Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone that is produced naturally in the body. Both men and women need testosterone to have normal bodily functions. However, for men, this hormone is of great importance. Testosterone plays the most important role in the development of testicles, muscle mass, and strength in men. It is also responsible for regulating sex drive and other bodily functions.

Synthetic testosterone intended for human use was first introduced in the 1930s. The first testosterone injection was available in the form of Testosterone Propionate. Since then, it has been extremely popular among competitive bodybuilders and athletes. These individuals mostly use testosterone products for performance enhancement purposes.

In this blog post, we will talk about different testosterone forms and their benefits in bodybuilding. We will also discuss a few important things you need to know about a testosterone only steroid cycle. So, let’s get started.

Testosterone in Sports

The story of testosterone use in sports began when Russian weightlifters started receiving testosterone injections to dominate the 1954 Olympics. Since then, several cases are documented where professional athletes and bodybuilders have been found using testosterone and other similar performance-enhancing drugs in athletic events.

Athletes and bodybuilders use testosterone to improve their physical appearance and enhance their performance. Here are some other reasons why athletes use Testosterone in sports:

• Strength Gains

Testosterone use can result in an increase in strength levels. It allows you to train intensely. You will be able to lift heavier weight in the gym after receiving testosterone injections.

• Muscle Building

Testosterone can help you get the body of your dreams by enhancing muscle mass. It works by boosting protein synthesis and nitrogen retention in the body.

• Improved Stamina and Endurance

Another reason why testosterone is used in sports is because of its ability to improve stamina and endurance. Testosterone can greatly increase the production of red blood cells. It enhances overall endurance and allows you to do physical workout for a longer period of time.

• Improved Recovery Times

Testosterone can increase the rate of recovery and help you recover from injuries quickly.

• Increased Fat Loss

Testosterone can help prevent body fat accumulation. It will help you maintain a healthy body fat percentage.

• Improved Cognition

Testosterone has been found to have a significant impact on the nervous system. It can improve cognition, memory, and concentration, which leads to better performance.

So, these are some of the main benefits of using testosterone in bodybuilding. Now, let’s take a look at the different forms of testosterone and how they work. We will also give you some examples of testosterone only steroid cycles that you can follow to achieve your bodybuilding goals.

Remember that all testosterone forms, in a general sense, is the same. What differentiates one form from another is the ester attached to the testosterone hormone. The ester controls the release time and duration of the activity of the hormone in the body.

Different Forms of Testosterone

The most common forms of testosterone that can find in the market include:

• Testosterone Propionate
• Testosterone Cypionate
• Testosterone Enanthate
• Testosterone Undecanoate
• Testosterone Suspension
• Sustanon 250
• Omnadren

Here’s what you need to know about different types of testosterone forms:

1. Testosterone Propionate

Testosterone Propionate is the testosterone hormone attached to the Propionate ester. The half-life of this compound is approximately 48 hours. It carries an androgenic rating of 100 and an anabolic rating of 100.

Traits and Effects of Testosterone Propionate in Bodybuilding

Testosterone Propionate works by enhancing protein synthesis and nitrogen retention. It also boosts IGF-1 output. Testosterone use will also result in increased red blood cell production and decreased levels of glucocorticoids.

You can use Testosterone Propionate during an off-season bulking phase. It will help you gain lean muscle mass and strength.

This compound can be used during a cutting phase as well. It will help prevent muscle loss when you are in a calorie deficit.

No matter the purpose of use, supplementing with Testosterone Propionate will improve your endurance and increase the rate of recovery.

Dosage and Administration

The most common Testosterone Propionate dose for the treatment of low testosterone is 25-50mg per injection range. The doctor might advise you to administer it 2-3 times a week.

If you are looking to use Testosterone Propionate for performance enhancement, then you can consider starting with 100mg every other day. The dosage can be increased up to 150mg every other day. Some experienced users also take 200mg every other day. However, remember that higher doses of Testosterone Propionate can cause serious side effects. So, make sure you follow the dosage instruction to make the most of this testosterone compound.

