Top 7 Testosterone Cycles: The Ultimate Stacking Guide

What Are the Origins of Testosterone?

In 1935, testosterone became the first-ever anabolic steroid, being extracted from a bull’s testicles.

Testosterone later came to market in the ’50s via the pharmaceutical company Upjohn.

In our experience, testosterone’s risk-to-reward ratio is perhaps the most optimal out of all anabolic steroids. This is one of the reasons why doctors issue testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) prescriptions to hundreds of thousands of men worldwide.

Testosterone is commonly used in beginner cycles while also acting as a base in more advanced cycles.

Upjohn is still manufacturing testosterone today, almost a century later, under a different name, Pharmacia & Upjohn.

What Are the Different Types of Testosterone?

The four standard esters of testosterone are:

1. Testosterone suspension
2. Testosterone propionate
3. Testosterone enanthate
4. Testosterone cypionate, also known as depo-testosterone

No ester is essentially better than another, as they are all effectively testosterone. However, how fast each ester peaks in the bloodstream and how long they take to clear out of the body varies.

Testosterone Suspension

Testosterone suspension is not recommended for beginners due to its fast-acting nature, being pure testosterone in water. Thus, it requires two injections per day to maintain peak serum testosterone levels in the bloodstream.

Some of our patients have found testosterone suspension injections to be painful. This can be attributed to testosterone suspension requiring a bigger needle due to it containing larger, non-micronized crystals.

Testosterone Propionate

Testosterone propionate is another fast-acting ester, albeit slower than suspension. We find this ester to be less common due to its high cost. Some bodybuilders view propionate as cost-effective because its price is lower; however, propionate is dosed at 100 mg/mL instead of the usual testosterone dosage, 250 mg/mL. Thus, users can pay 2.5 times the standard price to run a standard testosterone cycle.

Testosterone propionate eventually works out to be 50% higher in cost compared to other esters.

Also, because propionate injections are known to be painful, bodybuilders can opt for a different ester.

Testosterone Enanthate and Cypionate

Enanthate and cypionate are the two most common forms of testosterone, made up of longer esters that are slower to take effect.

This means users only need to inject once every 4–5 days, yet they can experience the same results at the end of a cycle compared to faster esters.

Since testosterone cypionate was formulated, we have seen it become more frequently used than enanthate in the US due to its limited availability worldwide. Furthermore, cypionate injections may provide less irritation than enanthate for some users.

Top 7 Testosterone Cycles

1. Testosterone Cycle for Beginners

The above protocol is typically utilized with testosterone cypionate or enanthate.

This testosterone cycle for beginners, despite being cautiously dosed, is likely to produce significant increases in muscular size and strength.

A first-time cycle, like this one, can produce approximately 20 pounds of lean mass. We have also seen strength increases of 30–50 pounds from users on compound lifts.

Muscle pumps will become more prominent due to large amounts of intracellular fluid filling the muscle cells.

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.

What Are the Side Effects of Testosterone?

Based on our tests, we consider testosterone to have the most optimal safety profile compared to other anabolic steroids.

With testosterone being an injectable steroid, it enters the bloodstream immediately, thus providing no obvious strain to the liver. One study found that administering 400 mg of oral testosterone per day for 20 days had no adverse effects on liver enzymes (1). Our patients’ LFTs (liver function tests) also demonstrate this.

In contrast, powerful bulking steroids can be notably toxic, such as:

• Dianabol
• Anadrol
• Trenbolone

We find that testosterone in low to moderate doses causes a mild spike in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol values, causing a rise in blood pressure.

Testosterone may cause androgenic-related side effects, as the Soviet Olympic team found out, with them having to use a catheter to urinate. Testosterone was the earliest form of steroid doping, which gave the Soviets a unique advantage at the expense of an enlarged prostate.

Oily skin, acne, and thinning of hair on the scalp are other possible androgenic side effects of testosterone that our patients sometimes experience. An increase in body or facial hair is also common.

Gynecomastia is a possibility for genetically sensitive users due to testosterone aromatizing and therefore being an estrogenic compound. Water retention is also to be expected.

When treating gynecomastia, we have had success with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as Nolvadex, to prevent breast tissue accumulation.

