greysell
Iron
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Class: Loop Diuretic
Mechanism: Blocks (NKCC2) which fforces your kidneys to dump out water, sodium, potassium and chloride. Onset is around 30-60 minutes oral,
Dosing: 20-40 mg orally as needed when bloat becomes noticeable, On HGH, you might need this 1-2 times per week. Dont take daily.
Side Effects: Hypokalemia , dehydration, ototoxicity and metabolic alkalosis.
Mitigations
Supplement potassium (40-80 mEQ ) if using more than once weekly. Drink water but not too much. Never combine with another ototoxic drugs (high-dose aspirin), one use only before events, Furosemide does not discriminate between water from HGH and water from high sodium, use it the day before an event, wake up like 5-8 lbs lighter, and look lean and vascular.
Minoxidil
Mechanism: (Minoxidil): Prodrug requiring sulfation by SULT1A1 in hair follicles. Opens the potassium channels in dermal papilla cells, prolonging the growth phase. More blood flow to follicle = more nutrients = thicker hair.
Bimatoprost
Mechanism: (Bimatoprost): Direct agonist at prostamide receptors. Stimulates anagen phase and increases melanogenesis (darkens hair).
Topical Minoxidil Dosing: 5% foam or solution applied to scalp twice daily, For eyebrows and eyelashes apply with a fine brush or Q-tip 1-2 times daily.
Oral Minoxidil Dosing: 1.25-2.5 mg daily for men. Much more convenient than topical. Grows scalp hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard all at once
Bimatoprost Dosing: 0.03% solution (Latisse) applied to upper lash line daily. For eyebrows: apply along brow arch daily. Results visible in 5 weeks. Darkens existing lashes and brows significantly.
Side Effects (Oral Minoxidil): Hypertrichosis (excess body hair), fluid retention.
Side Effects (Bimatoprost): Skin darkening at application site , eye irritation, potential permanent iris darkening if the solution enters your eye.
Why Bimatoprost Mogs for Eye Area: in trials: 0.03% bimatoprost was equivalent to 5% minoxidil for hair density at 12 weeks (p>0.05p>0.05). But bimatoprost works faster on lashes and darkens them.
Stack both; Oral minox and bimatoprost for best results.
Class: Deoxycholate-based injectable lipolytic agents
Mechanism: Deoxycholic acid destroys your adipocyte cell membranes permanently. Fat cells die and are transported to the liver then excreted via kidneys. Destroyed fat cells do NOT regenerate.
Buccal Fat Application: For jowls, double chin, and lower face fullness. This is the bloated look that doesn't go away even at a low body fat. Aqualyx dissolves that buccal fat pad and makes it never come back.
Clinical Context: Developed in Italy, CE-marked in Europe. Kybella is FDA-approved only for submental fat. Aqualyx isnt approved for buccal fat specifically, but used off-label extensively in Europe and the UK.
Dosing: 5-10 mL per session for buccal/jawline area . 1-3 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart.Mechanism: Deoxycholic acid destroys your adipocyte cell membranes permanently. Fat cells die and are transported to the liver then excreted via kidneys. Destroyed fat cells do NOT regenerate.
Buccal Fat Application: For jowls, double chin, and lower face fullness. This is the bloated look that doesn't go away even at a low body fat. Aqualyx dissolves that buccal fat pad and makes it never come back.
Clinical Context: Developed in Italy, CE-marked in Europe. Kybella is FDA-approved only for submental fat. Aqualyx isnt approved for buccal fat specifically, but used off-label extensively in Europe and the UK.
Results: Permanent fat reduction in treated area.
Side Effects: Significant swelling for 1-2 weeks post-injection. Pain, bruising, firm nodules and numbness.
Risk: Skin necrosis, permanent scarring and facial asymmetry.
Differences: Kybella uses a 1% pure deoxycholic acid solution that releases immediately for targeted chin fat destruction but causes significant localized swelling. In contrast,
Aqualyx uses a slow-release gel matrix to lower immediate tissue trauma while Deso Body optimizes treatment with a highly concentrated 1.25% buffered solution engineered specifically to penetrate denser body fat with minimal side effects.
