Water retention on a steroid cycle

Anabolic steroids use does result in higher water retention. It means that gains in muscular mass, endurance, and strength may not be as much as total weight gain. Is it good or bad? It depends on the reason for the use of steroids. If someone is using for mass gain, it may not be that bad. On the other hand, if a person is using steroids to participate in sports like cycling where weight gain is not that much needed as improvement in endurance and strength, such water retention may not be required.

Steroids are not the only drugs with such effect. Use of creatinine supplements may also increase this bloating effect. Some people may like the volume or bulky effect caused by such water retention. Some may even appreciate the softer looks. Others may like more ripped, dry looks of professional bodybuilders, where every muscle and even superficial veins are visible.

Why water retention with steroids occur?

How much a person would retain water would depend on many factors, it is something very individual. Due to different genetics, physiology, level of metabolism and enzymes, some may retain more water, while others little.

It is thought that this water retention primarily occurs due to the conversion of testosterone and other steroids into estrogen, which in turn affects the levels of aldosterone, renin-angiotensin system, resulting in less secretion of water by the kidney. Another, reason for water retention is sodium retention by steroids.

Individual differences are explained by the different levels of an enzyme called aromatase among different people. Those with higher levels of aromatase, convert more of steroids to estrogens. Levels of aromatase are controlled by genetics. Thus there is little that can be done to alter it.

How to reduce water retention?

Best way to reduce it is through the cardio workout, exercises that increase your heart rate, make you sweat, improve blood supply to kidneys, and thus naturally help to overcome the excess of water in the body.

Another strategy is to reduce the consumption of food products and supplements that may increase water retention, at least while on a steroid cycle. Creatinine is one such supplement. One may also reduce the salt intake. Medical drugs are also an option. However, they should be used if one has to minimize bodies water content in a short time for some specific reason.

Nonetheless, it is important not to reduce water intake; it would not help. In fact, drinking ample water may help to boost metabolism and thus help reduce water retention.

Which steroids retain less water?

Water retention with steroids is both extracellular and intracellular. However, some steroids have a more androgenic effect along with water retaining impact than others. Therefore, if water retention is a problem for a person, then it is better to use steroids that retain less water. But if you want to look voluminous, then the opposite is true.

Dbol is one anabolic well known for causing water retention, and even lower back pain in some cases. Anadrol and Dianabol are two steroids for those looking to gain quick mass and are not worried about water retention.

For rest of those who want to look shredded and dry, recommended anabolic are Anavar, Trenbolone, and Winstrol.

In comparison to synthetic analogs, testosterone comes somewhere in between, with small water-retaining effect.