Anabolic steroids are often used to build strength and muscle mass. And in this guide, we share the best ones most used by bodybuilders today!
Ranked in order of their potency, with the first yielding the biggest gains of them all, we cover the five best steroids for mass and bulking so you can pick the one that best aligns with your physique goals! Let us get started with Dianabol.
Also known as Methandrostenolone, Dianabol first became popular when bodybuilders began to use it in the 70s to build huge amounts of muscle mass.
During this time, which was known as the Golden Era of bodybuilding, competitors like Zane, Franco, and Mister Arnold Schwarzenegger himself heavily relied on this compound to achieve peak physical perfection.
And to this day, it is still widely used among gym-goers, and aspiring and seasoned bodybuilders alike as it still holds claim as the most popular and effective bulking steroid in existence today. And this is likely true as most people gain twenty-five to thirty pounds of weight by the end of their first Dbol cycle, and an astonishing two-thirds of this weight is newly built muscle – the rest being water retention.
Adding to this, strength gains are considerable with Dianabol as by the end of the first cycle, most are able to lift and bench fifty pounds more than they could before – this is substantial!
There is no doubting the benefits and herculean gains Dbol brings to the table but it has downsides too. Being estrogenic, Dbol may cause gynecomastia as it contains an aromatase enzyme. As such, most who cycle it keep a SERM on hand as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator, like the highly recommended Nolvadex, can prevent estrogenic activity in the mammary glands and with no impact to estrogen levels!
This is good news as estrogen does contribute, by a small degree, to gains one achieves from their cycle so it being blocked is not ideal. If you use Dbol and experience puffy nipples or chest muscles that grew excessively, then is when a SERM should be taken; the cycle may even need to come to an end if severe.
As a c-17 alpha-alkylated compound, this steroid is toxic to and stressful on the liver but by taking a daily supplement like TUDCA – as most bodybuilders do – hepatic stress can be kept to a minimum as it helps keep ALT and AST liver enzymes to a minimum. As such, we can say TUDCA may make post-cycle therapy and recovery a quicker and more tolerable process.
This is of grave concern with Dbol as it significantly slows and suppresses the production of endogenous testosterone in the body. As such, those who cycle it should take a SERM like Clomiphene during PCT as if PCT is not done, it can take two or more months before testosterone levels return to pre-cycle figures.
Of all steroids, Dianabol has one of the worst effects on cholesterol and blood pressure levels as this oral compound increases water retention in the muscles. It also stimulates hepatic lipase, which lowers HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol while raising blood pressure in the process. This is a real danger as when this occurs, blood viscosity can endure with blood flow to the heart becoming impaired as a result.
The above Dbol cycle is ideal for beginners though it is not uncommon for experienced, high-tolerance bodybuilders to cycle thirty milligrams daily for six to eight weeks – but such a dose and cycle length is in no way suitable for a steroid newcomer.
In terms of popular Dianabol stacks, it is most often cycled with Testosterone or Deca Durabolin. Taking two or more steroids will surely speed up results but know that side effects will be more prominent too.
Also known as Oxymetholone, Anadrol brings results that are on par with Dianabol as most who cycle it for the first time gain similar amounts of new strength and muscle mass. However, Anadrol is known for side effects that are harsher and less tolerable, which is why it is ranked second in this list.
Similar to Dbol, Anadrol yields impressive, hulk-like gains that leave the user bulked and strengthened but what distincts it is it being a DHT-derived compound. This means it is an androgenic steroid and one that accelerates fat loss and muscle hypertrophy, and to a greater extent than Dianabol for most people.
While mainly used to bulk and build muscle, Anadrol helps the body burn fat faster so some use it during cutting cycles to get ripped. However, this requires a low-sodium diet as it increases intracellular muscle volume while reducing extracellular water retention.
Most take fifty to a hundred milligrams of Anadrol daily but as one of the worst steroids one can take, in terms of its effects on cholesterol and blood pressure values, such a dose is in no way suitable for a first-time steroid user whose body has yet to be introduced to even a milder compound like Testosterone.
This said, muscle gains Anadrol yields is nothing short of incredible but with high toxicity and intense, longer-lasting side effects, most prefer Dbol as it brings similar gains but with less hepatic strain posed.
This compound is rather toxic to the liver, so much so it was bestowed the nickname A-Bomb as the physiological effects felt from its presence in the body are often said to feel like a bomb dropped on the organ. This is no surprise, though, as Anadrol causes liver enzymes to fluctuate. And over long cycles, hepatic strain can worsen, and badly enough for cirrhosis of the liver to occur!