Deso Body Is split into two formulas; Deso Face for double chins and jowls, and Deso Body for areas like the stomach, back, thighs, and butt.
Class: Anti-androgens
RU58841
Mechanism: RU58841 is a Non-steroidal topical anti-androgen, it binds androgen receptors in the scalp with higher affinity than DHT, which stops dht from attaching to hair follicles, It blocks DHT from binding without lowering your serum DHT. No systemic side effects because it was designed to be too large to absorb effectively.RU58841
Why RU58841 is Good
:
No erectile dysfunction, No libido crash, No depression. It works exactly where you need it. Human trials were stopped in 2002 for business reasons, user reports are very
positive.
RU58841 Dosing: 20-50 mg in 1-2 mL of (propylene glycol + ethanol) applied to scalp daily. Mix your own solution from raw powder.
Dutasteride
Mechanism: Dual 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor and works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone Reduces serum DHT by 90-95% which is higher than finasteride's 70%.
Mechanism: Dual 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor and works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone Reduces serum DHT by 90-95% which is higher than finasteride's 70%.
Dutasteride Dosing: 0.5-1 mg daily orally. For aggressive hair loss that finasteride couldnt stop.
Dutasteride Side Effects: Lower libido, ED, reduced cum volume, depression, supressed penile growth if under 16.
Clascoterone
Mechanism:Topical androgen receptor antagonist. FDA-approved for acne . Works on the same principle as RU58841 but actually approved and safety-tested.
Clascoterone Dosing: 1% cream applied to scalp twice daily. Less potent than RU58841 but legal and pharma-grade.
Clascoterone Effects:
Redness
Dryness, scaling, or itching at the application site
Mild application-site stinging or burning
Class: Synthetic heptapeptides
Semax Dosing: 400-800 mcg subcutaneously or intranasally once or twice daily. Cycle: 10-20 days on, then off.
Semax Effects: Functional MRI studies show Semax alters resting-state functional connectivity in healthy participants. It measurably changes how your brain works in learning environments.
Selank Mechanism: Direct anxiolytic peptide, Also inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes but with a different amino acid sequence and modulates GABAergic system
Selank Dosing: 200-800 mcg subcutaneously or intranasally once or twice daily. Cycle: 10-20 days on, then off.
Selank Effects: Calming without sedation, No amnesia or withdrawal
The Key Difference:
Semax is activating and focus-oriented. Selank is calming and anxiety-reducing. The connectomic study showed they have opposing effects on brain functional connectivity, meaning they are not interchangeable.
Semax is activating and focus-oriented. Selank is calming and anxiety-reducing. The connectomic study showed they have opposing effects on brain functional connectivity, meaning they are not interchangeable.
Class: Retinoids (Accutane, Tretinoin) / Dicarboxylic acid (Azelaic Acid
Accutane (Isotretinoin)
Accutane (Isotretinoin)
Mechanism: A powerful oral retinoid derived from vitamin A, prescribed for severe or treatment-resistant acne, its a oral retinoid that shrinks sebaceous glands by 80-90%, normalizes keratinization, reduces inflammation, and kills Cutibacterium acnes by creating an uninhabitable environment.
Accutane Dosing : 10-30 mg daily for 4-6 months. Low-dose minimizes side effects while still working.
Accutane Side Effects: Dry lips , dry skin, dry eyes, joint pain, elevated liver enzymes and high triglycerides,
Effects on nose: Accutane can make your nose appear less bulbous.
Mechanism: sebaceous glands on the nose shrink significantly, reducing the oily, bulbous appearance of your nose. Nasal tip width can decrease by 2-3 mm in some ppl.
Tretinoin
(Retin-A) Mechanism:
Topical retinoid that increases cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, and unclogs pores.Tretinoin Dosing: 0.025% to 0.1% cream applied at night all across your face, Takes abour 2-3 months for full effects.
Tretinoin Benefits: Anti-aging , acne treatment, improves skin texture, increases dermal thickness. Gold standard topical for a reason.
Tretinoin and The Sun: tretinoin increases your skins suspectibility to sunburn especially during the initial adjustment period, You can safely enjoy the sun by just applying a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher and limiting UV exposure.
