Top 7 Testosterone Cycles: The Ultimate Stacking Guide

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 also why doctors are satisfied with issuing 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).

Different Types of Testosterone

The four most popular esters of testosterone are:

• Testosterone suspension
• Testosterone propionate
• Testosterone enanthate
• Testosterone cypionate (aka depo-testosterone)

No ester is essentially better than another, as they’re all effectively testosterone. However, how fast they kick in and how long each ester takes 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 very frequent injections (2 times a day) in order to maintain peak serum testosterone levels in the bloodstream.

Some of our patients have found suspension injections to be painful due to the fact that they require a bigger needle (due to their larger, non-micronized crystals).

Testosterone Propionate

Testosterone propionate is another fast-acting ester, albeit slower than suspension. We find this ester less popular due to its high cost. Some bodybuilders think propionate is cheap because its price is lower; however, propionate is dosed at 100 mg/mL instead of 250 mg/mL (the usual test dosage).

Thus, you’ll need to pay 2.5 times this 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, many bodybuilders 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 gains at the end of a cycle compared to the faster esters.

Since testosterone cypionate arrived on the scene, we have seen it become considerably more popular than enanthate in the US due to its limited availability worldwide, consequently becoming a native favorite.

Furthermore, cypionate injections may provide less irritation than enanthate for some users.

Top 7 Testosterone Cycles

Testosterone Cycle for Beginners

Using testosterone cypionate or enanthate

This testosterone cycle for beginners, despite being cautiously dosed, will 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 lbs 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.

Testosterone Side Effects

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 show this.

In contrast, powerful bulking steroids are very toxic, such as:

• Dianabol
• Anadrol
• Trenbolone

We find that testosterone in low to moderate doses only causes a mild spike in LDL cholesterol values, causing a rise in blood pressure.

Testosterone may cause androgenic-related side effects, as the Soviet Olympic team found out: having to use a catheter in order to urinate. Testosterone was the earliest form of steroid doping, which gave them 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 often have success with SERMs, such as Nolvadex, to prevent any potential expansion of the breast tissue.

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

Testosterone will suppress endogenous testosterone production post-cycle, causing a crash on a hormonal level. We find it takes 1-4 months for natural testosterone levels to recover, depending on the dose, length of cycle, and how often the person uses steroids. However, our patients often utilize a PCT to shorten this time, also benefiting them psychologically (giving them a normal sense of 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 (roughly 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 quickly 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 is a likely 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.

Testosterone and Dianabol

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

This steroid duo can rival any other when used for bulking purposes.

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 has the edge over testosterone for muscle and strength gains.

Side Effects

This stack will cause a wide range of side effects. Dianabol, being an oral steroid, will cause liver toxicity; thus, it should not be taken for an extended period of time. Our patients often take a liver support supplement (such as TUDCA) to prevent ALT and 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 notorious 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 (Nolvadex) throughout the entire cycle. However, a SERM won’t prevent any fluid retention.

Water retention is almost certain with this duo, causing users to feel bloated and their muscles to look smooth. 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 needed. HCG and Clomid should be sufficient to recover endogenous testosterone production (usually within 1-2 months). Failing to administer a PCT may result in users experiencing low testosterone symptoms for several months.

Although Dianabol isn’t exceptionally androgenic, the following side effects are possible (due to the presence of testosterone):

1. Enlarged prostate
2. Acne

Testosterone and Deca Durabolin

When stacking steroids together, side effects can dramatically worsen. The exception to this rule is testosterone and Deca Durabolin, both of which have less damaging effects on cholesterol in our LPTs (lipid profile tests) and no effect on the liver.

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

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

Deca isn’t as powerful as testosterone, so increases in muscle hypertrophy are not going to be extreme.

However, due to Deca’s mild toxicity, it makes for a complementary stacking component.

Side Effects

However, Deca Durabolin isn’t without side effects, with it being notorious for causing Deca dick. This is when users are unable to get an erection and simultaneously experience reduced libido. We have found this to be attributed to Deca’s low androgenicity, coupled with its lowering of endogenous testosterone production. DHT stimulates nitric oxide production, so weak androgens can negatively affect blood flow to the penis.

This makes testosterone a complementary stacking partner, with it being an androgenic steroid, so DHT levels will remain high during a cycle.

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

Thus, if you were to stack Deca with Anadrol, for example, it’s not an ideal combination because Anadrol cannot be run for long periods of time due to its high toxicity. However, testosterone can be taken for lengthy periods of time.

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

Deca does not cause gynecomastia in most users. However, anecdotally, we have seen SERMs such as Nolvadex exacerbate progesterone levels on Deca. Therefore, an AI may be taken (such as anastrozole) to lower levels. 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 medications can be taken together to resurrect natural testosterone production:

1. HCG
2. Nolvadex
3. Clomid

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 doesn’t aromatize, producing a ripped and muscular look.

