The safest steroid cycle for cutting is often sought after by female bodybuilders who wish to retain their lean muscle mass while losing excess fat quickly. From Anavar to Masteron, this makes it important to learn which steroids for a cutting cycle are the best option for women.
Reducing body fat while maintaining lean muscle is a key fitness goal for bodybuilders, whether they are male or female. And the way to achieve this is through a cutting cycle supported with the most effective and safe anabolic androgenic steroids.
Let’s take a look at what a cutting cycle with steroids entails for women and the usual anabolic steroids cycles for cutting.
What is a Cutting Cycle for Women
Cutting cycle refers to that phase in bodybuilding where the bodybuilder in question loses excess weight while maintaining muscle mass. While the target is the same, cutting cycles differ between men and women due to their hormonal and genetic differences.
Due to lower natural testosterone levels and a slower metabolism, women undergo slower fat loss and may also face muscle loss. Further, their nutritional needs and fitness regimen vary. Some women also face fluctuations in their menstrual cycle, energy levels, and metabolism.
Thus, many opt for anabolic steroids, which help promote fat loss while maintaining lean muscle mass. Additionally, the right diet, cardio, and training, alongside supplementation, are also important in a cutting cycle.
What is the Role of Steroids in Fat Loss among Women
When taken by female bodybuilders, steroids have the following effects, which promote fat loss:
- Increased Lipolysis
Lipolysis refers to the breakdown of stored fat. During the process, these are converted into free fatty acids that can be converted into energy.
- Preservation of Lean Muscle Mass
Steroids create an anabolic environment in the body, which, even during a calorie-deficient cutting phase, preserves lean muscle mass while promoting fat loss.
- Increased Metabolic Activity
Among those taking steroids, a marked increase in metabolic rate has been observed, even when they are at rest. Thus, fat burning occurs even at times of inactivity due to an elevated resting metabolic rate (RMR).
- Better Nutrient Partitioning
AAS, through nutrient partitioning, redirects consumed nutrients for oxidative use, i.e., muscle growth and energy generation, rather than being stored as fat. Thus, the consumed diet is effectively utilised by the body.
Safest Anabolic Steroid Cycles for Cutting in Women
Five of the best steroids for a cutting cycle meant for female bodybuilders are:
- Anavar
Anavar (Oxandrolone) was originally formulated to treat wasting disease. With its low androgenic-to-anabolic ratio, it prevents the effects of masculinisation, making it one of the most effective steroids for women. When ingested, it increases lipolysis, preserves lean muscle mass, improves vascularity, and offers a lean, defined physique.
- Winstrol
Winstrol (Stanozolol) was developed to treat conditions such as angioedema and anemia. Later, it became popular as a cutting cycle steroid due to its strong fat-loss activity. When combined with a lean, calorie-restricted diet, it promotes lipolysis, helps shed subcutaneous water, preserves muscles, and provides a striated, vascular look.
- Masteron
A potent anti-estrogenic medication, Masteron (Drostanolone), was developed to treat breast cancer. Derived from DHT, it promotes muscle conditioning and hardness, removes subcutaneous water with a diuretic effect, and has little to no risk of bloating, creating a lean, defined look.
- Primobolan
Primobolan (Methenolone) has a low androgenic rating, making it one of the best steroids for women. This medication offers aggressive fat loss by increasing beta-adrenergic receptor activity, increasing muscle hardness, and promoting muscle retention. It also offers minimal water retention, optimal for a lean, dry look.
- Clenbuterol
A bronchodilator and not a steroid, Clenbuterol increases a person’s core temperature, elevating their fat metabolism. It also binds to beta-2 receptors to stimulate lipolysis and preserve muscle mass. Thus, it is often stacked with AAS and SARMs to achieve fat oxidation and muscle retention.
Here’s how the different cutting cycle steroids fare in comparison to each other:
| Effects | Anavar | Winstrol | Masterone | Primobolan | Clenbuterol |
| Fat Loss | Moderate | High | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Muscle Retention | High | High | High | High | Moderate |
| Water Retention | No | No | No | No | No |
| Androgenic Activity | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Low | No |
| Toxicity | Moderate | Moderate to High | Low | Low | Moderate |
Table: Comparison Between the Best Steroids for a Cutting Cycle
Dosage for a Beginner Steroid Cycle for Cutting
The dosage requirements (for women) for the five given anabolic steroid cycles for cutting are as follows:
Anavar
Beginner (6-8 weeks): 5 to 10 mg daily
Intermediate (8-10 weeks): 10 to 15 mg daily
**Note: Split doses into two or more to maintain stable blood levels.
Winstrol
Beginner: 5 mg/day for 4 – 6 weeks.
Intermediate: 7.5 – 10 mg/day for 6 weeks.
Advanced: 10 – 15 mg/day split into two doses for 6 – 8 weeks.
