Building Effective Cycles
Building Effective Cycles
CONSTRUCTION
EFFECTIVE
BUILDING
CYCLES
This content is for entertainment and
educational purposes only, and I do not
make any warranties to its accuracy,
applicability, or completeness.
Cycle Design
STEROID SCIENCE
ALL STEROIDS DERIVED FROM TESTERONE
DHT
Doesn’t Aromatise
Strong Binding Affinity
It doesn’t Convert via 5AR
Weak Anabolic due to interaction with
3-alpha hydroxysteroid
dehydrogenase
19-Nortestosterone
Lower Androgenic sides
Weak 5AR interaction
Aromatizes lower rates than
testosterone
Strong Anabolic Effect
Testosterone
Parent Male Hormone
CYCLE PHASES
Cycle Design
CONSTRUCTION
BULKING PHASE
LENGTH: 16-20 Weeks
GOAL: Add Lean Body Mass
DOSING: Start with minimum
effective dose & taper up as
needed.
NUTRITION: Adjusted Calorie Surplus
EXPECTATIONS: 5-10lbs LMB
CUTTING PHASE
LENGTH: 16 Weeks
GOAL: Reduce Body Fat, Preserve LBM
DOSING: Start with offseason cycle.
Add cutting agents at 4-6 weeks in.
Taper up as needed.
Add orals last 4-6 weeks.
NUTRITION: 500-1,000 Calorie Deficit
EXPECTATIONS: 1-2 lbs fat loss per week
REBOUND PHASE
LENGTH: 6-8 Weeks
GOAL: Rapid size gain
DOSING: Drop all fat burners, orals, and tren &
lower AT
NUTRITION: Escalating Calorie Surplus
EXPECTATIONS: Reach previous offseason
weight at lower body fat %
CRUISE PHASE
LENGTH: 8-12 Weeks
GOAL: Recover health to baseline
DOSING: TRT @ 250mg per week
+ 2-4 units of HGH (optional)
NUTRITION: Slight Deficit or Maintenance
EXPECTATIONS: Some loss of hardness,
fullness, and strength.
EXAMPLE YEAR
CONSTRUCTION
Cycle Design
BULKING PHASE
16 weeks
CUTTING PHASE
16 weeks
REBOUND PHASE
8 weeks
CRUISE PHASE
12 weeks
BULKING CYCLE
CONSTRUCTION
Cycle Design
Test Base
Testosterone should be the base
of every bulking cycle. A.I. s are u
used as needed.
Primary Anabolic
Equipoise or primobolan seem to be
the best choice for most people -
Run at 70-80% of your test dose
HGH
Performance ennhancing effects
seem to occur at 5 units or more
per day.
Optional Items
2nd Anabolic
If tolerated, nadrolone can be run
at 20-30% of the test dose as a
second anabolic.
Insulin
For advanced users & high level
competitors only, insulin can be
used for improved nutrient uptake.
Oral Steroids
Oral steroids should be limited in use.
Anadrol or Anavar pre-workout for
4-6 week durations maximum.
CUTTING CYCLE
CONSTRUCTION
Cycle Design
Test Base
Testosterone should be the base.
Switch to test prop at the last half
to allow for dosing flexibility.
Primary Anabolic
.
HGH
Performance ennhancing effects
seem to occur at 5 units or more
per day.
Tren
If tolerated, Tren can be added to
the cycle for additional body comp
and fat-burning effect the last 8 weeks.
Fat Burners
Clenbuterol is the most common and
most effective fat burner used.
Oral Steroids
Winstrol or Anavar are often added
the last 4-6 weeks to give an additional
hardening effect.
Anti-Estrogens
Estrogen will need to be suppressed
toward the end of the cut to achieve
that hard & grainy look. Arimidex is
the most common choice.
REBOUND CYCLE
CONSTRUCTION
Cycle Design
Test Base
Testosterone should be the base.
Doses are typically lower than
bulking. AIs are used as needed.
Primary Anabolic
Masteron or Primobolan seem to be
the best choice for most people -
Run at 70-80% of your test dose.
HGH
Performance enhancing effects
seem to occur at 5 units or more
per day.
