Sustanon 250 is a popular anabolic that contains a distinctive blend of four testosterone esters; delivering a unique, staggered release of the hormone post-injection.
In this guide, (which can be used as a guide for all Sustanon strengths) we take a closer look at the pros and cons of this renowned testosterone mix, plus Sustanon 250 cycle information and stacks used by bodybuilders today.
Firstly, when you inject Sustanon 250 (often abbreviated to “Sust”), the anabolic hormone you are administering is testosterone.
Sustanon 250 is a blend of different testosterone esters; however, it is still essentially testosterone; like cypionate or enanthate.
Therefore, in terms of muscle gains, it does not matter what form of testosterone you use, as it is the same compound and thus will produce an identical end result.
Thus, as with any testosterone product, Sustanon 250 is an excellent steroid for increasing muscle mass, strength and power.
The main difference between Sustanon 250 and other testosterone products, is that it has 4 esters, instead of 1.
In the event you are reading this and don’t want to use steroids or injectables, ANDRO is the #1 rated all natural Testosterone product. It replicates (to a lesser degree) the muscle-building and strength-enhancing effects of real Testosterone but without the unwanted side effects.
Users often take ANDRO when bulking. However, it also has fat-burning properties, making it a desirable cutting compound too. It also works well as part of a sound PCT protocol as well by helping the body to stimulate it’s own natural testosterone production.
What is an “Ester” and Why Does it Matter?
An ester is a carbon chain attached to the testosterone molecule that slows the release of the hormone in the body.
At one end of the spectrum is pure testosterone with no esters attached, such as testosterone suspension.
Once injected, the hormone is quickly released in the body and causes a fairly rapid spike in serum testosterone, which remains elevated for only a short period of time.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the likes of testosterone enanthate and cypionate which contain long ester chains, resulting in a slower release of testosterone after injection; and subsequently, an elevated level of the hormone remains for a couple of weeks.
In between these two are various other esters. The propionate ester is a popular choice for users who want a fairly quick elevation of the steroid, that lasts only several days.
For bodybuilders and athletes, an important requirement is the need to keep a relatively stable concentration of testosterone in the bloodstream. Doing so produces the desired anabolic benefits, whilst avoiding the undesirable side effects that stem from volatile hormone levels (which excessively peak and dip).
With this in mind, shorter esters require regular injections (daily or every other day), whereas longer esters, such as enanthate, typically only require injections once or twice a week.
This is where sustanon 250 is unique, with it containing quick releasing propionate and phenylpropionate esters, and slower releasing decanoate and isocaproate esters – resulting in a blend that effectively produces a quick, yet enduring release of testosterone.
How Often Do You Need to Inject Sustanon 250?
Like Testosterone enanthate, Sustanon 250 can be injected once or twice per week.
Sustanon 250 is usually fairly easy and inexpensive to source.
Each vial typically contains 250mg of testosterone per ml, comprised as follows:
100mg testosterone decanoate
60mg testosterone isocaproate
60mg testosterone phenylpropionate
30mg of testosterone propionate.
What Results Can I Expect?
Being the primary, naturally occurring male hormone; testosterone is the number one compound in the world of anabolic-androgenic steroids.
It is generally well-tolerated and widely considered the best choice for someone’s first cycle, as well as providing the perfect base compound for experienced bodybuilders when stacking several hormones together.
While results vary from person to person and depend on various other variables, users can expect testosterone to cause significant increases in muscle size and strength.
Those who are fairly new to anabolics and want to gain muscle mass, typically report Sustanon 250 cycles producing 20+lbs of weight gain over the course of a cycle; with roughly two-thirds of such weight being kept (once a cycle ceases and water retention normalizes).
Enanthate and cypionate are the most popular testosterone esters, as they do not need to be injected frequently. However, the downside is, they take a while to kick in and produce results. However, with Sustanon 250 users can experience fast results in the early stages of a cycle, due to the presence of propionate and phenylpropionate esters (yet inject at the same frequency as enanthate/cypionate)
For those who have already cycled other testosterone esters, there should be in theory little difference between swapping those esters for Sustanon 250, in terms of dosage guidelines and stacking options.
Sensitive individuals that are prone to side effects on testosterone are likely to experience the same outcome with sustanon 250.
Sustanon 250 Cycles and Stacks
Testosterone is a versatile hormone, suitable for both bulking and cutting cycles alike; due to its simultaneous anabolic and fat-burning effects.
However, Sustanon 250 is typically used in bulking cycles where maximum muscle gain is the goal. Great results can be achieved from running Sustanon on its own, yet many choose to stack it with other steroids that are also suited for adding mass, such as Anadrol.
Sustanon 250 is effective on its own during cutting cycles, promoting muscle retention and decreasing fat mass.
Many bodybuilders are afraid of losing muscle tissue when cutting, due to the catabolic environment that occurs with a calorie deficit; however, testosterone can alleviate such worries of diminished muscle hypertrophy.
A moderate dose of Sustanon 250 (350mg/week) will successfully preserve lean tissue during a cut, especially when stacked with other compounds that aid fat loss and muscle hardening (such as Anavar or Trenbolone).
Additionally, when using Sustanon for a cutting cycle, the use of an anti-aromatase in low doses can prove particularly useful for preventing water retention and gynecomastia.
For informational purposes, here are some common Sustanon 250 cycles and stacks, utilized by bodybuilders today:
Sustanon 250 Beginner Cycle
Note: Large gains in hypertrophy (size) and strength can be experienced on lower dosages among beginners, due to the muscles being particularly receptive to exogenous testosterone. Thus, beginners should avoid utilizing high dosages, allowing more potential for growth in future cycles, where higher dosages may be incorporated.
A PCT should begin following the final dosage, with decanoate’s half-life being 15 days and thus taking considerably longer to exit the body. Such PCT timing can also be applied to the steroid cycles below.
Sustanon 250 Intermediate Cycle
This Sustanon 250 cycle will continue adding mass in users who have already taken a cautious dosed testosterone cycle previously.
However, running higher dosages will also produce more pronounced side effects, which we will detail in the side effects section of this guide (further down).
Sustanon 250 and Anavar Cycle (Cutting)
Anavar is an oral steroid, predominantly used for cutting to enhance fat burning and muscle gains.
Thus, users will burn more subcutaneous fat with this cycle and experience additional lean mass; compared to running Sustanon 250 by itself.
Anavar does not aromatize, thus providing a dry and ripped appearance in users who are already relatively low in body fat.
Anavar is a mild steroid, thus cholesterol, blood pressure and liver enzymes will only rise moderately.
Note: Users wanting to avoid water retention or bloat on this cutting cycle can take Arimidex taken every other day to successfully prevent estrogen levels from rising.
Sustanon 250 and Deca Durabolin Cycle
This is a powerful bulking cycle, yet one of the mildest stacks in terms of side effects.
This cycle may be utilized after running several testosterone cycles; promoting further muscle growth.
Deca Durabolin has long esters and thus is a slow-acting steroid, hence the lengthy 10-week cycle.
Deca Durabolin is typically injected once per week.
Both testosterone and Deca Durabolin remain FDA-approved steroids in the world of medicine today, showcasing their safety when used under medical supervision and in therapeutic dosages.
Sustanon 250 and Trenbolone Cycle
Sustanon 250 and trenbolone are a potent combination, used for either bulking or cutting purposes.
This duo will cause exceptional muscle gains, whilst simultaneously stimulating rapid fat loss; due to high levels of androgens (causing a direct fat burning effect in adipose tissue).
These two compounds are perhaps the best steroids for increasing lean mass when run simultaneously.
However, this cycle is only suitable for advanced steroid users due to trenbolone’s toxic nature, in regards to cardiovascular health.
If this cycle is utilized for cutting purposes, an anti-estrogen such as arimidex may be used to prevent water retention, however doing so may exacerbate high blood pressure; due to it inhibiting the aromatase enzyme and thus worsening cholesterol ratios.
Sustanon 250 / Anadrol / Trenbolone Cycle
Note: This cycle is only typically performed by experienced steroid users.
This is by far the most potent bulking cycle a bodybuilder can take, causing unrivaled increases in mass.
Even users who have taken steroids for decades are likely to make impressive gains from this cycle, due to the sheer power of this trio.
This cycle should only be taken on rare occasions, with it having devastating effects on the heart and liver.
Liver strain will be significant (albeit most likely tolerable), due to Anadrol being the only hepatotoxic compound present.
However, cholesterol levels change drastically, almost certainly causing some level of hypertension. The risk of developing arteriosclerosis and heart disease is high with this cycle, thus if users have a history of such in their family; it may be wise to avoid such an extreme cycle.
Testosterone suppression will almost certainly shut down, requiring the most aggressive PCT possible; ideally a trio of Clomid, Nolvadex and hCG.
Although the above cycles are the most popular protocols, testosterone can also be successfully stacked with other anabolic steroids, such as:
This before and after picture demonstrates the typical results in users after their first testosterone/Sustanon 250 cycle.
Testosterone’s fat-burning effects are often underappreciated, with them being arguably as powerful as testosterone’s anabolic properties.
Thus, weight gain may not be the best method for tracking results on testosterone; with before and after pictures being more telling.
Users may lose some weight post-cycle, signifying a decrease in estrogen and thus a loss in extracellular fluid.
However, lean muscle tissue will be retained after a cycle finishes, should users continue lifting weights regularly.
Strength gains of 50+lbs are common (on main compound lifts) when taking testosterone for the first time.
Sustanon 250 Side Effects
As with other testosterone products, Sustanon 250 can produce several undesirable side effects.
Firstly, androgenic-related side effects, including oily skin, acne, accelerated baldness and increased aggressiveness are fairly common.
As with all steroids, tolerance differs from person to person. It is only possible to gauge such sensitivity once a cycle is embarked upon.
That said, if users are particularly prone to acne breakouts or currently suffer from male pattern baldness, testosterone and other androgenic steroids can be expected to worsen such conditions.
Further unwanted side effects can be experienced due to heightened estrogen levels, that build up during a Sustanon 250 cycle, due to aromatization (the conversion of testosterone into estrogen).
Heightened estrogen levels can cause increased water retention and gynecomastia – the formation of breast tissue.
The initial stages of gynecomastia typically involve itchy or sore nipples, developing into a notable mass of tissue behind the nipple. If left unchecked, such tissue can continue to expand and is only rectifiable with surgery.
Thankfully, most users find testosterone tolerable and do not suffer from gynecomastia. For those that do, such estrogen-related side effects can usually be controlled with either an anti-estrogen or AI (aromatase inhibitor).
Anti-estrogen products (such as Nolvadex and Clomid) actively compete with estrogen at a receptor level, reducing their effects.
Both Nolvadex and Clomid are inexpensive and easy to source – it is always advisable to have an ample supply on hand during and after a cycle. They are also the primary drugs used during post cycle therapy (PCT), to kickstart endogenous testosterone production.
It is also possible to reduce oestrogen levels by taking an anti-aromatase drug, such as Letrozole or Anastrozole. These drugs reduce the conversion of testosterone into oestrogen and are typically taken during a cycle by those prone to oestrogenic side effects.
Testosterone will also suppress endogenous testosterone levels, causing potential testicular atrophy (shrinkage). Thus, at the end of any cycle always ensure to run a proper post cycle therapy aiding the recovery of natural hormone production.
Sustanon 250 does not cause any hepatic (liver) implications due to it being an injectable steroid.
Sustanon 250, and other testosterone esters, will raise LDL cholesterol levels; however, this effect is acute compared to other AAS.
In fact, testosterone appears to be one of the least destructive steroids from a cardiovascular standpoint; however, precautions should still be taken; including fish oil supplementation (4g/day), regular cardio and frequent checkups with your doctor to monitor blood lipids.
Turinabol is a kind of steroid that may be used to gain muscle growth. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or a professional bodybuilder, this steroid will aid you in reaching your goals. It will also provide several health benefits, including improved sleep quality, higher focus, and increased daytime vigor.