Nolvadex blocks estrogen, specifically in the mammary glands, while keeping estrogen levels circulating throughout the body. This significantly reduces the risk of gynecomastia without significantly lowering overall estrogen levels, thus keeping high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and serotonin levels optimal.

Testosterone will suppress endogenous testosterone production post-cycle, potentially causing hypogonadism. We find it can take 1–4 months for natural testosterone levels to recover, depending on the dose, length of cycle, and how often the person administers steroids.

However, our patients often utilize post-cycle therapy (PCT) to shorten this time, which also benefits them psychologically, improving their well-being. Endogenous testosterone recovery is not guaranteed if an individual abuses the steroid long-term.

Testosterone Cycle Before and After

This before-and-after transformation is typical of a bodybuilder’s results after taking a low-dose testosterone cycle for the first time. Users will lose fat and gain significant amounts of muscle, typically up to 20 pounds.

Testosterone Cycle (Higher Dose)

After a person’s first testosterone cycle, the above protocol can be utilized with higher dosages.

Staying on a low dose can lead to plateaus; however, by increasing the dose and length of the cycle, users can continue adding muscle and strength. 10 pounds of additional lean muscle can be gained as a result of this follow-up cycle.

Naturally, this cycle can increase the degree of side effects compared to the beginner protocol. Thus, testosterone suppression is likely to be heightened post-cycle, as are water retention, cholesterol, and the risk of gynecomastia.

2. Testosterone and Dianabol

This is a common bulking cycle that combines two potent mass-building steroids. The addition of Dianabol will enhance muscle and strength gains.

Dianabol, created by Dr. Ziegler, is less androgenic than testosterone but more anabolic.

Thus, we find androgenic side effects to be notably less on Dianabol; however, it is slightly more efficacious for muscle and strength gains.

Side Effects

This stack can cause notable side effects. Dianabol, being an oral steroid, will cause liver toxicity; thus, it should not be taken for an extended period. Our patients often take a liver support supplement such as tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) to prevent alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzymes from rising too high.

Dianabol is more cardiotoxic than testosterone. This is partly due to Dianabol being a potent oral steroid, which is well known for worsening cholesterol levels as it stimulates hepatic lipase in the liver.

Testosterone and Dianabol are both estrogenic and wet compounds; thus, gynecomastia should be classified as high-risk. To prevent this, an effective SERM can be taken, such as Nolvadex, throughout the entire cycle. However, a SERM will not mitigate fluid retention.

• Water retention is almost certain with testosterone and Dianabol, causing bloating and a smooth appearance to the muscles.
• Therefore, we see this cycle commonly taken during the off-season when a person is optimizing for mass instead of aesthetics.

Testosterone levels are likely to shut down post-cycle, so an aggressive post-cycle therapy protocol is often necessary.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and Clomid are often sufficient to recover endogenous testosterone production, usually within 1–2 months. Failing to administer PCT may result in users experiencing low testosterone symptoms for several months.

Although Dianabol is not very androgenic, the following side effects are possible due to the presence of testosterone:

• Enlarged prostate
• Acne

3. Testosterone and Deca Durabolin

When stacking steroids together, side effects can worsen. However, testosterone and Deca Durabolin both have less damaging effects on cholesterol compared to other anabolic steroids, based on our lipid profile tests. They also pose no significant toxicity to the liver.

Thus, if testosterone is the least toxic steroid, the combination of testosterone and Deca Durabolin may be the least toxic steroid cycle.

Deca Durabolin is another bulking steroid that can enhance muscle and strength gains.

Deca Durabolin is not as powerful as testosterone, so increases in muscle hypertrophy are unlikely to be extreme. However, due to Deca Durabolin’s mild toxicity, it can be a complementary stacking component.

Side Effects

Deca Durabolin is not without side effects, with it being known for causing erectile dysfunction. We have found this adverse effect to be attributed to Deca Durabolin’s low androgenicity, coupled with its lowering of endogenous testosterone production. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) stimulates nitric oxide production; therefore, weak androgenic compounds can negatively affect blood flow to the penis.

Thus, testosterone can be considered a complementary stacking partner, as it is an androgenic steroid, so DHT levels will remain high during a cycle.

Deca Durabolin also suits testosterone, as it requires a lengthy cycle and is a slow-acting steroid.

Thus, if users were to stack Deca Durabolin with Anadrol, for example, it is a less advantageous combination because Anadrol cannot be run for long periods due to its high toxicity. However, testosterone can be taken for a lengthy duration.

