List of steroids used in sport
1.1 Testosterone
Testosterone propionate (100 mg)
1.1.2. Testosterone enanthate (250 mg)
1.1.3. Testosterone cypionate (250 mg)
1.1.4. Testosterone sustanon (250mg)
1.1.5. Testosterone mix (300, 400 mg)
1.2 Nandrolone
1.2.1. Nandrolone phenylpropionate (100 mg)
1.2.2. Nandrolone decanoate
1.2.3. Nandrolone Mix (300 mg)
1.3 Masteron
1.3.1. Masteron propionate (100 mg)
1.3.2. Masteron enanthate (200 mg)
1.3.3. Masteron Mix (200 mg)
1.4 Boldenone
1.4.1. Tribold, Bold mix, equipoise
1.5 Trenbolone
1.6 Methanabol
1.6.1 I have no fucking idea
1.7 Winstrol
1.7.1 Winstrol depot – a forgotten legend of the 1990s
1.8 Anapolon
1.8.1 Anapolon – what dosage will give the best results?
List of steroids used in sport.
The following list has been formulated to fill a glaring gap in the internet, which is the lack of a sufficiently descriptive and transparent list of the most popular doping substances used in sport. The list was created in response to the numerous and constantly recurring enquiries about the possibility of creating a knowledge base, exactly in the format presented below. Each section consists of a general description of the agent in question, with links to the various forms of occurrence. The list is constantly being updated; we are also very grateful, and feel obliged, for any errors that are pointed out, or requests for additions/extensions to an issue. Please remember that this is a list created by you and for you – we sincerely encourage you to develop it further!
Dissemination, copying and editing without permission – highly recommended. However, please always include the location of the source text/authorship.
1a. Testosterone
Occurring esters/half-life
| Sustanon (ester mix) | 15-18 days (depending on composition) |
| Cypionate | 10-12 days |
| Enantat | 7-10 days |
| Propionate | 3-4 days |
| Suspension (on water) | 24 hours |
Dosage
| Beginner | 200-300 mg per week |
| Amateurs | 300-500 mg per week |
| Advanced | 500-1000 mg per week |
| Women | It is not recommended |
Side effects
| All typical androgenic agents and aromatics |
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone classified as an androgen. It exhibits strong anabolic and androgenic effects, and its side effects are predictable and easy to control, and it is the basis of every steroid cycle. Its action is to improve the nitrogen balance in the muscles, which directly contributes to muscular hypertrophy, i.e. muscle mass gain (growth of muscle fibres). Indirectly, it also contributes to muscle hyperplasia (increase in muscle fibres) by affecting IGF-1 and growth hormone secretion.
In the presence of the enzyme aromatase, testosterone converts to oestrogens, which are responsible for most of the side effects that occur during its use. These mainly include acne, excessive water retention and gynaecomastia. During a cycle with testosterone, it is therefore worth using anti-estrogen agents, which can be divided into SERMs and aromatase inhibitors (IA). The most popular SERM is tamoxifen citrate (Nolvadex), which acts selectively on estrogen receptors, blocking their action. Aromatase inhibitors are a group of agents that block the aromatisation of testosterone to oestrogen, reducing their overall amount in the blood and tissues. A significant difference between the two types of agents is that, while SERMs act selectively on tissues and generally have no side effects, aromatase inhibitors used in excessive amounts can cause estrogen levels to fall below the desired value. Estrogen deficiency will have adverse effects on the liver, cardiovascular system and performance and well-being.
Testosterone converts to its active form, 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), through the action of peripheral 5-alpha-reductase. DHT is the hormone responsible for the androgenic side effects of testosterone use, such as baldness, oily skin and acne, and prostate hypertrophy.
Testosterone propionate is the most popular form of testosterone among first-time users because of its faster onset of action and short half-life, which allows for rapid withdrawal if side effects are too severe. Other esters with half-lives of > 4 days are used mainly by advanced users – due to the possibility of injecting larger doses at longer intervals, which minimises the formation of so-called adhesions, i.e. thickening of the muscle tissue at the injection site.
