Top 12 Steroid Cycles: Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced Users

Bodybuilders frequently inquire about the most optimal steroid cycles due to anabolic steroids significantly enhancing body composition. The appropriate response to this is contingent upon the individual’s objectives. For instance, a user who desires to reduce fat mass would utilize a different cycle compared to an individual who desires to gain muscle mass.

Furthermore, the most advantageous steroid cycle for a male may be distinct from that of a female, as women are inclined to avoid compounds that induce virilization.

This guide will detail 12 steroid cycles that are tailored for:

1. Novices
2. Advanced users
3. Bulking and cutting phases

First Steroid Cycle

A user’s first steroid cycle is typically the most effective. This is because their bodies have not previously experienced such levels of anabolism or protein synthesis. Consequently, a first cycle results in swift and significant changes in body composition. However, the initial cycle may also be the most deleterious due to users not yet developing a tolerance to such toxic compounds.

Thus, the most effective steroid for first-time users is one that produces substantial muscle mass while exhibiting minimal adverse effects. Additionally, novices generally refrain from stacking steroids in tandem due to more severe side effects.

Disclosure: We do not accept any form of advertising on Inside Bodybuilding. We monetize our practice via doctor consultations and carefully chosen pharmaceutical recommendations, which have given our patients excellent results.

Testosterone

Among beginner weightlifters, a testosterone-only cycle is the standard protocol. This is due to testosterone producing substantial muscle and strength gains while causing less cardiotoxicity than other steroids.

We commonly observe cautiously dosed testosterone cycles adding 20 pounds of lean mass to newcomers. The androgenic essence of testosterone will also result in adipose tissue loss.

In addition, users’ strength during compound exercises, including bench presses, deadlifts, and squats, may increase by approximately 40–50 pounds.

Since testosterone is injectable, it is not the most convenient anabolic steroid. Nevertheless, this method of entrance allows it to reach the bloodstream promptly, bypassing the liver, unlike C-17 alpha-alkylated steroids. As a result, testosterone has minimal hepatotoxic effects, evidenced by our liver function tests (1).

Due to its high market price, bodybuilders can be less likely to use oral testosterone, also known as undecanoate or Andriol.

Novices frequently employ the aforementioned cycle to enhance their strength and muscle hypertrophy. Beginners commonly inject testosterone cypionate and enanthate due to their extended esters, which eliminates the need for frequent administrations.

Cypionate and enanthate injections can be less irritating to the skin than other testosterone variations, based on our experience.

Side Effects

• Androgenic
• Cardiotoxicity
• Estrogenic
• Hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA) suppression

Testosterone is androgenic in nature; thus, we commonly observe inflammation of the prostate, acne vulgaris, and male pattern baldness in patients.

Testosterone can also negatively affect high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ratios, potentially causing hypertension (2). However, we observe such elevations in blood pressure to be mild in comparison to more severe anabolic steroids. Thus, testosterone is the least cardiotoxic steroid based on our patient’s lipid panels.

Edema is a common side effect due to testosterone increasing aromatization. During this process, estrogen levels rise, causing water retention in users. This hormonal shift often decreases muscle definition while increasing the risk of bloating and gynecomastia. Thus, controlling estrogen levels is necessary for sensitive users to prevent the accumulation of female breast tissue.

During testosterone supplementation, the pituitary gland signals to the testes to cease producing testosterone, contributing to hypogonadism (3). This process occurs due to supraphysiological levels of serum testosterone and the body attempting to maintain homeostasis.

Anavar

The bodybuilding community refers to Anavar as a cutting steroid, with it commonly being cycled during competition preparation. Anavar has anabolic effects in regard to muscle-building; however, such properties are mild compared to bulking steroids.

Conversely, Anavar is predominantly utilized for its potent fat-burning properties and ability to expel water, increasing vascularity and muscle tone.

Anavar is a common choice among novices due to it simultaneously reducing fat mass and increasing lean muscle. Additionally, it is an oral medication, requiring no injections.

Anavar is also utilized by women, as it is less likely to cause virilization at low to moderate dosages.

On Anavar, we typically observe beginners gain 12–15 pounds of lean muscle while notably reducing their body fat percentage.

The dosage for the above regimen is common for a male novice. For females, the risk of masculinization increases when dosages exceed 10 mg per day or cycles surpass 4 weeks.

Side Effects

• Hepatotoxicity
• Cholesterol alterations
• HPTA suppression

Anavar is a C-17 alpha-alkylated oral steroid; thus, it is processed by the liver upon absorption into the bloodstream.