There is an additional risk of gynecomastia when taking Deca Durabolin due to its moderate progesterone activity.

We have not found Deca Durabolin to cause gynecomastia in most users. However, anecdotally, we have seen SERMs such as Nolvadex exacerbate progesterone levels on Deca Durabolin. Therefore, an aromatase inhibitor (AI) may be taken, such as anastrozole, to lower progesterone. However, AIs can worsen blood pressure levels, so our patients only take them if the nipples start to become swollen.

Testosterone suppression is likely to be dramatic post-cycle. Thus, PCT involving the following three medications can be taken together to resurrect natural testosterone production:

1. HCG
2. Nolvadex
3. Clomid

4. Testosterone and Trenbolone

This bulking stack commonly produces noteworthy increases in lean muscle and strength. Trenbolone is a unique bulking steroid in the sense that it does not aromatize, producing a lean and muscular look.

Testosterone and trenbolone will produce similar size gains as the testosterone and Dianabol cycle but without additional water retention.

Trenbolone has diuretic properties, hence why it is also used as a cutting agent. Trenbolone is typically cycled for those prioritizing muscle mass, vascularity, and a dry physique.

This stack is very androgenic, therefore users can experience considerable fat loss, as well as prominent strength and muscle results.

This fat-burning effect is due to androgen receptors increasing the expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPTI), consequently decreasing fat mass (2).

Side Effects

Trenbolone, like testosterone, is injectable; thus, there are no obvious damaging effects on the liver with this cycle.

The biggest concern we have with the addition of trenbolone is increases in blood pressure. This is because it does not convert to estrogen, and thus it can worsen cholesterol ratios. Taking 4 grams of fish oil per day has helped some of our patients stabilize their blood pressure (3).

Trenbolone, like Deca Durabolin, offers moderate progesterone activity, having the potential to cause gynecomastia. Thus, users may want to avoid using SERMs to prevent aggravating progesterone levels.

AIs may be used instead to prevent gynecomastia, offering protection from high estrogen and progesterone. However, as previously mentioned, AIs can worsen blood pressure. Thus, they should only be incorporated if users start to observe early signs of gynecomastia.

Three AIs we prescribe are:

1. Anastrozole (Arimidex)
2. Exemestane (Aromasin)
3. Letrozole (Femara)

Hair loss on the scalp, enlarged prostate, and acne vulgaris are common side effects we see with testosterone and trenbolone stacks. This is due to it being a highly androgenic cycle. The extent of these adverse effects is often dependent on a person’s genetics. Generally, if users experienced acne during puberty or currently have a receding hairline, this cycle may aggravate either or both.

Those wanting to protect their hair follicles may take DHT-blocking supplements. However, we have not found this to be a beneficial strategy, as such supplements can reduce gains, with DHT being a highly anabolic hormone (4).

An aggressive PCT of hCG, Nolvadex, and Clomid is also likely required on this testosterone and trenbolone cycle to prevent testosterone deficiency and to help retain results.

5. Testosterone and Anavar

The above cycle is tailored for intermediate steroid users utilizing moderate dosages. Instead, a novice may want to run a 6–7 week cycle with lower dosages, being 350 mg/week for testosterone and 15 mg/day of Anavar for the first 3 weeks, followed by 20 mg/day for the last 3 weeks.

Anavar (oxandrolone) is an oral anabolic and one of the least toxic steroids we have seen alongside testosterone.

Anavar is generally viewed as a cutting steroid due to its powerful fat-burning effects. This is due to Anavar’s ability to increase the ratio of triiodothyronine (T3) to thyroxine (T4) in the body (5), stimulating metabolism and fat loss.

Anavar is also anabolic, producing notable muscle and strength gains. However, these benefits are relatively mild compared to powerful bulking steroids, such as testosterone, in our experience.

On a per milligram basis, Anavar is technically 6 times more anabolic than testosterone (6); however, in vivo, this does not translate into additional muscle gains.

Therefore, testosterone and Anavar are commonly used as a fat-burning cycle while adding lean mass, when dieting on restricted calories.

Testosterone’s androgenic effects can complement the fat-burning effects of Anavar, albeit with some temporary water retention.

