If you’re serious about performance enhancement, cycling steroids without a clear plan can be reckless. A structured approach helps you maximise results, protect your health, and stay aligned with UK laws on controlled substances. This guide offers a practical, goal-based layout to help you cycle smart—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter.
Understanding Your Goal
Every cycle begins with one core decision: What’s the purpose?
- Bulking: Maximise muscle mass and strength
- Cutting: Burn fat while preserving lean tissue
- Recomp: Gain muscle and lose fat simultaneously
- Strength & Performance: Prioritise explosive power and aggression
Your goal determines your compound choice, dose range, support supplements, and duration.
Choosing the Right Compounds
Bulking Cycle Options
- Testosterone Enanthate or Cypionate: Foundational compound
- Dianabol: Rapid strength and weight gain
- Deca-Durabolin: Joint-friendly long ester
- Trenbolone: Potent, not for beginners
Cutting Cycle Options
- Testosterone Propionate: Short ester, lean gains
- Winstrol: Dry, vascular muscle definition
- Anavar: Mild, great for fat loss and muscle retention
- Masteron: DHT-based, hardening effect
Recomp Cycle Options
- Test + Anavar or Turinabol: Lean growth with fat trimming
- Equipoise (EQ): Slow, steady gains with improved endurance
- Low-dose Tren Ace + Test Prop: Advanced users only
Structuring Your Cycle Length
Beginner Cycles (8–10 weeks)
- 1–2 compounds
- Moderate test base + mild oral (e.g., Anavar, Turinabol)
- Focus on results with manageable sides
Intermediate Cycles (10–14 weeks)
- 2–3 compounds
- Oral kickstart or oral finisher (Dbol, Winstrol)
- Combine longer esters (Deca, EQ) with consistent test base
Advanced Cycles (14–16 weeks)
- 3+ compounds
- Often includes Trenbolone, GH, or insulin
- Requires significant on-cycle support and recovery protocol
On-Cycle Support (Health Comes First)
- Liver Support: Milk thistle, TUDCA for oral-heavy cycles
- Blood Pressure Control: Hawthorn berry, celery seed
- Cholesterol & Heart Health: Fish oil, citrus bergamot
- Estrogen Control: Aromatase inhibitors like Arimidex or Aromasin
- Prolactin Management (for Deca/Tren): Cabergoline if needed
Timing Strategy: When to Use What
- Kickstart Compounds: Begin fast-acting orals (Dbol, Anavar) in Weeks 1–4
- Injectables: Run Test E/C, Deca, or EQ for the full cycle
- Short Esters: Introduce Test Prop, Tren Ace in final 6–8 weeks
- Finishers: Winstrol or Masteron in last 4 weeks for hardness
Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) Planning
Steroid cycles suppress natural testosterone. Failing to restore it post-cycle can result in muscle loss, fatigue, depression, and libido crash.
Standard PCT Protocol
- Start: 2–3 weeks after last long ester shot (or immediately after short esters/orals)
- Compounds:
- Clomid: 50mg/day for 4 weeks
- Nolvadex: 40mg/day for 2 weeks, then 20mg/day for 2 weeks
- Support: Ashwagandha, zinc, vitamin D3 for test restoration
Optional PCT Bloodwork: Check LH, FSH, and free testosterone levels after PCT to confirm recovery.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting cycles without proper liver and estrogen support
- Running compounds longer than your body can handle
- Skipping bloodwork or ignoring side effects
- Stacking too many compounds too soon
- Using oral-only cycles with no testosterone base
FAQs
Is it safe to run a steroid cycle without testosterone?
No. Testosterone should always be the base of any cycle. Without it, your natural production shuts down, leading to lethargy, libido loss, and poor gains.
How long should I wait between cycles?
Follow the Time On = Time Off rule. If your cycle lasted 12 weeks, take 12 weeks off (including PCT). This gives your body time to reset.
Can I drink alcohol during a steroid cycle?
It’s highly discouraged. Alcohol increases liver stress and affects recovery, especially with oral steroids.
Should I get bloodwork done before and after a cycle?
Absolutely. Bloodwork helps monitor your hormone levels, organ function, and recovery. It’s the smartest way to cycle safely.
Can I run steroids if I’m under 25?
It’s not recommended. Your endocrine system is still developing, and steroid use could cause irreversible hormonal disruption.