
Ellen Medlock
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Top 14 Steroid Cycles: Novice, Intermediate, And Advanced Users
A Practical "From Beginner to Advanced" Guide for Testosterone‑Based Steroid Cycles
> Disclaimer
> • This is an educational overview only; it does not endorse or encourage illegal activity.
> • The information below reflects typical practices reported by users and some medical literature.
> • Always consider legal, health, and ethical implications before any use.
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1. Core Principles of a Steroid Cycle
Step What to Do Why It Matters
Goal setting Define the purpose (muscle size, strength, aesthetics). Determines drug choice, dosage, length.
Select compounds Pick anabolic agents (e.g., testosterone esters, nandrolone) + optional aromatase inhibitor / anti‑estrogen if needed. Balance performance benefits vs side‑effects.
Determine dose & schedule Start low, increase gradually; use a tapering protocol. Reduces toxicity and withdrawal symptoms.
Plan duration 8–12 weeks for most cycles. Longer cycles raise cumulative risk.
Design post‑cycle therapy (PCT) Include SERMs (tamoxifen/Clomid) or aromatase inhibitors; monitor hormones. Rest endocrine function, avoid estrogen withdrawal.
Set monitoring protocol Baseline labs: CBC, CMP, lipid panel, liver enzymes, fasting glucose, testosterone, estradiol, LH/FSH. Repeat every 4 weeks. Detect subclinical issues early.
| Establish risk‑mitigation measures |
- Keep doses ≤ recommended limits (e.g., 500 mg/week for testosterone).
- Use injection routes that reduce hepatic load (subcutaneous, intramuscular).
- Maintain hydration and balanced diet to support liver function.
- Avoid concurrent hepatotoxic substances (alcohol, certain supplements). |
| Create contingency plan |
- If liver enzymes >3× ULN: discontinue anabolic agent; consider hepatoprotective agents (e.g., N-acetylcysteine) and re‑evaluate with a hepatologist.
- If lipid panel shows significant dyslipidemia: initiate statin therapy after consulting cardiology, adjust diet, monitor quarterly. |
| Documentation & Review | Record all baseline metrics, monitoring results, interventions, and outcomes in the patient’s chart. Schedule annual review of risk stratification and update plan accordingly. |
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5. Summary
Baseline assessments are essential to quantify each patient's hepatic and cardiovascular status before initiating anabolic therapy.
Risk stratification should integrate all baseline data to guide dosing, monitoring frequency, and necessary preventive measures.
Monitoring schedules must be individualized but generally include quarterly labs for liver function and lipids, with additional imaging or specialist referrals as warranted by any abnormalities.
Intervention thresholds are clearly defined; exceeding them mandates prompt action—ranging from dosage adjustments to discontinuation of therapy—to prevent serious complications.
By adhering to this structured protocol, clinicians can optimize patient safety while enabling the therapeutic benefits of anabolic steroids.