What Are The Safest Steroids

Anabolic steroids have been used for decades by bodybuilders and athletes to build muscle, improve performance, and reduce body fat. However, not all steroids are created equal when it comes to safety and side effects. There are a few steroids that are considered “safer” options due to their milder side effect profiles. The three main safest steroids are testosterone, Anavar, and Deca Durabolin.

Testosterone

Testosterone is considered the safest and most versatile anabolic steroid. In fact, it’s one of the only steroids still used medically today. Testosterone is well-tolerated by most patients and has been FDA-approved since 1954.

There are two main types of testosterone used:

• Testosterone cypionate – An injectable ester with a long half-life. Requires less frequent dosing than other esters.
• Testosterone enanthate – Another injectable ester. Very similar to cypionate. Half-life is slightly shorter.

Testosterone is valued by bodybuilders because it can be used for both bulking and cutting cycles. It promotes muscle growth while also helping to burn fat.

Some of the benefits of testosterone include:

• Significant muscle size and strength gains
• Enhanced protein synthesis
• Reduction of body fat
• Improved bone density
• Increased energy and endurance

When used responsibly, testosterone has a lower risk of side effects than most other steroids. However, it can still cause:

• High blood pressure
• Liver toxicity (oral forms only)
• Cholesterol imbalance
• Acne and oily skin
• Hair loss (for those prone to male pattern baldness)
• Gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue in men)

Proper dosing and cycle length are key to minimizing testosterone’s side effects. Most experts recommend 500-600 mg per week as a moderate dosage. Cycles typically last 8-12 weeks.

Testosterone suppression is guaranteed on cycle, so a proper PCT is critical for recovery.

Overall, testosterone is considered the safest steroid for beginners due its versatility and mild side effect profile. It should be the base of any steroid cycle.

Anavar

Anavar (oxandrolone) is an oral steroid that is used primarily for cutting cycles and enhancing athletic performance. It is technically a controlled substance, but it is mild enough that it remains FDA-approved for medical use and is one of the safest steroids.

Some benefits of Anavar include:

• Significant fat loss and growth of lean muscle mass
• Minimal water retention compared to other steroids
• Increased strength and endurance
• Faster recovery between workouts
• Preservation of muscle when cutting calories

Anavar is popular among women because it has a very low risk of virilization side effects like voice deepening, increased body hair, and clitoral enlargement. Men also use it because it doesn’t cause estrogenic side effects like gynecomastia.

However, there are still potential side effects to be aware of:

• Cholesterol imbalance – Anavar negatively impacts HDL/LDL ratio
• Liver toxicity – As an oral steroid, it can stress the liver
• Testosterone suppression – Not as severe as other steroids
• Hypertension – Can increase blood pressure
• Hair loss – Possible in those prone to male pattern baldness

20-80mg per day is a typical Anavar dosage range for men, taken in cycles lasting 6-10 weeks. For women, 10mg per day for 4-6 weeks is generally considered safe.

Deca Durabolin

Deca Durabolin (nandrolone decanoate) is an injectable steroid that is used predominantly for bulking cycles and mass gain. It is a slower acting ester, meaning it has a long half-life and can be injected less frequently than other steroids and is one of the safest steroids.

Some benefits of Deca Durabolin include:

• Significant muscle size and strength gains
• Joint pain relief – Can improve training capacity
• Enhanced nitrogen retention for muscle growth
• Increased IGF-1 production
• Reduced body fat
• Improved exercise capacity

Deca only aromatizes at 20% the rate of testosterone, so estrogenic side effects are less common. However, it can still cause:

• Erectile dysfunction and low libido
• Testosterone suppression
• Increased LDL cholesterol
• Water retention if estrogen levels are not controlled
• Acne in some users

200-400mg per week is a common dosage range for bodybuilders on a bulking cycle. Cycles typically last 10-12 weeks.

Proper PCT is critical after Deca cycles due to its potent testosterone suppressing effects.

