Everything You Should Know Before Going on a Steroid Cycle After 40

You can start working out at any age if you take proper precautions. The same goes for anabolic steroids; it’s not just for men in their 20s. In fact, steroid usage is pretty common among older men (40+ years).

The recent study has found that men in their 40s turn to steroids more often, and not only self-appointed TRT or HGH. We’re talking Deca, Primo, and Test. The compound choice is heavily linked to specific purposes: muscle-building, anti-aging, weight loss, or just enhancing overall well-being. 

But first, let’s discuss what’s going on with your body once you get closer to 40-50 years, so you could understand your needs better and choose the right cycle.

Andropause: what is it and how does it affect you

Andropause is a natural condition associated with low testosterone levels. As men age, their total and free test levels decline. When your total testosterone has reached a mark lower than 15 nmol/L, you can experience the following symptoms:

• Low libido and erectile dysfunction;
• Fatigue, dizziness, excessive tiredness;
• Brain fog and low focus;
• Sleep disturbances, irritation, and depression;
• Weight gain, muscle weakness, and soreness;
• Hot flashes.

When you’re in your early twenties, your testosterone levels are generally high (if you don’t have any medical conditions); from there, it starts to go downhill, no exceptions.

Andropause can strike when you are 30, 35, 40, or 50, it will depend on your genetics, lifestyle, nutrition, and stress levels. One thing that’s perfectly clear ― it sucks. But there’s a way to restore your testosterone levels and feel better.

How can andropause be reversed

TRT can help you return to your normal routine and feel more energized and confident. You can even increase your muscle mass and reduce your body fat content without going for high Test dosages. It doesn’t get more natural than this, so side effects are pretty much nonexistent:

• Typical TRT dosage: 100-200 mg/week;
• PED dosage: 300-600 mg/week, 10-12 weeks.

It’s important to do the blood work before taking steroids to make sure that you won’t put your health at risk. 

Since cardiovascular issues can be a problem during a Test cycle, it’s recommended to undergo a thorough check-up: ECG, CT, stress tests, lipid profile. You’ll also want to monitor your blood pressure, especially if you’re prone to BP spikes.

Testosterone and HGH Cycle After 40

Growth hormone levels decline with age, just like Testosterone. Adding HGH to your TRT can be beneficial for muscle growth, body composition, endurance, and sexual function. It’s a popular compound for anti-aging therapy.

However, it’s contraindicated for those who have cancer, severe cardiovascular conditions, or diabetes. If there are no such issues ― go for it.

If you haven’t used HGH before, start with 1-2 IU/day and gradually increase the dosage. Even though it’s a natural hormone, it can cause unwanted side effects if misused or incorrectly introduced to the body.

Best bulking cycles for men after 40 in 2025

If your diet and daily routine are in order, and you’ve trained for at least 2-4 years, you can look into anabolic steroid cycles. However, there are some limitations due to the age and heightened risks of renal or hepatic failure and cardiovascular events:

• You can’t use steroids that will cause potent side effects, such as Superdrol, Trenbolone, Halotestin, or Anadrol;
• Oral AAS aren’t recommended ― do not plan for Anavar, Winstrol, or Dbol cycles, as they can significantly affect your liver function;
• Never exceed the recommended dosage, start at the lower side and increase it to moderate, but do not go for maximum;
• Always get your blood work done and monitor your health status closely.

The safest cycle would be with Sustanon (a testosterone blend) or any test esters (Enanthate, Propionate, or Cypionate). However, you can use Primobolan or Deca Durabolin in low to moderate doses as well.

Test and Deca Cycle

You can change Testosterone Cypionate for Test Enanthate or Propionate, adjusting the injection frequency accordingly. Deca Durabolin can be a great choice for increasing muscle mass and providing additional joint support.

It’s recommended to use HCG to boost natural testosterone production while you’re waiting for esters to clear out of your system. Your body can become more sensitive to changes in testosterone levels with age, and you can experience withdrawal symptoms after the end of the cycle.

Also, you can add Primobolan to your cycle (injectable). The recommended dosage is 250-400 mg/week. You can split the dosage into separate injections.

Test and EQ Cycle

Equipoise, or Boldenone, is considered a compound with more pronounced side effects. However, the Test and EQ cycle is pretty popular among men over 40:

Now, it’s important to note that you can’t use this cycle if you have severe cardiovascular problems, including hypertension or high LDL levels. It’s a general recommendation to use shorter cycles after 40, but with EQ, it just doesn’t make sense to go for a 10-12 week cycle.

However, if you notice symptoms such as elevated blood pressure, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat, you should cut the cycle short and prioritize your health.

Conclusion

Going on a steroid cycle in your 40s is a better idea than starting to use steroids in your teen years or early twenties, when you peak (hormones-wise). The benefits outweigh the risks ― at least if you’re smart about it and don’t push your body too hard.