Overview
Testosterone is the foundation of virtually all anabolic steroid cycles and serves as the gold standard by which all other anabolic steroids are measured.
Key Benefits
- Universal Base: Prevents complete suppression of natural testosterone when other steroids are used.
- Versatile: Supports bulking, cutting, or maintenance phases depending on diet and training.
- Well-Researched: Decades of medical data on dosing, safety, and side-effects.
Aromatization & Estrogen Control
Testosterone aromatizes to estrogen, enhancing muscle protein synthesis but requiring management of estrogenic side effects such as water retention and gynecomastia. Common controls include low-dose Anastrozole or Exemestane.
Pro Tip: Front-load with an additional injection on day 1 to reach steady-state faster.
Side Effects & Mitigation
- Acne & oily skin → improved hygiene or isotretinoin
- Hair loss in predisposed users → 5AR inhibitors such as finasteride
- Elevated hematocrit → routine blood donation
For PCT, users typically employ Tamoxifen or Clomiphene to restore natural hormone production.