12 Steroid Cycles: Exploring Different Approaches

Discover the 12 best steroid cycles handpicked by industry expert. From bulking to cutting, learn which anabolic steroids fit your goals. Looking for effective steroid cycle advice? Our in-depth guide provides the insight you need to make informed decisions about enhancing performance.

Rookie weightlifters often inquire about the most effective steroid cycles for their goals.

The appropriate response depends on the individual’s objectives with a steroid regimen.

For instance, those aiming to cut fat would follow a significantly distinctive cycle compared to those looking to build muscle mass.

Additionally, the ideal steroid cycle for men can vary greatly from what may be suitable for women, given that women seek to avoid virilizing agents.

In this guide, we will outline various steroid cycles aimed for beginner, intermediate, and specific goal-oriented users, whether for gaining size or for leaning out.

Beginner Steroid Cycles

Typically, the most effective steroid cycle for an individual is their first one.

The naive state of the body, with no resistance to anabolic steroids, often leads to noticeable and swift alterations in physique.

However, it’s worth noting that the initial cycle might also pose the greatest risk or have negative impacts, as the body has yet to accustom to AAS.

The best choice for a beginner is a steroid that carries a lower risk of side effects while still being effective enough to generate substantial muscle gains.

Note: Combining different steroids, known as stacking, is not usually recommended for beginners due to the increased risk of compounded side effects.

Testosterone Cycle

For many rookies in weightlifting, a cycle using only Testosterone is considered fundamental.

Testosterone is favored for its significant muscle and strength enhancement capabilities, alongside comparatively mild side effects.

Testosterone is considered to exhibit an excellent balance of benefits and risks when compared to other steroids.

With careful dosing, beginners often experience gains of over 20 pounds of lean muscle with Testosterone, as well as experiencing some fat loss due to its androgenic properties.

There can also be a noticeable increase in muscular strength to the tune of 50 pounds or more in compound lifts such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.

Though Testosterone is mainly available in injectable forms, which can bypass the liver and reduce hepatoxicity, it’s less convenient than oral delivery (1).

Note: While Testosterone does come in an oral form named Undecanoate or Andriol, it’s not widely used by bodybuilders due to its costliness in the market.

The discussed cycle is widely adopted by novices aiming for significant muscle and strength gain. Testosterone cypionate or enanthate are favored by beginners because they don’t require frequent injections and are less painful compared to other forms of Testosterone.

Testosterone Side Effects

Being androgenic, Testosterone may lead to issues like inflammation of the prostate, acne vulgaris, and male pattern baldness.

Testosterone can affect cholesterol levels, possibly leading to hypertension (2). However, increases in blood pressure are generally milder when compared to more severe AAS, with Testosterone likely being the most heart-friendly steroid available.

Due to the presence of aromatase enzyme, fluid retention and consequent bloating and puffy muscles are possible. Testosterone may contribute to gynecomastia, hence sensitive individuals may need to control estrogen to prevent excess tissue development in the chest area.

Testosterone usage also leads to hypogonadism, marking a substantial decrease in natural testosterone production (3); this is the result of the pituitary gland signaling to the testes to halt production due to high levels of exogenous testosterone aiming to keep the body’s internal environment stable.

Anavar Cycle

Anavar (Oxandrolone) is known in bodybuilding circles as a cutting steroid, often used in contest preparation.

While Anavar has muscle-building effects, they are more subdued compared to bulking steroids.

Its main draw is its strong fat-burning properties, alongside its ability to remove water, thereby enhancing vascularity and muscle definition.

Its potential to add lean mass while aiding fat reduction makes Anavar appealing to beginners. It also comes in an oral form, eliminating the need for injections.

Anavar is also considered relatively safe for women, rarely causing virilization when taken at low to moderate doses.

Typically, beginners might achieve a 12–15 lbs increase in lean muscle mass and a significant decrease in body fat percentage when using Anavar.