In summary, testosterone, Anavar and Deca Durabolin are considered the safest steroids currently available. However, no steroid is completely safe, and even these carry risks if abused. Responsible dosing, cycle length, and PCT can help mitigate side effects. But the only way to stay completely safe is to avoid steroids altogether.

Side Effects of Steroids

While steroids like testosterone, Anavar, and Deca Durabolin are considered the safest, they can still cause undesirable side effects. It’s important to understand the risks before deciding to use steroids.

Liver Toxicity

The liver is vital for hundreds of functions in the body. Oral steroids in particular can stress the liver since they must pass through it to enter the bloodstream.

Anavar and Turinabol are two oral steroids that tend to be less hepatotoxic than other orals like Dianabol or Winstrol. However, they can still raise liver enzymes and cause damage with extended use or high dosages.

Injectable steroids like testosterone and Deca are not processed through the liver and do not pose a toxicity risk. However, liver stress can occur due to elevated LDL cholesterol levels which are common with steroid use.

Some signs of liver toxicity from AAS include:

• Jaundice
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dark urine
• Light colored stool

To help combat liver stress, supplements like milk thistle or TUDCA may be useful during cycles. But there are no guarantees against liver damage with prolonged oral steroid use.

Cholesterol Imbalances

Steroids can significantly impact cholesterol levels, even injectables. They can:

• Lower HDL (good) cholesterol
• Increase LDL (bad) cholesterol

Even the mildest safest steroids like Anavar and Primobolan can skew the HDL/LDL ratio in the wrong direction.

For example, 20mg per day of Anavar for 12 weeks could lower HDL by 30%. 80mg per day could decrease it by 50%.

300mg per week of Deca could lower HDL by up to 30% as well based on research.

Issues include:

• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Hypertension

Keeping dosages moderate, diet in check, and doing regular cardio can help mitigate cholesterol issues from AAS. But LDL/HDL imbalance is likely inevitable to some degree.

Testosterone Suppression

A side effect all anabolic steroids have in common is suppression of natural testosterone production. This occurs because exogenous androgens signal the body to shut down its own hormone production.

The extent of suppression varies based on the safest steroids:

• Deca and Trenbolone are most suppressive
• Anadrol, Dianabol, and Winstrol are very suppressive
• Testosterone and Anavar are moderately suppressive

Low testosterone can cause symptoms like:

• Low libido and erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue, poor concentration and sleep
• Anxiety and depression
• Loss of muscle mass
• Increased body fat

Without a proper PCT, it can take months for normal hormone function to return after a steroid cycle. This makes PCT medications like Clomid and HCG absolutely vital for quick recovery.

However, PCT drugs also have potential side effects worth considering.

In summary, all anabolic steroids will carry risk of side effects. But keeping dosages conservative, diet and cardio on point, and planning a proper PCT can help mitigate the risks.

Benefits of the Safest Steroids

While steroids do carry risks, they can also provide significant performance and physique enhancing benefits. Some of these benefits help explain why steroids continue to be used by bodybuilders and athletes despite the potential consequences.

Muscle Growth

The most sought-after effect of anabolic steroids is the ability to build muscle far more rapidly than naturally possible. Agents like testosterone, Deca Durabolin, and Anadrol are valued for their exceptional ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and enhance hypertrophy.

Some muscle-building attributes include:

• Increased nitrogen retention and protein efficiency
• Enhanced activation of satellite cells in muscle tissue
• Elevated IGF-1 production which aids growth
• Improved recovery between workouts
• Increased number of nuclei in muscle cells

Steroid-assisted training can help dedicated lifters gain 10-15 pounds or more of mass within a cycle. Gains will exceed what is possible naturally.

Without question, this accelerated muscle building is the #1 reason steroids remain popular despite the risks. AAS allow physique and strength goals to be reached much quicker.

Fat Loss

Certain anabolic steroids have direct fat burning attributes, making them appealing for cutting cycles and getting lean.

Anavar and Winstrol for example can prevent lipogenesis, directly induce lipolysis, and inhibit the storage of fatty acids in adipose tissue.