Anadrol is an extreme and relentless testosterone suppressant. In fact, a person who does not undergo PCT upon ending a cycle can expect recovery to take one to two or more months. As such, a post-cycle therapy protocol designed for anabolic-androgenic steroids should be taken as this can cut the recovery time in half.
Acne vulgaris, as well as hair loss and recession, are uncommon but surely possible side effects due to Anadrol being a DHT-sourced compound.
Before you consider running this cycle, know it is a harsh one not suitable for beginners.
However, the above cycle may be tolerable for intermediate users with a cycle or two under their belt.
At times, competing and experienced bodybuilders may take a hundred milligrams daily to prep for an event though in no case should a beginner or intermediate user attempt such a large and unsafe dose.
When it comes to popular Anadrol stacks, most bodybuilders stack it with Testosterone or Deca Durabolin as while this can intensify side effects it also speeds up the pace at which muscle is built. In some cases, a bodybuilder may take Anadrol with Trenbolone but this is an extreme, hardcore stack that is not suitable for a majority of steroid users. As such, if you are a first-time user do not even consider it.
For those who would like to know, this steroid is the genesis of anabolic steroids as it was the first one made to enhance muscle growth and athletic performance. And while it may not be the most powerful steroid for muscle mass it is surely a worthy contender as the gains it produces is very close to those of Anadrol and Dianabol, as shown by the anabolic scale that ranks the three compounds closely together.
Adding to this, Test is a better steroid than Anadrol and Dbol as it causes milder effects and less strain to the liver. This is why doctors feel comfortable prescribing it to male patients who struggle with low test.
Given its mild and gentle nature, Testosterone is a highly popular, first-cycle steroid among beginners who are diving into this world for the first time as, despite minimal side effects, those who run it for the first time often gain twenty to twenty-five pounds of new lean muscle mass by the end of their first run.
Test is also beloved for its fat-burning, flab-ridding properties that make subcutaneous fat easy to lose. And despite being anabolic, some use it as a cutting steroid due to the sheer amounts of fat it can burn.
As with any steroid, blood pressure will rise during a Testosterone cycle but only by a gentle and tolerable degree. And unlike most compounds, it has none to very little impact on the cardiovascular system so most are able to cycle with not a single side effect endured, and without taking supplements.
A slow-down of endogenous testosterone production in the body is inevitable when cycling Test so a supplement may be needed. One side effect of this is testicular function can dwindle so Test it is best taken in cycles, and not year-round.
Being androgenic, hair loss and acne vulgaris are real and possible side effects of Testosterone. As such, those genetically susceptible to such issues should avoid Test – and any other compound for this matter.
The above cycle is designed for newcomers and is suitable for those who are taking their first cycle.
In terms of popular Testosterone stack, below are the steroids most commonly cycled alongside it:
Some bodybuilders stack cutting steroids with Testosterone too, here are the ones most used:
Mild and gentle yet versatile and effective, Testosterone is one of the few steroids that can be safely stacked with nearly any compound. If you want to accelerate gains while adding no further danger to the cycle, Testosterone is by far the best steroid you can pick to complement the one you already take.
Had this guide focused on steroids for gaining lean muscle mass, Tren would have claimed throne as the best one to take! In terms of producing lean muscle, Tren rivals any other bulking steroid. It also causes very little weight gain as it accelerates fat and water loss, which is why it is ranked where it is on this list.
Likely yet debatable, Trenbolone is the most powerful and effective compound one can use as it brings rapid changes to the physique and muscle groups. By cycling Tren, huge amounts of muscle will quickly build. This not only makes it ideal for bulk cycles but during cut seasons where the goal is to get ripped.
There is one downside to Trenbolone, though, and that is its side effects can be quite harsh. As such, an aggressive PCT protocol is often needed to recover from its effects so no beginner should attempt to use this steroid. If you want to cycle a steroid for the first time, Testosterone would be a much safer choice!
Blood pressure will rise when Tren is in the system given its sheer potency and powerful stimulatory effect on the central nervous system, which does bring an increase in natural adrenaline production.
As with most steroids, Trenbolone can shut down the natural production of endogenous testosterone, which means a person who does not undergo PCT treatment may find themselves waiting many months to recover from its effects.
As such, PCT should be underwent after a cycle, and the importance of taking off enough time between cycles to fully recover cannot be stressed enough as if you do not, severe and permanent damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis can occur. If this happens, the testicles may not function as they should.