ITEMS TO DROP
ORALS: Drop all orals
FAT BURNERS: Taper down fat
Burners by 50% for two weeks
post-cut.
ANTI-ESTROGENS: Should be
reduced to allow estradiol level
to return to the top end of the
reference range.
INSULIN: Shouldn’t be needed
in this phase insulin sensitivity
will be high post cut.
CRUISE CYCLE
CONSTRUCTION
Cycle Design
TRT
Testosterone should be run at the
high end of a replacement dose.
250-300mg per week is typical.
HGH
2-4 Units per day seems to be what
most bodybuilders run on a health &
maintenance phase.
CONSIDERATIONS
GOAL: To allow your body to
return to baseline and recover
health.
It’s Not a Cruise if: You don’t
drop all other PEDs.
BEFORE NEXT CYCLE: Blood
panels and diagnostic testing
should be at baseline health.
DURATION: It typically takes 12-
16 weeks for health markers to
return to baseline.
PCT or CRUISE? Unless you are
coming off for six months or
more, TRT is likely more
beneficial than coming off
completely and crashing your
hormones.
COMPOUND CHOICE
CONSTRUCTION
Cycle Design
BASE HORMONE
Testosterone (as high as tolerated)
HYPERTROPHY
Nandrolone (mildly neuro and cardiotoxic,
mental health)
Primobolan (safest)
Boldenone (Elavated RBC & BP)
Masteron (safe)
Anavar (liver and lipids)
HGH (dose-dependent)
DBOL (Liver, BP, Estrogen)
STRENGTH
Anadrol (Liver and Lipids)
Halotestin (Liver, Mental Health, and
Lipids)
Trenbolone (Kidney, Lipids, Neuro, Cardio,
Mental Health)
BODY COMPOSITION
Trenbolone (Lipids, Neuro, Cardio, Mental
Health)
Masteron (Lipids)
Anavar (liver and lipids)
Winstrol (liver and lipids)
Halotestin (Liver, Mental Health, and
Lipids)
Proviron (safe)
HGH (dose-dependent)
COMPOUND CHOICE
CONSTRUCTION
Cycle Design
NUTRIENT UPTAKE
Berberine
Metformin (gastric distress, low glucose)
Insulin (Hypoglycemia, DEATH.)
FAT LOSS
Clenbuterol (heart & blood pressure)
T3 (thyroid)
Caffeine (B.P.)
Yohimbine (heart)
Ephedrine (heart, Anxiety & BP)
Trenbolone (Lipids, Neuro, Cardio, Mental
Health)
DNP - NO GO - Death
GLUCOCORTICOID SUPPRESSION
Trenbolone (Kidney, Lipids, Neuro, Cardio,
Mental Health)
ESTROGEN CONTROL
Anastrozole (lipids, joint, and bone)
Letrozole (lipids, joint, and bone)
Exemestane (lipids, joint, and bone)
Nolvadex (clotting & bone)
Cycle Design
SIDE EFFECTS
HIGH ESTROGEN SYMPTOMS
Erectile Dysfunction
Bloating & Water Retention
High Blood Pressure
Unexplained Fat Accumulation
Depression & Anxiety
Acne Flareups
Gyno
Prostate Inflammation
Cycle Design
SIDE EFFECTS
WATER RETENTION
High Estrogen
Androgen Stimulation of RAAS
HGH
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
High Estrogen
Tren
Deca & NPP
LOW SEX DRIVE
Low Estrogen
ACHY JOINTS
Low Estrogen
Overuse of AIs
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Water retention
Overuse of Stims
Excessively Elevated RBC, Hemoglobin Hematocrit
PROSTATE INFLAMMATION
High Estrogen
High DHT
Stimulant Abuse
ACNE
High Estrogen
High DHT
Ratio of DHT/Estrogen
INSOMNIA
Tren
Overuse of Stimulants & Fat Burners
ACID REFLUX
Overuse of Orals
Tren
LOW HDL
Overuse of Orals
Low Estrogen
Overuse of AIs
NUMB HANDS
Overuse of HGH
POOR MOOD (Anxiety, Anger, Depression)
High Estrogen
Tren & NPP
EXCESSIVELY ELEVATED RBC, HEMOGLOBIN &
HEMATOCRIT
Overuse of EQ
EPO
Overuse of Anadrol
INSULIN FACTS
Cycle Design
What It Is & How It Works:
Cycle Design
MONITORING
HYPOGLYCEMIA SYMPTOMS
Shakiness
Fast pulse
Hunger
Sweating
Nervousness
RAPID INSULINS
Cycle Design
PROFILES
Insulin Lispro (Humalog)
Onset: 0.25-0.5 hours
Peak Glycemic Effect: 30-90
min
Duration: ≤ 5 hours
Cycle Design
PROFILES
(REGULAR)
Cycle Design
PROFILES
(BASAL)
Cycle Design
PROFILES
Insulin Aspart + Insulin Degludec
(Ryzodeg 70/30)
Onset: 0.23 hours
Peak Glycemic Effect: 2.3 hours
Duration: > 24 hours
PROFILES
TESTOSTERONE
Properties:
Testosterone converts to Estrogen (20% avg, via
aromatase) and DHT (10% avg, via 5AR), and this
conversion is influenced by genetics and body
fat.
