What Taking 3x Less Steroids Did to My Body

Quick Overview

Dr. Mike Israel experienced significant health benefits and maintained muscle mass while drastically reducing his anabolic steroid intake to one-third of his previous peak dose (from over 2000mg/week to 750mg/week), attributing this success to using Tirzepatide and Retatrutide during his fat loss phase, which allowed him to reach a similar physique peak with vastly lower androgen exposure and better health markers.

Key Points: Dr. Mike's peak 2022 steroid dose was over 2000mg/week, while his 2024 peak was 750mg/week, a three-fold reduction. Despite the massive dose reduction, he achieved a peak physique of 222lbs at 6.3% body fat, yielding 208lbs of lean body mass (LBM), which was only 10lbs less LBM than his 2022 peak. The 2024 peak involved a year-long 'low-gear' phase where he took a break from bodybuilding for half of 2024 and half of 2025, focusing on podcasts and mobility work for legs while training arms/delts intensely. During the 2024 fat loss phase, his androgen load was intentionally kept low (150mg to 500mg/week), and he avoided increasing it further due to the diminishing returns and increased side effects. The 2025 peak (750mg/week) was achieved while using newer non-androgenic compounds (Tirzepatide and Retatrutide), which significantly reduced visceral fat (VAT) and improved overall health. Psychologically, he felt 'so much better' on the lower dose (1/3rd the previous peak), experiencing less anxiety, anger, and bloat, leading to better long-term progress. His recommended titration strategy for new users involves starting super low (e.g., 150mg total androgens), checking bloodwork every 3 months, and increasing by only 100mg total if health markers are good.

Context: Dr. Mike Israel, a bodybuilder and likely fitness expert associated with RP Strength, discusses his personal experience of drastically reducing his anabolic steroid intake from a peak of over 2000mg/week to 750mg/week and achieving a comparable physique peak in 2025, attributing the success to better body composition management, the use of non-androgenic compounds like Tirzepatide/Retatrutide, and a slower, methodical approach to dosing.