What does Turinabol do for bodybuilders?
Turinabol’s abilities may encourage bodybuilders to use it to gain lean muscle mass, increase their workout intensity, and increase their exercise output. This product may increase your body’s strength and stamina, allowing you to push past your limits. This could also aid in increasing your endurance.
How much Turinabol should you take a day?
Advanced users or professional bodybuilders: minimum of 80-100mg a day, though some may take more than this.
When should you take Turinabol?
Most beginners to bodybuilding with steroids will start taking Turinabol at around 20mg once a day for a four-week cycle. A more advanced steroid user might take up to 50mg per day, and for six weeks – be careful to research what’s right for you and your progress.
Half Life
Turinabol’s half life is approximately 16 hours… so once daily dosing of the drug can suffice. But you can alternately do split dosing and split your daily dose into 2 doses for the day if you prefer.
In Depth Info on Turinabol
Turinabol Benefits
Increased muscularity
Enhanced strength
Fat loss
No Estrogenic effects
Weak Androgen
Due to Turinabol being moderately anabolic and not causing water retention, it is often utilized as a cutting steroid to maximize fat burning and retain muscle tissue (whilst in a caloric deficit).
Turinabol also will burn subcutaneous fat stores, similar to other anabolic steroids, due to it essentially being exogenous testosterone and thus causing a reduction in adipose tissue.
Turinabol is not estrogenic, due to the 4-chloro alteration of clostebol, thus it poses no issues in regards to gynecomastia or fluid retention.
Tbol also is not androgenic, with an androgenic score of zero, thus cases of acne vulgaris, androgenic alopecia (hair loss) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement) are rare.
Turinabol Results
It may be used as a bulking agent among beginners, helping them to build 15lbs+ of lean muscle; however, such gains in hypertrophy are unlikely among experienced steroid users.
Turinabol is not suited for users wanting exceptional results in terms of mass gain, with it only possessing an anabolic rating of 54. Thus, if purely size is the goal; Testosterone, Anadrol, Trenbolone or Dianabol are more potent compounds.
Dr. Thomas O’Connor suggests that Turinabol may be more powerful than Anavar, but less so than Winstrol; in regards to its effects on body composition.
Results on Turinabol will be slow and steady, with a half-life of 16 hours. This is double the time of Winstrol and approximately 50% longer than Anavar.
Therefore, Turinabol is not an oral steroid that peaks quickly in the bloodstream and results in rapid muscle gains/fat loss, thus requiring lengthier cycles for the drug to build up in a user’s system.
Strength gains on Turinabol are also profound, with a 1973 report stating that a dose of 10mg/day, administered to a female shot put athlete, increased her throwing distance by 2 meters within 11 weeks.
Turinabol Side Effects
Virilization
Liver toxicity
HDL cholesterol
Testosterone suppression
Virilization
Despite Turinabol having a 0 androgen rating, it does have the power to cause virilization effects in women.
Such masculinization was evident during the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, where the East German swimmers had exceptionally broad shoulders and deeper sounding voices.
One possible reason why such effects became obvious, some 10 years after the athletes started taking Turinabol, was because of dosages being gradually increased each year.
Also, since the early 1970s, many female athletes started taking other virilizing steroids; such as testosterone esters and Nandrolone (Deca Durabolin).
By this time some of the athletes refused such treatment, due to these additional compounds being injectables (a less subtle form of administration versus orals).
It is difficult to gauge how potent Turinabol is for producing masculinization in women, as the East Germany athletes were taking other steroids simultaneously; and for a lack of medical research conducted on Tbol.
However, it is reasonable to assume that it is generally well-tolerated among females in cautious dosages; based on the imperceptible (unapparent) effects in its first few years of use.
Liver Toxicity
Liver stress enzyme markers, such as AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) will rise on Turinabol, due to it being a c-17 alpha-alkylated steroid and thus passing through the liver.
Some bodybuilders believe that Turinabol’s hepatotoxicity is only mild, due to it being a generally well-tolerated drug.
This may be true; however, users should not be complacent and use turinabol in lengthy cycles (beyond 8 weeks); as liver failure and jaundice is possible.
Dr. Thomas O’Connor had a patient who ran Turinabol by itself for approximately 1-2 years, believing it to be safe, due to it being routinely prescribed to the East German athletes in the 60s and 70s. This patient ended up developing peliosis hepatis — a serious vascular condition where blood-filled cysts accumulate on the liver.
This man required surgery, where doctors successfully removed parts of his liver, aiding in his recovery.
HDL Cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels will decrease on Turinabol, causing a mild-to-moderate spike in blood pressure.
This adverse effect on blood lipids is typical when taking any anabolic steroid, however oral steroids typically cause more cardiovascular strain, due to them stimulating the hepatic lipase enzyme in the liver (causing greater fluctuations in cholesterol).
Those who have existing high blood pressure or a history of heart disease in their family should avoid anabolic steroids in general.
To reduce the risk of hypertension on Turinabol, users are advised to perform regular cardio and supplement with 4 grams of fish oil per day (for the duration of a cycle); due to it improving endothelial function and reducing plaque build-up in the arteries.
Testosterone Suppression
All anabolic steroids increase exogenous testosterone levels and decrease endogenous (natural) levels.
The degree of severity in regards to HPG (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal) axis shut down, often depends on the potency of a steroid and the dosages taken.
Turinabol when taken by itself will cause a moderate decline in natural testosterone production, similar to Anavar; however such suppression can be exacerbated if cycled in conjunction with other steroids.
To accelerate the recovery of endogenous testosterone levels post-cycle, users may incorporate a PCT (post cycle therapy).
SERMs such as Clomiphene (Clomid) and Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) have shown to be effective in restoring male hormone levels.
Bodybuilders often take 30mg of Nolvadex per day or/and 100mg of Clomid per day, with a PCT lasting approximately 30 days.
If a Turinabol-only cycle is being performed, only one SERM may be needed post-cycle.
However, if Turinabol is stacked with other suppressive anabolics, two SERMs may be taken synchronously.
For an increasingly aggressive approach, some users may add hCG to their PCT protocol (with 2,000 IU of hCG administered every other day for 20 days).
Turinabol Cycles
Turinabol is commonly taken in dosages of 15-40mg/per day. The lower end of this range is tailored for improvements in athletic performance, with 40mg being more optimal for bodybuilders looking to add lean mass.
Turinabol is typically taken for 6-8 weeks, which is a somewhat lengthy oral cycle, due to its longer ester structure (slow-acting properties).
Turinabol-Only Cycle (For Men)
Intermediate bodybuilders may choose to extend the above cycle to 8 weeks if their liver enzymes and blood pressure are under control.
Some bodybuilders increase their dosage up to 80mg/day; however, this is unnecessary and will cause great toxicity. If users experience no positive effects on 40mg/day, there is a high chance the compound is not actually Turinabol, but instead a placebo (or heavily diluted).
Turinabol-Only Cycle (For Women)
Such low dosages of Tbol (5mg) are unlikely to cause male secondary sex characteristics in women.
Females have only a fraction of a male’s endogenous testosterone level, thus only small dosages of steroids are needed to produce exceptional results and drastic improvements in body composition.
Turinabol and Testosterone Cycle
Turinabol and Testosterone complement each other well, with Testosterone failing to pose any strain on the liver; whilst causing only mild fluctuations in cholesterol.
This duo can be used as a bulking or cutting cycle, with it simultaneously promoting lean mass gain and fat loss.
Testosterone is one of the most effective bulking AAS, producing exceptional muscularity and strength gains. Cypionate and Enanthate are popular esters among bodybuilders, promoting slow and steady, yet significant results.
If used as a cutting cycle, an anti-estrogen may be used to prevent water retention from the addition of Testosterone. Letrozole or Anastrozole are popular options, inhibiting aromatization (the conversion of testosterone into estrogen).
Erection quality and function can decrease in the latter stages of a Turinabol-only cycle, due to its low androgenicity. Weak androgens often cause a decline in sexual health, due to the lowering of DHT levels. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) plays a crucial role in nitric oxide production, needed for optimal blood flow and circulation to the penis.
Therefore, by stacking Turinabol with an androgenic steroid (like Testosterone), users can maintain high levels of DHT and nitric oxide production — preventing impotence.
However, high DHT levels can also cause more frequent incidents of hair loss (on the scalp), acne vulgaris and prostate enlargement.
Turinabol Reviews
We have collected several reviews from various anonymous Turinabol users, giving our readers a better understanding of how this steroid affects different people.
Good size increases. Shoulders increased a lot more than I expected. Arms went from 14 1/2 to 15 1/4. Waist went from 32 1/2 to 34. Back also increased quite a bit, traps especially. Also had good muscle fullness most of the time. I did not experience big size increases till week 3-4. About midway through week 3 my weight started shooting up 2lbs a day.
My bench press went from 300 to 335lbs in 4 weeks. 40 mg Tbol every day. Just a simple linear increase 3×5 for bench, 2-3 times a week. No libido or other problems, no bloat (legit tbol). Kept all gains, can’t understand the hate for orals.
Super underrated. For me, Tbol gave nice clean gains. My bench went up consistently 5 lbs every week and the gains remained after stopping. People always say it is Dbol’s little brother but I stopped Dbol and went back to Tbol because the gains were identical for me except with TBOL there was zero water retention and my estrogen didn’t skyrocket.
I had never run more than a mile in my life. On 50mg of Tbol I ran 3 miles and then went for some squats. I ran dbol 30mg/day as well for the last two weeks of the 6 week Tbol cycle. Smashed PRs in every gym session and could still run like a horse with evil Dbol in me. Amazing stuff, would run it alongside almost anything. One of my favorite orals. While it may not pack a huge punch like Superdrol or shred you down like Anavar, it just seems to make everything work that much better. Since it frees up more testosterone, due to less binding with SHBG, it works great with Test; and even better the more compounds you stack.
It was my first oral to kickstart my first cycle. I remember coming home a few weeks after the start, popping my shirt off to try on some new clothes my mum bought me and my parents were like…what the hell happened to your body. I didn’t get huge or anything, but I became an aesthetic beast on Tbol that could work endless sets. I have not had one compound to date that gave me the same work efficiency and intensity over time as Tbol has. Not even Tren + Superdrol.
Turinabol vs Anavar
Turinabol and Anavar are similar, with both of them being orals and non-estrogenic compounds.
They both promote lean muscle mass, strength gains and fat loss.
However, Turinabol’s effects are believed to be slightly more pronounced compared to Anavar, thus Tbol may have an edge in terms of muscle and strength gains.
On the flip side, Turinabol may cause slightly more side effects than Anavar, such as higher fluctuations in cholesterol, ALT/AST liver enzymes and further testosterone suppression.
Turinabol is considerably cheaper to buy on the black market compared to Anavar, with Oxandrolone being one of the most expensive steroids (costing as much as several hundred dollars per cycle).
Some users suggest that Turinabol causes less synovial fluid dehydration, thus being more joint-friendly than Anavar (and Winstrol). This may be of interest to bodybuilders who perform fewer repetitions, lifting heavier weights.
Anavar is a female-friendly steroid that rarely produces virilization effects, and the same may be true for Turinabol.
However, due to Turinabol’s slightly more potent nature, it is fair to assume that Anavar is a safer compound for women. Since Anavar’s creation in 1962, there is more research available regarding its effects on women; plus it continues to be used in medicine today.
Testosterone Enanthate, is an anabolic and androgenic steroid (AAS) used to treat low testosterone levels. Anabolic medications work by building muscles, while androgenic suggests the overhaul of male sex characteristics. Used in clinical philosophy since the 1950s, Testosterone Enanthate is showcased under different names, including, Testosterone Heptanoate. As a Class III medication, Testosterone Enanthate is named a controlled substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Effects on the body
The use of Testosterone Enanthate leads to an increase in muscle mass, this is due to the fact that fluid in the body begins to linger, due to the high concentration of sodium. Like Testosterone Propionate, Enanthate stimulates regeneration processes, so it is often used to treat joint diseases and eliminate problems in the intervertebral discs. The action of the steroid is noticeable throughout the body:
Better motivation, there is a surge of strength and there is a desire to exercise more;
General tone rises;
Increased sexual desire;
Spermatogenesis increases;
Increased red blood cell mass;
Improvement of nitrogen metabolism.