Other effects that promote fat loss include:

• Increased basal metabolic rate
• Reduced triglyceride uptake
• Enhanced nutrient efficiency
• Appetite suppression (for some users)

This allows steroid users to stay leaner at higher caloric intakes. Less dietary restriction is required while still unveiling an ultra-ripped physique.

Increased Strength

In addition to muscle growth, AAS dramatically boost strength levels by allowing heavier weights to be lifted during training.

Steroids like Deca and Anadrol in particular have been shown to increase 1 rep maxes on lifts like the bench press and deadlift.

Reasons for improved strength include:

• More efficient neurological adaptations
• Increased muscle cross-sectional area
• Higher motivation and aggressiveness
• Better recovery capacity

Boosting strength is critical because it allows more mechanical tension to be placed on the muscles during training. This enhances the muscle growth response.

In summary, the benefits steroids provide in terms of muscle growth, fat loss, and strength gains make them highly alluring. While alternatives exist, nothing matches AAS for boosting physique and performance.

Reducing the Side Effects of Steroids

While it may be impossible to eliminate all the risks of anabolic steroids completely, there are several strategies that can help reduce the likelihood and severity of side effects. Implementing these tactics will provide a degree of protection.

Use Shorter Cycles

Longer steroid cycles increase the risks of side effects. Shorter cycles place less stress on the body.

Here are some general cycle length guidelines:

• Oral steroids – 4 to 6 weeks
• Short esters like propionate – 6 to 8 weeks
• Long esters like cypionate – 8 to 12 weeks
• Very long esters like Deca – 10 to 14 weeks max

Staying at the lower ends or below these ranges is ideal.

There is no need to run most steroids for longer than 8 weeks. Gains will still be substantial, and side effects reduced.

It takes time after a cycle for the body to normalize and recover. Shorter cycles allow health to be restored more frequently.

Lower Dosages

Using steroid dosages well above therapeutic levels is what tends to cause more problems.

Staying conservative with dosing can help:

• Minimize testosterone suppression
• Reduce cardiovascular strain
• Lessen liver toxicity
• Maintain healthy cholesterol levels

Here are some reasonable dosing guidelines:

• Testosterone – 300 to 500 mg per week
• Anavar – 20 to 40 mg daily
• Winstrol – 25 to 50 mg daily
• Deca Durabolin – 200 to 400 mg per week

People often take more than necessary. But gains can still be impressive at conservative doses, with fewer hazards.

Proper PCT Protocol

Running a proper post cycle therapy (PCT) is crucial for allowing testosterone production and overall health to normalize after a cycle.

Common PCT medications include:

• Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like Clomid and Nolvadex to help restore natural testosterone synthesis.
• Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) like Arimidex to help control estrogen.

A good PCT protocol will significantly shorten recovery time after a cycle compared to no PCT at all.

Planning PCT from the start makes it easier to diligently run it after the cycle ends. Being disciplined with PCT helps avoid feeling poorly for weeks or months before natural hormone function is restored.

In summary, staying conservative with steroid dosages, limiting cycle lengths, and properly implementing PCT can help curtail side effects. However, risks cannot be fully avoided if taking AAS.

Testosterone

Testosterone is considered the gold standard anabolic steroid that all others are compared to. It has stood the test of time as a versatile, well-tolerated, and effective agent for building muscle and strength.

Administration Options

There are a few different esters and administration methods for testosterone:

• Testosterone enanthate – An injectable ester and one of the most popular forms. Half-life is around 8 days.
• Testosterone cypionate – Essentially identical to enanthate. Half-life is 12 days.
• Testosterone propionate – Shorter acting injectable ester. Half-life is 2-3 days.
• Testosterone undecanoate – Oral version. Absorbed via the lymphatic system. Half-life is 20-24 days.

For bodybuilders, testosterone enanthate or cypionate are the safest steroids preferred as they provide more stable blood levels. These long-acting injectables only require dosing 1-2 times per week. Propionate must be injected every other day.

