The concept of the steroid cycle is often confusing to many beginner bodybuilders. Taking on a long steroid cycle might sound tempting, but it’s often not the best idea.

As a beginner, you might have questions like: 

Is a 20 week steroid cycle too long or not? 

Yes, a 20-week steroid cycle is too long. A steroid cycle of more than 14 weeks is considered to be a long cycle. If you don’t go for a long steroid cycle your body may face a negative impact. So, unless you’re well-prepared both mentally and physically, you shouldn’t take on such a challenge.

That’s just the surface of the topic. We got more for you! So allow us a few minutes to elaborate on the entire topic to you. 

Let’s get going!

What is the Optimal Steroid Cycle Length?

Typically, there are 4 types of a steroid cycle. These steroid cycles are divided based on the period or cycle length. We have compiled all the details of the optimal steroid cycle for you here. You will also find which cycle is best for males or females too. 

The optimal steroid cycle length for both males and females is a standard steroid cycle. This is because taking steroids is not like taking basic creatine with water.

For men, a standard steroid cycle which stays for 10 to 12 weeks. But you can only pursue this only after you have some years of experience with steroid cycles. 

There is no age limit for steroid cycles. But if you have 3 to 4 years of experience in taking steroids it will be more convenient. Also, years of training experience. 

The same goes for women in the training and experience section. 

But for women, a standard cycle is 4 to 8 weeks. It is recommended because the body can not take more than a standard cycle. But in a standard cycle, they will see a tremendous gain as well.

We will discuss more this in detail in the next sections. 

Is a 20 Week Steroid Cycle Long?

Yes, a 20-week steroid is a long cycle. A steroid cycle that goes on for more than 14 weeks in a long cycle. In theory, the main purpose of doing a long cycle is to gain muscle. People think that the muscles will stay permanently if you follow a long cycle. 

But, let me clear something out first. A long steroid cycle is not for new users. Long cycles are only for those people who are using them for a long time. Their body is accustomed to the effects so they can go for a long cycle. 

Usually, you might want to start with anabolic steroids. At the beginning of the cycle, you need a long list and different steroids for some specific goals that you want to meet faster. 

You have to ensure you work out hard with steroids. You would be preventing the side effects of not working out but taking steroids. 

But two things to understand here are weight gain and muscular growth process. Muscle building rate depends on your age and it will diminish with time. It just does not work this way. 

You might think a long cycle will help build muscle over months. But in reality, you might see no change after some time. You need to properly cycle your steroid even if you are a heavy or advanced user.

Another important thing is that you need to prime your body before a short heavy cycle. Keep this in mind when you choose a long steroid cycle. You need to lose a lot of fat and diet down. 

You can start priming by cycling the carbohydrates in 3 low and 1 high format. This way, it will create an environment for your body to grow muscle tissue. 

For this, you need to combine a focus on two things properly. There will be an excellent growth period. Do you know when it is? When you are starting the cycle, make sure AAS and GH are combined correctly and timely.

But all need to be done perfectly. Without a specific plan on diet, supplements, and workout, it just will not work.

So, which supplement type will work for you? What kind of diet and training should you follow? In short, What kind of preparations do you need to take before starting a 20-week-long steroid cycle? 

In the next section, we will discuss just the necessary preparations. 

What Are the Necessary Preparations for Starting a 20 Week Steroid Cycle

You are preparing for a 20-week steroid cycle? Keep an eye on your budget. We are talking about at least 5 months worth of supplies. It is going to cost a lot as most of the supplies are expensive. 

As for the primary compounds, you need Testosterone Enanthate. Your natural body testosterone levels shut down for a long time. So, you need a replacement for that. 

Experts recommend that 200 mg per week is enough. And, you should not take more than 1000mg in a week. 

This primary compound helps your body go through all these months. Your ultimate goal is to gain muscle mass and lose body fat at a time. 

Let’s move on to the secondary compounds list. You need at least 2 compounds such as Masteron Enanthate, Deca-Durabolin, Equipoise, and Primobolan. 

Now, we need to choose between equipoise or deca. Why choose Equipoise or Deca?

• Less estrogenic effects.
• Increase appetite. 
• Long half-life.
• Boost immunity.

But beware of taking high doses for a long time. Because it can affect your body and make gyno tissue a concern. 

Another secondary compound could be, Masteron or Primobolan. Why?

• Big boost to the muscles. 
• Bring good results quickly.
• Promote muscle hardness.
• Primobolan is a great choice with testosterone. 

