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Steroid & SARM Glossary
Clear, plain-English definitions of the terms you will meet across steroids, SARMs, PCT and peptides. Use it to understand cycles, esters, PCT and more before you buy.
17-alpha-alkylated (17aa)
A chemical modification that lets an oral steroid survive digestion and reach the blood. It is also what makes most orals harder on the liver.
Shop 17-alpha-alkylated (17aa) →AAS
Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid. The full name for the class of compounds commonly called anabolic steroids.
Anabolic steroid
A synthetic compound related to testosterone that promotes muscle growth (anabolic) and male characteristics (androgenic).
Androgenic
The masculinising effects of a steroid, such as increased body hair, deeper voice and oilier skin. Higher androgenic ratio means stronger such effects.
Anti-estrogen
Any compound that lowers estrogen or blocks its effects, including AIs and SERMs.
Shop Anti-estrogen →Aromatase inhibitor (AI)
A compound such as Anastrozole or Aromasin that lowers estrogen by blocking the aromatase enzyme during a cycle.
Shop Aromatase inhibitor (AI) →Aromatization
The conversion of testosterone into estrogen by the aromatase enzyme. Excess estrogen can cause water retention and gynecomastia.
Bacteriostatic water
Sterile water with a preservative used to reconstitute freeze-dried peptides before injection.
Bioavailability
The fraction of a dose that actually reaches the bloodstream. Oral compounds usually have lower bioavailability than injectables.
Bloodwork
Blood tests run before, during and after a cycle to monitor hormones, cholesterol, liver and other markers.
Bulking
A phase focused on gaining muscle mass and strength, usually in a calorie surplus.
Shop Bulking →Cutting
A phase focused on losing body fat while preserving muscle, usually in a calorie deficit.
Shop Cutting →Cycle
A defined period of using one or more compounds, followed by time off and PCT.
Ester
A chain attached to a steroid that controls how fast it releases. Long esters (Enanthate, Cypionate) release slowly; short esters (Propionate) release fast.
Shop Ester →Gynecomastia (gyno)
The development of male breast tissue, usually driven by elevated estrogen during a cycle.
Half-life
The time it takes for half of a compound to clear the body. It guides how often a compound is taken to keep blood levels stable.
HGH
Human Growth Hormone, used for recovery, fat loss, lean mass and anti-aging. Results build slowly over months.
Shop HGH →HPTA
The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis, the hormonal feedback loop that controls natural testosterone production.
IGF-1
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, a growth factor downstream of HGH that drives muscle growth and recovery.
Shop IGF-1 →Intramuscular (IM)
An injection delivered deep into a muscle, the usual route for oil-based injectable steroids.
Kick-start
Using a fast-acting oral at the start of a cycle to see results while a slower injectable base builds up.
Lean mass
Muscle gained with little fat or water, the typical aim of cutting compounds and milder orals.
Nitrogen retention
A higher nitrogen balance in muscle tissue, which supports an anabolic, muscle-building state.
PCT
Post Cycle Therapy. The protocol run after a cycle to restore natural hormone production and protect gains.
Shop PCT →Peptide
A short chain of amino acids that signals the body to release hormones, repair tissue or burn fat.
Shop Peptide →PPAR agonist
A non-hormonal compound such as Cardarine that boosts endurance and fat oxidation. Often grouped with SARMs but works differently.
Shop PPAR agonist →Protein synthesis
The process by which cells build new muscle protein. Anabolic compounds increase the rate of protein synthesis.
Recomposition
Building muscle and losing fat at the same time, often the goal of milder SARM or oral protocols.
SARM
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator. Targets muscle and bone with fewer androgenic side effects than steroids.
Shop SARM →Secretagogue
A compound such as MK-677 that prompts the body to release its own growth hormone.
Shop Secretagogue →SERM
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator, such as Nolvadex or Clomid. Used in PCT to restart natural testosterone and block estrogen rebound.
Shop SERM →Stack
A combination of compounds run together to target a specific goal, such as a test and Deca stack for size.
Subcutaneous (SubQ)
An injection into the fat layer under the skin, common for peptides and HGH.
Suppression
The reduction or shutdown of natural testosterone production caused by using anabolic compounds.
Test base
A foundational dose of testosterone run alongside other compounds to keep the body in an anabolic state.
Vascularity
Visible veins, a sign of low body fat and good muscle conditioning, often a goal in cutting phases.
Water retention
Subcutaneous fluid build-up, often from estrogen, that can blur muscle definition.