Oral testosterone undecanoate is not commonly used by athletes due to its high cost and inconsistent absorption. Intramuscular injections tend to be more effective. But orals may be appealing for those who dislike injecting.

Estrogen-Related Side Effects

One potential side effect of testosterone is gynecomastia and water retention resulting from the steroid aromatizing into estrogen.

Testosterone converts to estrogen via the aromatase enzyme. Higher body fat percentages tend to increase aromatization rates.

Estrogenic side effects can be controlled by:

• Keeping dosages moderate
• Limiting cycle length
• Using an aromatase inhibitor
• Implementing a SERM like Nolvadex during PCT

Controlling estrogen is important not just for preventing “gyno” and water retention. Estrogen works against testosterone’s anabolic effects in muscle tissue. Keeping the two hormones balanced optimizes results.

Androgenic Side Effects

Since testosterone is the primary male androgen, it can also produce androgenic side effects like:

• Accelerated hair loss for those prone to male pattern baldness
• Prostate enlargement
• Increased sebum production and acne

These effects are dose dependent. Conservative testosterone dosages minimize androgenic side effects but still allow for impressive muscle building.

Those wishing to avoid androgenic effects altogether sometimes opt for non-aromatizing steroids like Anavar or Primobolan. However, testosterone tends to be more effective for packing on muscle mass.

In summary, testosterone is valued for its versatility, efficacy, safety profile, and minimal side effects relative to other steroids. When used properly, it’s an exceptional muscle builder.

Anavar the Safest Steroid

Anavar (oxandrolone) is an oral steroid that has established itself as one of the most popular cutting agents in bodybuilding circles. It provides exceptional fat burning effects while helping retain lean muscle tissue.

How Anavar Works

As a derived of DHT, Anavar binds tightly to androgen receptors in the muscles. This stimulates protein synthesis and enhances nitrogen retention, allowing for rapid strength and lean tissue gains.

Anavar also has very strong binding affinity for SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin). This frees up more free testosterone in the body to further boost muscle building and fat burning.

Despite being an oral, Anavar also has a relatively long half-life of 8-9 hours. This means steady blood levels can be achieved with once per day dosing.

Benefits of Anavar

Some of the benefits that make Anavar popular include:

• Significant fat loss while retaining lean muscle mass
• Visually appealing vascularity and muscle hardness
• Raw strength gains without excessive weight gain
• Very low estrogenic activity – does not aromatize
• Mild on the liver compared to most oral steroids
• Well tolerated by women at low doses

With its ability to produce lean, dry gains, it’s easy to understand why Anavar is a staple cutting steroid. The fat loss and muscle retention effects are substantial.

Side Effects of Anavar

Compared to other oral steroids, the side effects of Anavar tend to be less pronounced. Still, there are some risks:

• Androgenic effects like increased body hair and acne in some users
• Potential negative impact on cholesterol (lower HDL)
• Liver toxicity is possible, though less than with other orals
• Testosterone suppression is moderate but not severe

Anavar is less androgenic than many steroids, so issues like hair loss or prostate effects are less likely. But it still carries some virilization risks, especially for women at higher doses or longer cycle lengths.

Anavar Dosages

Male bodybuilders typically find excellent results with Anavar dosages in the range of 30-80mg per day. Doses as high as 100mg daily are sometimes used by advanced steroid users. Cycles range from 6-10 weeks.

For women, starting at 10mg daily is recommended to assess tolerance. 20mg per day can be considered an extreme dose and only recommended for very experienced female users. Cycles should be kept to 4-6 weeks.

In summary, Anavar may be a “mild” oral steroid, but it can still provide exceptional cutting and strength gains when used properly. The results are especially impressive compared to the relatively low side effects.

Deca Durabolin the Safest Steroid

Deca Durabolin (nandrolone decanoate) is an injectable steroid popular for adding mass and strength during bulking cycles. It’s valued for its ability to produce steady gains with low estrogenic activity.

How Deca Works

Deca contains the anabolic steroid nandrolone with the decanoate ester attached. This slow-acting ester provides a half-life of around 15 days with a release time of 2-4 weeks.

