chrisTheChemist
Member
A science-backed look at what lasts — and what doesn’t — after 4–6 months on gear or GH
If you’re thinking about running a short cycle — say, half a year or less — it’s fair to ask: What will actually stay with me long-term?
Is it all just temporary size and strength? Can GH make permanent changes? And what about side effects — do they go away?
Let’s break it down by compound class:
Muscle Memory / Myonuclei Retention
Size and strength gains fade without ongoing stimulus and/or repeat cycles.
Tendon, joint, and connective tissue support
Visceral fat loss / improved metabolism
No permanent muscle gains from GH alone
A short, well-planned cycle won’t make you a monster overnight — but it can give you tools (and tissue) to work with later. Just be aware that the bad often sticks longer than the good.
Train smart. Recover smarter.
If you’re thinking about running a short cycle — say, half a year or less — it’s fair to ask: What will actually stay with me long-term?
Is it all just temporary size and strength? Can GH make permanent changes? And what about side effects — do they go away?
Let’s break it down by compound class:
Anabolic Steroids — What Can Stick?
Muscle Memory / Myonuclei Retention- Steroids increase the number of myonuclei in muscle fibers.
- These can persist for years, even after stopping.
- This gives you a long-term edge in regaining size ("muscle memory") — even if you lose some mass post-cycle.
Size and strength gains fade without ongoing stimulus and/or repeat cycles.
Side Effects That Can Be Permanent
- Hair loss (DHT-driven) — if you’re prone, it’s likely permanent.
- Gyno — glandular tissue won't reverse on its own.
- Low T / suppressed HPTA — recovery varies; some never return to baseline.
- Cardiovascular effects — elevated BP, heart wall thickening, lipids shifts can linger.
Growth Hormone — What’s Actually Long-Term?
Tendon, joint, and connective tissue support- Some report lasting improvements in nagging injuries after a few months of GH.
- Collagen synthesis and skin thickness may increase slightly.
Visceral fat loss / improved metabolism- GH helps reduce visceral fat — this can help reset your "bodyfat setpoint" if supported with good nutrition post-use.
No permanent muscle gains from GH alone- It’s a permissive hormone — not a builder by itself.
- No height increase in adults.
- GH gut/organs? Only a concern at high doses with insulin.
What Really Lasts?
Myonuclei = better long-term hypertrophy potential- Habits — if you lock in training, diet, sleep, those pay off for years
- Actual mass/strength? Mostly temporary unless maintained
- Side effects? Often the most “permanent” part
Final Thought:
A short, well-planned cycle won’t make you a monster overnight — but it can give you tools (and tissue) to work with later. Just be aware that the bad often sticks longer than the good.
Train smart. Recover smarter.
