Steroid Terms
A complete glossary of anabolic-androgenic steroid names, abbreviations, and related compounds used in bodybuilding. Each term includes a plain-language definition, common aliases, and links to relevant blood markers.
AAS
(Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids, Gear, Juice)
Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids. Synthetic derivatives of testosterone that promote muscle growth (anabolic) and male sex characteristics (androgenic).
Sustanon
(Sust, Sus)
A blend of four testosterone esters (propionate, phenylpropionate, isocaproate, decanoate) designed to provide both fast and sustained release.
Test E
(Testosterone Enanthate)
One of the most commonly used testosterone esters. Long-acting with a half-life of roughly 4.5 days, typically injected once or twice per week.
Test C
(Testosterone Cypionate)
A long-acting testosterone ester very similar to enanthate. Half-life of approximately 5 days. The most prescribed form of TRT in the USA.
Test P
(Testosterone Propionate)
A short-acting testosterone ester with a half-life of about 0.8 days. Requires frequent injections (every other day) but clears the system quickly.
Dbol
(Dianabol, Methandrostenolone)
An oral 17-alpha alkylated anabolic steroid known for rapid mass and strength gains. Aromatises heavily and is hepatotoxic. Often used as a kickstart.
Anadrol
(Oxymetholone, A-Bombs)
A potent oral steroid used for rapid size and strength. Highly hepatotoxic. Can cause significant water retention and elevated blood pressure.
Tren
(Trenbolone)
One of the most powerful AAS. Available as acetate (short ester) and enanthate (long ester). Known for dramatic body composition changes but harsh side effects including insomnia, sweating, and cardiovascular strain.
Deca
(Nandrolone Decanoate, Deca-Durabolin)
A long-acting injectable steroid popular for joint relief and mass building. Suppresses natural testosterone heavily and can raise prolactin. Known for 'Deca dick' (erectile issues).
EQ
(Boldenone Undecylenate, Equipoise)
A long-acting injectable steroid originally developed for veterinary use. Increases red blood cell production and appetite. Can act as a mild AI, crashing estrogen in some users.
Masteron
(Drostanolone, Mast)
A DHT-derived injectable steroid with anti-estrogenic properties. Popular in cutting cycles for its hardening effect. Minimal liver toxicity but can accelerate hair loss.
Primo
(Primobolan, Methenolone)
Considered one of the milder AAS. Available as oral (acetate) and injectable (enanthate). Favoured for lean gains with fewer side effects. Expensive and often counterfeited.
Winstrol
(Stanozolol, Winny)
A DHT-derived steroid available in oral and injectable form. Known for strength gains and a dry, hard look. Harsh on joints (dries synovial fluid) and significantly worsens lipid profiles.
Halo
(Halotestin, Fluoxymesterone)
An extremely androgenic oral steroid used primarily for strength and aggression before competitions or powerlifting meets. Highly hepatotoxic and not used for mass building.
Proviron
(Mesterolone)
An oral DHT derivative that binds to SHBG, freeing up more testosterone. Has mild anti-estrogenic properties. Often used as an ancillary rather than a primary compound.
Clen
(Clenbuterol)
A beta-2 agonist bronchodilator used off-label as a fat burner. Not a steroid. Stimulates the central nervous system and increases metabolic rate. Can cause tremors, cramps, and cardiac issues.
T3
(Cytomel, Liothyronine)
Synthetic thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine). Used to increase metabolic rate during cutting phases. Must be tapered carefully to avoid thyroid suppression.
Insulin
(Slin)
A peptide hormone used by advanced athletes to shuttle nutrients into muscle cells. Extremely dangerous if misused; hypoglycaemia can be fatal. Often combined with GH.
GH
(Growth Hormone, HGH, Somatotropin)
Synthetic human growth hormone. Promotes fat loss, muscle growth, recovery, and connective tissue repair. Expensive and typically run for extended periods (months).
SARMs
(Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators)
A class of compounds that selectively bind to androgen receptors. Marketed as a safer alternative to AAS but still suppress natural testosterone and carry liver/lipid risks.