Athletes taking Testosterone Enanthate easily increase strength. Therefore, this drug is in demand by both weightlifters and powerlifting.
Ideal Dosage for Testosterone Enanthate
For many medicinal purposes, Testosterone Enanthate is injected intramuscularly about twice a month. To avoid the fluctuating hormone levels (and the related mental states), lower doses are suggested to be routinely injected in-between this time. The dose may change by individual tolerances and the purpose of use. For male hypogonadism, the recommended dose is 50 to 400mg twice a month. For delayed puberty, the dosage is 5 to 200mg twice a month. For breast cancer, 200 to 400mg twice a month. For the purpose of hormone therapy, the recommended and effective dosage ranges between 50mg to 200mg for every week. Sometimes 100mg to 250mg per week can also be administered.
Bodybuilders and athletes who inject Testosterone Enanthate for performance improvement purposes will take between 300-500mg consistently. This range is extraordinarily typical if the hormone is simply being used to fight natural testosterone suppression brought by the use of other anabolic steroids. To get the most extraordinary results out of this steroid, those in the extreme sport industry will inject between 400-500mg (or more) regularly. Users who take this dosage show that the negative symptoms are irrelevant and the people who experience side effects find them easy to control. You should be aware that any higher doses may cause some unfavorable effects.
Anavar (Oxandrolone) is an oral anabolic steroid, created in 1962 to promote lean muscle mass in those suffering from muscle-wasting conditions. The other main objective when formulating Anavar was to create a mild drug, with few side effects, so women and children could safely take it.
In 1964, an American pharmaceutical company named G.D Searle & Co brought Anavar to market.
It was successful in becoming an effective treatment for men, women and children suffering from catabolic illnesses, burns, infections and those recovering from surgery. Anavar was also prescribed for treating osteoporosis, due to its ability to increase bone mineral density.
As doctors’ understanding of Anavar evolved, it became a medicine deemed as safe, with Anavar remaining FDA-approved even today. This is contrary to other steroids, where they were initially approved for medicinal, but later banned by the FDA; due to harsh side effects later becoming well-known.
Despite studies proving the safety of Anavar long-term, it is currently banned for recreational purposes. Anavar is classed as a schedule III controlled substance, although it is still widely used in medicine today.
G.D Searle & Co removed Anavar from the market in 1989. This was partly due to bad publicity, stemming from athletes and bodybuilders using Anavar to cheat in sports, given the drug’s performance and muscle-enhancing effects.
However, in 1995 Anavar made a comeback, returning to pharmacies under the brand name Oxandrin, now produced by BTG (Bio-Technology General Corp).
BTG arranged a deal with Searle where they would continue manufacturing the steroid but would distribute it exclusively to BTG — thus being sold under a new company name.
BTG was granted orphan drug designation, for treating rare muscle-wasting diseases and conditions (AIDS, Turners syndrome, muscular dystrophy). This gave BTG 7 years of market exclusivity, resulting in a pharmaceutical monopoly. Consequently, BTG was able to significantly increase the price of Anavar by 1,200%.
Oxandrin is still sold today but under the newly formed company name of Savient (formerly BTG).
Generic Anavar is now produced and sold, with the orphan drug designation expiring, destroying BTG’s monopoly.
However, due to this previous elevation in price, plus high demand for Anavar and only a few labs in the world producing it; Anavar still remains expensive today. It is regarded as one of the highest-priced steroids on the market, along with Primobolan.
Anavar is typically used by bodybuilders in cutting cycles, due to its simultaneous fat-burning and muscle-building effects. Powerlifters can also cycle Anavar before meets, due to it significantly increasing strength.
Anavar Benefits
Anavar is one of the most coveted steroids on the market, despite its high market price. Here is why vast amounts of bodybuilders are eager to purchase oxandrolone:
Muscle gain
Fat loss
Strength-building
Mild side effects
Female-friendly
Enhanced athletic performance
Big pumps
Fat Loss
Anavar significantly increases the body’s Triiodothyronine (T3) to thyroxine (T4) ratio. T3 is the active thyroid hormone that elevates a person’s metabolism and enhances fat loss. Similar to how free testosterone is the most important testosterone score for building muscle mass, T3 is the most important thyroid score, for increased fat-burning.
Anavar increases T3 by dramatically reducing TBG (thyroid-binding globulin), whilst simultaneously spiking TBP (thyroxine-binding prealbumin). This process increases the uptake of T3 at a cellular level.
Fat loss is somewhat noticeable on Anavar, with research showing that a moderate dose of 20mg per day can result in 4lbsof fat loss, over the course of 12 weeks. Thus research shows that Anavar’s anabolic effects outweigh its fat-burning properties, with participants in the same study gaining 7lbs of muscle.
Not only does Anavar burn subcutaneous fat, but it also reduces visceral fat. This is different from other anabolic steroids, which typically reduce subcutaneous fat, whilst increasing visceral fat. This may be due to Anavar improving insulin sensitivity, whilst other steroids can result in a person becoming less sensitive to insulin; potentially leading to steroid-induced diabetes.
Muscle Gain
Anavar (and all anabolic steroids) are essentially forms of exogenous testosterone, thus Anavar will increase muscle mass.
Due to the substitution of a carbon atom, replacing an oxygen atom in the A ring (in the C2 position), this molecular structure makes Anavar resistant to inactivation via the enzyme 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. This explains Anavar’s very high anabolic rating, being: 322-630.
However, its high anabolic rating doesn’t translate into exceptional muscle gains in practical settings. Thus if a user is coveting huge muscle gains, they may opt for other steroids, such as Dianabol, Trenbolone, Anadrol or Testosterone. Or they may decide to stack some of these compounds with Anavar.
One benefit to Anavar is that it produces lean muscle gains. Thus, users won’t gain fat, water weight, or become bloated. This is due to Anavar being 5α-reduced, thus it doesn’t aromatize, meaning estrogen levels will not rise. This is beneficial for bodybuilders wanting to look dry and aesthetic. It is also appealing to athletes, who do not want to be carrying additional water weight when performing.
Women can typically experience better muscle gains compared to men on Anavar, even with a modest dose of 5-10mg per day.
Strength Building
Anavar has a significant impact on strength, which is surprising to some considering it is deemed a ‘cutting steroid’ and doesn’t cause dramatic muscle/weight gain.
Anavar’s ability to rapidly increase strength is mainly due to it being exogenous testosterone. However, it also has a dramatic effect on ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) production and creatine content inside the muscle cells.
Higher levels of ATP are beneficial for those who want to hit new PR’s when bulking. Or for users cutting, who may otherwise lose strength whilst eating low calories for a prolonged period of time.
This is also why powerlifters may take Anavar before a competition, should they want a boost in strength (without much weight gain). Dr. Thomas O’Connor states that top elite powerlifters in the 1970s, whom he has treated, were practically all on Anavar.
Thus, the connotation of it being a ‘girl steroid’ isn’t quite the case, with some of the strongest men in the world taking it too.
Mild Side Effects
Anavar is one of the best steroids on the market, in regards to side effects. Research has shown it to have ‘excellent safety’ in long-term medical settings. Due to its mild nature, it is commonly used by beginner bodybuilders looking to build modest amounts of muscle and fat.
A general rule with steroids is: the better the results, the more side effects.
Anavar’s benefits aren’t overly powerful (at least compared to other steroids), but the side effects are very tolerable. Its risk/reward ratio is thus very positive.
Less Liver Toxic
Anavar is a c17-alpha alkylated oral steroid, which is beneficial, as the compound will be fully active after bypassing the liver. However, unlike other oral steroids, Anavar’s not significantly hepatotoxic.
This is due to Anavar being metabolised mainly by the kidneys, instead of the liver. Some of the Anavar will bypass through the liver; however, this is a smaller percentage compared to other C17-aa steroids.
Research shows that 20mg of oxandrolone causes 72% less BSP (Sulfobromophthalein; a marker of liver stress), compared to an equal dose of fluoxymesterone. Fluoxymesterone is also a C17-aa steroid.
Thus liver enzymes (AST/ALT) are likely to rise on Anavar; however, this will only be a mild increase, compared to oral Dianabol or Anadrol for example. Research shows that elevated enzymes are likely to return to normal, after discontinuing oxandrolone.
Note: Liver damage should not be discounted; however, if very high doses of Anavar are administered for excessive periods of time.
No Gyno or Water Retention
As previously mentioned, Anavar doesn’t aromatize; thus gynecomastia is very unlikely on Anavar.
Progestational activity is also non-existent in Anavar, therefore progesterone-induced gyno also will not occur.
The only incidence of gynecomastia occurring on oxandrolone was in a study done on adolescent boys. 33 cases of gyno were reported; however, these findings are contradictory to other research in adults. Thus if Anavar is taken long-term by children during puberty, the risk of gyno seems to increase. However, it’s important to point out that these children were taking moderate doses of Anavar continuously for 6 months to 8 years. The average bodybuilder will run Anavar for a maximum of 8 weeks.
Furthermore, water retention is very unlikely on Anavar, with the compound creating a ‘dry’ and ‘ripped’ look. This diuretic effect is also likely to increase vascularity and muscle striations; whilst contributing to a leaner appearance.
Less Androgenicity
Anavar is already a derivative of dihydrotestosterone, meaning there is no conversion to DHT via the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. As a result, Anavar has mild androgenic properties and side effects. This is reflected in a low androgenic rating of 25.
Therefore, in theory, androgenic side effects should be mild. However, in practical settings; acne, male pattern baldness and prostate enlargement can occur, due to Anavar being a DHT-based steroid.
Note: DHT side effects are determined largely by your genetics, thus some may experience significant hair loss on a low dose of Anavar, whereas others may experience no hair loss on high doses of trenbolone year-round. Furthermore, such androgenic side effects often reverse post-cycle, including hair thinning/loss.
Suitable for Women
Due to Anavar’s mild androgenic rating, it doesn’t typically produce virilization side effects in women (when taken in low to moderate doses). Thus Anavar is known to be a female-friendly steroid.
Virilization side effects include:
Deepening of the voice
Hair growth (on the body)
Clitoral enlargement
More pronounced jaw
Smaller breasts
Irregular menstrual cycles
Therefore, because Anavar doesn’t typically cause the above side effects, keeping a woman’s femininity intact; it’s very popular among females looking to build muscle and burn fat.
Note: Masculinization is still possible if doses higher than 10mg a day are taken. Studies have reported girls experiencing virilization effects when taking high doses of 0.125mg per kg continuously for a year. The average age of the girls in this study was 9 years old.
Increased Recovery, Endurance & Speed
Anavar has proven successful in treating burn patients, because of its ability to accelerate recovery. It is this principle as to why athletes also use Anavar. Enhanced recovery enables an athlete to increase training intensity, duration and frequency for better performance. With higher red blood cell count and increased ATP production, muscular endurance will also improve on Anavar.
Although, it is not just strength and endurance athletes that can benefit from Anavar. Sports where speed is rewarded such as: sprinting, swimming or boxing; may also take Anavar in conjunction with other steroids.
Research has shown anabolic steroids to increase sprint speed in rats by up to 29% when using steroids. Furthermore, their endurance also improved by 41%.
Big Pumps
Anavar causes significant intracellular water retention, resulting in constantly full and pumped muscles throughout the day.
This is beneficial for bodybuilders who want to look as big as possible. Such additional muscle fullness, combined with Anavar’s dry properties, can also result in enhanced vascularity.
This is due to water filling inside the muscle cell, and fluid being expelled outside the muscle cell. This causes superficial veins to become more visible, no longer being obscured by extracellular water.