Examples of Testosterone Propionate Cycles

Here’s an example of a Testosterone Propionate only steroid cycle for beginner and intermediate level users:

Week 1-10

300-500mg Testosterone Propionate per week

Experienced users can follow the protocol below:

Week 1-8

500-750mg Testosterone Propionate per week

Testosterone Propionate can also be stacked with other anabolic steroids such as Dianabol, Anadrol, Winstrol, Deca Durabolin, etc.

Here’s an example testosterone cycle that you can use for lean gains:

Week 1-6	125mg Testosterone Propionate every other day + 300mg Equipoise per week
Week 7-12	125mg Testosterone Propionate every other day + 300mg Equipoise per week + 50mg every day

2. Testosterone Cypionate

Testosterone Cypionate is the perfect choice for those who are in pursuit of more size and strength. This testosterone compound has a half-life of 8-12 days.

Traits and Effects of Testosterone Cypionate in Bodybuilding

The primary traits of Testosterone Cypionate are similar to those of other testosterone compounds.

Off-season athletes can use Testosterone Cypionate to build lean muscle mass while minimizing fat gain. During a cutting cycle, this compound can help preserve lean muscle tissues that would otherwise be lost. It will also help protect the strength gained during the bulking phase.

Testosterone Cypionate will also promote recovery and enhance muscular endurance. This means you won’t tire out fast when doing physical training.

Dosage and Administration

The standard dosage of Testosterone Cypionate for combating conditions such as low testosterone is 100-200mg per injection. One injection every seven to ten days should be enough to deal with such issues.

The recommended Testosterone Cypionate dosage for counteracting the suppression of natural testosterone production caused due to the use of other anabolic steroids is 200mg per week. However, for a true anabolic effect, you can take 400-600mg Testosterone Cypionate per week. The duration of use is usually 10-12 weeks.

Examples of Testosterone Cypionate Cycles

Here are examples of Testosterone Cypionate cycles that you can follow:

Example 1 (Testosterone Cypionate Only Steroid Cycle):

Week 1-12: 300-500mg Testosterone Cypionate per week

This is perfect for any user who is completely new to the world of steroids.

Example 2 (Testosterone Cypionate Cycle for Intermediate Users):

Week 1-4	500mg Testosterone Cypionate per week + 400mg Deca Durabolin per week + 25mg Dianabol per day
Week 5-12	500mg Testosterone Cypionate per week + 400mg Deca Durabolin per week

Example 3 (Testosterone Cypionate Cycle for Advanced Users):

Week 1-12

500mg Testosterone Cypionate per week + 600mg Tren Enanthate per week

3. Testosterone Enanthate

Testosterone Enanthate is one of the most commonly used anabolic steroids in the market. These compounds have been used in sports for a long time. It is an ideal choice for first-time steroid users. The half-life of Testosterone Enanthate is approximately 8 days. Like other testosterone compounds, it also carries an androgenic rating of 100 and an anabolic rating of 100.

Traits and Effects of Testosterone Enanthate in Bodybuilding

The primary traits of Testosterone Enanthate include enhanced protein synthesis, increased nitrogen retention, improved recovery times, increased red blood cell count, decreased glucocorticoids, etc.

It also increases IGF-1 output. IGF-1 or Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 is a protein hormone of peptide class that our body naturally produces. Increased IGF-1 output results in an increase in the body’s ability to recover from muscle injuries and tissue damages.

Testosterone Enanthate can be used during an off-season bulking phase. It will promote lean tissue growth and help you attain the body of your dreams. You can use this testosterone compound during a cutting phase as well. It will help you protect your hard-earned muscles.

No matter the purpose of use, you will experience increased strength and enhanced muscular endurance after using Testosterone Enanthate. It will make you capable of doing more intense workouts in the gym. You can train for longer periods of time. Also, you will be able to lift heavier loads of weight.

Dosage and Administration

The most common Testosterone Enanthate dosage for treating low testosterone is usually 100-200mg every 7-10 day. Your physician may advise you to split the total dosing into smaller doses. For example, your doctor may split the total dosage of Testosterone Enanthate and tell you to administer it every 5 days.

