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 exceptional 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 only minor adverse effects. Therefore, testosterone displays one of the most favorable risk-to-reward ratios out of all anabolic steroids.

We frequently observe cautiously dosed testosterone cycles adding more than 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 to no hepatotoxic effects, as evidenced by our liver function tests (1).

Due to its high market price, bodybuilders are 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 are also less irritating and troublesome than other testosterone variations, based on our experience.

Side Effects

• Androgenic
• Mild 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 most cardiovascular-friendly steroid based on our patient’s lipid panels.

Edema is also a common side effect due to testosterone inducing aromatization. During this process, estrogen levels rise, causing water retention in users. This hormonal shift often decreases muscle definition, bloating, or gynecomastia. Thus, we must control estrogen levels in sensitive users to prevent the accumulation of female breast tissue in the pectoral region.

In addition, the pituitary gland will signal 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, regularly cycling it during competition preparation. Anavar has anabolic effects in regard to muscle-building; however, such properties are only moderate compared to bulking steroids.

Conversely, people primarily seek Anavar for its potent fat-burning properties and its ability to expel water, which increases vascularity and muscle tone.

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

Anavar is also appropriate for women, as it rarely induces virilization at low to moderate dosages.

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

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

Side Effects

• Mild hepatotoxicity
• Mild cholesterol alterations
• Mild HPTA suppression

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

However, we have found Anavar’s hepatic effects to be relatively mild compared to other oral steroids, based on our liver function test (LFT) results. Thus, hepatotoxicity is not typically a major concern with Anavar.

Anavar will result in an imbalance in HDL and LDL levels, which will affect a user’s cholesterol profile. This has the potential to induce hypertension; however, it is improbable that blood pressure will reach an exceptionally elevated level. We have observed that the cardiovascular strain of Anavar is marginally greater than that of testosterone. We can attribute this to Anavar being an oral drug, hence inhibiting estrogen conversion and subsequently activating hepatic lipase.

Anavar will also result in testosterone suppression. However, endogenous testosterone levels typically normalize several weeks following cycle cessation. We have found the post-cycle recovery process to be comparatively brief with Anavar, as testosterone production is only moderately suppressed.

Bulking Cycles

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

The majority of the cycles listed below are physically demanding, rendering them only appropriate for intermediate and advanced users. The one exception to this rule is a testosterone-only cycle, which we have found to be the least hazardous bulking protocol.

Dianabol

Arnold Schwarzenegger, also known as the Austrian Oak, is believed to have utilized Dianabol, a renowned 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 will produce similar, if not slightly superior, results to testosterone in regard to muscular strength and hypertrophy. However, 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, this is not recommended. When we see Dianabol implemented prematurely, harsh cardiovascular and hepatic effects often follow. Thus, Dianabol is more suited for intermediates 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 single 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 alleviate 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 effective post-cycle therapy treatment to resurrect natural endogenous production.

Anadrol

Anadrol’s benefits largely mimic Dianabol’s, producing remarkable increases in muscle hypertrophy and strength. Anadrol is one of the most potent bulking steroids available, 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 gain over 30 pounds in weight.

Advanced steroid users may also consume dosages that exceed 100 mg per day.

Side Effects

• Highly cardiotoxic
• Highly hepatotoxic
• Estrogenic
• Highly suppressive

Anadrol causes significant fluctuations in blood pressure and liver enzymes, making it unsuitable for novices.

Anadrol is one of the most cardiotoxic steroids we have encountered. Additionally, it is one of the most debilitating steroids 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. We have found SERMs to be more advantageous than aromatase inhibitors (AIs) for treating high estrogen, with AIs exacerbating cardiovascular health.

Androgenic side effects are also 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 meticulous 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.

If bodybuilders could only select one steroid to transform their physiques as rapidly as possible, many of them would choose trenbolone.

Despite its classification as a mass-building compound, trenbolone does not induce water retention, resulting in a highly toned and lean physique.

Consequently, the weight gain associated with trenbolone will not be comparable to that of Dianabol or Anadrol. Nevertheless, it is equally effective in terms of its ability to exclusively build muscle tissue. One notable distinction is that users frequently maintain muscle size when they discontinue trenbolone, whereas they frequently lose intracellular water when they discontinue Dianabol or Anadrol.

However, trenbolone is capable of burning fat at a rapid pace in addition to facilitating muscle growth. This is due to its high androgenicity. Bodybuilders also employ trenbolone as a cutting steroid to accelerate fat loss while maintaining or even adding muscle on fewer calories.

