Differences Between Male and Female Anabolic Steroid Cycle Protocols

1. Testosterone is not necessary for use in female steroid cycles: The male physiological levels of endogenously manufactured Testosterone are not necessary for the survival or well-being of females. As mentioned prior, this is one of the several guidelines that can be circumvented by female users, and can essentially ‘get away with’, whereas men cannot. It should be common knowledge that the female body does not manufacture anywhere near the amount that the male human body does, and females therefore only require very minor amounts of Testosterone necessary for vital proper physiological function. Female endogenous production of Testosterone is approximately that of 1/10th of a male human body’s endogenous production. Testosterone in females is manufactured primarily by the adrenal glands, rather than the testes (organs that females do not possess).

It is not only unnecessary for females to utilize Testosterone but it is also in fact highly advised that female anabolic steroid users abstain from the use of Testosterone due to its very strong androgenic strength rating, which would provide pronounced virilization issues. However, there are female anabolic steroid users that do wish to engage in the use of stronger androgens such as Testosterone or Trenbolone, and this may be the result of the female not caring as to whether or not they experience virilization as a result. In such a case, it is a personal decision based upon personal values and goals. However, for the average female that does not wish to transform into a male, it is advised to stay away from the strong androgens such as Testosterone.

2. There is no post cycle therapy (PCT) required following a female steroid cycle. Once again, the purpose of a PCT is that of the restoration of natural function of endogenous Testosterone production and HPTA function in males. This is unnecessary in female anabolic steroid users. Females do not possess testicles, and therefore are not necessary for vital female physiological function. PCT as a result is unnecessary, whereas for male users it is absolutely vital for the proper restoration of endogenous natural hormonal function.

3. Cycle lengths must be kept very short so as to avoid virilization symptoms. Just as how female users should avoid very strong androgenic anabolic steroids, cycle lengths must not exceed particular lengths due to the fact that as duration of use increases, the potential and severity of virilization and masculinizing effects so too increases. Ideally, female steroid cycle lengths should be no longer than 4 weeks at a time. Should any female anabolic steroid users experience the beginnings of any virilization symptoms prior to the 4 week mark (cracking/deepening of the voice, growth of bodily/facial hair, etc.) all administration of anabolic steroids should be halted immediately.

4. Anabolic steroid stacks and combinations must be avoided at all costs unless absolutely necessary. This is mostly self-explanatory, as the combination and stacking of two or more anabolic steroids will result in a compounding of androgenic effects, leading to rapid onset of virilization, and more severe virilization symptoms. Unless absolutely necessary, such as the case of female competitive bodybuilders, stacking should be avoided at all costs unless deemed absolutely necessary.

5. While male anabolic steroid users must ensure proper time-off (break time, or time away from anabolic steroids) in between cycles that consists of time spent on the previous cycle and PCT length (for example, an 8 week cycle followed by a 4 week PCT would mean that time-off afterwards before the next cycle would be 3 – 4 months), females do not necessarily require this.  Female anabolic steroid users may be able to take shorter breaks and time-off in between cycles, although it is advised that at least 4 – 8 weeks of sufficient time off in between cycles is adequate to ensure proper normalization of the body’s internal systems following hormone augmentation that would result in the disruption of said systems. While males must ensure proper and adequate endogenous Testosterone and HPTA recovery, females do not need to be concerned with this.