Masteron
Beginner: 25 mg to be taken every third day for 4 – 6 weeks.
Intermediate: 25 mg to be taken on alternate days for 6 – 8 weeks.
** Note: Strict monitoring for signs of virilization and other androgenic effects is necessary.
Primobolan
Beginner (6 – 8 weeks):
- 25 mg on alternate days (oral)
- 50 mg/week (injectable)
Intermediate (8 – 10 weeks):
- 50 mg/day (oral)
- 100 mg/week (injectable enanthate)
**Note: Doses higher than intermediate levels will lead to hormone disruption.
Clenbuterol
Initial dose: 20 mcg/day
Max dose: Up to 80 – 100 mcg/day
**Note: Users may split their total dose into 2-3 doses to be taken throughout the day and step up their dose by 20 mcg per week on medical advice to gradually build tolerance.
Supporting Your Cutting Cycle for Best Results
Maintaining health is key during and after the steroid cycle to ensure optimum benefits. This can be ensured with the help of the following:
Nutrition and Training
You may opt for a high-protein diet with moderate carbs, instead of a severely calorie-deficient diet. When paired with proper resistance training plus cardio balance, this can help reach the targeted fitness goals.
Supplements to Support Recovery
Oral steroids can stress the liver. Thus, it is important to maintain liver health with supplements such as Liv 52, TUDCA, milk thistle, and NAC. Some take Omega-3s for cholesterol balance. You may also increase the intake of red and green leafy vegetables in your diet for antioxidant and detox support. Further peptides, such as BPC-157 and TB500, promote joint health, tissue repair, and aid recovery after injury.
PCT (Post Cycle Therapy)
Among women, PCT restores natural hormone balance and helps the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis recover after a period of steroid use. For a 6 – 8 week cycle, women should consider an equal 6 – 8 week recovery period before they start a second cycle.
Some are also prescribed SERMs (Clomid and Nolvadex) to restore their menstrual cycles. DHEA may also be prescribed to restore the natural hormone production.
Further, female bodybuilders are requested to prioritise stress management, optimum sleep, nutrient-dense food, and balanced calorie intake.
Red Flags for Women on Steroids: Side Effects and Precautions
Owing to steroid use, some women will face the following side effects:
- Voice deepening
- Irregular periods
- Unusual hair growth
- Severe acne
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Aggression
- Insomnia
- Clitoral Enlargement
- Infertility
- Liver stress
- Increased blood pressure
- Cardiovascular strain
Thus, it is important to seek medical advice, obtain a prescription, and adhere to it when taking steroids for a cutting cycle. In case you observe any of the side effects of steroid use that steadily increase in their severity, visit the doctor immediately.
Key Safety Considerations Before Starting
Before getting started on steroids, it is important to understand the following:
Health and Hormonal Risks
Use of AAs, especially those with a moderate to high androgenic factor, will lead to virilization (deep voice, excess hair growth). Further, steroids may disrupt the natural menstrual cycle owing to a change in hormone levels in the body.
Since oral steroids are first metabolised in the liver, they can lead to liver strain with longer cycles. Additionally, they may also alter the HDL/LDL levels.
Responsible Use Tips
Before, during, and after the cycle, it is important to get your bloodwork done. This will help assess your natural hormone levels, the impact of steroids, and what you need for PCT. For women, low doses and shorter cycles are recommended to manage the impact of steroid use and keep side effects to a minimum.
Wrapping Up
Used responsibly, milder anabolic steroids are effective for women in cutting cycles. Due to their mild androgenic activity and high efficacy, steroids such as Anavar and Winstrol are often prescribed to women who seek a steroid-aided fitness regimen. Thus, it is important to stick to the prescription and observe the safety and dosage requirements for optimal effects.
Get the Right Steroids for an Effective Cutting Cycle
Ready to undergo a more effective cutting cycle with steroids? Visit your doctor and obtain a prescription for the best anabolic steroid cycles for cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Beginner Steroid Cycle for Cutting?
5 to 10 mg per day of Anavar for 6 – 8 weeks is a safe and effective beginner steroid cycle for women.
2. What is the Best Steroid Cycle for Cutting?
Winstrol and Anavar are two oral steroids that offer the best effects for cutting. While both offer effective fat loss, Winstrol has a higher androgenic activity, and people should monitor themselves for signs of virilisation.
3. How Long is a Cutting Cycle?
Cutting cycles, on average, can continue for as long as 6 to 8 weeks in women. However, this will vary with the medication, the physiological conditions of the person, and their fitness goals.
4. Which Supplements Should I Pair My Cutting Cycle With?
If you are opting for oral steroids, you may take liver support supplements such as milk thistle. You may also take Omega-3 supplements for cholesterol balance, peptides to promote joint health, and a balanced diet.
