad can outweigh the good. Remember: this is focused toward the male bodybuilder (sorry, ladies – I could always make it up to you).

What are they, you ask?

Estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin.

This article will simply break down what each one is, where each comes from, what physiological effect each has, and how to avoid the sides of each. Hopefully future issues will expand on this via writings by myself, or by others if my college schedule proves to be too time-consuming.

ESTROGEN: Estrogen is the most commonly knows of this trio. Most bodybuilders come into contact with estrogen through administration of testosterone that then aromatizes into estrogen. This is normal, and to be expected. The presence of estrogen in the male bodybuilder is responsible for “bloating”, and more importantly for most cases of gynaecomastia. It is believed that estrogen must be present for either progesterone or prolactin to cause gyno, aggravating their effects. It is the opinion of the author that some degree of estrogen is good during a cycle, as it assists in maintaining a healthy (or at least healthier) blood lipid profile (that’s cholesterol). Another benefit to estrogen’s presence is the bloat means that there is more weight in the body, which equates to more leverage for lifts, which leads to heavier lifts, which results in greater gains. If estrogen-related sides become too great, then one can use an estrogen-blocker such as Nolvadex, or the lesser Clomid. This allows estrogen to remain in the system, but blocks the binding of estrogen at the estrogen receptors – mostly in the breast area. If this is not sufficient then one may turn to an aromatase inhibitor. These include (but are not limited to) anastrozole (Arimidex), letrozole (Femara), and exemestane (Aromasin). These will prevent the formation of estrogen, blocking the negative effects. But your cholesterol will suck.

PROGESTERONE: Progesterone falls into the category of progestins. Progesterone in the male bodybuilder is the result of use of progestins, such as nandrolone (better known as Deca). It has also come to my attention through researching this article that trenbolone is a nandrolone derivative, which might be why the misconception has come about that trenbolone can form progesterone, and even the rumor that tren should not be mixed with nandrolone because of the progesterone-related sides. The problem with this theory is that tren does not act via progesterone. See PROLACTIN, below. Anyway, back to reality. Progesterone’s actions on the body are minimal if not in the company of estrogen. Progesterone is anabolic, and minimally androgenic, as it is a female hormone. Progesterone’s sides are mostly the same as estrogen’s sides, and can be best avoided by reducing the presence of estrogen. If estrogen is eliminated, and the presence of progesterone is still causing gyno, the only real recourse is to stop intake of progesterone-derived compounds. There is a line of thinking that believes that stanazolol (winny) binds to the progesterone receptor, and is therefore an effective anti-progestenic. This theory has not been proven, but in practical use has been highly effective (who needs research when experiences tell the tale we need?). It is also rumored that the abortion pill, RU-486, will halt progesterone-related sides, but is not proven in bodybuilding. This is mostly due to the poor availability of RU-486.

PROLACTIN: Prolactin is another progestin. Prolactin’s only source in the male body (to any appreciable degree) is trenbolone (Fina). Prolactin is highly similar to progesterone (as they’re of the same type of hormone), but note that there is FAR less bloat with prolactin in comparison to progesterone. Prolactin – much like progesterone – requires the presence of estrogen to cause gynaecomastia. Prolactin-induced gyno is more likely to begin lactation at an earlier point than estrogen or progesterone-induced gyno. The effective anti-prolactinic (is that a word?) agents are bromocriptine, and to a lesser degree vitex. Bromocriptine is a prescription medication, and vitex can be found at health food stores.

I have hopes that this article can provide some clarification to these hormones. In the future, maybe we can elaborate on the details. I’d like to go into the total gyno aspect, including luteinizing hormone (LH). Keep reading to see!

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