SUSTANON

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:

Sustanon 250 Results – Before & After

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.

5 Best Steroids for Fat Loss

1. Anavar

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.

3 Best Steroids for Beginners (Plus 3 to Avoid) - Inside Bodybuilding

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.