With an androgenic rating of five hundred, acne and hair loss are side effects that can occur when taking Tren. Acne vulgaris and hair thinning and recession are not uncommon with Tren yet these tend to only arise in those with genetic dispositions to overly stimulated sebaceous glands as it can worsen the issue.
The above cycle is one commonly used by intermediate users who have done at least one cycle in the past. As such, it is not ideal for first-time users. In terms of popular Tren stacks, it is mainly taken with Anadrol or Testosterone but a person, with success, should first cycle Tren alone before stacking it with another steroid. It is, after all, very cardiotoxic, and the body should first have time to build a tolerance.
Also known as Nandrolone, Deca is a popular bulking steroid that gained prominence alongside Dianabol during the Golden Era 70s of bodybuilding. On paper, Deca is not as strong as the first steroid on this list but do not let this fool you as it can still bring big gains, especially if stacked with other anabolic steroids.
Deca Durabolin produces huge mass gains.
It also ramps up intracellular water retention.
As such, Deca users achieve a full and thick look.
And as an added benefit, Durabolin is not androgenic!
This means acne, and hair recession, are unlikely to occur.
Deca Durabolin also has properties that have a restorative effect on the joints.
Given this, Deca is a highly popular bulking steroid among elderly bodybuilders.
This is an issue for many men.
So many, in fact, it has been given a nickname known by bodybuilders around the world – Deca Dick!
This is a side effect many bodybuilders report during Deca cycles as this compound causes a slowdown of nitric oxide production in the body. This, and the excessive amount of prolactin in the bloodstream, can inhibit sexual performance by causing erectile dysfunction.
Some bodybuilders combat this by taking cabergoline as it helps lower the amount of prolactin in the body though most simply stack it with an androgenic steroid, like Testosterone, as doing so will sustain higher levels of nitric oxide in the body, which will help sustain a steady flow of blood to the penis.
Deca Durabolin can highly suppress HPTA.
This is an issue as when the body detects more hormones in the blood than normal it will prevent the pituitary gland from releasing more LH. If this occurs, no more will the testicles produce testosterone!
Like most steroids, Deca does not have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. However, it does not have as bad of an impact as most anabolic steroids. As such, when put head-to-head with similar steroids, we can say Deca is one of the safest to take from a cardiovascular point of view.
If you ran a Testosterone cycle in the past and want to thrust gains to new levels, this is a suitable cycle:
In terms of popular Deca cycles, Anadrol, Dianabol, or Testosterone is what most stack it with, but keep in mind, while stacking steroids produces superior results, side effects to come will be more pronounced too. As such, those who stack such compounds will often undergo post-cycle therapy to ease recovery.
Join us below as we answer some of the questions most often asked by those who are new to steroids. And if you ever need help or clarification on what we shared in this guide feel free to write us any time.
What steroids bring the greatest gains of them all?
Hands-down, Dianabol and Testosterone take the throne!
These two work harmoniously to yield huge lean muscle gains.
They also accelerate fat loss – so if you want to get ripped – this is a stack to consider!
Are you curious to know what the typical Testosterone and Dianabol cycle looks like?
Wonder not! Here is a suitable cycle for those who have solo-cycled each compound:
Widely deemed the safest stack for building muscle mass, Test and Deca is one of the best stacks to run!
For one, Test is the safest anabolic steroid in existence. In fact, it has gentle effects on cholesterol levels with virtually no posed hepatic strain – so those who cycle it alone rarely need PCT treatment to recover.
Next we have Deca Durabolin! Like Testosterone – it causes no liver strain – nor does it adversely impact LDL or HDL cholesterol levels as it is an injectable steroid, just like the one it is stacked with in this cycle.
The main downside of Deca Durabolin is it can inhibit sexual health as impotence and low libido levels can occur. However, Testosterone can help minimize such adverse effects due to it being androgenic, which is what makes this stack as popular as it is. Let us have a look at a standard Test and Deca stack:
Indeed they do as the amount of myonuclei in muscle cells soar when an anabolic steroid is in the body. And by way of muscle memory, a drop in hypertrophy can be quickly recovered by running a cycle again.
At the end of the day, the best steroid for building mass varies from one person to the next based on their health profile and fitness goals.
This said, if you want to build tons of lean mass without water retention, Tren is the one to go with. If your aim is to gain as much muscle mass as possible and do not mind five or ten pounds of water-based weight to achieve that, Anadrol and Dianabol are suitable options. Finally, if you want to burn fat and muscle in modest amounts in exchange for minimal side effects, Testosterone is the best steroid to take!
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