Azelaic Acid
Mechanism: Dicarboxylic acid that kills bacteria, reduces keratin buildup, and inhibits melanin production (tyrosinase inhibitor), which also acts as a partial skin lightener,
Azelaic Acid Dosing: 10-20% cream or gel applied twice daily on affected area, make sure its dry.
Azelaic Acid Benefits: Treats acne and rosacea simultaneously. Reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots). Works well with retinoids without irritation stacking.
Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine Dosing for Anxiety: 25-50 mg as needed for situational anxiety (presentations, flights, social events). Takes 30-60 minutes to kick in.
Hydroxyzine Dosing for Sleep: 25-50 mg at bedtime. Works well for sleep maintenance (staying asleep) more than sleep onset.
Hydroxyzine vs Benzos: Weaker anxiolytic effect but zero addiction risk. Doctors will prescribe this easily. Great for induced anxiety where you don't want to add another dependence.
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Pregabelin
Pregabalin reduces sensory overstimulation, social anxiety, and hyperarousal symptoms that overlap with autism and sensory processing issues. It will not cure your ND, but it will lower the volume of the world.
Dosing: 100-200 mg twice daily. Start at 75 mg at night for 3-5 days, then add morning dose. Max 650 mg/day.
Side Effects: Drowsiness, fluid retention, insomnia and seizures).
Pregabalin is not a cure. It makes social situations tolerable. It turns off the background noise. But tolerance builds within weeks to the psychoactive effects. Use as-needed
Propranolol
Mechanism:a widely used beta-blocker that primarily blocks physical "Fight or Flight" effects of stress hormones like adrenaline. Instead of altering your brain chemistry, it keeps your heart rate slow and stops your hands from shaking Does not cross BBB well, no sedation. Kills physical anxiety symptoms only.
Dosing for Performance Anxiety: 20-40 mg 30-60 minutes before event (speaking, interviews). Lasts 3-4 hours.
Side Effects: Fatigue, cold hands/feet, bradycardia , hypotension insomnia, shortness of breath.
Class: Thyroid hormones
T3 (Liothyronine)
Mechanism: Active thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine). Increases basal metabolic rate, increases protein turnover, increases lipolysis (Fat Burn), increases thermogenesis. Binds nuclear thyroid receptors with 10x higher affinity than T4.T3 (Liothyronine)
T3 Dosing (Cutting): 25-50 mcg daily. Start at 12.5 mcg and titrate up. Cycle length: 5-8 weeks.
T3 Dosing (Replacement when GH suppresses thyroid): HGH and GHRP peptides suppress endogenous TSH and T4 production. Replacement dose: 12.5-25 mcg T3 daily or 50-100 mcg T4 daily.
T3 Risks: Catabolic at high doses. Heart palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, heat intolerance, bone density loss.
T4 (Levothyroxine)
Mechanism: Prohormone converted to T3 in peripheral tissues by liver. Slower onset, longer half-life (7 days vs T3's 1 day) with a smoother effect.
T4 Dosing (Replacement): 50-100 mcg daily. Takes 4-6 weeks to reach steady state.
T4 on HGH: HGH inhibits deiodinase (the enzyme that converts T4 to T3). So T4 alone might not work good on high HGH. Run T3 directly if you're on GH.
The Rule: T3 for active cutting and GH replacement. T4 for general thyroid support without GH. Do not exceed 80 mcg T3 .
Hydroquinone
Mechanism: Inhibits tyrosinase which is the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synthesis it also inhibits melanocyte DNA and RNA synthesis, depigmentation appears within 3-4 weeks, gold standard for hyperpigmentation but controversial due to potential "ochronosis".Dosing: 2-4% cream applied once or twice daily. Use for 4-6 weeks max, then 2-4 weeks off.
Side Effects: Mild irritation, redness, contact dermatitis. Ochronosis Paradoxical perilesional hypopigmentation.
Mitigations: Cycle strictly: 6 weeks on, 4 weeks off. , not normal skin. Always combine with SPF 50+
Kojic Acid
Mechanism: Fungal metabolite that binds on copper at the tyrosinase active site. Reversible, competitive tyrosinase inhibitor, its weaker than hydroquinone but safer for long-term use. Also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Why Kojic Acid Mogs: No ochronosis risk. Can be used continuously. Often stacked with hydroquinone for synergistic effect (different binding sites on tyrosinase).
