Steroids towards end of prep
In the final stretch (typically the last 6–8 weeks), competitors prioritize:
Hardness and dryness → Compounds that don’t cause much water retention are favored (e.g., Winstrol, Masteron, Anavar, sometimes Trenbolone).
Minimizing estrogen-related issues → Aromatizing compounds like testosterone are often lowered or swapped out to avoid water retention and bloating.Maintaining fullness → Some competitors keep a bit of test or add orals to hold muscle fullness while still looking dry.Short esters → Closer to the show, short-acting esters (like propionate or acetate) are preferred because they clear faster and allow precise adjustments.Peak week adjustments → Often involves manipulating water, sodium, carbs, and sometimes dropping certain compounds to refine the look.
what’s typically done in the last 6–8 weeks of contest prep (from an informational standpoint, not a recommendation):
🔹 General Steroid Adjustments at the End of Prep
Test (even low-dose) can cause water retention due to aromatization (conversion to estrogen).Many competitors switch to test propionate (short ester) or even drop test entirely in the final weeks.
Adding “dry” compounds
Masteron (drostanolone) → gives a hard, grainy look, minimal water retention.Winstrol (stanozolol) → increases vascularity and dryness.Anavar (oxandrolone) → mild, helps preserve lean tissue and adds hardness.Trenbolone acetate → powerful for hardness, fat loss, and fullness (but very harsh on health).
Orals close to show
Short-acting and noticeable effect quickly.Winstrol or Anavar are common in the last 4–6 weeks.Super harsh orals (like Halotestin) are sometimes used in the final 2–3 weeks for aggression and density.
Short esters only
By the last 4–6 weeks, long esters (like enanthate or cypionate) are usually dropped.Short esters allow fine-tuning and quick clearance if adjustments are needed.
🔹 Peak Week Considerations
Water & sodium manipulation → steroids that cause less water retention are prioritized.
Dropping injectables with oil → some competitors stop injectables a few days before stage to avoid localized swelling.Last-week orals often carry the physique through the final look.
⚠️ what’s typically done in the last 6–8 weeks of contest prep (from an informational standpoint, not a recommendation):
🔹 General Steroid Adjustments at the End of Prep
Lowering or dropping testosterone
Adding “dry” compounds
Masteron (drostanolone) → gives a hard, grainy look, minimal water retention.Winstrol (stanozolol) → increases vascularity and dryness.Anavar (oxandrolone) → mild, helps preserve lean tissue and adds hardness.Trenbolone acetate → powerful for hardness, fat loss, and fullness (but very harsh on health).
Orals close to show
Short-acting and noticeable effect quickly.Winstrol or Anavar are common in the last 4–6 weeks.Super harsh orals (like Halotestin) are sometimes used in the final 2–3 weeks for aggression and density.
Short esters only
By the last 4–6 weeks, long esters (like enanthate or cypionate) are usually dropped.Short esters allow fine-tuning and quick clearance if adjustments are needed.
🔹 Peak Week Considerations
Water & sodium manipulation → steroids that cause less water retention are prioritized.
⚠️ Key Risks
Key Risks
Oestrogen crash → if test is pulled too low without managing estrogen properly.