For males, the presented cycle is dosed for beginners. Women may consume 10 mg/day for 4 weeks; however, any dosage beyond this has often led to increased chances of masculinization from our observations.

Side Effects of Anavar

Anavar, a c-17 alpha-alkylated oral steroid, undergoes metabolism by the liver once absorbed into the bloodstream.

Though it does affect the liver, Anavar is considered to have a gentler impact compared to other oral steroids, as indicated by liver function tests (LFTs). Therefore, hepatotoxicity is typically not a major concern with the use of Anavar.

Nevertheless, Anavar can disrupt the cholesterol balance, notably affecting HDL and LDL levels, which can lead to hypertension. Still, the likelihood of experiencing extremely high blood pressure is low.

Cardiovascular stress from Anavar is deemed to be marginally more pronounced than that from testosterone. This may be attributed to the fact that Anavar doesn’t convert to estrogen and its oral administration, which in turn triggers hepatic lipase activity within the liver.

Testosterone suppression is another effect of Anavar usage, but normal serum levels are generally restored after a few weeks. Recovery of natural testosterone production post-cycle tends to be quick since Anavar doesn’t completely suppress the endogenous hormone formation.

Bulking Steroids Cycles

Bodybuilders seeking significant muscle size increases often employ bulking cycles.

Such cycles are demanding on the physique and are therefore recommended primarily for intermediate to advanced practitioners.

The sole exception to this recommendation is a cycle consisting solely of testosterone, which is perceived to be the safest bulking approach.

Cycle Information for Dianabol

Dianabol, the renown oral steroid allegedly used by ‘Austrian Oak’ Arnold Schwarzenegger, was created by Dr. John Bosley Ziegler with the goal of developing a substance that would have greater anabolic effects than testosterone but reduced androgenicity.

Dianabol is known to yield results comparable to testosterone in terms of muscular strength and size, yet it is associated with fewer androgenic effects, thereby reducing the likelihood of prostate enlargement, male pattern baldness, and acne in users.

Although it is occasionally used by novices (which is not advisable), Dianabol is more appropriately used by intermediate users who have experience with milder steroids like testosterone.

Dianabol is capable of adding 25–30 pounds of lean mass in a single cycle and is noted for significantly boosting strength, being one of the top steroids for raw power.

Side Effects of Dianabol

Dianabol is an oral steroid known for its harmful impact on liver enzymes AST and ALT.

To mitigate this impact, liver support supplements, for example, TUDCA, may be used.

Dianabol’s high estrogenic activity from aromatization can lead to side effects like water retention and gynecomastia.

The steroid is particularly challenging for cholesterol levels and may contribute to atherosclerosis due to water retention and hepatic lipase stimulation in the liver.

Testosterone levels tend to be significantly suppressed by Dianabol, necessitating an effective post-cycle therapy to restore natural testosterone production.

Anadrol Cycle Implications

Anadrol offers immense muscle hypertrophy and strength gains akin to Dianabol, typically resulting in slightly more weight gain due to its potency as a bulking steroid.

Anadrol is favored by some for its ability to avoid needle use, being an orally administered steroid.

Initial cycles of Anadrol have been anecdotally reported to generate upwards of 30 pounds in weight gain, and experienced steroid users may increase dosages to 100 mg/day.

Side Effects of Anadrol

Anadrol is not recommended for beginners due to its high toxicity and potential to cause significant blood pressure and liver enzyme level spikes.

It is one of the more severe steroids concerning cardiovascular health and liver stress. Individuals who consume alcohol habitually or have a history of high blood pressure should be particularly cautious.

Anadrol, known for causing substantial water retention, temporarily reduces muscle definition, making it a popular off-season selection.

Though Anadrol triggers estrogenic activity, it’s not via aromatase but through direct stimulation of estrogen receptors.

SERMs appear to be more effective at preventing gynecomastia with Anadrol compared to AIs.