Note: some Anavar-users report excessively big pumps (usually in the lower back), which can be uncomfortable/painful. This can often feel like a locked, cramping sensation inside the muscle, which lasts for several hours. Consequently, the person may not be able to finish their workout due to severe discomfort. Hence this benefit may become a side effect for some users.
Anavar Side Effects
Anavar has been branded by researchers as “effective and safe” even when used in the long term. Thus, when used in a clinical setting with low to moderate doses, Anavar doesn’t typically produce dangerous side effects.
However, if Anavar is abused in a recreational setting, where higher doses are administered; the risk of side effects increases. In which case the following can occur:
High LDL cholesterol
Suppressed testosterone
Kidney damage
Hair loss
High LDL cholesterol
Approximately a decade after Anavar came to market, there was promise for it being a medication to successfully treat high cholesterol. This was due to doctors in the 70’s observing reduced total cholesterol levels in Anavar-users.
However, later research showed that Anavar negatively shifts the ratio of HDL to LDL levels.
(HDL is the good type of cholesterol and LDL the negative type).
In one study, men with HIV took 20mg of Anavar per day for 12 weeks. Consequently, their HDL levels were suppressed by 30%.
The second group who took a higher dose of 40mg, experienced a 33% decrease in HDL, whilst elevating LDL levels by roughly 30%.
Men who took 80mg of Anavar per day saw a 50% decline in HDL levels.
Therefore taking Anavar can increase the risk of arteriosclerosis (clogging of the arteries), and will almost certainly spike blood pressure to some extent. If very high doses are taken, cardiovascular side effects can become severe leading to hypertension, heart disease or stroke.
Cholesterol levels are likely to regulate back to normal once users discontinue supplementation.
High doses of Anavar may cause some flushing in the face or body, causing users’ skin to appear red. This is a sign of elevated body temperature and (potentially) increased blood pressure. Although this sensation is not likely.
Note: People who have high blood pressure or are genetically prone to heart disease should not take Anavar (or other steroids), due to its negative redistribution of cholesterol levels.
Suppressed Testosterone
Being exogenous testosterone, Anavar will increase testosterone levels dramatically.
However, once the body recognizes this hormonal imbalance, it will decrease endogenous (natural) testosterone production; in an attempt to reduce cardiovascular strain.
In the previously cited study, they also measured the impact of Oxandrolone on testosterone levels. After 12 weeks, the groups taking 20mg and 40mg per day experienced a 45% reduction in testosterone. The 80mg group suffered a 66% reduction in testosterone.
Further research shows that even tiny doses of oxandrolone (2.5mg), when taken in boys suffering from delayed puberty, can shut down endogenous testosterone production. Thus when bodybuilders take Anavar, they will typically experience a sudden increase in well-being, confidence, motivation and aggression. This is due to the exogenous testosterone kicking in; however, once they come off Anavar, they can experience: tiredness, fatigue and reduced libido.
Testicular atrophy is also a common sign of shutdown testosterone levels, which occurs due to less sperm production in the testes. Anavar may also negatively affect fertility, due to damage to the sperm via decreased HPA axis function. However, sperm quality is likely to improve post-cycle.
Note: Testosterone levels typically recover 1-4 months after a user stops taking Anavar. An effective PCT protocol can accelerate the recovery of endogenous testosterone. The higher the dose of Anavar, the longer this process can take. Hypogonadism is possible with Anavar-abuse, however high doses over a long period of time are likely needed, without cycling off.
Kidney Damage
Oral steroids are metabolised by the liver. However, Anavar is unique in this respect, being mostly metabolised by the kidneys. This can put them under increased strain, leading to acute kidney injury.
On Anavar, the body will increase endothelin production via stimulation of the RAA (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone) system. This results in inflamed cytokines, a group of proteins produced in the kidneys; a marker of increased stress.
Hair Loss
Anavar is a DHT-derived steroid, thus accelerated hair loss can be experienced in genetically susceptible individuals.
DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), is a powerful androgen that binds to the hair follicles on your scalp, resulting in miniaturization and inhibited growth. This can result in thinning, recession or hair follicles falling out.
How much hair loss users will experience is determined by their genetics. Or more specifically, how sensitive they are to dihydrotestosterone.
How to Prevent Hair Loss on Anavar
There are two main options when trying to prevent hair loss:
Directly treat the scalp (externally)
Block DHT internally
There are certain shampoos that block DHT from a follicular level. This is the less effective of the two options; however, this method will not significantly interfere with your body’s overall production of DHT, but will instead target the scalp specifically.
This is a positive for bodybuilders as they want to keep DHT levels in the body high, with the hormone binding to androgen receptors up to 5x more effectively than testosterone.
The second option is to block DHT from a cellular level.
Finasteride (Propecia) is an FDA-approved medication, shown to be effective at blocking DHT levels in the body and reducing hair loss. It is available in pill form via a prescription; however, studies show that roughly 52% of men report muscle loss when taking it. Thus taking finasteride may counteract the anabolic effects of Anavar, causing bodybuilders to be unsatisfied with their results.
Anavar Tranformations
John Miller got ripped in 8 weeks using a cutting stack, which included: Anavar, Winstrol, Clenbuterol and Sustanon 250. (Pic not available)
Cole took a combination of bulking and cutting compounds (including Anavar), in two different phases during this transformation. He gained 25lbs of muscle in total, whilst stripping a significant amount of fat.
Cole’s bench press PR also improved by 50lbs. He describes Anavar as “the best experience” out of all the supplements he’s ever taken.
William stripped 17lbs of fat from taking a cutting stack (including Anavar), stacked with HGH. He also reported gaining a considerable amount of lean muscle, particularly in his chest and arms.
His strength also improved, adding 35lbs to his bench press and becoming “one of the strongest” in his gym. He also experienced increased stamina during his workouts.
William says his results were “incredible” and has “never seen gains this fast” in the 5 years he’s been weight training.
Giovan took Anavar to get leaner and increase her curves. She lost 3% body fat, whilst increasing her BMI to 21.6 from 20.1, indicating lean muscle gains. (pic not available)
Anavar Results (Before and After Pictures)
Anavar will cause users to build muscle and burn fat simultaneously. However, Anavar won’t produce exceptional fat loss when used alone as a cutting steroid. Instead, fat loss is mostly achieved via a person’s diet, thus eating in a calorie deficit.
In clinical settings, Anavar has burned 4lbs of fat over a 12 weeks period on a moderate dose of 20mg per day (in men).
When you compare this to the 7lbs of muscle gained by these men, it’s easier to understand why some bodybuilders use Anavar during bulking cycles. Women may gain more muscle than this, due to their endogenous testosterone production being much lower than men.
For an anabolic steroid, Anavar’s results are relatively mild. However, the results are still good enough for gym-goers and bodybuilders to regularly implement Anavar into their cycles.
For best results when bulking, it would be wise to stack Anavar with another compound such as testosterone. This will produce superior results, in regards to size and mass gained.
When cutting, Anavar will strip away fat, whilst increasing muscle size and strength. If a very aggressive low-calorie diet is implemented, bodybuilders may simply retain their lean mass (instead of adding new muscle tissue). Bodybuilders often worry about losing muscle size and strength whilst cutting, thus Anavar prevents this from happening, easing their anxiety.
Users commonly experience noticeable muscle gains in the deltoids on Anavar; however, the reason for this is not entirely known. One theory is that the deltoids have a high number of androgen receptors compared to other muscle groups.
Therefore, with Anavar being a DHT-based steroid and dihydrotestosterone binding to androgen receptors 5x more effectively than testosterone, this could be the chemical explanation behind such hypertrophy.
Anavar results (in women) – 10mg per day
Anavar Dosage
For Men
When Anavar was first released, a general dose of 5-10mg per day was common. However, athletes and bodybuilders now typically take 15, 25, 50 and even 100mg per day. This is usually administered for 6-8 weeks. (sometimes up to 16 weeks)
Longer cycles are more likely to be more hepatotoxic, cause elevated LDL cholesterol levels and decrease natural testosterone production even further, so proper liver protection is a must.
Important: Those who are buying underground lab Anavar via the black market, may claim these doses are too low. This is due to many scams, where someone thinks they are taking 40mg of Anavar, but in fact, is only 20mg. This is a common scenario where the seller has cut their dose in half. Thus the above dosage recommendations are based on taking 100% real Anavar.
Anavar pills typically come in 2.5mg, 10mg or 20mg doses. With Anavar’s short half-life (9.4-10.4 hours), it is more effective to split up doses throughout the day, keeping high concentrations of oxandrolone in your system.
Many male bodybuilders will take 2 x 10mg doses. Others use pill cutters to split 10mg pills in half (for example), thus giving them 4 x 5mg doses. If 2.5mg pills are obtained, this reduces the need to cut any of the pills down.
You can also take a dose of Anavar 45 minutes before a workout, resulting in a positive effect on motivation, energy levels and focus.
For Women
There were no dosage instructions specific to women when Anavar was first released. The only caution was that pregnant women should refrain from using the drug.
Over half a century later, many women have used Anavar with much trial and error. Now it is widely considered that doses in the range of 5-10mg will produce noticeable results (in muscle growth and fat loss), whilst keeping virilization side effects at bay. Cycles are also kept relatively short at 4-6 weeks.
Female Cutting Stack
This stack is tailored for women who want to reduce their body fat percentage, build lean muscle and increase muscle tone.
The 3 steroids in this stack are:
1. Clenbuterol
2. Anavar
3. Winstrol
These 3 steroids are optimal for females who want to cut.
By combining these 3 compounds together, users can expect better and faster results than taking Anavar alone.
This trio will not add huge amounts of muscle, thus it is suitable for women wanting to look strong and attractive, instead of bulky and manly.
Anavar Cycles
Anavar-only cycle
Anavar-only cycles aren’t common among hardcore bodybuilders because of the steroid’s mild nature. Thus, stacking Anavar with another compound such as testosterone will produce better results. However, with this combination, users will also experience more side effects.
Anavar-only cycles are still effective and a more common protocol for beginners during their first steroid cycle. This can be a wise choice, as it introduces the body to a much less toxic compound, at a time where the body’s tolerance is less.
However, beginners who are coveting massive muscle gains may be disappointed with an Anavar-only cycle. Instead, they may opt for a Dianabol or testosterone-only cycle.
For Men
This cycle is suitable for beginners. Once a man has built up some tolerance to Anavar, he may wish to start on 20mg/day in future cycles and extend the cycle up to 8 weeks.
For Women
This cycle is suitable for beginners. It begins with a small dose to gradually introduce the compound, reducing the risk of side effects. A first-time female cycle can also last for 4 weeks.
Once a woman has built up some tolerance to Anavar, she may choose to begin future cycles at 10mg per day and extend the cycle duration to 6 weeks (for further results).
Anavar and Test Cycle
Testosterone is an injectable steroid that produces exceptional muscle and strength gains. Combining this steroid with Anavar enhances its anabolic effect, whilst increasing lipolysis (fat loss). Enanthate or cypionate are common testosterone esters used for this stack.
Note: For beginners, a testosterone-only cycle is a better choice, as stacking test and Anavar will exacerbate cholesterol issues and endogenous testosterone suppression.
Below is an intermediate testosterone and Anavar cycle. This is more suitable for men who have already completed one or two cycles of testosterone or Anavar.
Anavar and testosterone is not a stack recommended for women, as the addition of testosterone greatly increases the chance of virilization. Elite female bodybuilders may implement these two steroids together, but with the expectation of masculinization occurring in moderate doses.
Anavar and Andriol Cycle
Testosterone is predominantly an injectable steroid; however, Andriol (testosterone undecanoate) is the lesser-known oral version.
Test undecanoate is less popular than injectable testosterone (among bodybuilders) because it is more expensive and less powerful.
However, this stack may be of great interest to people who don’t want to take injectables and want better results than an Anavar-only cycle. There are more powerful and cheaper orals than test undecanoate, such as Dianabol or Anadrol 50. However, testosterone undecanoate is considered to be a ‘safe oral androgen‘, following a 10 year study. Anadrol and Dianabol orals are very hepatotoxic in comparison.