1b. Nandrolone
Occurring esters/half-life
| Dekanian | 15 days |
| Phenylpropionate | 4 days |
Dosage
| Beginner | 300-400 mg per week |
| Amateurs | 400-600 mg per week |
| Advanced | 500-1000 mg per week |
| Women | 50-100 mg per week |
Side effects
| All typical of elevated progesterone and prolactin levels, strong blocking of the HPTA system |
Nandrolone (19-nortestosterone) is an anabolic steroid with strong anabolic and moderately androgenic effects. It is structurally very similar to testosterone, but converts to the much less androgenic dihydronandrolone (DHN) via a reductase enzyme, competing with DHT in tissues sensitive to it. Clinically, it is used in cases of anaemia and osteoporosis. It increases red blood cell count, improves nitrogen balance by increasing nitrogen retention, which is beneficial for increasing strength and muscle mass, and increases bone density.
Nandrolone is a derivative of progesterone, so its use will, in most cases, cause side effects typical of this hormone. Progesterone, together with the large amount of oestrogen in the body, can also increase the production of prolactin, which is responsible for the typical side effects of nandrolone, such as excessive water retention, malaise, impotence and lack of libido.
Nullifying these side effects will involve controlling progesterone and prolactin levels and the ratio of anabolic to androgenic hormones in the body. The basic method is to use testosterone and nandrolone in a 2:1 ratio, but such amounts of testosterone will in turn cause problems with excessive estrogen. Therefore, a much more sensible method seems to be the use of typically androgenic agents such as masteron, winstrol or proviron.
The basis of prophylaxis for a cycle with nandrolone should also be the monitoring of blood pressure and, if the cycle lasts longer than 12 weeks, of thyroid hormone levels, as it can increase TBG and TBPA levels while reducing their free blood counts.
A major disadvantage of nandrolone is its effect on the HPTA system, which is responsible for regulating the secretion of endogenous testosterone. Unblocking of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular system should be preceded by a set of hormonal tests and the therapy itself should be consulted with a specialist, who will select the appropriate doses and measures according to the state of health and sex hormone levels.
1c. Masteron
Occurring esters/half-life
| Enantat | 8-10 days |
| Propionate | 3-4 days |
Dosage
| Beginner | 200-300 mg per week |
| Amateurs | 300-600 mg per week |
| Advanced | 400-1000 mg per week |
| Women | It is not recommended |
Side effects
| All typical of strong androgenic agents, soreness around joints |
Masteron (dronastolone) is a derivative of DHT. Clinically, it has been used in the treatment of breast cancer. It is a very potent androgen and also a moderate anabolic. Among athletes, it is valued mainly for its increase in aggression, vascularity and its effect on oestrogen receptors and progesterone levels.
Its action is based on a very strong binding of androgen receptors (AR), resulting in increased muscle glycogen levels, with concomitant subcutaneous water loss and a sculpted appearance as a result. Masteron also has a proven effect on the process of liposynthesis by increasing the sensitivity of fat cells to adrenaline and norepinephrine, which inhibit fat deposition and promote the extraction of energy from lipids derived from these cells.
Masteron, due to its effect on oestrogen receptors, will counteract most of the negative effects caused by them, but may exacerbate joint pain. This is due to its anti-progesterone and anti-estrogen effects, which block the formation of anti-inflammatory and analgesic cytokines. Such a mechanism will directly decrease bone mineralisation and block collagen synthesis, which will manifest as joint pain. In order to avoid possible injuries, it is therefore worth including vitamin C and collagen in supplementation.
1d. Boldenone
Occurring esters/half-life
| Undecylenate | 8 days |
| Acetate | 2 days |
Dosage
| Beginner | 200-300 mg per week |
| Amateurs | 400-700 mg per week |
| Advanced | 700-1200 mg per week |
| Women | 100-150 mg per week |
Side effects
| Increased blood pressure, increased erythrocyte count, negative effects on the GABA-minergic system |
Boldenone (equipoise) is a veterinary agent, a testosterone derivative, structurally similar to methanabol. Its effects are difficult to compare with any other steroid, as it is very weakly androgenic and moderately anabolic. It is characterised by increases in vascularisation, performance and appetite.
The measure has a long period from the start of use to the first effects, so we recommend using it for a minimum of 8-10 weeks.