We have found Anavar’s hepatic effects to be less toxic compared to other oral steroids, based on our liver function test (LFT) results.

Anavar will result in an imbalance in HDL and LDL levels, which will affect a user’s cholesterol profile. Although Anavar is less cardiotoxic compared to most anabolic steroids, it still has the potential to induce hypertension.

Anavar and testosterone are among the least harmful anabolic steroids with regard to cholesterol. Based on our sphygmomanometer tests, the cardiovascular strain of Anavar is marginally greater than that of testosterone. This can be attributed to Anavar being an oral drug, hence inhibiting estrogen conversion and subsequently activating hepatic lipase.

Anavar will also cause testosterone suppression. We find that endogenous testosterone levels typically normalize several weeks following cycle cessation. However, if Anavar is abused, recovery is not certain.

Bulking Cycles

Bodybuilders use bulking cycles to achieve significant increases in muscle hypertrophy.

The majority of the cycles listed below are physically demanding; therefore, they are only typically administered by intermediate and advanced users. An exception to this rule is a testosterone-only cycle, which we have found to be the least toxic bulking protocol.

Dianabol

Arnold Schwarzenegger, also known as the Austrian Oak, is believed to have utilized Dianabol, an oral steroid, to enhance his performance on the Mr. Olympia stage.

Dr. John Bosley Ziegler formulated Dianabol with the intention of creating a compound more anabolic than testosterone but less androgenic.

Thus, Dianabol is likely to produce similar, if not slightly superior, results to testosterone in regard to muscular strength and hypertrophy.

Dianabol does not mimic the androgenic effects of testosterone, so the following incidents are less common among our patients:

1. Prostate enlargement
2. Male pattern baldness
3. Acne vulgaris

Dianabol is sometimes taken by beginners. However, when we see Dianabol implemented among novices, harsh cardiovascular and hepatic effects can follow. We observe fewer side effects among intermediates on Dianabol who have previously utilized a mild anabolic steroid, such as testosterone.

Dianabol has the capacity to add 25–30 pounds of lean mass from a cycle.

According to our powerlifting patients, Dianabol is one of the most potent steroids for increasing raw strength and power.

Side Effects

• Significant hepatotoxicity
• Estrogenic
• Significant cardiotoxicity
• Highly suppressive

Dianabol is a toxic oral steroid; thus, it frequently has undesirable effects on liver values, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Users can consume tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a liver support supplement, to reduce hepatic strain.

Dianabol increases aromatization and thus has high estrogenic activity. Consequently, water retention and gynecomastia are possible side effects.

Dianabol has a particularly negative effect on cholesterol, potentially causing atherosclerosis. The primary causes of Dianabol’s cardiotoxicity are water retention and the stimulation of the hepatic lipase enzyme in the liver.

We have diagnosed several patients as hypogonadal who have cycled Dianabol, following sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) tests. Consequently, they required post-cycle therapy treatment to resurrect natural endogenous production.

Anadrol

Anadrol’s benefits largely mimic Dianabol’s, producing significant increases in muscle hypertrophy and strength. Anadrol is one of the most potent bulking steroids, generating slightly more weight accumulation than Dianabol.

Anadrol is an oral steroid, which makes it advantageous for individuals who wish to circumvent injections. Anecdotally, we have observed that first-time Anadrol cycles can produce over 30 pounds in weight. However, a portion of this can be attributed to water retention that subsides post-cycle.

Advanced steroid users can consume dosages that exceed 100 mg per day; however, this presents high levels of toxicity.

Side Effects

• Highly cardiotoxic
• Highly hepatotoxic
• Estrogenic
• Highly suppressive

Anadrol causes significant fluctuations in blood pressure and liver enzymes.

Anadrol is one of the most cardiotoxic steroids we have encountered. Additionally, it is a debilitating steroid to the liver. Thus, this anabolic agent requires extreme caution, particularly for individuals who consume alcohol on a regular basis or have previously experienced high blood pressure.

Anadrol directly stimulates estrogen receptors, causing noticeable amounts of extracellular fluid retention. For this reason, people primarily use Anadrol as an off-season bulking steroid.

We have found selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) to be efficacious in reducing incidents of gynecomastia on Anadrol. SERMs can be more advantageous than aromatase inhibitors (AIs) for treating high estrogen, with AIs exacerbating cardiovascular health.

