How to Cycle Steroids: The Complete Guide

A steroid cycle is a scheduled period of anabolic steroid use, followed by an equal or longer off-period to allow hormonal recovery. Running a well-designed cycle — with the right compounds, doses and timing — is the difference between excellent results and unnecessary health risks.

Core Cycling Principles

Cycle length: Typically 8-16 weeks for injectables, 6-8 weeks for oral-only cycles
Time off equals time on: If your cycle was 12 weeks, take at least 12 weeks off (including PCT) before the next one
Start with one compound: Beginners should run a single testosterone before adding more compounds
Always include a testosterone base: Any cycle that suppresses natural testosterone needs exogenous testosterone to prevent sexual dysfunction and muscle loss
Plan PCT before the cycle starts: Have Clomid/Nolvadex on hand before your first injection

Beginner Cycle

A beginner is someone who has never used steroids before, or has only completed one cycle previously. The goal of a beginner cycle is to assess your body's response, experience meaningful gains, and keep the protocol simple and safe.

Beginner Testosterone-Only Cycle (12 weeks)

Weeks 1-12: Testosterone Enanthate 400-500mg/week (200-250mg twice weekly)
Throughout: Anastrozole 0.5mg EOD (adjust based on estrogen symptoms)
Weeks 14-18: PCT — Nolvadex 40/40/20/20mg/day

Expected gains: 6-10kg lean mass. Simple, effective, and the best way to understand how your body responds to exogenous testosterone.

Intermediate Bulk Cycle

An intermediate user has completed 2-3 cycles and understands how their body responds. They can safely add a second compound.

Test + Deca Bulking Cycle (14 weeks)

Weeks 1-14: Testosterone Enanthate 500mg/week
Weeks 1-14: Deca Durabolin 400mg/week
Weeks 1-4: Dianabol 30mg/day (kickstart)
Throughout: Anastrozole + Cabergoline (for prolactin from Deca)
Weeks 17-21: PCT — Clomid 50/50/25/25 + Nolvadex 40/40/20/20mg

Intermediate Cutting Cycle

Test + Anavar Cutting Cycle (10 weeks)

Weeks 1-10: Testosterone Propionate 100mg EOD
Weeks 1-8: Anavar 50mg/day
Weeks 7-10: Winstrol 50mg/day (optional finisher)
Week 12-16: PCT — Nolvadex 40/40/20/20mg

Common Cycling Mistakes

No testosterone base: Running an injectable like Deca without testosterone causes severe hormonal dysfunction ("Deca dick")
Skipping PCT: Testosterone crashes hard post-cycle. See our full PCT guide
Running orals too long: Oral 17-aa steroids should not exceed 6-8 weeks. Liver damage accumulates
Ignoring estrogen: Not having an aromatase inhibitor ready leads to gynecomastia and water retention
Too many compounds too soon: Adding 4-5 compounds before understanding your reaction to each makes side effect management impossible
Insufficient caloric intake: Steroids accelerate protein synthesis, but there must be enough raw material (food) to build with

Nutrition During a Cycle

Cycle Goal	Calories	Protein	Carbs
Bulking	+400-600 kcal surplus	3-4g per kg BW	High (5-7g/kg)
Cutting	-300-500 kcal deficit	3-4g per kg BW	Moderate (2-3g/kg)
Recomposition	Maintenance	3-4g per kg BW	Moderate (3-4g/kg)