The recommended dosage of Testosterone Enanthate for performance athletes and bodybuilders is 200-500mg per week. Taking 200-250mg Testosterone Enanthate per week can help you deal with natural testosterone suppression that is caused due to steroid use. However, for a true anabolic effect, you will want to administer 400-500mg Testosterone Enanthate per week.

However, some experienced users take higher doses for achieving their bodybuilding goals fast. But remember that higher doses can cause several adverse reactions. So, it’s crucial that you follow the dosage and usage instructions when using Testosterone Enanthate.

Examples of Testosterone Enanthate Cycles

Here are some examples of Testosterone Enanthate cycles that you can follow:

1. Testosterone Enanthate Only Cycle 1: 

Week 1-8

500mg Testosterone Enanthate per week

2. Testosterone Enanthate Only Cycle 2:

Week 1	200mg per week
Week 2-10	400-500mg per week

The main benefits of using a Testosterone only cycle include increased muscle mass, reduced body fat, improved recovery times, and more.

You can also stack Testosterone Enanthate with other anabolic steroids such as Dianabol, Deca Durabolin, etc.

3. Testosterone Enanthate Cycle 3:

Week 1-6	500mg Testosterone Enanthate + 25mg Dianabol per day
Week 7-12	500mg Testosterone Enanthate
Week 15-16	40mg Nolvadex per day
Week 17	20mg Nolvadex per day

4. Testosterone Enanthate Cycle 4 (Advanced Steroid Cycle):

Week 1-8	250mg Testosterone Enanthate every other day + 200mg Equipoise every other day + 4iu HGH per day + 1mg Arimidex every other day
Week 9-15	200mg Testosterone Propionate every other day + 100mg Trenbolone Acetate every other day + 50mg Winstrol every day + 4iu HGH per day + 1mg Arimidex every other day
Week 16	200mg Testosterone Propionate every other day + 100mg Trenbolone Acetate every day + 100mg Winstrol every day + 1mg Arimidex every day

5. Testosterone Enanthate Cycle 5 (Advanced Bulking Cycle): 

Week 1-6	1000mg Testosterone Enanthate per week + 500-600mg Deca Durabolin per week + 100mg Dianabol per day + 0.5mg every other day
Week 7-12	1000mg Testosterone Enanthate per week + 500-600mg Deca Durabolin per week + 0.5mg every other day

4. Testosterone Undecanoate

Testosterone Undecanoate is a pure testosterone hormone attached to the large Undecanoate ester. The Undecanoate ester controls the release time of the hormone. This compound carries an anabolic rating of 100 and an androgenic rating of 100.

Traits and Effects of Testosterone Undecanoate in Bodybuilding

Testosterone Undecanoate is one of the large ester-based testosterone compounds that you can use for enhancing your performance and achieving your bodybuilding goals.

The primary traits of Testosterone Undecanoate are quite similar to those of other testosterone compounds. These include:

• It enhances nitrogen retention and protein synthesis, which leads to increased muscle mass.

• Supplementing with Testosterone Undecanoate increases IGF-1 output. This results in a reduction in recovery times.

• Testosterone Undecanoate increases red blood cell production in the body. It enhances overall endurance.

• Testosterone Undecanoate also decreases levels of glucocorticoids in the body.

Testosterone Decanoate works slowly. That’s why this testosterone compound can be included in both bulking and cutting cycles. Off-season athletes can use it to build quality muscle mass. It will also increase your strength and stamina. You will be able to lift heavier weight in the gym and do physical exercise more intensely.

You can use Testosterone Undecanoate during cutting as well. This compound will help you preserve your lean muscle tissues. However, remember that it is not very popular among performance athletes or bodybuilders. It is mainly used for the purpose of treating low testosterone conditions.

Dosage and Cycles

As I said earlier, treating low testosterone is Testosterone Undecanoate’s primary purpose of use. The standard dosage of Testosterone Undecanoate for the treatment of symptoms associated with low testosterone levels is 1000mg every 12 weeks. You may need to take another 1000mg dose 6 weeks after your first injection.

