What are PEDs?
Performance-enhancing drugs — PEDs — are substances people use to push their body past what training and food alone can do. The umbrella covers a lot of ground: anabolic-androgenic steroids (testosterone, trenbolone, anavar), peptides and growth hormones, SARMs, fat-burners, and a stack of pharmaceuticals borrowed from medical practice.
Most of the compounds you'll see referenced here started life as legitimate medicines — testosterone is prescribed for low-T, oxandrolone for muscle wasting, finasteride for hair loss, accutane for acne. They got pulled into bodybuilding because of side effects that happened to be useful for someone trying to build a physique.
The point of this page is information. Knowing what each compound is, what it does, what it's good at, and what it costs you. Cycles aren't pure upside — every compound has trade-offs, and the smart move is to understand them before you take them, not after.
Nothing here is medical advice. This is harm-reduction reference material. If you're going to do this, do it informed — with bloodwork, with a coach who's been there, and with a plan for coming off.
Injectables
Injectables are the foundation of most cycles. Slower onset than orals, but far more stable and generally easier on the liver. Instead of hitting fast and disappearing, injectables release gradually depending on the ester attached to the hormone. Longer esters mean fewer injections and steadier blood levels. Short esters hit faster but require more frequent pinning.
Most injectable cycles are built around testosterone as the base. From there, compounds are added depending on the goal: mass, strength, cutting, or cosmetic dryness. Compared to orals, injectables usually produce better long-term muscle retention and more stable performance, but they still carry real risks — elevated hematocrit, blood pressure, estrogen issues, cholesterol damage, acne, hair loss, and suppression of natural testosterone production.
Good injection practice matters just as much as the compound itself. Sterile needles, rotating sites, proper oil quality, and clean technique make a massive difference in minimizing complications. A smooth cycle isn't just about gains — it's about managing side effects before they become permanent problems.
Testosterone (Base) injectable base
The foundation of almost every cycle. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone — your body already makes it, and most "anabolic" effects in other compounds are measured relative to test. Inject test, and you're not introducing something foreign; you're amplifying what your body does naturally, by 5×–20× depending on dose.
What it does: raises muscle protein synthesis, recovery, red-blood-cell count, sex drive, aggression, and confidence. Negatives: shuts down your natural production (hence the need for PCT), aromatizes to estrogen (water retention, gyno risk), can raise hematocrit, and over a long timeline affects lipids and cardiovascular health.
Esters. "Test enanthate", "test cypionate", "test propionate" — same molecule, different ester chains attached to slow how fast it releases into the bloodstream. The active hormone is identical. Esters control half-life, injection frequency, and onset speed. Below: the three most common.
Enanthate (Test E) injectable
One of the most common testosterone esters worldwide. Half-life is roughly 4.5–5 days, not 10+. Most users inject 2x per week for more stable hormone levels, though some still run it once weekly. Smooth, predictable release with widely available pharmaceutical options.
Typical doses range from:
- 100–200mg/week → TRT
- 300–500mg/week → standard cycle range
- Higher doses increase side effects rapidly relative to gains
Used for: muscle gain, strength, performance enhancement, TRT, recomposition. Common "base" compound for most cycles and stacks well with nearly anything.
Cypionate (Test C) injectable
Very similar to enanthate in real-world use. Half-life is around 6–8 days depending on the source and individual metabolism. Injection frequency is essentially the same as enanthate — ideally twice weekly for stable levels.
Cypionate is especially common in the United States, while enanthate is more common internationally. In practice, effects, results, and side effect profiles are nearly identical.
Typical doses:
- 100–200mg/week → TRT
- 300–500mg/week → common performance range
Used for: identical purposes to enanthate — mass gain, strength, TRT, long-term testosterone base.
Propionate (Test P) injectable
Short ester testosterone with a fast release. Half-life is roughly 2 days. Requires much more frequent injections to maintain stable levels — usually every other day or daily.
Because it clears quickly, blood levels rise and fall faster than long esters. Some users prefer it near competitions or cutting phases because adjustments happen faster and water retention is often slightly lower.
Typical doses:
- 50–100mg every other day
- 300–500mg/week total is common for cycles
Main downside: injections can be more painful and frequent.