Androgenic side effects are common with Anadrol, despite its low androgenic rating of 45. Consequently, male pattern baldness, seborrhea, acne vulgaris, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may occur (4).

Anadrol will suppress testosterone levels, necessitating post-cycle therapy to reestablish normal testosterone function. In our experience, failure to employ effective post-cycle therapy can lead to gonadal deficiency for several months or permanently if anabolic steroids are abused.

Trenbolone

Trenbolone is a unique bulking compound as it:

1. Does not convert to estrogen
2. Produces weight gain primarily consisting of lean muscle tissue.

Despite its classification as a mass-building compound, trenbolone does not induce water retention, resulting in a toned and lean physique. Consequently, the weight gain associated with trenbolone is not comparable to that of Dianabol or Anadrol.

Nevertheless, it is equally effective in terms of its ability to build muscle tissue. One notable distinction is that users regularly maintain muscle size when they discontinue trenbolone, whereas they often lose intracellular water when they discontinue Dianabol or Anadrol.

Trenbolone significantly reduces fat mass while facilitating muscle growth. This is due to its high androgenicity inducing lipolysis. Bodybuilders also employ trenbolone as a cutting steroid to accelerate fat loss while maintaining muscle on fewer calories.

Side Effects

• Highly cardiotoxic
• Highly androgenic
• Highly suppressive

Despite its positive effects on body composition, trenbolone is one of the most precarious steroids we have encountered.

Since trenbolone is an injectable steroid, it does not compromise the liver like testosterone.

However, trenbolone does not induce aromatization, causing significant elevations in blood pressure, which are attributed to vast reductions in HDL.

Trenbolone will also suppress endogenous testosterone levels, resulting in male hypogonadism.

We have found incidents of acne vulgaris to be more prevalent on trenbolone due to excessive stimulation of the sebaceous glands. Additionally, we observe a higher incidence of hair follicle loss on trenbolone compared to other anabolic steroids. This is the result of exponential increases in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels.

To put trenbolone’s androgenicity into perspective, its androgen rating is 500, which is five times greater than that of testosterone.

Trenbolone has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, triggering thermogenesis and aiding fat burning. However, such stimulation can contribute to adverse effects, including insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, increased sweating, and even paranoia in sensitive users.

Deca Durabolin

Deca Durabolin is a bulking steroid also capable of adding notable amounts of muscle mass by enhancing protein synthesis and nitrogen retention in muscle fibers. Deca Durabolin also increases muscle fullness by increasing intracellular fluid volume.

It is rarely administered by itself as it reduces androgenicity, potentially causing sexual side effects, including impotence. Therefore, it is typically stacked with Anadrol, testosterone, or trenbolone.

It is challenging to evaluate the efficacy of Deca Durabolin in isolation, as it is often combined with other anabolic steroids. Despite this, we have observed reduced anabolism in users who remove Deca Durabolin from stacks.

Deca Durabolin and Testosterone 

This combination of testosterone and Deca Durabolin is the least toxic bulking stack in our experience. Intermediate users will commonly administer a testosterone and Deca Durabolin stack once their body comfortably tolerates testosterone-only cycles.

Deca Durabolin and Dianabol

This stack was one of the most prominent steroid cycles from the Golden Era, believed to be utilized by Arnold Schwarzenegger and other classic bodybuilders from the 1970s. This steroid cycle is a more standard protocol among intermediate steroid users.

Deca Durabolin and Anadrol

The above cycle contains relatively high dosages. This is indicative of its use by a seasoned steroid user, with Anadrol being a toxic steroid.

Side Effects

• Mildly cardiotoxic
• Impotence
• Highly suppressive

Deca Durabolin is an FDA-approved medication for cachexia-related ailments, although it is illegal to purchase for bodybuilding purposes in most countries.

Deca Durabolin’s FDA approval is indicative of the drug’s less toxic nature. One of our male patients described it as “one of the safest anabolic steroids.”

Our tests indicate that blood pressure will increase at a rate that is comparable to Anavar than harsher anabolic compounds.

Deca Durabolin is not notably hepatotoxic, with it being an injectable steroid and thus largely bypassing liver metabolism.

However, Deca Durabolin is notorious for causing sexual side effects, namely erectile dysfunction, in our male patients.

Deca Durabolin’s weak androgenic nature, when combined with high prolactin levels, causes cases of erectile dysfunction. When androgen levels are insufficient, nitric oxide (NO) concentrations decrease. Adequate NO production is essential for the provision of blood to penile tissue.