Dosing: 1-4% cream or serum applied twice daily to affected areas. Results visible in 4-8 weeks. Can be used year-round.
Side Effects: Mild irritation, redness, contact dermatitis.
Mitigations: Store in opaque, airtight containers and combine with Vitamin C.
Class: Topical Hormone
Mechanism estradiol binds estrogen receptors, Increases collagen production by up to 200% increase in animal models, increases hyaluronic acid synthesis, improves skin hydration, thickness, and elasticity.Why It Doesn't Raise Systemic Estrogen If Applied only On face-- Low doses-- (0.01% cream, ~0.1-0.2 mg per application). Estradiol is absorbed dermally but metabolized locally in skin. Serum levels remain in normal male range if kept away from thin-skin areas (scrotum, armpits, inner thighs).
Dosing0.01-0.025% estradiol cream applied to face once daily at night. Pea-sized amount for your entire face.
Benefits on AAS: Counteracts the skin-thickening, collagen-reducing effects of androgens. Reduces acne scarring, Reverses the "leathery" look that AAS develops.
Side Effects: Local irritation.
The Paradox: Topical estradiol is one of the best anti-aging compounds for your skin on AAS. It will NOT make you less masculine, It makes your skin look young and healthy instead of beat-up and scarred.
Class: Amphetamine-based CNS stimulants
Adderal & Vyvanse
Mechanism: Increase synaptic dopamine and norepinephrine by reversing transporter flow (DAT and NET). Adderall is mixed amphetamine salts (75% dextroamphetamine, 25% levoamphetamine). Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine, a prodrug that requires enzymatic cleavage in red blood cells for activation.Adderal & Vyvanse
Vyvanse vs Adderall: Vyvanse has a smoother onset, longer duration and lower abuse potential because you can't snort it. Adderall IR also hits harder.
Dosing (Therapeutic): Adderall IR 5-20 mg twice daily. Adderall XR 10-30 mg once daily. Vyvanse 30-70 mg once daily.
Dosing (Performance Enhancement on Cycle): Adderall IR 10-20 mg before training or work, Do not take after 3-4 PM unless you enjoy lying awake at 3 AM.
Side Effects: Insomnia, appetite suppression (conflicts with GLP-1 agonists and you just wont eat), tachycardia, hypertension, dry mouth, bruxism (teeth grinding), emotional blunting.
Mitigations: Take before 12 PM. Stay hydrated. Add electrolytes. Monitor blood pressure. Take magnesium glycinate at night for jaw clenching.
HM: Modafinil
Mechanism: Weak dopamine reuptake inhibitor and not a full stimulant. Activates orexin, inhibits GABA, increases histamine and norepinephrine.
Dosing: 50-200 mg once a daily in the morning. Start at 50 mg. Dont take after 1 PM (12-15 hour half-life). Cycle: as needed or 5 days on, 2 days off.
Effects: Eliminates sleepiness. Improves executive function under sleep deprivation. Minimal cognitive boost if well-rested.
Side Effects: Headache (most common), nausea, anxiety, insomnia dry mouth, reduced appetite.
Mitigations: Take immediately upon waking. Stay hydrated. Start low (50 mg). Dont mix with high-dose stimulants without BP monitoring.
Class: FGFR3 inhibitor (Infigratinb, ) / PTH analogue (Abaloparatide)
The Biology of Height: FGFR3 is a negative regulator of bone growth. When activated, it tells growth plates to stop growing. Mutations that overactivate FGFR3 cause achondroplasia (dwarfism). Inhibiting FGFR3 keeps growth plates open longer and will cause bones to grow.
Infigratinib
Mechanism: Selective FGFR3 inhibitor. Originally developed for cancer,Infigratinib Dosing : 75-150 mg three times per week. Cycle: 4 weeks on, 4 weeks off. Should be combined with growth hormone to drive growth.
Tyra-300
Mechanism: Next-generation FGFR3 inhibitor developed specifically for achondroplasia. More selective for FGFR3 (less off-target FGFR1/2 toxicity). Still in clinicaltrials (Phase I/II as of 2026). Not commercially available.