Used for: cutting phases, shorter cycles, rapid hormone adjustments, contest prep, or users who prefer fast clearance.
Quick Comparison
| Ester | Approx Half-Life | Injection Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Enanthate | 4.5–5 days | 2× weekly |
| Cypionate | 6–8 days | 2× weekly |
| Propionate | ~2 days | EOD or daily |
More stable blood levels generally mean fewer side effects. Increasing injection frequency can reduce hormonal fluctuations, mood swings, acne flare-ups, and estrogen spikes for some users.
Masteron (Drostanolone) injectable
A DHT-derived injectable known for producing a harder, drier cosmetic look. Commonly used during cutting phases or before competitions because it does not aromatize into estrogen.
Exists mainly in two esters:
- Masteron Propionate → shorter ester, injected EOD
- Masteron Enanthate → longer ester, injected 2× weekly
Typical doses:
- 200–400mg/week → common range
- Higher doses increase androgenic side effects rapidly
Masteron tends to work best at lower body fat levels. Users with higher body fat often notice less of the "hardening" effect.
Used for: cutting, physique hardening, cosmetic enhancement, contest prep.
Common side effects:
- Hair loss acceleration
- Acne / oily skin
- Testosterone suppression
- Cholesterol strain
- Possible mood changes / aggression
Because it is DHT-derived, hair-sensitive users often notice side effects quickly.
Nandrolone (Deca / NPP) injectable
A highly anabolic injectable known for mass gain, recovery enhancement, and joint comfort effects. Often considered easier on the joints because of increased water retention and connective tissue effects.
Main forms:
- Decanoate (Deca) → long ester
- Phenylpropionate (NPP) → shorter ester with faster release
Half-life:
- Deca → very long
- NPP → much shorter and easier to manage
Typical doses:
- 200–400mg/week → common range
Used for: bulking, joint comfort, recovery, lean mass gain.
Common side effects:
- Water retention
- Erectile dysfunction / libido issues ("Deca dick")
- Prolactin-related side effects
- Testosterone suppression
- Blood pressure increase
Nandrolone suppresses natural testosterone heavily and usually requires a testosterone base.
Trenbolone (Tren) injectable
One of the most powerful and side-effect-heavy injectable anabolic steroids. Produces dramatic increases in strength, nutrient partitioning, hardness, and recomposition effects — but also some of the harshest mental and cardiovascular side effects.
Common esters:
- Tren Acetate → short ester
- Tren Enanthate → long ester
Typical doses:
- 150–300mg/week → already very strong
- Higher doses rapidly increase side effects
Used for: aggressive recomposition, cutting, contest prep, advanced cycles.
Common side effects:
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Anxiety / paranoia
- Increased aggression / irritability
- Severe cardiovascular strain
- Blood pressure increases
- Reduced cardio endurance
- Hair loss
- Sexual dysfunction in some users
Trenbolone is notorious for side effects despite its effectiveness. More is usually not better with tren.
Boldenone (Equipoise / EQ) injectable
Long-ester injectable derived from testosterone. Known for steady lean mass gain, appetite increase, and endurance effects.
Half-life is very long, meaning it takes weeks to fully build up and clear.
Typical doses:
- 300–600mg/week
Used for: lean bulking, appetite stimulation, longer cycles, endurance-focused phases.
Common side effects:
- Increased red blood cell count (hematocrit)
- Blood pressure increase
- Anxiety in some users
- Testosterone suppression
- Acne / hair loss in susceptible users
EQ is often run in longer cycles because of its slow buildup.
Primobolan (Primo) injectable
A relatively mild injectable DHT-derived anabolic steroid known for lean tissue preservation and lower estrogenic side effects.
Common ester:
- Primobolan Enanthate
Typical doses:
- 300–600mg/week
Produces gradual, cleaner-looking gains rather than rapid scale weight increases.
Used for: cutting, recomposition, lean muscle retention, lower-side-effect cycles.
Common side effects:
- Hair loss acceleration
- Testosterone suppression
- Cholesterol strain
- Injection volume issues due to lower concentration products
Primobolan is often considered "milder," but fake or underdosed products are extremely common.
Injectable Safety Notes harm reduction
Injectables avoid first-pass liver metabolism, but that does not make them safe.