However, if you are looking to use Testosterone Undecanoate for performance enhancement, then you can consider taking 1000mg every 2-4 weeks. It will help you see your desired results.

You can use Testosterone Undecanoate in a solo cycle or stack it with other steroids. The duration of use is usually 8-16 weeks. Nevertheless, this testosterone compound isn’t the best option when it comes to physique or performance enhancement. You can try other testosterone products such as Testosterone Enanthate or Testosterone Propionate for better results.

5. Sustanon-250

Sustanon-250 is actually a testosterone blend that is quite popular among competitive bodybuilders and athletes. This compound contains the best in short and large ester testosterone. This allows the user to maintain stable testosterone levels without the need for receiving frequent injections.

Traits and Effects of Sustanon-250 in Bodybuilding

Sustanon-250 is a combination of four testosterone compounds:

• Testosterone Propionate (30mg)
• Testosterone Phenylpropionate (60mg)
• Testosterone Isocaproate (60mg)
• Testosterone Decanoate (100mg)

Some of the primary traits this compound carries include:

• Sustanon-250 enhances protein synthesis, the rate by which cells build protein. It also increases nitrogen retention. This will help you build muscle mass at a more efficient rate.

• This compound increases red blood cell count in the body. Red blood cells carry oxygen through the blood. Increased red blood cell production in the body results in enhanced muscular endurance. Red blood cells also play an important role in recovery. It will improve recovery times.

• Sustanon-250 increases the production of IGF-1 or Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1. It will speed up your recovery process.

Most bodybuilders and athletes prefer to use Sustanon-250 during off-season bulking phases. It works by creating a perfect atmosphere for muscle growth. However, it’s important to consume enough calories to be able to achieve your desired results.

You can supplement with Sustanon-250 during cutting as well. This compound will help you protect your lean muscle tissues. This compound will also enhance your metabolic rate. This means you will be able to burn your extra calories at a more efficient rate.

Whether you use Sustanon-250 for bulking or cutting, it will enhance your endurance and improve your overall rate of recovery. Another great benefit of administering Sustanon-250 is that it will increase your strength. This will make it easier to do intense physical training.

Dosage and Administration

The recommended dosage of Sustanon-250 for treating low testosterone is 250mg every 3-4 weeks.

However, those who are looking to use Sustanon-250 for physique or performance enhancement can consider taking 250-1000mg per week. 250mg Sustanon-250 is usually enough when you are using the compound for dealing with the suppression of natural testosterone production that is caused due to the use of anabolic steroids. You can consider using 500-750mg Sustanon-250 per week for achieving your bodybuilding goals.

Sustanon-250 can be stacked with other anabolic steroids. For bulking, you can stack Sustanon-250 with Deca Durabolin or any Nandrolone compound. During cutting, you can stack this compound with Winstrol, Masteron, Anavar, etc.

Examples of Sustanon-250 Cycles

If you want to get the most out of Sustanon-250 use, the cycle length must be at least 10 weeks. Here are some examples of Sustanon-250 cycles:

1. Sustanon-250 Only Cycle

Week 1-12

300-500mg Sustanon-250

2. Sustanon-250 Cycle (For Beginners)

Week 1-4	500mg Sustanon-250 per week + 50mg Dianabol per week
Week 5-10	500mg Sustanon-250 per week

3. Sustanon-250 Cycle (For Intermediate Users)

Week 1-6	500mg Sustanon-250 per week + 50mg Dianabol per day + 400mg Deca Durabolin
Week 7-12	500mg Sustanon-250 per week + 400mg Deca Durabolin per week

4. Sustanon-250 Cycle (For Advanced Users)

Week 1-6	750-1000mg Sustanon-250 per week + 50mg Dianabol per day + 400-600mg Deca Durabolin
Week 7-16	750-1000mg Sustanon-250 per week + 400-600mg Deca Durabolin per week

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Dosage

Testosterone is an androgen that has been used in the treatment of conditions associated with the symptoms of low testosterone levels in the body for a long time.

What Causes Low Testosterone Conditions?