Androgenic: Masculinization (body hair, voice
deepening, sex organ development, aggression,
libido).
Anabolic: Increased protein synthesis, improved
body composition, bone remodeling, muscle
anabolism (Anabolic and Androgenic rating 100).
Mechanism:
Lock & Key System: Free Testosterone in the
bloodstream binds to cellular receptors in
muscle, skin, scalp, kidney, bone, prostate, CNS,
activating genetic responses.
Performance Benefits:
Increased protein synthesis, recovery, body
composition, anti-catabolic effects, and red-
blood cell count.
Side Effects:
Shutdown of natural testosterone, testicular
atrophy, gynecomastia (due to high estrogen),
high blood pressure (caused by estrogen, diet, or
androgens), bloating, worsened lipid profile,
acne, BPH, prostate cancer, baldness (due to
high DHT).
PROFILES
BPC157:
Injectable Form:
Administration:
Oral Form:
PROFILES
TB500:
TB500:
Loading Phase:
Maintenance Phase:
Administration of TB-500:
PROFILES
DBOL (Methandrostenolone)
Properties:
Structurally Altered Testosterone
Double bond at Carbons 1 and 2 reduces androgenic
effects
Weaker androgen receptor binding, strong anabolic
Methyl group at 17th carbon allows oral
administration (liver toxic)
Strong estrogenic effects (converts to methyl estradiol)
Promotes lean tissue gain, mild androgenic effects
Effects:
Increased protein synthesis and nitrogen retention
Fast size gain (mostly water)
Side Effects:
Strong estrogenic: Bloating, Gyno, High blood pressure
Mild androgenic: Body hair growth, Baldness, BPH, Acne,
Masculinization in women
Suppresses HDL, raises LDL
Suppresses HTPA at doses as low as 10 mg/day
Mild suppression of natural testosterone
Liver toxic at higher doses (>15 mg/day)
Applications:
Quick strength and size increases
Boosts explosive activity
Personal Experience:
Side effects at 50 mg: Gyno, high blood pressure, severe
pumps, appetite suppression, ankle swelling
Explosive strength gains, but mostly water and lost after
stopping
Pre-workout use: Small doses (10-15 mg) for pumps, not
suitable for deadlifts/squats
Prefer other options like Anavar
90% respond poorly, 10% respond well
Cycle Design
STEROID PROFILE
PROFILES
Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate)
Properties:
Structurally altered form of testosterone
Double bond between Carbons 1 and 2 reduces
estrogenic activity (50% of testosterone rate)
Same anabolic properties as testosterone
Lower androgenic properties than testosterone
No progestogenic activity
Reduces to DHB (potent androgen), not DHT
Effects:
Increased protein synthesis and nitrogen retention
Increased IGF-1 production
Increased red blood cell count
Inhibition of glucocorticoids (stress hormones)
Increased appetite
Side Effects:
Elevated RBC/hematocrit (varies by individual)
Androgenic side effects (Body hair growth, Baldness,
BPH, Acne)
Suppresses testosterone production
Possibly kidney toxic
Applications:
Bulking
Increased appetite, strength gains, size gains
Undecylenate Ester:
14-day half-life
Detectable up to a year after use
My Experience:
Low side effects, a feeling of overall wellness
Can lower estrogen
Strength and size increases, but not as much as
nandrolone
Elevated hematocrit
Used for hypertrophy cycles, not fat loss phases (though
some do)
Cycle Design
STEROID PROFILE
PROFILES
Halotestin (Fluoxymesterone)
Properties of Halo:
Structurally altered testosterone
Added fluoro group at carbon 9 and 3 and beta-hydroxyl
group at carbon 11
Non-aromatizing, strong androgenic action
Moderate anabolic action
Methyl group at 17th carbon allows oral administration
More potent androgen than testosterone
Effects of Halo:
Increased protein synthesis, nitrogen retention, bone
density, healing