Like testosterone, Deca binds to androgen receptors in muscle tissue to stimulate protein synthesis. However, its effects are amplified compared to testosterone’s on a milligram for milligram basis.

Deca also enhances nitrogen retention more significantly than testosterone, allowing for rapid muscle tissue growth.

Deca Benefits

Some of the attributes that make Deca a popular bulking AAS include:

• Large increases in muscle size and strength
• Enhanced collagen synthesis and joint relief
• Significant gains in bone mineral content
• Lean mass gains without excessive estrogenic effects
• Low androgenic side effects in most users

At dosages of 200-400mg per week, Deca can produce exceptional gains, particularly when combined with testosterone. It bridges the gap between bulking and therapeutic dosages.

Side Effects of Deca

Despite being on the milder end of the spectrum, Deca can still produce some unwanted side effects:

• Erectile dysfunction and libido issues
• Increased prolactin levels leading to gyno risk
• Moderate testosterone suppression
• Potential negative cardiovascular effects
• Water retention if estrogen levels are not controlled

These side effects can be mitigated by adding testosterone to a Deca cycle, using anti-estrogens and implementing proper PCT. However, issues like “Deca Dick” may still be problematic.

Deca Dosages

Male bodybuilders using Deca in a bulking stack typically find excellent results with a dosage of 200-400mg per week, taken for 8-12 weeks. This is combined with testosterone at around 200-500mg weekly.

Women have a high sensitivity to anabolic steroids and should not use Deca in doses higher than 50mg per week for a cycle no longer than 6-8 weeks.

At moderate dosages, Deca can produce exceptional lean mass gains. However, side effects are still a possibility and should be planned for.

Other Safer Steroid Options

While testosterone, Anavar, and Deca Durabolin are considered the “big 3” safest steroids, there are a few other AAS that have milder side effect profiles. Two examples are Primobolan and Masteron.

Primobolan the Safest Steroid

Primobolan (methenolone) comes in both oral and injectable versions. It is a moderately anabolic, low androgenic steroid with limited estrogenic activity.

Primo does not typically produce harsh side effects, which is why it is considered one of the safer options. However, it is also not an extremely powerful mass builder compared to other steroids.

Some attributes of Primobolan include:

• Modest gains in lean muscle mass and strength
• Low risk of gynecomastia and water retention
• Mild impact on cholesterol levels
• Low androgenic side effects such as hair loss or acne

Primobolan is sometimes used by athletes in tested sports due to its short detection times. But it is not ideal for those looking to pack on substantial mass.

Dosages range from 200-400mg per week for men and 50-100mg per week for women. Cycles extend for 8-12 weeks typically.

Masteron the Safest Steroid

Developed in the 1960s, Masteron (drostanolone propionate) is another AAS with low estrogenic activity because his mild properties is considered one of the safest steroids. It can actually act as an anti-estrogen in some cases.

Attributes of Masteron include:

• Moderate increases in lean muscle mass
• The ability to harden and sharpen muscularity
• Useful for cutting cycles due to anti-estrogen effects
• Only mild impact on cholesterol levels
• Low risk of gynecomastia or water retention

Masteron is more potent than Primobolan in terms of strength gains and musculature enhancements. But it still is not a premier mass builder.

Dosages for men range from 300-600mg per week. Due to its anti-estrogen effects, Masteron is rarely used by women. Cycle length is 6-10 weeks.

Turinabol the Safest Steroid

Turinabol is an oral steroid that has been prescribed for decades. It was allegedly given to East German athletes in the 60s and 70s to boost performance is considered as one of the safest steroids

Compared to other oral AAS, it is relatively mild:

• Good gains in strength with limited mass gains
• Low aromatization into estrogen
• Does not affect the liver as harshly as other orals
• Only moderate testosterone suppression

However, Turinabol is also not extremely potent in terms of muscle building capabilities. Dosages of 40-60mg per day are common. Like Primo and Masteron, it is better suited as part of a stack.