Research shows that liver enzymes do not rise on testosterone undecanoate (over a 10 year period); plus the risk of gynecomastia and prostate enlargement is low.
In one of the studies cited above, 80-200mg of testosterone undecanoate was taken for 72 months by 35 men. 9 of them had never received such androgen treatment before. None of these men developed gynecomastia at any stage during the study.
In the second study, 33 men took testosterone undecanoate for 10 years, and only two men observed a mild reduction in urine flow.
Thus in terms of side effects, Andriol is very similar to Anavar, being classed as a ‘safe’ drug (in medicine). However, LDL levels are still likely to rise and testosterone levels will be suppressed temporarily post-cycle.
Note: If you implement this cycle, ensure Andriol (testosterone undecanoate) is taken with food, as its bio-availability is very low when taken on an empty stomach. To further increase absorption ensure the meal contains at least 19 grams of fat or a minimum of 30% of the meal’s calories consisting of fat. Both of these methodologies have been effective in research. Higher quantities of fat present in the meal, correlated with higher serum testosterone levels in users taking Andriol.
Other Cycles
Anavar can technically be combined with any other steroid. However, beginners should avoid taking it with harsh compounds (such as Anadrol, trenbolone, Winstrol, etc).
Also, Anavar’s dry and hard effects will be counteracted if you stack it with a ‘wet’ steroid. I.e. one that aromatizes and causes significant water retention. Some examples of wet steroids are Anadrol, Dianabol, Testosterone and Deca Durabolin.
Thus Trenbolone or Turinabol may be considered if users want to build more muscle/burn more fat, as it’s also a dry compound. Winstrol is another dry steroid. However, Trenbolone and Winstrol are particularly harsh on the body (Tren more so), hence why they are mainly cycled by experienced steroid-users.
Do You Need to Run a PCT on Anavar?
The main purpose of a PCT is to restart endogenous testosterone production. This is done to help retain gains experienced from a cycle. It is also to ensure your hormones are functioning at a normal level, ensuring optimal physiological and psychological health.
Anavar will cause natural testosterone levels to decline, however, it’s unlikely to shut testosterone down fully.
Previously we cited a study that stated men taking 20mg a day for 12 weeks experienced a 45% decrease in testosterone levels. This was an excessive cycle duration, with a standard cycle length of 6-8 weeks (for men). From this study, we can conclude that natural testosterone production is likely to remain fairly high if a moderate dose/cycle is performed.
Thus, some people doing Anavar-only cycles may decide not to utilize a PCT, and wait for their natural testosterone to recover. This typically can take 1-4 months.
However, if a user stacks Anavar with other anabolic steroids, this suppressing effect will be heightened; making a PCT a recommended strategy. Alternatively, if a user doesn’t want to wait several months, they can incorporate a PCT to reduce this recovery time period.
A very aggressive PCT is:
hCG – 2000 IU for 20 days (taken every 2 days)
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) – 20mg x 2 (taken continuously for 45 days)
Clomiphene (Clomid) – 50mg x 2 (taken continuously for 30 days)
If a user is stacking Anavar with harsh compounds they may incorporate the above protocol.
However, if a man utilizes an Anavar-only cycle, taking one of these PCT drugs alone should be more than enough, bringing back endogenous production quickly.
For those who do want to incorporate a PCT, it should be started immediately upon the oxandrolone leaving your body. You can calculate this using the following formula: 5.5 x half-life.
Anavar’s half-life is 9.4-10.4 hours. Although the half-life increases as a person ages, therefore it can rise up to 13.3 hours in the elderly.
Thus if we state the half-life as 10.4 hours, the PCT should begin 57 hours after your last dose.
Do Women Need to Run a PCT with Anavar?
There is a common notion that women do not need a PCT; however, in practical settings, women do show signs of their testosterone levels shutting down after AAS. Thus, it is a good idea for women to run a PCT after taking Anavar, as although they produce less testosterone than men, it remains an important hormone for their: well-being, libido and cementing gains from a cycle.
Men produce testosterone via their testicles, whereas women produce testosterone via their ovaries.
Women often report feeling depressed and experiencing low libido when coming off cycles. Dave Crosland, the founder of Crosland’s Harm Reduction Services, tested a female who had just come off a steroid cycle; and found her testosterone and estrogen levels to be extremely low.
Nolvadex can be used as a PCT in women, which has been successful in speeding up recovery and relieving feelings of depression. However, menstrual cycles have still taken 3-6 months to return. Female Nolvadex doses should be less than a male, with cycles also being shorter. A protocol Dave Crosland reports as having some success is:
Nolvadex PCT (female)
1st week – 20mg
2nd week: 15mg
3rd week: 10mg
4th week: 5mg
However, DHEA is the official medical treatment prescribed to women for low androgen levels. Therefore this PCT protocol is the preferred method.
DHEA PCT (female)
25-50mg per day (4 weeks)
DHEA has been used for 4-6 months in trials, thus it can be taken for as long as necessary (within this time span), until symptoms of being shut down diminish.
hCG is not recommended for women as a PCT, due to evidence of it enlarging the ovaries and causing virilization. Clomid also isn’t an ideal PCT for women, as it may cause the ovaries to become oversensitive.
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You will :
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Increase vascularity which, aside from making you look jacked, also allows more protein, nutrients and oxygen to flow to the muscles for additional muscle growth and benefit.
Boost stamina, strength and endurance.
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The answer is both simple and complicated at the same time… Yes and No! LOL. I know what you’re thinking… that didn’t help much, so allow me to elaborate further…
The answer as to if you need a testosterone base in your anabolic cycle lies on the cycle itself, and on you personally. The things that need to be considered are mainly the exact compounds you are planning on running, and if you are on TRT. Those will be the main considerations, but there can be others… so beware!
While there are a few compounds which can be run without a “test base”… I would have to say that most will greatly benefit from adding testosterone.
Bear in mind, for those of you reading this who do not like injections, there are oral options available… best of which is Testosterone Undecanoate. Don’t go for 4-Andro as many of the Sarms sellers will try to sell you on. It is harsher on the liver, and with only about 15% conversion to testosterone… it’s really not very effective. Real Testosterone Undecanoate is both extremely mild to the liver (so much so it is recommended for ongoing TRT), but it is REAL test and is far more effective! Contact us if needed.
Some of the main compounds that will almost always require a test base are the nandrolones such as: Deca-durabolin, Trenbolone, Trestolone (MENT), NPP. This list is by no means indicative of the only compounds that should use a test base… the list goes on, but. much depends on the individual products being used, and the entirety of the stack you are planning as a whole.
There are many variables to consider when planning a cycle, and whether or not you should incorporate a testosterone base into your cycle can be complicated, so the best advice I can give to you is to seek out help from a highly experienced person when making these decisions. And please, please, please don’t take advice (on anything) from guys on most anabolic forums and FB groups. Many of the guys on these groups and forums, even if they are well meaning, simply do not have the experience needed to guide you properly. Many of them are either trying to sell you something, or are simply regurgitating the same old bro-science BS they have read or been told… often times it is really bad information that can hurt you instead of help you!
Seen this a million times.
Remember, just because you read it in print does not make it so! There is literally endless opinions and tons of misinformation out there which has been propagated over and over until the masses, even some of the guys you think you should be able to trust believes it… unfortunate but true. So, don’t fall prey to misinformation. Seek out advice from only highly experienced persons you KNOW you can trust.
Another mistake guys often make is taking “steroid” advice from guys at a Sarms group…
Not smart!
I’ve personally seen many guys on sarms groups who think they know what they are talking about… but unfortunately don’t. But these same guys who don’t even really know about the Sarms they peddle want to give advice on steroids too, a subject that they also know little to nothing about as well. Not good. Now imagine some unwitting guy (a newbie) comes along and takes their bad advice at face value and they then plan their cycle with this bad info as the root of everything… this can spell disaster. Unfortunately, I’ve seen many guys mess up their body and health this way!
Don’t allow this to happen to you!
I recommend avoiding the groups and forums like the plague if you want sound advice and help. You’d be much better off taking advice from a nut in an asylum in most cases! LOL. Actually, in all seriousness, it’s not a laughing matter. The only real way to know you are doing things right is to read real science backed clinical data (if you understand what you’re reading) from accredited science and research organizations and facilities. This is really the only way to get accurate data and information you can count on!
Or seek out help from a trusted and experienced person, if you know one. But it’s often hard to know who that person really is!
At the end of the day, you didn’t read this article for my lame attempt at humorous anecdotes.. or to hear me bitch about bad info and the people who spew it… so, to cut to the chase, if you need help determining what you need and what would best benefit you in your cycle…
Anavar not only causes weight loss in terms of lipolysis (fat loss), but it also has diuretic qualities — flushing out extracellular water.
Thus, users will not only become leaner and more toned on Anavar, but they will also achieve a smaller waist and relieve any bloating.
The scales may not be the best measuring apparatus for monitoring fat loss on Anavar, as this steroid simultaneously produces moderate lean muscle gains.
All anabolic steroids will have some fat-burning properties because they are all forms of exogenous testosterone.
Bodybuilders typically have less subcutaneous fat, but higher visceral fat after taking steroids. This increase in visceral fat (surrounding the internal organs) is caused by insulin resistance via estrogen dominance (commonly caused by steroids that aromatize).
However, one unique trait about Anavar is that it doesn’t aromatize into estrogen or directly affect estrogen receptors. Thus, not only does Anavar reduce subcutaneous fat mass, but also visceral fat. Therefore, your stomach will become more defined and smaller.
In contrast, bodybuilders who take estrogenic steroids can end up having more toned abs (due to less subcutaneous fat), whilst possessing a more bloated/distended stomach (increase in visceral fat).
Another reason why Anavar is arguably the best steroid for weight loss (fat loss), is due to its safety profile. Anavar is an FDA-approved drug in medicine, used to treat cachexia, and is often well tolerated by women and children.
Thus, due to Anavar’s low toxicity, many users do not experience any obvious side effects when taking this compound. However, if abused with excessive dosages or overextended cycles, dangerous side effects can occur.
Anavar is also one of the few steroids women can take to safely burn fat and increase muscle tone, with it seldom causing virilization effects (when taken in conservative dosages).
Anavar Cycle for Men
Anavar Cycle for Women
Here are some before/after pictures, demonstrating potential fat loss from an Anavar cycle:
Note how the woman above didn’t actually lose any weight (+2kg), yet she experienced dramatic fat loss.
2. Winstrol
Winstrol (Stanozolol) is a similar anabolic steroid to Anavar, in regards to both of them being DHT derivatives and having potent fat burning and lean mass building properties.
If we were ranking the best steroids for weight loss (or ‘fat loss’), Winstrol would likely take the top spot. However, it comes behind Anavar on our list simply because it has more toxic side effects.
Bodybuilders often cycle Winstrol during cutting phases, to get as lean and ripped as possible; maximizing muscle definition.
Winstrol not only burns a little more fat than Anavar, but it will also flush out more water. This may be a bonus for those looking to get as lean as possible, but a possible disadvantage to bodybuilders as they are likely to lose some intracellular muscle fullness.
Like Anavar, Winstrol does not aromatize and thus it burns both subcutaneous and visceral fat stores.
Winstrol however is going to cause significant fluctuations in LDL/HDL cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of arteriosclerosis and heart disease. It also is a c-17 alpha-alkylated oral compound, causing notable elevations in AST/ALT liver enzymes; indicating significant hepatic stress.
Winstrol will also cause testosterone levels to shut down, due to damage to the HPTA axis. Users often experience their natural testosterone levels returning several months after taking Winstrol (assuming they don’t take any other anabolic substances following post Winstrol cessation).
Winstrol is not female-friendly, unlike Anavar, being the culprit for many cases of virilization on the fitness scene. If you want to avoid masculinization, Anavar is a better choice for women. The only exception would be if females took very small doses of Winstrol and utilized short cycles, in which case women are likely to retain their femininity.
