Anabolic steroids are used for improving mass, improving strength, building a lean physique and to improve athletic performance. A steroid cycle is the period during which anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are used by a person and each cycle lasts between four to fifteen weeks depending on the goals of the person and the type of steroid used. The steroid cycle may consist of something known as “stacking” where in more than one steroid compound is used during a cycle. It should be noted that the steroid cycle should not be started before the age of 25 for body building purposes and it should be ensured that it is safe for you to start any advanced testosterone propionate cycle consumption as high levels of testosterone can cause great damage to your body.
Before you begin the steroid cycle it is important to understand the safety precautions one must take and the side effects the steroid consumption may have. The first safety precaution suggested is that the steroid cycles should always be kept short. Long steroid cycles can cause a lot of side effects. One such side effect is that the lipid profile of the body changes drastically, the good cholesterol levels (HDL) will go down and the levels of the bad cholesterol (LDL) will go up which in turn will make you more prone to heart attacks. The other side effects due to large doses or long cycles of steroids are that in males they can lead to testicular atrophy, reduced libido, loss of muscle mass and hormonal cancers. If steroids are taken for longer duration, the body’s own ability of producing natural testosterone will go down and the testosterone will be produced very slowly. It is hence important that these factors are well understood before a steroid cycle is planned.
The Steroid Cycle
Once you are aware of the safety factors and side effects of an advanced testosterone propionate cycle, it is a good time to decide on what kind of steroids you should begin with. For this, the goals of the steroid cycle should be set. For first timers it is highly recommended that the steroid cycle begins with consumption of “testosterone” only with absolutely no stacking. Testosterone is a naturally produced steroid and hence is easier for the body to work with. When there are any side effects that you see, you can go off the cycle and restart is again post a break. For a beginner it is advisable that the testosterone is injected in the body so as to be absorbed faster by the muscles. For the beginner, this testosterone cycle should be kept short, an ideal duration being three to four weeks. The ideal dose for beginners would be 300mg and can be raised with subsequent cycles. It is to be kept in mind that along with this cycle, regular fitness training should be taken up by the individual. There are many testosterone types available to begin with such as Testosterone Cypionate, Testosterone Propionate, Testosterone Enanthate and even some blends.
Once the testosterone cycle is completed, you will understand better the needs of your goals and will be able to better plan your steroid cycle.