Stacking Deca Durabolin with an androgenic steroid such as Anadrol, testosterone, or trenbolone can mitigate low NO levels.

Deca Durabolin also raises prolactin levels, which may diminish libido in males. We have discovered that the addition of cabergoline, a dopamine receptor, has an inhibitory effect on prolactin.

Deca Durabolin will result in a significant reduction in testosterone levels, necessitating sufficient rehabilitation post-cycle. Until natural testosterone levels return to normal, users are advised to refrain from taking any other steroids and implement post-cycle therapy during this period.

Cutting Cycles

The main objectives of a cutting cycle are to:

1. Burn fat
2. Retain muscle tissue

The following is a comprehensive list of additional anabolic steroid cycles that simultaneously promote muscle hypertrophy and enhance fat burning.

Winstrol

Winstrol’s effects are similar to Anavar’s, allowing users to reduce fat mass while adding moderate amounts of muscle tissue.

Winstrol, akin to Anavar, does not convert to estrogen and possesses diuretic qualities.

In terms of its benefits and adverse effects, our tests indicate Winstrol to be slightly more potent than Anavar. Thus, on Winstrol, we observe users building a little more muscle while experiencing harsher side effects. Therefore, novices do not typically cycle Winstrol, as it can cause high levels of hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity.

Side Effects

• Highly cardiotoxic
• Highly hepatotoxic
• Joint issues
• Highly suppressive

Our lipid profile tests have shown Winstrol to cause significant shifts in cholesterol. Thus, users can anticipate a notable rise in blood pressure. This may also be readily apparent, as the epidermis may appear flushed or reddish in color.

We have observed Winstrol to cause joint pain as a result of excessive elimination of water out of the body, which serves as a cushion for the joints.

This dehydrating effect is the antithesis of Deca Durabolin and may be disadvantageous for bodybuilders who lift heavy weights.

Winstrol also reduces collagen production, which accelerates the aging process and increases the risk of injury.

Significant hepatotoxicity from Winstrol necessitates relatively brief cycles to prevent excessive liver damage. Winstrol, when stacked with additional oral steroids, increases the risk of jaundice or liver cholestasis.

Winstrol will suppress testosterone levels, reducing sperm quantity and quality. Users who administer regular cycles of toxic anabolic steroids such as Winstrol with inadequate time off in between cycles are at greater risk of testosterone deficiency or infertility.

Few women take Winstrol, as it is a compound that can cause masculinization in moderate dosages.

Primobolan

Primobolan is a less toxic anabolic steroid available in oral or injectable form. It is similar to Anavar in that it induces fewer side effects while promoting moderate muscle tissue accumulation and fat loss.

Because Primobolan is a milder compound, it will not replicate the results of Winstrol or trenbolone.

Bodybuilders used Primobolan during the Golden Era to prepare for competitions. Nevertheless, IFBB professionals today currently utilize more potent cutting compounds.

Primobolan can add up to 10 pounds of muscle while inducing subcutaneous fat loss. Similar to Anavar, Primobolan is more common among women, with fewer incidents of virilization in our experience.

The above Primobolan cycle details dosages used by males. We have overseen women administer 50–75 mg/day without experiencing masculinization.

Side Effects

• Mild HPTA suppression
• Mild cardiotoxicity
• Mild hepatotoxicity

Primobolan will cause testosterone suppression. However, such reductions are mild in contrast to other anabolic steroids.

Primobolan also causes modest increases in blood pressure.

Interestingly, Primobolan is not C-17 alpha-alkylated, despite existing in oral form. This structural change reduces hepatic stress.

Primobolan is commonly stacked with Anavar and testosterone for enhanced results.

Clenbuterol

Clenbuterol is not a steroid but instead a bronchodilator. Medical professionals prescribe it to optimize breathing in asthmatic patients.

Clenbuterol is occasionally incorrectly referred to as a cutting steroid due to its anabolic effects, at least in research. However, clenbuterol’s most potent trait in our experience is its metabolic effects.

Clenbuterol stimulates the nervous system, triggering lipolysis via the process of thermogenesis. A user’s body core temperature rises for several weeks, increasing their basal metabolic rate and calorie expenditure.

In this case, our patient’s body temperature increases by approximately 1 degree. We find that fat loss ceases approximately 4-6 weeks into a cycle when the body inevitably reaches homeostasis and cools down. This is why bodybuilders typically cycle clenbuterol for short durations, with brief protocols of 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off.

