In the performance-enhancing community, Testosterone and its various esters (Base, Propionate, Enanthate, Cypionate, Undecylenate) are revered as the cornerstone of any steroid cycle. Experienced users and trainers often view Testosterone as the foundation upon which steroid cycles are built. It is lauded for its versatility, providing both bulking and cutting capabilities depending on the ester used and the accompanying compounds in the stack.

Testosterone is essential for maximizing muscle gains, strength, and performance enhancement. Many experienced users incorporate it into their cycles to ensure adequate levels of the hormone in the body, which can decline with age or due to prolonged steroid use. Moreover, Testosterone is often regarded as relatively safe when used responsibly, especially in comparison to more potent and potentially harmful compounds. However, users are cautioned about the risks of aromatization and estrogen-related side effects, which can be managed through the use of aromatase inhibitors or selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).

Overall, within the performance-enhancing community, Testosterone is highly regarded as a reliable and effective steroid for achieving desired physique and performance goals. Its perceived benefits and long-standing history of use in bodybuilding and athletics contribute to its continued popularity among experienced users and trainers.


History of Testosterone and its Esters.

Testosterone and its various esters have a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Testosterone was isolated in 1935 by German scientists Adolf Butenandt and Leopold Ruzicka, earning them the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Following this breakthrough, pharmaceutical companies began synthesizing Testosterone esters to enhance their pharmacokinetic properties, developing Testosterone Propionate, Testosterone Enanthate, Testosterone Cypionate, and Testosterone Undecylenate.

Testosterone Propionate was the first esterified form of Testosterone introduced to the market in the 1930s, followed by Testosterone Enanthate and Testosterone Cypionate in the 1950s. These Esters were developed by various pharmaceutical companies such as Schering, Organon, and Upjohn. Each ester has its own release profile, affecting the action duration and administration frequency.

Initially, Testosterone and its esters were primarily used in medical settings to treat conditions related to Testosterone deficiency, such as hypogonadism and delayed puberty. However, their potent anabolic effects quickly caught the attention of athletes and bodybuilders seeking performance enhancement. Despite being banned by sports organizations and facing regulatory interventions, Testosterone, and its Esters continue to be abused for doping purposes due to their ability to promote muscle growth, strength, and recovery.

Throughout history, Testosterone and its esters have remained at the center of controversies and debates regarding their ethical, legal, and health implications. Their widespread use and misuse in medical and non-medical contexts underscore the complex relationship between science, medicine, and human performance enhancement, highlighting the ongoing challenges of balancing the potential benefits with the risks associated with their use.


How to Use Testosterone

For athletes looking to utilize Testosterone in their steroid cycles, the approach to dosing, stacking, and cycle length varies depending on the specific esters used (Base, Propionate, Enanthate, Cypionate, and Undecylenate) as well as individual goals (bulking, cutting, strength enhancement).


General Guidelines for Testosterone Usage:

Testosterone Enanthate and Cypionate are similar in their application, typically injected once every 7 days, allowing for a slow, steady release of the hormone. These forms are suitable for longer cycles due to their prolonged half-life.

Testosterone Propionate requires more frequent injections, usually every other day, due to its faster action and shorter half-life, making it a choice for those seeking more immediate effects or shorter cycles.

Testosterone Undecanoate is often administered by doctors once every two to four weeks, offering an even longer-acting option for those looking for minimal injection frequency. Bodybuilders still tend to inject it once every seven days.


Testosterone Dosage:

Dosages vary significantly depending on the ester, cycle goals, and individual response. For bulking cycles, doses can range from 250mg to 750mg per week for beginners and up to 1,000mg or more for advanced users.

For cutting or more specific goals like enhancing muscle definition or strength without significant mass gain, lower dosages and the inclusion of other anabolic steroids like Winstrol, Masteron, or Trenbolone might be preferred.


Stacking Testosterone With Other Steroids:

With Dianabol: A common bulking cycle includes Testosterone (any ester) stacked with Dianabol for significant muscle and strength gains. Dianabol aromatizes into a strong Estrogen, providing substantial gains in water as well as muscle mass. You should use N2Guard as a liver support product any time you use Dianabol.

With Deca Durabolin: For those seeking a safer cycle with minimal liver impact, Testosterone can be stacked with Deca Durabolin. Deca is known for enhancing muscle gains without severe toxicity.

With Trenbolone: A stack of Testosterone with Trenbolone is known for yielding substantial gains in muscle and strength, with Trenbolone adding the benefits of fat loss and increased definition without water retention.

With Every Steroid: Testosterone stacks well with most other steroids out there, and you can include it in pretty much any stack. Some old-school guys will even start every stack with 1,000mg of Testosterone per week.


Cycle Length:

Cycles can last anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the esters used and the cycle goals. Shorter esters like Propionate allow for shorter cycles, while longer esters like Enanthate and Cypionate are used in longer cycles.

Post-cycle therapy (PCT) is crucial after any Testosterone cycle to help restore natural hormone production. PCT usually starts a few weeks after the last injection and can include drugs like Nolvadex, Clomid, and HCG.

Note: Men on Testosterone Replacement Therapy are prescribed Testosterone injections on an ongoing permanent basis. It is possible to stay on Testosterone for years as long as you monitor your blood work and keep healthy numbers of health markers.


Side Effects and Precautions:

Potential side effects of Testosterone usage include water retention, increased risk of gynecomastia, heightened blood pressure, and more severe effects on cholesterol levels. Utilizing aromatase inhibitors (A.I.s) during the cycle can help mitigate estrogenic side effects.

Regular monitoring and adjustments based on individual responses and side effects are important. Liver support supplements and careful attention to cardiovascular health are also recommended.

Each athlete’s response to Testosterone can vary, so starting with a lower dose to gauge individual tolerance and adjusting as needed is advisable. Keeping an eye on your blood work and frequent checkups are also recommended to ensure safety and effectiveness throughout the cycle.


“Testosterone: I’ve been doing geneza pharma testosterone cypionate for the past 10 weeks doing 200 milligrams a week. Blood work came in and I’m in the 4 figure range.
Very solid numbers and proves that it’s good gear also my libido and strength is definitely higher and I’m finding it easier to put on muscle now”

-TisekBaj


“They are basically the exact same thing. Both are long estered forms of testosterone and pretty much interchangeable. Test e has a slightly longer half life. Test e has a half life of 10.5 days. Test cyp has a half life of 7 days.
For all the real world purposes, they are the exact same thing. Both need to be injected at least once per week but ideally twice per week for the most stable blood hormone levels.”

-Muskate


A simple testosterone cycle of 10-12 weeks at 400-500mg/week is your best option for a first cycle. Being new to steroids, your body will hyper respond and you don’t need a very aggressive cycle. It’s very similar to an 18 year old having their first drink. A single drink really hits them because they have never drank before. However, a more experienced drinker would need much more alcohol to get the same effect.”

-Muskate