Despite its low androgenic rating, androgenic side effects like male pattern baldness, oily skin, acne, and benign prostatic hyperplasia are potential risks.Anadrol has the potential to significantly suppress natural testosterone production, necessitating a carefully designed post-cycle therapy (PCT) to return testosterone levels to normalcy. From our observations, neglecting a proper PCT can lead to persistently low testosterone conditions for several months, or even cause permanent issues if misused.

Trenbolone Cycle

Trenbolone stands out in the realm of bulking agents, as it does not aromatize into estrogen, consequently delivering almost exclusively lean muscle mass gains.

Many bodybuilders would opt for Trenbolone if given the choice of a single steroid for rapid body transformation.

Despite being a dominant mass enhancer, Trenbolone is unique in that it does not provide any water retention, resulting in a stark and defined physical appearance.

While weight increases with Trenbolone may not be as dramatic as with Dianabol or Anadrol, in terms of pure muscle growth, its potency is on par. An observable distinction, however, is that post-Trenbolone cycle weight tends to be sustained by users, unlike the typical water weight shed experienced after Dianabol or Anadrol cycles.

Beyond muscle growth, Trenbolone notably excels in fat-burning due to its intense androgenic properties, which lead to a reduction in adipose tissue. Consequently, Trenbolone has gained popularity as a cutting steroid, helping bodybuilders to slash fat while maintaining or even growing muscle mass on a caloric deficit.

Trenbolone Side Effects

Trenbolone is recognized as one of the more potent steroids, which comes as no surprise given the impressive results reported by its users.

Like Testosterone, Trenbolone is an injectable steroid that does not present significant risks to the liver.

Nonetheless, it induces sharp increases in synthetic testosterone that does not convert to estrogen, potentially leading to major shifts in cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Trenbolone aggressively suppresses natural testosterone production, potentially leading to male hypogonadism.

Instances of acne vulgaris appear to be more common with Trenbolone, attributed to its heightened stimulation of sebaceous glands. Hair loss also occurs more frequently due to the dramatic rise in DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels. To give an idea of its strength, Trenbolone has an androgenic rating that is five times higher than that of Testosterone.

Trenbolone can also stimulate the central nervous system, prompting thermogenesis (elevated body temperature). Such stimulation can lead to side effects like insomnia, anxiety, increased agitation, excessive perspiration, and in those particularly sensitive, even paranoia.

Deca Durabolin Cycle

Deca Durabolin is another effective steroid for bulking, typically used in conjunction with other steroids due to its low androgenicity, such as Dianabol, Testosterone, or Anadrol.

It boosts nitrogen retention within muscle tissues and improves protein synthesis.

Deca Durabolin also contributes to significant muscle volume by enhancing intracellular water storage within muscle cells.

The strength of Deca Durabolin is challenging to evaluate on its own since it’s usually part of a combined-cycle regimen. However, the significant impact of Deca becomes evident when it is withdrawn from a steroid stack.

Deca and Testosterone Cycles

When compared to other bulking combinations, Deca Durabolin and Testosterone tend to cause the least side effects. This pairing is recommended once a user has adjusted to Testosterone solo cycles.

Deca Durabolin and Dianabol Cycle

This duo represents a popular combination from the bodybuilding golden era, famously adopted by figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger in the ’70s. This cycle is appropriate for those with intermediate steroid usage experience.

Deca Durabolin and Anadrol Cycle

High dosages characterize the above cycle, suggesting it’s for an experienced steroid user, as it includes Anadrol, known for its high toxicity.

Deca Durabolin Side Effects

Deca Durabolin is FDA-approved for treating muscle atrophy diseases, yet its use for bodybuilding remains illegal.

Its FDA approval implies a comparatively gentle profile, often considered among the safest anabolic steroids available.

Our findings indicate that while Deca Durabolin can increase blood pressure, the effect is moderate and similar to the rise seen with Anavar rather than with other bulking agents.