Reduces glucocorticoids
Increased strength, definition, & modest size increases
Reduces breast tissue
Half-Life:
9-hour half-life, take twice per day
My Thoughts:
Excellent for peaking for a show
Avoid if prone to temper issues (can cause extreme
aggression)
Personally experiences euphoria, not anger
Recommended only for peaking (2-3 weeks)
Cycle Design
STEROID PROFILE
PROFILES
Nandrolone (Deca / NPP)
Properties of Nandrolone (Deca / NPP):
19-nortestosterone (19-nor) anabolic steroid
Lacks carbon atom at the 19th position
Strong anabolic properties
Weak androgenic properties
Effects of Nandrolone:
Increased protein synthesis, nitrogen retention, IGF-1
production
Increased red blood cell count
Inhibition of glucocorticoids (stress hormones)
Increased bone mineral content and collagen synthesis
Common Esters:
Nandrolone Decanoate (Deca): Half-life: 16-12 days
Nandrolone Phenylpropionate (NPP): Half-life: 4.5 days
My Experience:
Increases strength and size
Joints feel great
Side Effects Experienced: Erectile dysfunction at higher
dosesAnxiety, gyno issues, water retention, increased
blood pressure
Cycle Design
STEROID PROFILE
PROFILES
Trenbolone
Properties of Tren
Is a 19-nortestosterone (19-nor) anabolic steroid
Double Bonds at the Carbons 9 & 11
Inhibits aromatization, Increases androgen receptor binding
affinity, and slows its metabolism
Effects of Tren
Increased protein synthesis & nitrogen retention
Increased IGF-1 production
Inhibition of Glucocorticoids (stress hormones)
Strong Anti-Catabolic
Increased Feed Efficiency (Eat less and Maintain Muscle)
Common Esters
Tren Enanthate - Half Life = 6-10 Days
Tren Acetate - Half Life = 3 Day
Ten Hex (Parabolan) Half-Life = 8-10 days
My Experience
Nasty Side Effects
Doses north of 300mg per week have crazy side effects. I
feel like shit.
Hair Loss
BPH
Terrible Insomnia
Anxiety & Apathy
Cycle Design
STEROID PROFILE
PROFILES
Masteron (Drostanolone Propionate)
Properties of Masteron
Is a structurally altered form of DHT
Changed by the addition of a methyl group at the carbon 2
position
Protects it from metabolic breakdown by the 3-
hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme, which is found in
the skeletal muscle like DHT
Strong binding affinity
No measurable estrogenic effects
Moderate androgenic effects
Moderate anabolic effects
Released in 1969 as a breast cancer treatment
Effects of Masteron
Moderate increase protein synthesis & nitrogen retention
Moderate suppression of estrogen
Hardening effect
Half-Life
Propionate Ester has 2 days
Enanthate Ester has 7-9 days
My Experience
No Notable Side Effects
Hardens me up
Improved Sex Drive
Reduced my gyno (tightened up my chest fat)
Seems to help get rid of estrogenic fat
Didn’t find that it contributes much to offseason size
Cycle Design
STEROID PROFILE
PROFILES
Primobolan (Methenolone Enanthate)
Properties of Primobolan:
Structurally altered form of DHT
Double bond between Carbons 1 and 2, additional 1-
methyl-group
Protects against hepatic metabolism
No measurable estrogenic effects, very mild androgenic
effects
Considered the safest anabolic
Has a 7-9 day half-life
Effects of Primo:
Increase in protein synthesis, nitrogen retention, IGF-1
production, and red blood cell count
My Experience:
No side effects, the feeling of overall wellness
Strong impact on lowering estradiol, perfect BP, slightly
elevated hematocrit
Best blood results on test and primo
Expensive but safe and worth it if health is a priority
High doses are required for noticeable results
Can be faked; new favorite offseason primary anabolic
Cycle Design
STEROID PROFILE
PROFILES
Anavar (Oxandrolone)
Properties of Anavar:
Structurally altered form of DHT