Tyra-300 Potential: Lower dose required, fewer side effects , safer than Infigratinib for long-term use.
Abaloparatide
Mechanism: PTHrP analogue. Binds PTH1 receptor, activating both Gs and Gq signaling pathways. Increases boneformation more than bone resorption, FDA-approved for osteoporosis.
Abaloparatide for Height: In open growth plates, PTHrP delays differentiation of growth plate chondrocytes, keeping them in a proliferative state longer. Combine with FGFR3
inhibition for additive effect.
Abaloparatide Dosing (Off-label, Theoretical): 80 mcg subcutaneously daily. Cycle: 3-6 months. Requires open growth plates.
Side Effects (Infigratinib): Hyperphosphatemia, soft tissue calcification, nail changes, hair thinning, retinal toxicity.
Side Effects (Abaloparatide): hypercalcemia hypotension,).
Mitigations: Monitor calcium and phosphate weekly.
Class: Aromatase inhibitors (Type I and Type II)
Arimidex (Anastrozole)
Mechanism: Type II non-steroidal competitive aromatase inhibitor. Reversibly binds the aromatase enzyme, preventing conversion of androgens to estrogens. Half-life: 46 hours.Arimidex (Anastrozole)
Arimidex Dosing On Cycle: 0.25-0.5 mg every 3-5 days for moderate test cycles (300-600 mg/week). Adjust based on E2 labs and clinical signs (puffy nipples, water retention, libido changes).
Arimidex Dosing for High E2: 0.5-1 mg every other da y for high-test cycles or aromatizing AAS
Arimidex Side Effects: Joint pain , fatigue, headache, nausea. Lipid profile worsening. Bone density loss with long-term use.
Letrozole (Femara)
Mechanism: Type II non-steroidal competitive aromatase inhibitor. 10-100x more potent than Arimidex. Half-life: 2-4 days (but tissue binding extends effect).
Letrozole Dosing: 0.5-1.25 mg every 3-5 days. Start low : 0.5 mg every 5 days crashed many users.
Letrozole for Gyno Reduction (High Dose, Short Term): 2.5 mg daily for 7-10 days only. This is for acute gyno flare-ups with a painful lump.
Letrozole Side Effects: Severe joint pain, profound fatigue, complete loss of libido and depression.
Exemestane (Aromasin)
Mechanism: Type I steroidal suicide aromatase inhibitor. Permanently inactivates the aromatase enzyme. Half-life: 9 hours but enzyme regeneration takes day; It enters the aromatase enzyme which converts other hormones into estrogen and binds so tightly that the bond is permanent, effectively killing or permanently disabling the enzyme until your body creates new ones.
Exemestane Dosing: 12.5-25 mg every 3-5 days.
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Class: Chronobiotics & Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists
Melatonin
Melatonin
Mechanism: Regulates circadian rhythm and acts as a powerful brain-specific antioxidant, Its primary job is to regulate your circadian rhythm and signal to your brain and body that it is time to go to sleep, Unlike traditional antioxidants that can only neutralize one free radical, melatonin uses a "cascade reaction". When melatonin neutralizes a radical, its resulting metabolites also act as powerful antioxidants. A single melatonin molecule can neutralize up to 10 radical species before it is eliminated, It is considered significantly more potent than classical antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and glutathione in neutralizing certain free radicals.
Dosing: 4-8 mg (for sleep) to 180 mg (for antioxidant/anti-aging support) 60 mins before bed.
DORAs (Lemborexant / Daridorexant)
Mechanism: a newer class of prescription sleep drugs used to treat insomnia, Blocks the "Orexin" wakefulness signal. Unlike benzos, it doesn't actually suppress the CNS; it simply turns off the brain's "on" switch
Dosing: Lemborexant (5–10 mg) or Daridorexant (25–50 mg) before bed: It preserves REM and Deep sleep architecture, making it the only viable pharmaceutical solution for sleep maintenance when using stuff like AAS.
Lemborexant/Darldorexant Side Effects; Mild; Next-day drowsiness headaches and maybe dizziness.