Liver toxicity is not a concern with Deca Durabolin, since it is a non-hepatotoxic injectable steroid.

Deca Durabolin has a reputation for causing sexual side effects, like erectile dysfunction, colloquially referred to as ‘Deca dick.’

Sexual dysfunction incidents stem from Deca Durabolin’s mild androgenic effects combined with elevated prolactin levels.

When the body’s androgen levels are low, nitric oxide levels, essential for penile blood flow, also drop.

Stacking Deca Durabolin with a more androgenic steroid like Anadrol, Testosterone, or Trenbolone can mitigate the decrease in nitric oxide levels.

Furthermore, Deca induces high prolactin levels in the bloodstream, which can lower male libido. Our research suggests that using cabergoline, a dopamine agonist, can reduce prolactin levels.Deca Durabolin usage typically leads to notable testosterone suppression, which means a considerable recovery period is required after cycling. It’s important during this time to engage in post-cycle therapy (PCT) and to avoid the intake of any additional steroids until natural testosterone levels have normalized.

Strategies for Steroid-Assisted Fat Reduction

A cutting cycle principally aims to diminish body fat while preserving lean muscle mass.

Two powerful agents for such cycles are Anavar and Trenbolone, which have already been discussed previously.

Next, we will go over alternative steroid options that can effectively aid in burning fat and concurrently increase muscle mass.

Cycle Involving Winstrol

Winstrol (Stanozolol) functions in a manner akin to Anavar, conferring moderate muscle enhancement while facilitating significant fat loss.

Similar to Anavar, Winstrol does not aromatize into estrogen and exhibits properties that promote the excretion of water from the body.

For individuals who are already fairly trim, Winstrol can propel them to achieve body fat percentages in the very low single digits when paired with rigorous exercise routines and strict dietary practices.

Winstrol is generally considered more potent than Anavar regarding both its positive aspects and potential adverse reactions.

Therefore, expect to see a tad more muscle development and more pronounced side effects, making Winstrol a poor choice for novices or those who are particularly sensitive.

Potential Negative Effects of Winstrol

Our assessment of lipid profiles indicates a marked impact of Winstrol on cholesterol, leading to a notable elevation in blood pressure. This can manifest physically with skin flushing and a pinkish hue.

We’ve observed that Winstrol may lead to joint discomfort due to its dehydrating effect, which removes the natural cushioning water provides to joint spaces.

This drying effect contrasts with Deca Durabolin’s and is generally unsuitable for bodybuilders who focus on heavy lifting.

Additionally, Winstrol suppresses collagen synthesis, elevating the risk of injuries and possibly expediting the aging process.

It is highly hepatotoxic; thus, cycles should remain short to minimize liver damage, and it should not be combined with other oral steroids to avoid complications like jaundice or liver cholestasis.

Testosterone levels will also drop, leading to reduced sperm count and quality. Regular usage of potent anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) like Winstrol without adequate recovery periods can lead to persistent low testosterone levels or infertility.

Women are advised against using Winstrol, as it tends to lead to masculinization in moderate use cases.

Cycle with Primobolan

Primobolan is a mild anabolic steroid that comes in pill or injectable forms, closely mirroring Anavar with its limited side effects while facilitating modest muscle growth and fat loss.

It doesn’t offer the swift and profound outcomes associated with Winstrol or Trenbolone; rather, it is a more conservative choice for users more concerned about their health (to the extent this is possible with steroid use).

Favored in the bodybuilding ‘golden era’, Primobolan assists in accruing up to 10 pounds of muscle mass and delivering a noticeable reduction in fat. Like Anavar, it is also regarded as a steroid suitable for women as it’s less likely to cause virilization effects based on our findings.

The information provided here is primarily for male users, although we’ve observed many women tolerating a daily dosage of 50–75 mg without masculine side effects.