Winstrol Cycle for Men
Winstrol Cycle for Women
3. Turinabol
Turinabol is a Dianabol derivative, which may surprise some considering Dianabol is mainly used as a mass-building, bulking agent.
Turinabol is a ‘dry’ anabolic steroid, whereas Dianabol is a ‘wet’ compound. This is due to turinabol failing to aromatize, resulting in lean and dry muscle gains; whereas Dianabol can cause water retention and bloating.
Turinabol also does not pose any risk in terms of gynecomastia, making it a very effective and coveted anabolic steroid that can be successfully utilized during bulking or cutting cycles.
Turinabol users will build moderate amounts of muscle and burn noticeable amounts of fat, similar to the potency of Winstrol; but with more muscle fullness.
Turinabol is arguably the best steroid for weight loss (fat loss) if users are planning on incorporating regular cardio into their training split.
This is because it is among the best AAS for muscular endurance, thus cardiovascular performance will vastly improve due to a notable increase in red blood cell production.
The actual purpose of Turinabol’s creation was to improve endurance, specifically in German swimming athletes. German scientists had previously observed Dianabol increasing muscular strength and power, but at a cost of excessive weight gain.
Thus, they created a compound virtually identical to Dianabol, with the exception of an extra 4-chloro alteration of clostebol. This meant that athletes could carry less weight, yet experience superior athletic performance.
Therefore, if someone were to combine anabolic steroids with regular cardio or HIIT (high-intensity interval training), turinabol may indirectly help them burn more fat, by increasing the intensity and duration of workouts. Calorie expenditure is also likely to increase.
Turinabol is a milder steroid in terms of side effects, presenting less toxicity to the liver and heart than Winstrol. Female athletes wanting to avoid masculinization may be safer taking turinabol than other AAS, as women frequently took Tbol during the 60s and 80s.
However, virilization cases did sporadically appear especially when female athletes started combining turinabol with other anabolic steroids, such as Testosterone and Deca Durabolin. Thus, despite some promise, until more research is completed on the virilization effects of turinabol in an isolated environment, it may be wise for women to opt for Anavar (a more thoroughly researched compound in medicine for almost six decades).
Turinabol Cycle for Men
Turinabol Cycle for Women
4. Trenbolone
If we ignore side effects completely, Trenbolone is perhaps the best steroid for fat loss (subcutaneous), and superior to all other anabolic steroids on the market.
Trenbolone has exceptional muscle building and fat burning effects, making it a powerful bulking or cutting steroid. Its impressive fat-burning capabilities can be attributed to its strong androgenic nature; with androgen receptors shown to stimulate lipolysis in adipose tissue. This occurs due to an increase in beta-adrenoceptors and adenylate cyclase activity.
Trenbolone also does not aromatize, keeping estrogen levels low and thus ensuring additional weight loss, in the form of water.
The reason that Trenbolone ranks low on our list of top 5 steroids for weight loss (fat loss), is due to it producing harsh side effects and increasing progesterone.
Trenbolone causes significant surges in LDL cholesterol, posing serious cardiovascular risks to users; dramatically increasing the chance of developing hypertension.
Trenbolone also causes notable testosterone suppression, due to damage of the HTPA axis. Consequently, men can experience several months of low testosterone symptoms, such as decreased well-being, libido, energy and erectile quality.
Trenbolone also has the potential to greatly increase male pattern baldness, via sharp elevations in DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
Unfortunately, Tren can actually increase visceral fat, often caused by female sex hormones rising, commonly being estrogen. Although there is no notable aromatization or estrogen activity with Trenbolone, progesterone mimics the same fat-storing effects — which Trenbolone does raise.
Thus, users are likely to experience a significant reduction in subcutaneous fat, at the expense of an increase in visceral fat (causing a leaner, yet more bloated appearance to the midsection).
Trenbolone is not suitable for women to take if they want to avoid masculinization.
Trenbolone Cycle for Men
Note: Weight loss (fat loss) will occur faster when taking Trenbolone Acetate. This is a short ester and thus it peaks in users’ systems sooner than taking a longer Trenbolone ester (Enanthate).
5. Testosterone
Testosterone is an FDA-approved injectable anabolic steroid, often prescribed in medicine for endogenous testosterone deficiency.
Bodybuilders have been using Testosterone since it came to the market almost a century ago, assisting in building large amounts of muscle and strength. However, Testosterone’s fat-burning effects are often underrated, with it being a potent compound for reducing subcutaneous fat mass.
Its ability to burn fat surpasses many other anabolic steroids, due to its high androgenicity (similar to Trenbolone).
However, Testosterone does aromatize and thus weight gain in the form of water is common and may lead to temporarily reduced muscle definition and bloating (especially in individuals following a moderate to high sodium diet).
Testosterone’s estrogenic effects may cause visceral fat storage. Although this type of fat is invisible (hidden internally around the organs), it can cause a distended look to the waistline.
However, Testosterone makes takes the last spot on our top steroids for weight loss (fat loss) list, due to its impressive safety profile. No anabolic steroid is 100% safe, especially when bought via an underground lab and taken without expert medical supervision. However, Testosterone is an FDA-approved medicine and thus it has proven to be safe when taken in the correct dosages when treating hormone imbalances of cachexic states. However, Testosterone remains illegal for recreational use.
Testosterone causes only mild fluctuations in cholesterol when taken in moderate dosages and poses little hepatic toxicity. Thus, it is of the most cardiovascular-friendly anabolic steroids available.
Its various esters come in injectable form, which may not ideal for some users. The only exception to this is Testosterone Undecanoate, an oral form of Testosterone, otherwise known as TestoCaps. However, TestoCaps’ retail price is very expensive and a fraction of the price of injectable Testosterone esters, such as Cypionate and Enanthate.
Testosterone is not suitable for women to take due to its strong androgenic rating, which may accelerate male pattern baldness in men, as well as oily skin/acne vulgaris.
Testosterone Cycle for Men
Dosages can increase up to 500mg/day, with cycles extending to 12 weeks, based on a user’s level of experience. Although higher dosages will increase fat loss, they also increase the risk and the severity of side effects.
Here is a before/after photo, demonstrating the typical fat-burning effects of Testosterone from a first cycle.
Summary
There are no ‘best steroids for weight loss‘, as all AAS will cause weight gain. However, the above compounds are the best steroids for fat loss.
In terms of safety and suitability for both men and women, Anavar can be regarded as the best steroid for fat loss; due to its mild effect on cholesterol, liver, testosterone suppression and low incidents of virilization.
If users are more willing to risk their health and are unable to afford Anavar’s high market price, they may opt for Winstrol (a more powerful fat burner). However, females should take a very low dosage of Winstrol to avoid virilization, as outlined.
All of the anabolic steroids listed above will cause significant muscle gain, which can assist in improving body composition. Additional muscle mass will also help to elevate a person’s metabolic rate, indirectly helping them to burn more fat.
Muscle gain occurring alongside fat loss is advantageous, as rapid/excessive weight loss through dieting can result in sagging (due to muscle loss). Having adequate levels of muscle mass will help to give a lift to the muscles, decreasing the impact of gravity over time; whilst also increasing muscle tone.
To maximize fat loss/weight loss, users should eat in a calorie deficit (-500/day), which will maximize fat burning and muscle retention. Calorie deficits greater than this (starvation diets) can lead to water storage and muscle loss.
Trenbolone, the most famous steroid for amazing gains, meets Equipoise, the most misunderstood steroid. In this article, we’ll be going over the facts on how and why you need to stack Tren and EQ; in addition, we’ll cover the fine points of bulking vs. cutting cycles.
What is Trenbolone?
In the bodybuilding world, trenbolone, or tren, is often considered one of, if not the most, powerful anabolic steroid. Having an anabolic rating of 500 with an androgenic rating of 100, tren really shows its power on paper when compared to the baseline hormone Testosterone. Testosterone only exhibits a 1:1 anabolic/androgenic ratio.
Trenbolone belongs to a class of 19-nor steroids, which means its chemical structure has been altered to create a new compound. Interestingly, Tren was originally designed for cattle, but it quickly found its home in the bodybuilding community given its amazing anabolic (muscle building) nature and capacity.
Fig 1. Trenbolone Chemical Structure
What to expect from Trenbolone?
Given trenbolone’s highly anabolic nature, the user will experience a substantial increase in muscle mass and hardening with this compound. Tren has a great ability to increasing IGF-1 levels (Insulin like growth factor-1); in addition, it boosts cellular repair and increases nutrition partitioning effects in humans.
Even in a caloric deficit, trenbolone is extremely efficient at preserving muscle tissue and continuing to build new tissue. As if that wasn’t enough, Tren has powerful androgenic qualities, so users can experience great strength gains as well as muscle hardening and fat loss.
Side Effects of Trenbolone
Insomnia
Night Sweats
Mood Swings and aggression
Decrease in cardiovascular output and organ function
Elevated prolactin levels
Lethargy
What is Equipoise?
Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate), or EQ, is a veterinarian grade anabolic steroid with a similar molecular structure to testosterone, where a double carbon bond was added to alter its structure. However, its effects are not very similar to testosterone; in fact, EQ was designed to be an injectable form of Dianabol (D-Bol). Regardless, Equipoise is rather unique, as it possesses additional traits of its original counterparts with an anabolic-androgenic ratio of 1
.
Fig 2. Equipoise Chemical Structure
What to expect from Equipoise?
Equipoise is often related to Deca Durabolin, but, in fact, it’s quite different. EQ is very effective at increasing red blood cell count in the body, which will lead to a great increase in muscular endurance. Red bloods cells carry oxygen and nutrients to all cells in the body including muscle cells.
Boldenone Undecylenate will not provide significant mass or strength gains like trenbolone, but it will allow you to push yourself longer during exercise. Also, it will help preserve muscle tissue when in a caloric deficit, and it will slowly build new muscle tissue. Furthermore, users can expect added vascularity while using this steroid.
Side Effects of Equipoise
Increase red blood cell count
Increase in appetite
Acne
Increased heart rate
Stacking Trenbolone and Equipoise
Trenbolone and Equipoise is not a very common stack, but the two compounds can certainly provide a very flexible cycle when ran with a Testosterone base. Whether bulking or cutting, both Tren and EQ will serve to build lean muscle, preserve muscle tissue, and increase muscle strength and endurance.
Depending on the goals of the user, this stack could serve nearly any purpose, especially for adding lean and keepable mass. In addition, this cycle will yield good muscle hardening and vascularity coupled with fat loss.
Dosages
Although some users desire higher dosages, the general dosage of 200-400mgs/week of Trenbolone (acetate or enanthate) should be sufficient for nearly any user. Generally, EQ is dosed around the 600mgs/week range, but some users claim 800-1000mgs/week will yield the best results.
It’s always best to be moderate with your cycles, so 200-400mgs of trenbolone with 600mgs of equipoise will be more than enough steroids.
Things to consider
Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate) is a very long lasting ester, and it can take 4-6 weeks to “kick in.” Thus, the average recommended cycle is a minimum of 12 weeks, but preferably 16 weeks. When stacking tren and EQ, one can expect natural testosterone suppression, so adding a Testosterone ester to this cycle is recommended. An aromatase inhibitor, or AI, such as Arimidex is highly recommended to keep estrogen related side effects to a minimum.
When using trenbolone it is wise to have a prolactin inhibitor, like Cabergoline (dostinex), on hand to reduce prolactin related side effects. This is not crucial but can be helpful.
The power of Trenbolone complemented with the flexibility of Equipoise can be an amazing stack if utilized properly.
Cycles
I will go over 2 sample cycles with you, a bulking and cutting cycle involving Tren and EQ. Bulking will be to gain mass, while cutting will be to lean out.