In summary, the above AAS have safer profiles compared to powerful mass builders like Trenbolone or Superdrol. But they still carry risks like any anabolic steroid.

Safest Steroid Cycles

Even when using the safest steroids, implementing further risk reduction strategies can help mitigate side effects. Two of the most important tactics are using lower doses and shorter cycle lengths.

Testosterone-Only Cycles

For beginners, a simple testosterone-only cycle is recommended. This provides good results with minimal side effects.

A 12 week cycle may look like:

• Weeks 1-12: Testosterone enanthate or cypionate, 400-500mg per week
• Weeks 1-12: Anastrozole .25mg EOD to control estrogen
• Weeks 14-17: Nolvadex 40/40/20/20mg per day for PCT

A more conservative beginner friendly cycle could be:

• Weeks 1-10: Testosterone enanthate, 300mg per week
• Weeks 12-15: Nolvadex 20mg per day

Even shorter cycles with lower doses are possible:

• Weeks 1-6: Testosterone enanthate, 200-300mg per week
• Weeks 8-11: Nolvadex 20mg per day

The goal is to use just enough testosterone to make good gains while minimizing side effects. Extended cycles or high doses are unnecessary.

Anavar-Only Cutting Cycles

For cutting and fat loss, Anavar-only cycles can work very well.

A typical cycle for men could be:

• Weeks 1-8: Anavar, 50mg daily
• Weeks 10-13: Nolvadex, 20mg per day

A more conservative approach might look like:

• Weeks 1-6: Anavar, 30mg daily
• Weeks 8-11: Nolvadex, 20mg per day

For women seeking exceptional fat loss:

• Weeks 1-4: Anavar, 10mg daily
• Weeks 6-9: Nolvadex, 10mg per day

Short Anavar cycles allow impressive fat burning with reduced risk of virilization in women or cholesterol issues.

Mild Oral-Only Cycles

Some bodybuilders run mild oral-only cycles for health reasons or when bulking is not a priority.

A Primobolan and Anavar stack can be effective:

• Weeks 1-6: Primobolan, 400mg per week; Anavar, 30mg daily
• Weeks 8-11: Nolvadex, 20mg per day

Turinabol can also work well for lean gains:

• Weeks 1-6: Turinabol, 40mg daily
• Weeks 8-11: Nolvadex, 20mg per day

Even oral-only cycles carry risks. But conservative doses and cycle lengths are far less likely to cause lasting health issues.

In summary, “safest” is a relative term when it comes to steroids. But lower dosing, shorter cycles, and monitoring health can help reduce the dangers.

Conclusion

There is no such thing as a completely safest steroids. Even testosterone, Anavar, and Deca Durabolin carry risks, especially when used long-term. However, some key points can be highlighted:

• Testosterone is considered the safest steroid overall. When used responsibly it is very well tolerated. Test-only cycles are suitable for beginners.
• Despite being an oral, Anavar is relatively mild in terms of side effects. It makes an excellent cutting steroid or solo cycle for fat loss.
• Deca Durabolin adds impressive muscle mass when bulking but can impair sexual function. It combines well with testosterone.
• Orals like Anavar and Turinabol are easier on the liver than many injectables. Injectables like testosterone and Deca do not pass through the liver.
• Side effects can be reduced by using lower doses, shorter cycles, on-cycle protective supplements, and proper PCT. But risks cannot be eliminated.
• Cholesterol imbalance, liver toxicity, testosterone suppression, gynecomastia, and cardiovascular strain are the most concerning potential effects of AAS use.
• Building muscle naturally with food, training, and rest is undoubtedly the safest route. But steroids allow goals to be achieved much faster.

In the end, every person must carefully weigh the risks and benefits of anabolic steroid use. Table X below summarizes some of the key pros and cons.

Table : Pros and Cons of Steroid Use

The decision whether or not to use steroids is a personal one. But understanding the realities of AAS can help users make an informed choice and employ damage control strategies. In an ideal world, the safest steroids would have the benefits without the risks – but this scenario does not exist.