Added oxygen atom replacing carbon-2 in the A-ring
Strong anabolic due to this modification
Methyl group at 17th carbon allows oral administration (C17-aa, liver
toxic)
No measurable estrogenic or progestin-like effects
Effects of Anavar:
Increased protein synthesis, nitrogen retention, decreased SHBG,
increased IGF-1 production, increased red blood cell count
Reduces thyroid binding globulin
Anecdotal belief it may increase fat-burning
Inhibition of glucocorticoids (stress hormones)
Strong anabolic action
Anavar Half-Life:
9-13 hours
My Experience:
Moderate side effects at 50 mg/day (elevated liver enzymes, suppressed
appetite)
No notable androgenic side effects
Hardens and makes veins more visible, increases strength
Usage:
Last 6-8 weeks of prep
Occasional pre-workout in the offseason for strength
Cycle Design
STEROID PROFILE
PROFILES
Winstrol (Stanozolol)
Properties of Winstrol
Is a structurally altered form of DHT
Introduction of an attached pyrazol group at the A-ring of the
hormone replacing the 3-keto group.
Modification makes it a very strong anabolic while reducing
androgenic effects.
Modification at the 17th carbon position by the addition of a
methyl group allows oral administration.
No measurable estrogenic effects
Very mild androgenic effects
Both oral and injectable are C17-aa
Effects of Winstrol
Increased protein synthesis and nitrogen retention
Decreased SHBG (50% reduction)
Moderate Increase in Red Blood Cell Count
indirectly affects glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids
Strong Anabolic Action
Winstrol Half-Life
8 hour half-life
My Experience
Blew up my liver enzymes as much as Anadrol
Hardens me & dries me out instantly on as little as 25mg
Terrible Joint Pain & cramps
Crushed my appetite
Only consider it for the end of prep
Cycle Design
STEROID PROFILE
PROFILES
Anadrol (Oxymetholone)
Properties of Anadrol
Is a structurally altered form of DHT
A 2-hydroxymethylene group is attached to a carbon in the first
cycloalkane ring
The modification makes it a very strong anabolic, whereas DHT is
not
Modification at the 17th carbon position by the addition of a
methyl group allows oral administration
Very potent anabolic
Moderate androgenic effects
Effects of Anadrol
Increased protein synthesis & nitrogen retention
Increased IGF-1 production
Strong Increase in Red Blood Cell Count
Strong Anabolic Action
Strong non-genomic effects (CNS Drive)
Anadrol Half-Life
16 hour half life
My Experience
Strong Side Effects. It it me hard
Loss of appetite
Flared up my gyno badly
Blood pressure went through the roof
Made me big and strong
I blew up 20lbs in a few weeks and got strong and big
I love it but would limit its use. Not worth it for non-competitors
Cycle Design
HGH PROFILE
PROFILES
HGH (Human Growth Hormone) Profile
Full Name: Somatropin
Type: Peptide hormone
Produced by: Pituitary gland
Structure: 191 amino acids
Properties
Stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration
Increases protein synthesis
Enhances muscle growth
Promotes fat metabolism
Effects
Increases muscle mass
Reduces body fat
Improves exercise performance
Enhances bone density
Accelerates tissue repair
Side Effects
Joint and muscle pain
Edema (swelling)
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Insulin resistance
Increased risk of diabetes
Potential contribution to cancer growth
Bodybuilding Uses
Promotes muscle hypertrophy
Accelerates recovery from intense workouts
Enhances fat loss
Improves overall body composition
Half-Life
Approximately 2-3 hours (active biological effect can last
longer)
Doses
Varies based on goals: therapeutic vs. performance
enhancement
Replacement Dose: 2-4 IUs per day
Typical bodybuilding dose: 5-18 IU per day