Side Effects

• Highly cardiotoxic
• Highly androgenic
• Highly suppressive

Given its impressive results, it comes as no surprise that 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 aggressively 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 is also known to have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, triggering thermogenesis. This 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. Still, its low androgenicity necessitates its integration into a stack. Consequently, it is typically run in conjunction with Dianabol, testosterone, or Anadrol.

Deca Durabolin enhances protein synthesis and increases nitrogen retention in muscle fibers.

Deca Durabolin additionally promotes tremendous muscle fullness by increasing intracellular fluid volume.

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 will have minimal negative outcomes in comparison to other bulking stacks. 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 more appropriate for 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, as Anadrol is highly toxic.

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 mild nature, being regarded as one of the safest anabolic steroids on the market.

Our experiments indicate that blood pressure will increase, albeit in a subtle manner, and at a rate that is more comparable to that of Anavar than other anabolic compounds.

Hepatotoxicity is not a concern with Deca Durabolin, with it being an injectable steroid and thus largely bypassing liver metabolism.

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 should 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 slightly more muscle while experiencing harsher side effects. Therefore, novices should avoid using Winstrol, as it can cause excessive 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 should 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 also 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 not be suitable for bodybuilders who prefer to lift heavily.

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 should not be stacked with any additional oral steroids to prevent the onset of jaundice or liver cholestasis.

Testosterone levels will also decrease, reducing sperm quantity and quality. Users should avoid regular cycles of toxic anabolic steroids such as Winstrol. This will allow the body sufficient time to recuperate. Excessively frequent or prolonged cycles may result in testosterone deficiency or infertility.

Women should avoid Winstrol, as we find females are prone to masculinization, at least in moderate dosages.

Primobolan

Primobolan is a mild anabolic steroid available in oral or injectable form.

It is strikingly similar to Anavar in that it induces few side effects while promoting moderate muscle tissue accumulation and fat loss.

Primobolan is a milder alternative for the health-conscious steroid user, yet it will not replicate the results of Winstrol or trenbolone.

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

Primobolan can add up to 10 pounds of muscle while inducing subcutaneous fat loss. Similar to Anavar, Primobolan is a female-friendly steroid unlikely to produce virilization effects in our experience.

The above cycle is tailored specifically for men. We have overseen numerous 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, which we find manageable for most users, especially those who perform regular cardiovascular exercise.

Interestingly, Primobolan is not C-17 alpha-alkylated, despite being available in oral form. This structural change prevents 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 quality 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 patients’ body temperatures increase 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. Hence why bodybuilders often cycle clenbuterol for short durations, with cycle protocols as short as 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off.

Clenbuterol does not affect testosterone levels, so women can also take it in the same dosages without any complications, such as 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, doses should gradually increase to gauge the patient’s response to this drug.

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

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

Advanced Steroid Cycles

Only experienced bodybuilders who are healthy and have developed a tolerance to anabolic steroids should attempt the following steroid cycles.

Steroid cycles containing Anadrol, Superdrol, trenbolone, or Winstrol are advanced protocols. This is due to the toxic effects of these steroids, even when they are administered individually.

Anadrol, Testosterone, and Trenbolone Cycle

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

This cycle is also desirable for powerlifters seeking to set new personal records, irrespective of their experience level.

However, our patients’ laboratory test results typically deteriorate with this trio. Thus, if someone were to utilize this stack, they should do so seldomly.

We encourage our readers not to implement such cycles due to the long-term implications of such drugs.

Winstrol, Proviron, and Trenbolone Cycle

This is potentially the most potent cutting steroid cycle a bodybuilder can utilize; thus, it should be reserved for advanced users. In anticipation of a bodybuilding competition where exceptionally low body fat levels are rewarded, it is not uncommon for males to adopt such a stack.

This cycle will result in a rapid transformation of the user’s body with the simultaneous occurrence of diuretic, fat-burning, and muscle-building effects.

Only when a person is currently lean and seeking to become increasingly defined should they utilize this cycle. Someone with a higher body fat may not appreciate this cycle, as while it would stimulate significant weight loss, the diuretic effects would be obscured.

Alcohol Consumption During Steroid Cycles

Alcohol generally should be avoided when conducting steroid cycles, as it will exacerbate hepatic strain, depending on the volume of alcohol consumed.

Combining oral anabolic steroids with prescribed hepatotoxic medications may also cause liver complications.

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