Primobolan and Associated Side Effects

Primobolan is linked with some level of testosterone suppression, yet it is considerably milder than with other AAS.

It also has a slight impact on elevating blood pressure, but this is usually manageable for users, particularly those who engage in consistent cardiovascular exercise.

Since Primobolan is not c-17 alpha-alkylated, despite being available in an oral formulation, it is not severely taxing on the liver.

Stacking Primobolan with Anavar and Testosterone is common for enhanced effects.

Clenbuterol-Assisted Cycle

Clenbuterol is not an anabolic steroid but a bronchodilator, which is medically prescribed for improving breathing in patients with asthma.

While clenbuterol has shown to exhibit anabolic properties in studies, it is predominantly acclaimed for its fat loss and metabolic benefits.

Clenbuterol acts as a central nervous system stimulant, initiating fat breakdown through thermogenic processes.

We’ve observed body core temperatures of users increasing by about 1 degree, leading to heightened basal metabolic rates that last several weeks. However, when the body eventually readjusts its temperature after roughly 4–6 weeks, the fat loss effect subsides.

This is why some bodybuilders engage in temporary cycles of clenbuterol, often running for 2 weeks on followed by 2 weeks off.

Since clenbuterol doesn’t significantly interfere with hormone levels, it is also suitable for female use at the same dosages without impacting feminine characteristics.

Potential Adverse Effects of Clenbuterol

Increased heart rates exceeding 120 beats per minute and potential cardiac hypertrophy have been observed with clenbuterol use. It is prudent to incrementally adjust dosages to gauge an individual’s reaction to the drug.

Symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, and depressive mood may stem from the overstimulation of the nervous system and heightened adrenaline production.

Utilizing substances intended to lower heart rate to counteract these adverse effects might concurrently diminish the fat-burning benefits due to a decrease or elimination of the thermogenic response.

Complex Cycles for Steroid Use

Caution: Only individuals with extensive bodybuilding experience and a sound health profile who have gradually acclimatized to Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) should consider these cycles.

An advanced cycle is characterized by the inclusion of potent substances like Anadrol, Superdrol, Trenbolone, or Winstrol, each of which commands significant potency even when used in isolation.

Anadrol / Testosterone / Trenbolone Combination

This cycle ranks as the premier option for those pursuing aggressive bulking, leveraging the concerted effects of three robust muscle-enhancing steroids.

Its ability to deliver remarkable gains in strength and muscle mass makes it a go-to for powerlifters striving to surpass personal records, irrespective of their experience levels.

However, notable deterioration in lab tests is often observed with such combinations. Therefore, these should be undertaken sparingly, if at all.

We advise against engaging in such drug cycles due to potential long-lasting negative health effects.

Winstrol / Proviron / Trenbolone Regimen

This powerful cutting cycle is recommended solely for those with advanced steroid experience. This regimen is a common choice among bodybuilders preparing for competitions that favor extremely low body fat percentages.

A user following this program can expect transformative results with concurrent diuretic, fat loss, and muscle definition effects.

This particular cycle is best suited for individuals who are already lean and aim to become even more defined. Higher body fat users may not realize the same appreciable benefits, especially since diuretic effects can be challenging to discern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Safe to Drink Alcohol During Steroid Cycles?

It is advisable to abstain from alcohol while on steroid cycles, as alcohol consumption can intensify the burden on the liver, particularly with oral anabolic steroids known for their hepatotoxicity. Merging them with alcohol or other liver-stressing agents can heighten the risk of liver damage.

Dr. Grant Fourie

General Practitioner at Dr. G Fourie Clinic in Cape Town. | Website | + posts

Dr. Grant Fourie, a specialist in male hormones, is based in Cape Town, South Africa. He provides comprehensive treatments for conditions related to low testosterone, such as erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and mood changes. His methods include hormone replacement therapy and other modern treatment options.
Contact me via email or phone to book personal appointment in my clinic: The Village Square, Cape Town - South Africa

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