Side effects induced by boldenone will be related to its moderate androgenicity and low conversion to oestrogen. However, for those sensitive to neurotransmitter imbalance, its effects on the GABA-minergic system may be strongly undesirable, resulting in apathy, fatigue and depression. We also recommend regular monitoring of haemoglobin and erythrocyte levels and the prophylactic use of acetylsalicylic acid in low doses (75-100 mg).
We also caution against the use of boldenone in acetate form, as its injections are then very painful and severe inflammation forms, causing fever and significant weakness.
1e. Trenbolone
Occurring esters/half-life
| Hexahydrobenzyl | 8-10 days |
| Enantat | 5-7 days |
| Acetate | 2 days |
| Base | 6-8 hours |
Dosage
| Beginner | It is not recommended |
| Amateurs | 200-400 mg per week |
| Advanced | 400-800 mg per week |
| Women | It is not recommended |
Side effects
| All typical of strong androgens, negative effects on neurotransmitter levels, thyroid suppression |
Trenobolone is a derivative of nandrolone (19-nortestosterone). It is a veterinary agent used for massaging cattle. It is strongly anabolic and very strongly androgenic.
In addition to its effect on androgen receptors, its action is to sensitise muscle cells to IGF-1, while blocking cortisol receptors, i.e. an anti-catabolic effect. The agent is used both during the mass period and during reduction. In combination with strong anabolics, it gives very large mass gains in a short time, while protecting muscles from catabolism. It also has a significant effect on the rate of glycogen resynthesis and muscle regeneration, which helps to exercise more frequently and intensively, which is why it has gained particular recognition among bodybuilders who use it mainly in the pre-start-up period.
This agent should not be used in combination with nandrolone, as side effects related to progesterone, prolactin and impaired thyroid function may accumulate. On the other hand, androgen-typical agents such as masteron or winstrol are recommended in order to maintain a favourable androgen/estrogen ratio.
Trenbolone does not aromatise, i.e. it does not increase the amount of oestrogen in the body, instead it has a very strong prostagenic effect, both by increasing its levels and by affecting progesterone receptors. Some users also struggle with malaise, which is caused by trenbolone’s effect on mesolimbic pathways, which are indirectly responsible for the balance of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. During trenbolone treatment, as with nandrolone (of which it is a derivative), it is recommended to test thyroid hormone levels, on which it may have a suppressive effect.
We would also like to inform you that estrogen testing during a cycle with trenbolone will give skewed results, because trenbolone metabolites cross-react with estrogen, so that ECLIA (electrochemiluminescence) testing will always overestimate the result by an undetermined amount.
1f. Methanabol
Occurrence / half-life
| Injection | 1-3 hours |
| Oral (tablets) | 3-5 hours |
Dosage
| Beginner | 10-15 mg daily |
| Amateurs | 15-50 mg daily |
| Advanced | 30-100 mg per day |
| Women | 5-10 mg daily |
Side effects
| All typical of strong androgens and aromatics |
Methanabol is a testosterone derivative with strong anabolic and moderate androgenic properties. Since its inception, it has become very popular due to its very rapid muscle mass gains and convenient administration (it is an oral steroid).
Methanabol, due to its 17-alpha-alkylation, will, unlike testosterone, convert to 5-alpha and 5-beta metabolites, often being more potent derivatives, as is the case with, for example, methyl estradiol-17-a, which is an even more potent estrogen. Consequently, it has a high tendency to exacerbate side effects typical of strongly aromatising agents, such as increased water retention, gynaecomastia or hypertension.
This agent is one of the few steroids to have dopaminergic properties, which is why it is referred to as a ‘feel-good’ steroid and is often included in cycles that include dopamine-lowering agents such as trenbolone or nandrolone.
Prophylaxis in cycles with 17-alpha-alkylated agents should focus on protecting the liver and gastrointestinal tract, as they are hepatoxic and disrupt the gut and gastric bacterial flora.