Anavar and testosterone cycles have been shown to significantly increase lean mass when bulking while simultaneously preventing fat gains. This is one of the least toxic steroid stacks that we have overseen.

Side Effects

Anavar will worsen testosterone suppression post-cycle, requiring a more advanced PCT compared to a testosterone-only cycle. However, our testing shows that Anavar’s antagonistic effects on endogenous testosterone are mild compared to other anabolic steroids.

Anavar does not aromatize or elevate progesterone levels. Thus, users may not experience any additional water retention or gynecomastia compared to a testosterone-only cycle.

We typically see Anavar shift cholesterol levels, reducing HDL and increasing LDL; therefore, a modest increase in blood pressure can be expected (7).

Anavar is hepatotoxic due to its oral nature. However, Anavar is metabolized differently than other oral steroids, with the kidneys taking on more of the workload, and thus it causes less hepatic inflammation.

Androgenic side effects are possible on Anavar; however, they will already exist due to the presence of testosterone.

6. Testosterone and Anadrol

This is a potent bulking cycle, often used in the off-season; it is similar to a testosterone and Dianabol stack.

If a user has taken testosterone before but not Anadrol, this cycle can further increase muscular strength and hypertrophy.

However, Anadrol is a very toxic oral steroid, straining the liver and the heart. Therefore, although results may be beneficial in terms of muscle size and strength, side effects may also be intense.

We have seen this duo and other Anadrol cycles cause devastating effects in beginners. Thus, only experienced steroid users typically stack Anadrol with other anabolic steroids.

Side Effects

Anadrol can cause AST and ALT enzymes to rise quickly, both of which are markers of liver stress. Thus, liver support is essential if users are utilizing this cycle.

TUDCA is the most effective supplement, in our experience, for lowering hepatotoxicity.

Blood pressure is our biggest concern with Anadrol, as it stimulates hepatic lipase and causes the body to retain large amounts of excess fluid.

In an attempt to normalize blood pressure, users are recommended to take 4 grams of fish oil per day, combined with healthy eating and regular cardiovascular exercise. Although endurance activities may not be what some bodybuilders want to do when bulking, they can offer cardiac protection.

Anadrol is estrogenic, causing significant amounts of water retention and potential gynecomastia in users. However, it does not aromatize, so taking an AI will not be effective in preventing gynecomastia or water retention from Anadrol.

Instead, a SERM like Nolvadex can be used, helping to block estrogenic activity directly in the breast tissue (8). We have found this to be a preferable treatment, considering SERMs do not exacerbate high blood pressure compared to AIs.

Anadrol is also androgenic, increasing the risk of:

• Prostate issues
• Hair loss on the scalp
• Acne

The addition of Anadrol will shut down testosterone levels further, so users can continue running Nolvadex post-cycle, combined with Clomid and hCG, for a faster recovery.

7. Testosterone, Anadrol, and Trenbolone

The above protocol is the most toxic testosterone cycle we have seen.

This trio of steroids can produce deleterious side effects, even for experienced bodybuilders, and should be used sparingly, if at all.

This stack will produce even harsher side effects than the Anadrol and testosterone cycle, albeit with enhanced muscle gains.

This cycle is only typically utilized by International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) pros, where maximum muscle hypertrophy is crucial.

For such bodybuilders, their place in a competition can greatly affect their careers and sponsorship deals; thus, some are willing to trade their health for success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Testosterone has muscle-building and fat-burning effects (10); however, because its anabolic effects are more potent, it is often utilized in bulking cycles.

In terms of testosterone esters, there are generally few reasons to inject anything other than enanthate or cypionate, as they are:

• Cost-effective
• Less troublesome
• Do not need to be administered regularly.

A person’s experience, tolerance, and objectives can determine which cycle they use. A testosterone-only cycle is common among beginners, whereas a testosterone and Anadrol cycle is more frequently utilized by elite bodybuilders who are more accustomed to tolerating such toxic compounds.

Equally, users seeking to keep their heart and liver in optimal condition may stack testosterone with Deca Durabolin or Anavar, avoiding trenbolone and Anadrol.

Before taking testosterone, individuals are advised to get a checkup with their doctor to ensure their heart is in excellent condition while continuing to get checked over regularly throughout their cycle to minimize any damage. We do not endorse supraphysiological dosages or the usage of testosterone without a prescription.

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