Major long-term risks still include:
- Cardiovascular damage
- High blood pressure
- Cholesterol deterioration
- Increased hematocrit / red blood cell count
- Infertility
- Hormonal suppression
- Hair loss and acne
- Mental health effects
Important harm-reduction practices:
- Regular bloodwork
- Monitoring blood pressure
- Sterile injection technique
- Rotating injection sites
- Avoiding excessive dose escalation
- Prioritizing stable hormone levels over "megadoses"
The biggest risks from steroids are often cardiovascular and long-term — not the immediate cosmetic side effects users notice first.
Oral Anabolics
Pills instead of pins. Oral anabolics are 17-alpha-alkylated (17aa) so they survive the first pass through the liver — which is why they work, and also why every one of them stresses your liver and lipids. They show fast and they hit hard, but they cost you cardiovascular health if you're casual about them. Below: the most-used orals, what each one's actually for, and what they take from you.
Dianabol (Dbol / Methandienone) oral anabolic
Classic mass-building oral known for rapid weight gain, strength increases, and noticeable water retention. One of the most iconic bulking steroids ever used.
Half-life is around 4–6 hours, so blood levels fluctuate quickly unless doses are split.
Produces fast increases in:
- Body weight
- Strength
- Glycogen storage
- Intramuscular water retention
Typical doses:
- 15–30mg/day → moderate range
- 30–50mg/day → aggressive range
Higher doses dramatically increase side effects without proportionally better results.
Used for: bulking, strength phases, kickstarting long-ester cycles.
Common side effects:
- Significant water retention
- High blood pressure
- Estrogenic side effects (gyno risk)
- Acne / oily skin
- Liver toxicity
- Severe HDL/LDL cholesterol impact
Dianabol is effective, but side effects escalate quickly when abused.
Stanozolol (Winstrol) oral anabolic
Drying oral steroid popular in cutting phases. Known for producing a harder, grainier look with minimal water retention.
Half-life is roughly 8–9 hours.
Typical doses:
- 20–40mg/day → common range
- Higher doses heavily worsen joints and cholesterol
Unlike Dianabol, Winstrol does not aromatize into estrogen.
Used for: cutting, physique hardening, temporary cosmetic enhancement, athletic performance.
Common side effects:
- Joint dryness / discomfort
- Severe cholesterol strain
- Hair loss acceleration
- Liver toxicity
- Increased injury risk in some users due to "dry" feeling joints
Winstrol is often harsher on lipids than many people expect.
Turinabol (T-Bol) oral anabolic
A modified Dianabol derivative designed to produce steadier, leaner gains with less water retention and less estrogenic activity.
Half-life is roughly 16 hours.
Effects are usually described as:
- Moderate lean muscle gain
- Increased performance / endurance
- Dryer look than Dianabol
- Lower scale weight increase
Typical doses:
- 20–40mg/day
Used for: recomposition, lean bulk phases, athletic performance.
Common side effects:
- Cholesterol strain
- Liver toxicity
- Testosterone suppression
- Hair loss in susceptible users
Less dramatic than Dianabol, but generally produces cleaner-looking gains.
Anadrol (Oxymetholone) oral anabolic
One of the strongest oral steroids for sheer size and strength increases. Extremely powerful — and correspondingly harsh.
Half-life is roughly 8–9 hours.
Produces rapid:
- Strength increases
- Body weight gain
- Muscle fullness
Typical doses:
- 25–50mg/day
Used for: aggressive bulking, strength phases, breaking plateaus.
Common side effects:
- Massive blood pressure increase
- Severe water retention
- Headaches
- Appetite suppression
- Liver toxicity
- Cholesterol destruction
Anadrol is notorious for producing dramatic results quickly, but also dramatic side effects quickly.
Oral Safety Notes harm reduction
Most oral anabolic steroids are 17-alpha-alkylated (17aa) compounds, meaning they survive liver metabolism but place stress on the liver and cardiovascular system.
General harm-reduction points:
- Longer use increases liver and cardiovascular strain
- Regular bloodwork matters more than "how you feel"
- Cholesterol damage is often worse than users realize
- Combining multiple oral steroids significantly increases risk
- Alcohol + oral steroids greatly increases liver stress
- High blood pressure is one of the biggest overlooked risks
A compound feeling "mild" does not mean it is safe.