NPP stands for Nandrolone Phenylpropionate. It’s rare to meet someone who uses steroids by their real name, but NPP first hit the shelves in the 1950s. It was manufactured by the company Oreganon. NPP is a small ester-based anabolic steroid that is not as common as the larger ester version known as Decanoate, partly due to its lack of availability. But in today’s world, NPP is starting to see an increase in use by bodybuilders and athletes. More and more people in the fitness industry today are using NPP to the same extent as its Deca-Durabolin counterpart, and it’s no wonder why. NPP cycles are what you do with them. You can choose a cycle with NPP and do your part through proper nutrition and training that will provide great results. Or you can use NPP and do nothing with your diet or lack of training and get no results. Which option will you choose? It shouldn’t be a difficult decision. Make the most of your cycle and feel and look amazing!
NPP has always typically come in a standard 100mg doses per ml, but has now also become available in a much stronger 200mg per ml dose.
While NPP is similar to Nandrolone Decanoate, it differs in that NPP must be injected more frequently to keep blood levels stable. NPP is slightly more anabolic than testosterone, but less androgenic than testosterone. For this reason, some users are able to tolerate NPP at higher dosages than with high testosterone dosages.
Before we move on to NPP cycles, it’s worth mentioning that this steroid has been used medicinally to treat a wide variety of health conditions, including anemia, breast cancer, muscle wasting diseases, severe burns, and ulcers.
Nandrolone Phenylpropionate can be used for cutting and bulking, but for a steroid to work in any cycle, a person’s diet and training must be impeccable. Simply put, you cannot benefit from any steroid if you are sitting on the couch and not eating healthy. It just won’t happen!
By training and diet, we mean a well-balanced eating plan built around cycle goals. For example, by using NPP in your cutting cycle, you want to eat fewer calories so your body can burn fat and become leaner and more toned. When using NPP for bulking, consuming excess calories will allow the user to gain lean muscle mass without bloating.
The benefits of a cycle with Nandrolone Phenylpropionate
NPP will increase size and muscularity when used for bulking. Obviously, in order to achieve the desired results, it is imperative that an individual consume more calories to enable the steroid to be used to its full potential. Growth will come when we feed the body and muscles with the nutrients it needs. The results are not said to be fast, but they will be stable throughout the cycle.
While NPP is used more for bulking, it can be used in a cutting cycle to protect an existing lean muscle. Cutting cycles require the user to consume fewer calories, which will cause the body to want to burn fat and muscle. NPP will not allow muscle loss to occur.
Another important benefit of NPP is its ability to relieve joint pain and provide relief that usually occurs when people train hard and lift weights.
NPP has a strong appetite stimulant effect that is sure to help off-season users of this steroid when packing for lean muscle mass in preparation for a cutting and / or upcoming competition cycle. When talking about a contest or contest, the NPP is removed from the system within 10-12 months. This is beneficial to those who are usually drug tested.
Shorter NPP cycles will still produce amazing results. You will find that some people will perform NPP cycles for as long as four to six weeks and still gain high-quality lean muscle mass.
NPP vs Deca: Which is better for gains?
Although often compared to Deca Durabolin, there are definite differences between the two. Let’s discuss the difference between Deca and NPP.
The main difference is that Deca (Deca Durabolin) is a synthetic form of testosterone while NPP is a complete form of Nandrolone Phenylpropionate.
But there’s more my friend.
When you are considering which one to use, it is important to know how they work in your body and what their side effects may be.
We hope this blog post helps answer any questions you have about these two hormones.
NPP vs Deca – What are they?
In this part, we’re going to discuss them and define what these two compounds are, and how they act in the body. First…
What is Deca?
Deca Durabolin is a synthetic form of testosterone that was created in the 1950s.
It is an injectable drug that was used to treat conditions like low testosterone, breast cancer, and osteoporosis.
Deca is also known as Deca Durabolin or Nandrolone Decanoate – a popular bulking steroid that has been used by bodybuilders for years.
Deca is an illegal performance-enhancing drug. It was declared illegal by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) years ago.
Deca works by increasing nitrogen retention which helps increase protein synthesis so your body can build up more lean muscle mass while you are working out.
It also has an anti-estrogenic effect, which means it helps reduce the amount of estrogen in your body. Too much estrogen can lead to gynecomastia (man boobs).
Deca has a low risk of adverse long-term effects on health, unlike most other substances abusing athletes use to improve their performance.
You could suffer from minor negative side effects after its intakes, such as joint pain and high blood pressure.
And a few others which could lead to serious health complications.
What is NPP?
NPP stands for Nandrolone Phenylpropionate, which is natural progesterone.
It comes in an oil-based injectable form and is used to treat conditions like low testosterone, breast cancer, and osteoporosis.
NPP is a natural male sex hormone that also has a progestogenic effect.
Even though it is considered to have fewer side effects than Deca, you should still be aware of the potential for adverse reactions if NPP injections are administered improperly or too frequently.
NPP has been used mainly in the treatment of advanced breast cancer in women and as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of senile or postmenopausal osteoporosis in women.
Historically, it has also had a variety of other uses. Due to its progestogenic activity, NPP has been used to treat threatened or habitual abortion.
NPP is also known as Durabolin and Decabol among other names.
The drug may be sold in the form of an oil solution for intramuscular injection (brand name Delatestryl). For this purpose, it is usually formulated in combination with the long-acting anesthetic propionate
NPP vs Deca – Which is Best for Gains?
Specifically, when it comes to gains, Deca Durabolin is the better option.
The main difference between these two products lies in their chemical structure and how they work to produce gains (or losses).
Deca works by increasing nitrogen retention, which helps increase protein synthesis so your body can build up more lean muscle mass while you are working out.
NPP works by mimicking the effects of naturally occurring progesterone in your body. This hormone also has an anti-estrogenic effect, which means it helps reduce the amount of estrogen in your body.
Deca increases gains by helping your body hold more nitrogen and reducing estrogen. NPP does not have the same anti-estrogenic effects as Deca, so it may be less effective at helping you achieve gains.
For example:
As a bodybuilder – when you’re looking to grow, you’ll want to take something that is going to help increase protein synthesis and retain nitrogen. Deca Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate) would be the better choice in this case over NPP (Nandrolone Phenylpropionate).
As we all know, bodybuilders and athletes are constantly seeking ways to improve their performance and stay ahead of the competition.
Adding massive gains and muscles are just as important to them, if not more so than the average person.
There are many products on the market today that claim they can help you get bigger and stronger faster with little or no effort at all.
But when it comes down to which one actually works – steroids like Deca, NPP, Dbol and many others are top contenders.
However, a serious problem to consider is their legality and safety. Which we’ll address very soon.
Deca vs NPP for Joints
When it comes to Deca vs NPP, they are both effective treatments for conditions like low testosterone and osteoporosis.
However, there is one very important difference between Deca vs NPP that you should know before deciding which treatment option will work best for you: the effect each has on your joints.
Deca can cause joint pain and swelling, while NPP does not have any known side effects on your joints.
If you are experiencing joint pain, Deca may not be the best option for you. Talk to your doctor to see if NPP is a better treatment option for you.
Deca Durabolin vs NPP – Which is the Winner?
When it comes to Deca vs NPP, there is no clear winner. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
More on their drawbacks soon.
Deca is a synthetic form of testosterone that can be used to increase muscle mass and strength. It is also effective in treating conditions like low testosterone, breast cancer, and osteoporosis.
However, Deca has a higher risk of side effects than NPP.
NPP is natural progesterone that can be used to treat conditions like low testosterone, breast cancer, and osteoporosis.
However, because it’s not synthetic there are no known long-term health risks associated with its use.
If you want to choose between Deca and NPP, it is important to consider your individual needs and what you are hoping to achieve. Talk to your doctor to see if either of these hormones is right for you.
Deca Durabolin vs Nandrolone phenylpropionate – Side Effects
Anabolic steroids are common with side effects, but they are not severe if you do not abuse them.
However, there are several side effects of both Deca vs NPP. Some can be mild or temporary and some more serious that may require medical attention.
Some possible side effects include:
Acne
Changes in sex drive
Difficulty sleeping
Enlarged prostate
Hair loss
Increased cholesterol levels
Irritability
Swelling and pain in the joints
Testicular shrinkage
Water retention
It is important to be aware of the side effects associated with Deca and NPP before you start taking them.
Besides the side effects, Deca is an illegal performance-enhancing drug. It was declared illegal by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) years ago.
NPP on the other hand is a controlled substance in many countries and so non-medical use is generally illicit
This brings me to…
Final Thoughts
What’s the difference between Deca and NPP?
This is a question that many people ask themselves when they are looking to purchase an over-the-counter supplement.
When it comes to Deca vs NPP, there is no clear winner. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Deca and NPP are both used to treat a variety of health conditions, but there is one very important difference between them that you should know before deciding which option will work best for you: the effect each has on your body.
Deca is a synthetic form of testosterone, while NPP is natural progesterone.
This means that Deca has the potential to cause more severe side effects than NPP because it is not a naturally occurring hormone.
But overall Deca tends to have more effects on bodybuilding.
The goal of this article was to provide you with the difference between Deca and NPP.
We discussed how each drug affects your joints, as well as possible side effects and legal alternatives for both drugs.
Make sure you always consult with a doctor before starting any new medication or supplement, to ensure that you are choosing the right option for you.
Now it’s up to you to make an informed decision on which drug is best for your individual needs.
Proviron is the most well known brand name of Mesterolone which is quite a unique steroid with benefits that are specific and different to most other steroids available. Proviron is not really thought of as an anabolic steroid at all, but rather as an oral androgen because it has low anabolic properties.
Proviron is not generally used for bulking and muscle gains as most anabolic steroids are, but it can play a powerful role in steroid cycles and in particular cutting cycles not only directly by its own effects but in the way it interacts with the body to enhance the abilities of other real anabolic steroids you are using.
Being an oral DHT derived compound, Proviron is easy to take and requires no injections. This can make it attractive to new steroid users, but as you will learn this is not a product to just blindly add to a cutting cycle and hope for the best – it has some particular benefits and uses and once you understand these you will be in a prime position to take advantage of everything that Proviron has to offer.
What is Proviron?
Proviron is the brand name of Mesterolone which was developed medically to treat hypogonadism in men which causes low testosterone. Although it is sometimes loosely considered to be an AAS (androgen and anabolic steroid), it contains little anabolic capacity and so has only weak anabolic benefits.
For this reason Proviron is not one of the those compounds that you will use for mass building or bulking, but it can still have some specific purposes for bodybuilders and some benefits that will interest those who make use of other anabolic steroids.
This is an oral product based on dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with some modifications. The weak anabolic effects of Proviron come about because of the way it is broken down and made inactive once it is in the muscle tissue – something that also occurs with DHT itself.
The lack of anabolic effects is why Proviron is sometimes named simply as an androgen rather than an anabolic steroid and is the reason why this isn’t a compound to use for mass gaining; simply increasing the dose and hoping it will deliver muscle gains is not the way to use Proviron but it can be an easy mistake for a beginner to make with any steroid.
That’s why we need to fully understand the purpose of Proviron for bodybuilders and steroid users, so you can best decide where it will fit into your cycles and overall goals.
Proviron Benefits
When you consider the main uses of Proviron you can quickly see how unique this steroid is and also just how potentially powerful it can be in the right hands: firstly, Proviron has a stronger affinity for the aromatase enzyme than testosterone itself does, and testosterone being a steroid that aromatizes brings about a rise in estrogen levels and the associated side effects.
Proviron does the exact opposite to this by strongly binding to the aromatase enzyme so the testosterone or other aromatizing steroids you are using from being affected by that enzyme. This can mitigate the rise in the female estrogen hormone that would otherwise normally happen when you’re using testosterone and other aromatizing steroids in your cycle.
That’s not to say that Proviron can completely replace a dedicated aromatase inhibitor drug, but it can certainly contribute to reducing those estrogenic side effects and in cycles where you’re not taking high doses or including very powerful aromatizing steroids, Proviron might in fact be all you need to control estrogen related side effects or at least reduce them to a manageable level.
In any case, Proviron will contribute to gaining that hard and dry look because of its ability to mitigate water retention – and it’s for this main reason that we see Proviron most often used for the purpose of cutting and contest preparation phases where muscle and physique hardening is a top priority.