Clenbuterol does not affect testosterone levels. Therefore, women can cycle it without altering their femininity.

Side Effects

• Tachycardia
• Anxiety
• Hyperhidrosis

We have seen clenbuterol elevate patients’ heart rates to perilous levels, at over 120 beats per minute, and cause cardiac hypertrophy.

Therefore, cautious bodybuilders can increase their dose gradually to gauge their response to this drug in the early stages of a cycle.

Anxiety, insomnia, and depression are common complaints that can be attributed to overstimulation of the nervous system and excess adrenaline output.

Any supplement taken to reduce a patient’s heart rate may reduce fat loss, as the thermogenic effect is blunted.

Advanced Steroid Cycles

The following cycles are rarely taken by novice or intermediate steroid users. Instead, they are more common among advanced bodybuilders.

Steroid cycles containing Anadrol, Superdrol, trenbolone, or Winstrol are toxic protocols.

Anadrol, Testosterone, and Trenbolone

One of the most potent bulking combinations we have encountered is the cycle above. It combines three powerful mass-building steroids simultaneously, causing significant results in terms of muscular strength and hypertrophy. This cycle is also incorporated by powerlifters.

However, our patients’ laboratory test results typically deteriorate with this trio, with HDL being substantially reduced and testosterone levels measuring within a hypogonadal range (<8 nmol/L).

Winstrol, Proviron, and Trenbolone

This is potentially the most potent cutting steroid cycle; thus, it is predominantly utilized by advanced users seeking low levels of body fat.

This cycle commonly produces an expeditious transformation with simultaneous diuretic, fat-burning, and muscle-building effects.

A person with a higher body fat may observe reduced effects with this cycle, as although it would induce weight loss, its diuretic effects can be obscured by increased fat stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Alcohol Be Consumed During Steroid Cycles?

Alcohol consumption can increase hepatic strain during steroid cycles. Furthermore, combining oral anabolic steroids with prescribed hepatotoxic medications can cause liver complications.

Are Steroids Addictive?

Anabolic steroids can be addictive for some users due to higher levels of endorphins and enhanced body composition during a cycle. Post-cycle bodybuilders can experience a degree of muscle atrophy and decreased neurotransmitter levels, which can cause dependence in some bodybuilders.

Do I Need to Change My Diet During a Steroid Cycle?

This would depend on your current diet, your objectives, and the anabolic steroids taken. In our experience, bulking steroid cycles are complemented by a small calorie surplus diet. This aids protein synthesis for maximum strength and muscle gains. Equally, we have found that a small calorie deficit is optimal for maximum fat loss and muscle retention, which complements cutting steroid cycles.

How Important is Training While on Steroids?

We have had patients who took steroids and did not train, and they built muscle and burned fat despite being sedentary. However, their results are notably less compared to users who combine steroids with weightlifting.

What Tests Should I Have Before and During a Cycle?

We typically conduct any of the following tests before, during, or after a steroid cycle.

1. C-reactive protein (CRP)
2. Sphygmomanometry
3. Liver panel
4. Hormone panel
5. Complete blood count (CBC)

These tests help us understand the condition of our patient prior to a cycle, the level of toxicity during, and track recovery post-cycle.

Can I Take Anabolic Steroids Without Cycling Off?

Testosterone replacement therapy does not require users to implement cycles. However, bodybuilders utilizing supraphysiological doses of testosterone or other anabolic steroids are not advised to take them continuously due to prolonged toxicity.

What If I Have an Adverse Reaction to Anabolic Steroids?

If your symptoms are severe, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or you are hypertensive, you may need to call emergency services and cease supplementation. If symptoms are more benign, consult your doctor or a medical professional.

What Are Underground Lab Steroids?

These are steroids purchased illicitly, without regulation or quality control. Such products are not guaranteed to be authentic or contain the exact dose specified on the bottle.

Are Steroids Toxic to the Kidneys?

In our experience, bodybuilders have an increased risk of nephrotoxicity, with several of our patients displaying high creatinine levels from renal function tests. Leal Herlitz, MD, examined the kidney function of 10 bodybuilders who had utilized steroids long-term. She diagnosed 90% of them with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (5).

Can Anabolic Steroids Weaken the Immune System?

Yes, anabolic steroids can have notable immunosuppressive effects in clinical research (6). We have also observed abnormal IgG antibody levels in several of our patients via immunoglobulin tests.

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