For the novice steroid user looking to cut and harden up, the following cutting cycle will be ideal. First time steroid users (male) are strongly encouraged to begin with the Testosterone only cycle. This includes those who want to cut and lose fat; you can do both with a testosterone only cycle. For those that tolerate testosterone well and are looking for a bit more, the following will provide you a leaner, harder look so as long as diet and training are in place.
Testosterone, as with all steroid cycles, will represent the base of this cycle and stack. Testosterone Cypionate or Testosterone Enanthate will be the ideal choice. The Propionate myth – it’s often said that Testosterone Propionate is the better choice when dieting as it will cause you to hold less water compared to the larger ester base testosterone; however, this is a scientific impossibility. Testosterone is a hormone, an ester is attached to a hormone in order to slow down and regulate its release in the body. Without an ester, the testosterone injected would require daily to even twice daily injections in order to maintain stable blood levels. Propionate is a small ester, while Cypionate and Enanthate are larger esters. There are numerous esters beyond these three but they remain the most common. Regardless of the ester attached to the testosterone hormone, once the ester is removed you are left with the same testosterone hormone. The benefits and any possible side effects, including water retention do not occur until the testosterone is active, which takes place after the ester is removed.
Water retention: If you hold water during your cutting cycle, it will be due to one of two primary reasons:
1. Aromatase: Testosterone converts to estrogen via the aromatase enzyme. If enough testosterone converts to estrogen and estradiol (E2) levels go up, the body will hold water. The more testosterone that’s given to the body, the more there is to convert to estrogen, which again can lead to water retention. The use of an aromatase inhibitor (AI) will help ensure E2 levels do not get out of control. Important note: Not all men need the same amount of AI and should not base their use on what others do.
2. Too many carbs: carbohydrates can cause water retention. If high levels of E2 exist and excess carbs are present, you will hold water. If E2 is under control and you’re still holding water, there is a very good chance you’re eating too many carbs. Many will blame the testosterone they’re taking, the type of testosterone or something else, but more often than not, far more often than not, it’s the diet rather than the hormones.
3.
Week
**Test-e or Test-Cyp
Anavar
*Anastrozole
1
500mg/wk
X
0.25mg/eod
2
3
4
5
50mg/ed
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Anastrozole may or may not need to be adjusted. If heavy bloating occurs or achy feelings in the chest, the dose may need to be slightly increased. However, one shouldn’t rely solely on feeling. Nipples may become tender simply due to increased levels of testosterone and the related increase in libido. Some may also find the dose needs to be taken down to 2-3 times per week only. Blood work is the best gauge if possible.
If Testosterone Propionate is used, the dose should be reduced to 400mg per week. Testosterone Propionate carries more testosterone per milligram due to the smaller ester. Both Sustanon 250 and Omnadren may be used at 500mg per week.
HCG: It is strongly recommended that HCG be a part of your testosterone cycle. The addition of HCG will prevent testicular atrophy, which will occur with testosterone use. When we use testosterone or any anabolic steroid, we suppress our natural testosterone production. If we are supplementing with testosterone, this isn’t a concern during the cycle as we are providing our body with the testosterone it needs. However, HCG will keep the natural production online, which will make post cycle recovery far more effective. A dose of 250-350mg two times per week will suffice for most men. For information on post cycle therapy (PCT) please visit How to Come off Steroids.
Key:
Mg: Milligram
Ml: Milliliter
Wk: Week
Ed: Every day
Eod: Every other day
Test-e: Testosterone Enanthate
Test-Cyp: Testosterone Cypionate