1e. Winstrol
Occurrence / half-life
| Injection – depot |
18-24 hours |
| Oral (tablets) | 4-5 hours |
Dosage
| Beginner | 20-30 mg per day |
| Amateurs | 30-40 mg per day |
| Advanced | 40-100 mg per day |
| Women | 5-15 mg daily |
Side effects
| All typical of strong androgens, negative effects on joints and the circulatory system |
Winstrol (stanazolol) was originally a veterinary drug, however, its popularity among athletes sparked the interest of pharmaceutical companies, which developed a depot version, an extended-release aqueous suspension, to improve the drug and make administration more convenient.
Winstrol is a potent derivative of DHT, so its effects and side effects will be typically adrogenic, such as increased strength and aggression, increased blood pressure and decreased subcutaneous water levels. Winstrol has the ability to block the production of SHBG, so it increases the amount of free hormones in the blood, which in turn increases their activity levels in the body. A very popular and appreciated effect of this agent is the so-called “hard look”, which is associated with its blocking of proteins responsible for cortisol secretion. Unfortunately, this effect also proves to be detrimental to joints and tendons, which are much more prone to injury due to their decreased elasticity.
The differences between the injectable and oral versions, which mainly affect the liver and gastrointestinal tract, are that the former bypasses the first-pass phenomenon to a certain extent. At the same time, we warn that injections in the depot version are generally painful and the risk of bacterial contamination in aqueous solutions is high.
This agent has a very strong effect on myocardial hypertrophy, so it is not recommended to take it for longer than 10-12 weeks. When deciding whether to take vinstrol orally, special attention should also be paid to its effect on the liver – you should take shielding medication and have your liver examined regularly (every four weeks).
1f. Anapolon
Occurrence / half-life
| Oral (tablets) | 9 hours |
Dosage
| Beginner | It is not recommended |
| Amateurs | 50-100 mg per day |
| Advanced | 50-200 mg per day |
| Women | It is not recommended |
Side effects
| All typical of strong androgens and aromatics, progestagenic action |
Anapolon (oxymetholone) was originally a drug used to treat anaemia, but due to its strong effect on protein synthesis and increasing the rate of recovery, it very quickly found favour in strength sports and bodybuilding. It is one of the leading anabolic steroids. Unfortunately, it has a number of side-effects, which is why its use is not recommended for beginners and women.
Increases during cycles with this agent are very high, which is why it is mainly used during the period of building muscle mass. However, a large part of the gained mass is water, as anapolon is the agent causing the greatest water retention in comparison to other steroids. Those deciding to include this agent in a cycle should know their body very well in terms of the effects of oestrogens and 17-alpha-alkylated agents on it. Anapolone itself does not aromatise, but its action causes a strong activation of estrogen receptors, making gynaecomastia, oily skin and acne possible.
We do not recommend using anapolone for longer than 4-6 weeks due to its strong negative effects on the liver and lipid profile.
- Treatment plans
In this section, we provide examples of steroid cycles using the agents described earlier. The choice of doses and agents in the following schedules is optimised to achieve the best results while limiting the occurrence of side effects. The use of any form of doping should be preceded by ensuring that there are no health contraindications and a medical consultation.
2a. Beginner
Beginners’ cycles should be based on a maximum of two agents used over a period of 8-12 weeks. Putting more than one together can involve major hormonal changes, which often prove difficult to control, especially when it is not clear what exactly the problem is. The most optimal solution, therefore, would be to use only one agent, which will allow significant but stable progress to be recorded.
Below are sample schedules for beginners with explanations.
Single agent cycles
- mass or reduction cycle using testosterone propionate
| Substance | Dosage | Reception period |
| Testosterone propionate | 100 mg every two days | 10 weeks |
Explanations:
Testosterone at a dose of 100 mg administered every other day will elevate testosterone levels four times above normal, which in the case of first-time doping will result in a so-called recomposition effect, i.e. an increase in muscle tissue levels while decreasing fat levels. The most common problems during the first cycle include acne, increased sweating and gynaecomastia. These side-effects are the result of a surge in sex hormones – testosterone and oestrogen – and their effect on receptors in tissues such as skin and nipples. Ways to offset them are described in Chapter 3.