Another unique action of Proviron is that it can bind to SHBG which in turn prevents testosterone from binding to the sex hormone binding globulin protein. This frees up more testosterone for use by the body, known as free testosterone So the testosterone steroids you’re using along with Proviron will be more active and more potent and able to more powerfully undertake the important tasks of protein synthesis as more of the testosterone will be circulating and not binding to SHBG while Proviron is present.
Proviron Dosage
Many people make mistakes when planning a Proviron dosage simply because they don’t really understand how it works or what it should be used for. Knowing exactly how Proviron can benefit you when you are using other steroids will make it possible to take the right dose and to get the best results from Proviron.
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Proviron Dosage
Although Proviron is most commonly used by people who would be classed as advanced users – competitive bodybuilders – some people at the beginner level might still consider adding it to a cycle to evaluate results. There is little risk in doing so and since Proviron is quite effective when used for short periods of time, provides a good introduction on how to use an ancillary compound.
When its used medically as an androgen replacement, Proviron is taken two to three times daily at a 25mg dose each time. This gives us a base dosage to work from when planning to use Proviron for bodybuilding purposes, but unlike many other types of steroids, the dosage rate does not increase dramatically for Proviron when compared to its medical use.
In fact, taking the exact same or similar dose as is medically prescribed for androgenic treatment is still highly effective for bodybuilders. A daily dose of between 50mg per day at a minimum, up to 150mg per day maximum is more than sufficient for the mitigation of estrogen related effects like water retention.
Regardless of experience level, Proviron is included in a cycle mainly to mitigate the estrogenic effects of other steroids. This means that your dosage of Proviron is going to heavily depend on which other compounds you’re using.
All experience levels from beginners right up to advanced users will want to stay within the same dosage range for Proviron, with 50mg daily being the minimum dose and 150mg daily as the maximum. Even though Proviron is considered quite safe up to 250mg per day, going beyond 150mg each day comes with little to no increased benefits but a higher risk of negative side effects and such high doses are only considered by the most advanced and competitive of users.
Proper Proviron Administration and Timing
Proviron comes in 25mg tablets so your daily dosage is made up of 25mg increments. If taking 3 tablets daily for a 75mg dose, it’s recommended to spread the administration out throughout the day and not to take all three tablets at once because the compound has an active life of just 8 to 12 hours so regular administration is needed to maintain optimal blood levels.
The manufacturer of the original Proviron states that the tablets can be taken either with or without food, but that it is most ideal to take the tablets as close to the same time each day as possible so your circulating levels of Proviron are maintained as efficiently as possible.
The timing of your Proviron administration will completely depend on the purpose of your use: do you want to use it throughout a steroid cycle for estrogen mitigation as a mild aromatase inhibitor compound, or are you looking for some hardcore physique hardening effects at the pre-contest stage?
It’s very common for competitive bodybuilders to use Proviron at higher doses of 150mg and sometimes more at the stage of being close to a contest. This allows androgens to quickly increase and a very hard, solid and dry look can be achieved in this final stage, especially if lower androgenic cutting steroids like Anavar and Winstrol have been used to get you lean and cut combined with a serious calorie controlled diet. Those who are not already very lean near the end of a cutting cycle will see less benefits from Proviron. Body fat should be considerably low at this point, allowing Proviron to take hold to exert its fluid removal and hardening effects. Without a very lean and cut physique, these effects will be difficult to notice.
Female Proviron Dosage
Even though the risks of females using Proviron are well known, some women still choose to use it to gain physical enhancements. In these cases, a low dose and limited cycle length are critical to minimize virilization side effects. Females should not exceed 25mg daily of Proviron with a cycle length of no more than 5 weeks. Many females will still find virilization is still an issue at this low level of Proviron usage simply because it is a strong androgen and a DHT derived compound whose androgenic side effects can not be mitigated through the use of any anti-androgenic drugs.
Proviron Cycles
Proviron is rarely used as a regular steroid in a cycle because it does not have strong anabolic effects that can contribute to either gaining muscle or fat loss. Where it is mostly used is as a type of helper compound during a steroid cycle where other steroids are being used as the main anabolic agents.
Proviron’s anti-estrogen ability helps mitigates some of the estrogenic activity of other steroids while contributing to goals like gaining a hardened physique, once again because of the anti-estrogen qualities that help reduce water retention. Below are some of the example cycles where Proviron can be included for great benefits:
Beginner Proviron Cycle
Beginner steroid users will almost always be starting with a testosterone compound and this is where you will include Proviron for added benefit. In any case, using Proviron alone is never recommended nor beneficial, due to its suppressive effects and its lack of ability to deliver truly desirable results as a standalone compound.
So as a beginner you can safely add Proviron to your existing testosterone cycle at 50mg daily and expect to see some impressive hardening effects, as well as an increase in the effectiveness and results from the testosterone itself as more of it is freed up while Proviron binds to the SHBG protein.
As Proviron is generally very liver safe despite being an oral, you can use it for a full testosterone cycle although many people will select to only use it for a short period towards the end of the cycle.
Intermediate Proviron Cycle
Any level of user will see good results even at the 50mg daily level with Proviron and for many intermediate users this can be as far as you want to take it. However it will largely depend on what steroids are being used in your cycle and whether your main goal is for maximum muscle hardness or to use Proviron mainly to mitigate estrogenic side effects.
Stacking with your regular testosterone cycle will provide highly beneficial for the intermediate user as you will gain the great benefit of increased testosterone being available in the bloodstream while Proviron binds to SHBG. If your goal with Proviron is to inhibit aromatization then it’s safe to use this compound for a 12 week cycle if desired.
Advanced Proviron Cycle
The most advanced steroid users should still not exceed 150mg daily of Proviron. Most advanced users will likely be aiming to use Proviron to provide a last minute hardening boost near the end of an intense cutting cycle or as pre-contest preparation.
The advanced user will already be significantly lean and cut, will have controlled water retention well during a cutting phase that makes use of compounds like Clenbuterol, testosterone, Winstrol, and Anavar. In this scenario, the advanced user will benefit greatly from Proviron’s additional reduction in fluid build up towards the end of the cycle.
Stacking Proviron
Proviron is able to be stacked with just about any anabolic steroid but its best use is when you combine it with other steroids commonly used in a cutting cycle. These include Masteron, Anavar, Trenbolone and Winstrol.
Whichever compounds you’re using, Proviron will provide the greatest benefit alongside them at the 100-150mg daily range. There are two main ways to include Proviron in your cutting cycle: for a very short time near the end of the cycle to promote increased hardening, or for a longer duration of 8 weeks during the cycle, with a maximum of 12 weeks still considered effective.
Proviron Results
Anyone considering using Proviron should know that this is not a bulking steroid. Not all steroids are beneficial for gaining mass and this is one that falls into another category in terms of its usefulness. In fact this is a steroid that is rarely used to give you direct results itself, but instead to work with the other compounds you’re using in what is known as an ancillary compound.
So the results from Proviron, when combined with other steroids, are focused on:
Minimizing and combating the effects of estrogen
As a result of rising estrogen levels through the use of other aromatizing steroids like testosterone, Proviron can help slow or even halt these other steroids from aromatizing which prevents conversion to estrogen. This is achievable even at a low dose of 50mg each day which can greatly help reduce or hold off the gynecomastia and fluid retention caused by other aromatizing steroids. The result is a physique that is noticeably harder and drier – exactly what is required in a cutting and contest preparation phase.
Enhances the effects of other steroids
By binding with SHBG your levels of free and available testosterone are increased which in turn boosts the effects of other steroids being used. The level of hardness you can achieve with other cutting steroids is also enhanced with Proviron, particularly with compounds like Winstrol, Anavar and Masteron.
PCT Compound
Another potential use for Proviron is as a PCT compound but it is generally not recommended and can be a common mistake made by beginners in selecting this compound for PCT because of its known anti-estrogen qualities.
While that is desirable, the downside is that Proviron still causes some testosterone suppression and no matter how mild, this is exactly the opposite of what we need during PCT. So your expected results if using Proviron for PCT is not going to be anywhere as impressive and effective as you’ll see when using the standard PCT drugs of choice like Nolvadex or Clomid which are often combined with hCG.
Proviron Side Effects
Proviron is not an aromatizing steroid so doesn’t come with estrogenic side effects. More than that, it does have the ability to affect the aromatase enzyme in a way that can actually bind to it and inhibit its activity, giving Proviron some measure of aromatase inhibition or anti-estrogen effect.
While this isn’t anywhere near as powerful as a true aromatase inhibitor, it is a welcome attribute of a steroid when so many other steroids display the very opposite effects. However while estrogen related side effects aren’t an issue with Proviron itself, there are other potential side effects to be aware of.
Androgenic side effects: Proviron has some strong androgenic effects, after all it was originally made to medically treat deficiencies in androgen. It is based on DHT which itself is an androgen so it should come as no surprise that you can expect to see activity in this area and these side effects cover issues that most steroid users will be familiar with, including potential acne and hair loss or male pattern baldness.
The occurrence and severity of these particular side effects are highly individual and some people may experience very little or none at all, while others will see quite severe flare ups of acne. When it comes to hair loss, if you’re genetically predisposed to baldness then Proviron can stimulate this to happen much earlier than it might otherwise have done so. Guys without any genetic links to hair loss won’t have to worry about this androgenic side effect.
The high androgenic activity in Proviron makes it unsuitable for use by females as it’s almost certain to cause an onset of masculine features like a deeper voice and body hair growth. Proviron is an even higher risk for females when it comes to these side effects compared with some other steroids and therefore Proviron is not recommended to be used by females.
Another area that raises concerns with Proviron use is that of cholesterol and compared with many other steroids which themselves can cause some serious impacts on cholesterol, Proviron is considered one of the more harsh ones in this regard and one that comes with high risk to cholesterol health.
For this reason anyone with existing high cholesterol issues is always advised to avoid using Proviron at all. Even those with normal cholesterol levels will need to remain alert to what effect Proviron is having on your cholesterol throughout your cycle.
There’s no doubt that Proviron can have very strong impact on your good cholesterol levels, potentially reducing them by almost a third in some cases. At the same time it can be raising your bad cholesterol levels by a significant amount.
Without sustained cholesterol friendly diet habits and cardio exercise while you’re using Proviron, it does pose a very high risk in this area so anyone wanting to use Proviron absolutely must formulate a plan to help maintain healthy cholesterol for the duration of the cycle.
As you might expect, Proviron also comes with the side effect of testosterone suppression but its impact is quite minimal when compared to almost any other steroid. At the dose that most guys will be using Proviron it is unlikely to cause any noticeable testosterone suppression related side effects and therefore it is one of the very few steroids you can use in most cases without the need for adding a testosterone steroid.
Proviron Post Cycle Therapy
While Proviron itself comes with minimal or even no noticeable testosterone suppression at doses that are effective for performance enhancement, almost everyone will use this steroid with other compounds that do suppress natural testosterone production. Therefore a PCT plan will still almost always be required to get your normal testosterone function stimulated again and to avoid falling into a state of low testosterone where muscle loss and fat gain occurs, among other serious symptoms.
Proviron itself is sometimes utilized in PCT since one of its medical uses is to enhance fertility. By using Proviron in PCT to reduce estrogen, the recovery of testosterone might be improved but this needs to be weighed up with Proviron’s tendency to mildly reduce natural testosterone
So while some people might choose to use Proviron during PCT because they can’t access other better PCT drugs like SERMs, it is generally not advisable for best results.
And while we do not encourage or discourage the use of anabolic substances or PED’s… we know many want to use them and are always looking for a safe, legitimate vendor for these products. With that in mind, we can tell you that most of the professional bodybuilders and other competition athletes we know of use one trusted supplier, and you can email them here to request their product / price list if you seek a trusted source for high quality products.
With that said, we wish you luck in your fitness endeavors. If you find you need help with any bodybuilding or fitness issues you may feel free to contact us and we will help you if we can!