But using Mastereon might be an issue. Because it can cause heavy hair fall as a side effect. 

Last but not least, you might give a thought about taking Ancillary Compounds. Because testosterone or any secondary compounds comes with many side effects. To reduce the risk to your precious health, an ancillary compound might help you. 

Using it helps your body to produce testosterone. Other than that, Winstrol, Nolvadex, and Letrozole are also great options. 

What Effects Can a 20 Week Steroid Cycle Have on My Body?

There are some side effects of the compounds that you must know. If you are not careful, this might affect your body in the long term.

Compounds Stay in the Body for too Long

In long cycles, compounds usually stay in the body system for a long time. Your body also needs a long time to fully recover. As a result, you should be ready for the negative result of those compounds in your body long after the cycle is done.

A decline in Testosterone

In this long period, your testosterone will be shut down. It is a fact that you are going to need a long PCT as well. Do not forget to maintain a stable PCT with regular HCG doses.

What Alternative Steroid Cycle Should I Choose?

Before talking about alternatives, we need a brief understanding of what are the other cycles. 

Alternative Steroid Cycles

Short Cycles: Short cycles are usually 2 to 4 weeks long. People usually do not go for this cycle. Because they have a short window for muscle gains. Also, you can only have a limited choice of compounds. 

But, if budget is an issue, this is your option. Short cycles minimize side effects and are easier to focus on. It also happens to reduce testosterone shutdown. 

Medium Cycles: This is a blast cycle that stays for 6 to 8 weeks. It gives you excellent muscle gain in a shorter period. You can quickly recover from this cycle and it has limited side effects. 

As for the downside of this cycle, you can have limited compound options. Another important thing is, that you still have to go through post-cycle therapy.

Standard Cycles: This cycle is almost suitable for anyone. Most people go for this cycle. Even if your experience level is low, you can do bulking and cutting.

Are you someone who is doing short cycles and ready to do a longer cycle? You can always go for a standard cycle which stays for 10 to 12 weeks. To maintain the gain along with the compounds, this cycle is ideal for almost everyone. 

In expert opinion, the optimal steroid length is 12 to 16 weeks. 

Long Cycles: So, how long is a long cycle? A cycle that goes for 3 to 9 months is long. So, is a 20-week steroid cycle too long? Yes, it is.

By length, a 20-week steroid cycle is a long cycle. But, there are some other factors too. Let me explain why. 

Which Alternative Steroid Cycle Should I Choose?

We discussed most of the side effects and necessary preparation for a long cycle. Are you prepared to go for a long cycle? Still not sure? 

Don’t worry, we are going to explain why it would also be a good idea NOT to go for a long cycle. The bonus is, that we are also going to suggest an alternative. 

The alternative is, to stick with the standard cycle.

Question is, why should you not go for a 20-week cycle and choose a standard cycle? 

Don’t skip a few things that are really essential. So, you can avoid making mistakes that are going to save you time, money, and energy.

Expert opinion is, that even if you do everything right, you will see your gains are slowing down. It will halt around the 14-week mark. Usually, receptors can not take as much after 14 weeks. 

It is better to run a standard cycle, recover and go for another regular cycle. It will give you a more desirable result. Going for a long cycle is a waste of money and gear. 

With the heavy doses and compounds, these will stay for a long time in your body. You are going to have a hard time recovering if your HPTA stays in your atrophy.

Sleep, training, and diet plan not going to work after 12 weeks. 

To conclude, it is better to go for a standard 12-week steroid cycle. Take 12 weeks of time off and go for another 12-week cycle. 

Below we talked about what you need to know. And what are the experiences needed, before starting a cycle. Age is not a barrier but you need to be at least 20 years old and have previous experience in training. 

FAQs

Is A 16 Week Steroid Cycle Too Long?

No, a 16 weeks steroid cycle is not too long. A 12 to 16-week cycle is an optimal steroid cycle. But it is always a better idea to stop the cycle at 14 weeks.

Do Steroids Permanently Lower Testosterone?

Yes, Steroids permanently lower your testosterone when you are going for standard cycles for a long time. You better go for a short cycle to minimize the side effects. 

Will My Testosterone Levels Return To Normal After Steroids?

It takes 12 to 14 weeks to return the testosterone levels to normal. Besides that, you might notice some side effects of steroid uses. 

Conclusion

To conclude, is a 20 week steroid cycle too long? I hope this article helped you to get all the answers to this question. 

Now you can decide if you want to go for a long cycle or stay with a standard cycle. There are always some great alternatives other than long steroid cycles. 

Good luck.