Microdosing PEDs: a smarter way to use gear?

Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) have long been associated with massive muscle growth and superhuman strength, but at the cost of possibly significant health risks. Traditionally, users follow aggressive dosing protocols that maximize gains but also increase side effects, taken in turns or so called “cycles”. However, a growing approach among athletes and bodybuilders is microdosing PEDs: taking small, controlled doses rather than full-on heavier cycles. But does this method work? And more importantly, is it safer?

Microdosing involves taking subtherapeutic doses of PEDs to achieve subtle but effective physiological (and also psychological) benefits while minimizing side effects. Unlike traditional cycles that introduce large amounts of synthetic hormones or compounds into the body, microdosing aims for a more gradual and sustainable enhancement.

Commonly used PEDs and typical doses

Here’s a list of commonly used PEDs for microdosing and typical doses. Note that naturally-occurring hormones are used more frequently than stronger, synthetic compounds:

Testosterone

Typically, 5-20mg daily or 50-75mg twice per week to maintain the user on the higher end of normal hormone function without full suppression;

Growth Hormone (GH)

1-2 IU per day, significantly lower than the 4-10 IU used by high-level bodybuilders, mainly for recovery, joint protection via increased collagen production and anti-aging benefits;

SARMs (Selective androgen receptor modulators)

Low doses such as 5-10mg daily of Ostarine (MK-2866) or 3-5mg daily of Ligandrol (LGD-4033) for subtle anabolic effects without significant suppression;

Insulin & IGF-1

2-4 IU of insulin post-workout and 10-20mcg of IGF-1 LR3 per day to improve nutrient partitioning without severe metabolic disturbances;

EPO (Erythropoietin)

Microdosing at 500-1000 IU every few days, commonly used in endurance sports to enhance oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood without detection.

Potential benefits of microdosing

Although there are no definitive studies and trials done on microdosing PEDs, those that advocate for it usually list the potential benefits as follows:

Reduced side effects

One of the biggest selling points of microdosing PEDs is the reduction in common side effects like acne, hair loss, mood swings, and organ stress. By keeping hormone fluctuations minimal throughout longer periods of time, users may avoid the drastic highs and lows of traditional cycles;

Sustained performance enhancement

Rather than the typical “on-cycle” surge followed by post-cycle crashes, microdosing allows for a more consistent and sustained improvement in muscle recovery, strength, endurance and overall performance;

Lower risk of detection

For competitive athletes subject to drug testing, microdosing can help maintain below-threshold levels in the bloodstream, potentially evading detection;

Recovery and endocrine health

Since microdosing doesn’t cause extreme hormonal suppression, users may experience less reliance on post-cycle therapy (PCT) or at the very least a faster return to natural hormone production.

Downsides and risks

However appealing microdosing may sound, there are still downsides and risks that come with doing it:

• Gray area in terms of safety: long-term studies on microdosing PEDs are lacking. While side effects might be reduced, there’s no guarantee that they are completely eliminated;
• Diminished results compared to full doses: microdosing won’t deliver the same drastic gains as higher-dose cycles, making it less appealing for those seeking maximum performance;
• Psychological dependence: even at low doses, PEDs can create a mental reliance, where users feel they need them to maintain their physique or performance;
• Legal issues: while some low-dose therapies like TRT can be legally prescribed in several regions, microdosing PEDs for performance enhancement remains illegal in most countries.

Who might benefit from microdosing?

There are a few groups of people that may benefit the most from this approach:

• Aging lifters: older guys seeking a bit of extra performance without the full TRT commitment;
• Focusing on recovery: those who prioritize injury prevention and longevity over maximum muscle gain;
• Flying under the radar: those in tested sports who may get an edge without major red flags;
• Minimizing health risks: those looking for a compromise between natural training and full-blown cycles.

In conclusion, microdosing PEDs represents a middle ground between full-blown steroid cycles and natural training. While it may bring promising advantages, such as reduced side effects, consistent performance boosts, and lower detection risk, it’s not free of concerns. Ultimately, the decision to microdose should be informed, well-researched, and aligned with individual goals and risk tolerance. As research on the subject continues, we may see a future where controlled microdose PED protocols become the norm alternative to traditional PED cycles.