- Mass cycle using methanabol
| Substance | Dosage | Reception period |
| Methanabol | 30 mg daily, divided into two doses of 15 mg each | 8 weeks |
Explanations:
Due to its short time of exit from the body, methanabol is the most common choice for those fearing the occurrence of too onerous side effects. It is an agent influencing mainly the increase in muscle mass, while not significantly affecting the loss of fat tissue, which is why we recommend its use in mass cycles. The occurrence of possible side effects will be concentrated around its effect on androgenic receptors and its conversion to methyl estradiol -17-a, which is a rather troublesome estrogen with a long time to leave the body. Due to its hepatotoxicity and negative effects on the gastrointestinal tract, we also recommend the use of shielding drugs and supplements.
Cycles with two measures
- Mass cycle using testosterone enanthate and methanabol
| Substance | Dosage | Reception period |
| Testosterone enanthate | 150 mg every three days | 10 weeks |
| Methanabol | 30 mg daily, divided into two doses of 15 mg each | 1-6 weeks |
Explanations:
A mass cycle proposal for people determined to make large, stable gains in muscle mass lasting longer than the recommended first contact with doping. Including methanabol in the cycle for the first 6 weeks will result in faster appearance of the first effects, and by the time it is withdrawn, testosterone will have reached a stable concentration and action on androgen receptors, thus avoiding the effect of weight loss during the cycle.
- Reduction cycle using testotserone enanthate and winstrol
| Substance | Dosage | Reception period |
| Testosterone enanthate | 150 mg every 3 days | 10 weeks |
| Winstrol | 30 mg daily, divided into two doses of 15 mg each | 1-6 weeks |
Explanations:
A proposal for a reduction cycle for people who already have significant muscle mass and want to work on its quality. Winstrol administered in the first six weeks will reduce subcutaneous water levels while promoting fat burning. Testosterone plays a mainly anti-catabolic role in this cycle, protecting the muscles developed so far from the negative effects of a reduction diet.
2b. Amateurs
We consider amateurs to be people who have completed at least three basic steroid cycles of a minimum of eight weeks. At this level, a good knowledge of one’s own body and an awareness of the impact of correct prophylaxis on the effects of doping are the basis for well-being and the success of the cycle.
- mass cycle using testosterone cypionate, nandrolone phenylpropionate and methanabol
| Substance | Dosage | Reception period |
| Testosterone cypionate | 300 mg every 5 days | 12 weeks |
| Nandrolone phenylpropionate | 150 mg every 2 days | 1-10 weeks |
| Methanabol | 40 mg daily, divided into two doses of 20 mg each | 1-4 weeks |
Explanations:
It is a proposal for a typical mass cycle, with the use of strongly aromatising agents. As a result of using as many as three such means, the gains achieved during the cycle will not fully reflect the true progress, as a large part of them (depending on individual predispositions) will be water. However, a high level of hydration and the absence of agents that negatively affect the musculoskeletal and digestive systems are ideal conditions for muscle mass growth. With proper regulation of diet and sodium supply, the result of such a cycle can be the gaining of significant muscle mass, without the growth of unnecessary body fat.
- recomposition cycle using testosterone cypionate, boldenone and masterone enanthate
| Substance | Dosage | Reception period |
| Testosterone cypionate | 300 mg every 5 days | 16 weeks |
| Boldenone undecylenate | 500 mg every 5 days | 1-14 weeks |
| Masteron enantat | 40 mg daily, divided into two doses of 20 mg each | 1-8 weeks |
Explanations:
The phenomenon of recomposition involves an increase in the level of muscle mass while reducing body fat. Such an effect can be obtained by including non-aromatising agents in the cycle, which exhibit strong anabolic and androgenic effects. Masteron included from the very beginning of the cycle is designed to improve fat burning and the activation of androgenic receptors. The effects of boldenone usually begin to be felt around the 8th week of use, so both agents will act synergistically, enhancing each other’s effects. During this cycle, constant monitoring of blood pressure and erythrocyte levels is recommended.
- reduction cycle using testosterone propionate, masterone propionate and winstrol depot
| Substance | Dosage | Reception period |
| Testosterone propionate | 150 mg every other day | 12 weeks |
| Masteron propionate | 100 mg every other day | 4-12 weeks |
| Winstrol depot | 50 mg every other day | 1-4 weeks |
Explanations:
The use of winstrol in the initial phase of this cycle is dictated by its fast and noticeable effect, and using it for only four weeks will minimise negative effects on the digestive system and liver. As a means of supporting fat burning and minimising subcutaneous water levels, Masteron will help to give the figure a hard look, additionally supporting the regeneration of the nervous system.