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

Trenbolone actually has diuretic properties, hence why it’s also used as a cutting agent. Trenbolone is the most coveted steroid on the market when people want to look as muscular as possible while also appearing dry and vascular.

The unique element of this stack is that it is very androgenic, so there will be considerable fat loss as well as exceptional strength and muscle gains.

This fat-burning effect is due to androgen receptors increasing the expression of CPTI (carnitine palmitoyltransferase I), 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 see with the addition of trenbolone is a spike in blood pressure. This is because it does not convert to estrogen and thus can skew 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 very early signs of gynecomastia.

Three AIs we prescribe are:

• Anastrozole (Arimidex)
• Exemestane (Aromasin)
• Letrozole (Femara)

Hair loss on the scalp, enlarged prostate, and acne vulgaris are common side effects we see with testosterone/trenbolone stacks. This is due to it being a highly androgenic cycle. The extent of these adverse effects is dependent on a person’s genetics. Generally, if you 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, this is not a beneficial idea, as we have found such supplements reduce gains, with DHT being a highly anabolic hormone (4).

An aggressive PCT of hCG, Nolvadex, and Clomid will also be required on this testosterone/trenbolone cycle to prevent an almost certain crash (and to help solidify gains).

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 T3 to T4 in the body (5), stimulating metabolism and fat loss.

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

Mg for mg, Anavar is technically 6x more anabolic than testosterone (6); however, in real life, this does not translate into more muscle gains.

Therefore, testosterone and Anavar can be used as a fat-burning cycle while adding some 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/testosterone cycles have been shown to significantly increase lean mass during bulking while simultaneously preventing fat gains.

This is one of, if not the safest, steroid stacks that bodybuilders can take.

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 antagonist effects on testosterone are mild compared to other anabolic steroids.

Anavar does not aromatize or elevate progesterone levels. Thus, users will 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 should 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’ll already exist due to the presence of testosterone.

Testosterone and Anadrol

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

If someone has taken testosterone before but not Anadrol, this cycle will further increase muscular strength and hypertrophy.

However, Anadrol is a very toxic oral steroid, straining the liver and the heart. It is possibly the most toxic of all anabolic steroids. Therefore, although gains will be exceptional in terms of muscle size and strength, side effects will also be intense.

Note: We have seen this cycle (and other Anadrol cycles) cause devastating effects in beginners. Thus, only experienced steroid users should stack Anadrol with other AAS.

Side Effects

Anadrol will cause AST and ALT enzymes to rise quickly, both of which are markers of liver stress. Thus, liver support is essential if you’re going to run 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.

To try and keep blood pressure as low as possible, users are recommended to take 4 grams of fish oil per day, combined with clean eating and regular cardio. Although cardio may be the last thing a bodybuilder wants to do when bulking, it’ll offer cardiac protection, which users will be grateful for in years to come.

Anadrol is very estrogenic, causing significant amounts of water retention and potential gynecomastia in users. However, it does not aromatize, so taking an aromatase inhibitor (AI) won’t work to prevent gyno/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 speedy recovery.

Testosterone, Anadrol, and Trenbolone

The most toxic testosterone cycle we have seen is Anadrol/trenbolone/testosterone.

This trio of steroids should be considered somewhat dangerous, even for experienced bodybuilders, and should be used sparingly (if at all).

This will produce even harsher side effects than the Anadrol/testosterone, albeit with more muscle gains.

This cycle is only typically used by IFBB pros, where every pound of muscle mass 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.

FAQ

Can I Inject Testosterone Subcutaneously?

In our experience, testosterone is best injected intramuscularly, as subcutaneous injections can cause irritation spots as well as cause the oil to just sit, as it has to metabolize before it is absorbed.

Users may find injections less troublesome if they rotate the muscles they inject into. Some options are the chest, glutes, thigh, side deltoids, and trapezius. Also, if a user does not enjoy the injection process, they can choose a longer ester that requires fewer injections, such as cypionate and enanthate.

Reducing the needle gauge to 30 or 25 will also create a more pleasant and less painful injection experience.

Summary

Testosterone has muscle-building and fat-burning effects (9); however, because its anabolic effects are more potent, it’s often utilized in bulking cycles.

In terms of testosterone esters, there’s no need to inject anything other than enanthate or cypionate, as they are cheap, less troublesome, and don’t need to be injected regularly.

A person’s experience, tolerance, and objectives will determine which cycle they use.

A testosterone-only cycle is common among beginners, whereas testosterone/Anadrol is utilized by elite bodybuilders who can reasonably tolerate toxic compounds.

Equally, someone looking to keep their heart and liver in optimal condition may stack testosterone with Deca Durabolin or Anavar (staying away from trenbolone and Anadrol).

Note: Before taking testosterone, get a check-up with your doctor to make sure your heart and liver are in excellent condition, and continue to get checked over regularly throughout your cycle to minimize any damage.

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