Using anabolic steroids in “cycles” is a fundamental practice among bodybuilders and athletes to maximize the benefits while minimizing the potential adverse effects.
The idea behind steroid cycles is that you use the steroids for a predetermined period of time, usually 8 to 12 weeks. Then, you use some drugs and supplements after the cycle (post-cycle therapy) to increase your natural testosterone production so that you can easily maintain the gains you have made from the steroid use. Then, you should have a period where you are off all of the drugs and maintain using a natural testosterone booster like HCGenerate. This whole plan I just described is what we refer to as a “steroid cycle”.
In this section, we take an in-depth look at the reasons behind cycling steroids:
Optimizing Gains and Performance
Muscle Growth and Strength: Cycling steroids allow users to optimize muscle growth and strength gains. Steroids like testosterone, Dianabol, and Deca-Durabolin are potent in enhancing muscle mass and strength, but they will lose their effectiveness over long continued use. Individuals can achieve significant muscle gains in a relatively short period of time by using these compounds in a structured cycle.
Plateau Avoidance: Continuous use of steroids can lead to a plateau effect where the body no longer responds to the drugs. Cycling helps to mitigate this by alternating between periods of use and rest, allowing the body to reset and respond effectively to subsequent cycles. This “off” period is crucial for normalizing your androgen receptors.
Minimizing Side Effects
Hormonal Balance: Steroids can disrupt the body’s natural hormone production, leading to side effects such as gynecomastia (breast tissue development in men), testicular atrophy, and changes in libido. By cycling, users give their endocrine system time to recover and return to normal function, reducing the risk of long-term hormonal imbalances.
Liver Health: Oral steroids are hepatotoxic, meaning they can cause liver damage with prolonged use. Cycling reduces the duration of exposure, thereby mitigating the risk of liver toxicity. Liver support supplements are often used during cycles to further protect liver health. Even with proper liver support, you should limit your use of oral steroids to under six weeks of use in any one cycle.
Cardiovascular Health: Steroids will usually negatively impact cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Cycling allows periods of rest where the user can focus on restoring healthy cholesterol levels and reducing cardiovascular strain.
Sports and Health
Regulatory Compliance: In most sports, the use of anabolic steroids is regulated. Cycling, especially with shorter esters and base hormones, can help users stay undetected and minimize the chances of being caught.