2c. Advanced
The treatment plans we present in this section are designed for people with a long track record, both in terms of strength training and the use of different types of doping. The choice of agents and the doses used will, in each case, cause a violation of hormonal homeostasis, so drugs to regulate their levels are a necessary addition to each one.
- long mass cycle using testosterone cypionate, boldenone undecylate, nandrolone decanoate and anapolone
| Substance | Dosage | Reception period |
| Testosterone cypionate | 500 mg every 5 days | 20 weeks |
| Boldenone undecylenate | 600 mg every 5 days | 1-16 weeks |
| Nandrolone decanoate | 500 mg every 5 days | 1-14 weeks |
| Anapolon | 100 mg daily, divided into two doses of 50 mg each | 16-20 weeks |
Explanations:
The effect of the first three measures will only be fully felt during the 6th-8th week of their intake, which will blend in very well with most training microcycles, as this is the period when the need for increased recovery capacity is greatest. We recommend that a set of hormonal tests be performed in week 10 of this cycle, due to the possibility of elevated prolactin and progesterone levels. We do not recommend including anapolone in the cycle when the levels of either of these hormones are higher than the recommended norms, as it may exacerbate the side effects caused by them. The result of such a cycle will be a very large increase in muscle mass, but due to the use of two agents causing high fluid retention, we can expect moderate weight loss after discontinuation of the agents, related to the excretion of water from the body. During the cycle, we recommend regular monitoring of blood pressure and erythrocyte levels, as boldenone and anapolone can cause them to rise significantly.
- a powerful recomposition cycle using testosterone enanthate, trenbolone acetate, masterone enanthate and methanabol
| Substance | Dosage | Reception period |
| Testosterone enanthate | 250 mg every 4 days | 14 weeks |
| Trenbolone acetate | 200 mg every 2 days | 1-8 weeks |
| Masteron enantat | 150 mg every 3 days | 4-14 weeks |
| Methanabol | 30 mg daily, divided into two doses of 15 mg each | 1-8 weeks |
Explanations:
The combination of trenbolone and methanabol is known for its very strong synergistic effect in building muscle mass. The dopaminergic action of methanabol will also counteract the negative effects of trenbolone on levels of this neurotransmitter, thus avoiding the mood depressants or apathy that are characteristic of this agent. The inclusion of masteron in the cycle will support work on the quality of gained muscle mass and will intensify anabolism and cause lipolysis at the same time. The combination of agents and their doses should ensure a significant intensification of anabolic processes and an increase in exercise capacity, which, combined with appropriately selected training and a nutritional plan, may dramatically change the composition of the physique in a relatively short time. The above-mentioned cycle is particularly recommended to people who already have considerable muscle mass, whose aim is to improve the appearance of individual muscle parts, while working on definition at the same time.
- a fast, powerful reduction cycle using testosterone propionate, trenbolone acetate, masterone propionate and winstrol
| Substance | Dosage | Reception period |
| Testosterone propionate | 150 mg every 2 days | 12 weeks |
| Trenbolone acetate | 150 mg every 2 days | 1-8 weeks |
| Masteron propionate | 100 mg every 2 days | 2-12 weeks |
| Winstrol | 50 mg daily, divided into two doses of 25 mg each | 6-12 weeks |
Explanations:
The juxtaposition of three agents with a strong androgenic action, which are also non-aromatising, is a combination that will help protect muscle tissue from the large calorie deficit we decide on when we expect fast results. The use of trenbolone with masteron will help to maintain an adequate rate of tissue recovery and will directly affect exercise dispositions, allowing you to perform more frequent and more difficult workouts. Winstrol, added from week 6 onwards, will help to remove water accumulated under the skin and support fat reduction. During this cycle, we recommend special care for the prevention of the liver and joints and tendons, as the combination used may impair collagen synthesis, which is associated with a greater susceptibility to injury.
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