The levels of testosterone in men can decrease with increasing age. This is, in fact, the most common cause of low testosterone levels in men. Some other causes of decreased testosterone levels include:

• Kidney disease
• Pituitary gland problems
• Testicular injuries
• Chemotherapy
• Liver disease
• Steroid medications, etc.

If you are diagnosed with a low testosterone problem, your healthcare provider may design a testosterone replacement therapy plan for you. However, remember that not every person with low testosterone will need treatment.

Testosterone replacement therapy can eliminate the signs and symptoms of low testosterone levels by boosting testosterone levels in the body.

Let’s take a look at the dosages of testosterone that are given for treating low testosterone conditions:

Here’s what you need to know about adult and pediatric dosage forms and strengths:

Injectable Solution (Testosterone Cypionate):

• 100mg/mL (Depo-Testosterone)
• 200mg/mL (Depo-Testosterone)

Injectable Solution (Testosterone Enanthate):

• 200mg/mL (Delatestryl)

Injectable Solution (Testosterone Undecanoate):

• 250mg/mL

Pellet Implant:

• 75mg (Testopel)
• 5mg, 25mg, 37.5mg, 50mg (generic)

Testosterone Therapy Dosages for Different Conditions

1. Hypogonadism 

• Testosterone Cypionate Dosage: 50-400mg IM every 2-4 weeks

• Testosterone Enanthate Dosage: 50-400mg IM every 2-4 weeks

• Testosterone Undecanoate Dosage: 750mg IM initial dose (repeat after 4 weeks)

• Pellet: 150-450mg SC every 3-6 months

2. Delayed Puberty in Males

• 50-200mg IM every 2-4 weeks. The duration of use is usually 4-6 months.

• Alternative Dosing: 150-450mg SC every 3-6 months.

3. Inoperable Mammary Cancer in Women 

Testosterone Enanthate: 200-400mg IM every 2-4 weeks

Important Things to Consider When Taking Testosterone

An overdose of exogenous testosterone can cause serious adverse reactions, including congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, major depression, mania, cardiac arrest, etc.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Side Effects

The most common side effects of testosterone replacement therapy include:

• Acne
• Too many red blood cells
• Acne
• Smaller testicles
• Breast swelling
• Infertility
• Swelling of the feet

Side Effects of Testosterone

Testosterone use can result in some adverse effects on the user. Here are some of the most common side effects that administering testosterone can cause:

1. Estrogenic Side Effects

Testosterone can convert into estrogen. It can cause several side effects that include gynecomastia, water retention, and more. This can also lead to high blood pressure. You can consider using anti-estrogens to combat the issue.

There are mainly two options when it comes to anti-estrogens. You can either use SERMs or Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators or Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs). SERMs like Nolvadex do not directly inhibit the aromatase process.

However, it works by binding to the estrogen receptors. On the other hand, AIs like Arimidex functions by lowering the serum estrogen levels in the body. However, the thing you need to know here is that testosterone, when used in combination with AI or Aromatase Inhibitors, can make a negative impact on cholesterol. That’s why you should first try to combat the issue with SERMs.

2. Androgenic Side Effects

Testosterone can cause several androgenic side effects that include hair loss, excessive body hair growth, acne, oily skin, and more.

3. Cardiovascular Health

Testosterone can have a negative effect on cholesterol. It can suppress HDL cholesterol. That’s why it’s important to switch to a cholesterol-friendly lifestyle when using testosterone. Follow a cholesterol-friendly diet plan. Eat foods that are rich in omega fatty acids. You can also take fish oil regularly. Try to avoid saturated fats and simple sugars as much as possible.

4. Natural Testosterone Suppression

Supplementing with any of the Testosterone products available on the market can result in the suppression of natural testosterone production. Though the natural testosterone production will begin after you stop using testosterone, the recovery process can take several weeks or months.

That’s why you should run a PCT program after each testosterone cycle. It will ensure that your body has enough testosterone to manage the regular bodily functions until normal testosterone levels are restored completely.

So, this is everything you need to know about testosterone only steroid cycles. Always follow the dosage and usage instructions to avoid any adverse reactions. You can go through other online sources for further information.