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Best Bulking Stacks: Natural VS Hormonal Bulk Stacks

Best Bulking Stacks: Natural VS Hormonal Bulk Stacks

Posted by Leonard Shemtob on Nov 01, 2023

Muscle building is more than just lifting weights - it's an art, a science, and for many, a passion.

But in a world teeming with countless supplements all promising Herculean results, how do you discern the genuine from the gimmicky?

Dive into this guide, where we unravel the mysteries of the best bulking stacks, dissect their components, and empower you with the knowledge to sculpt your ideal physique.

Ready to unlock the secrets of epic gains? Let's dive in!


Short Summary:

  • Comprehensive guide to the world's best bulking stacks.
  • Spotlight on both hormonal and natural anabolic stacks and their distinct benefits.
  • Detailed breakdown of key ingredients enhancing muscle growth, recovery, and performance.
  • Equip yourself with the knowledge, choose wisely, and embark on your ultimate muscle-building journey.
  • Buy the Best Hormonal Bulking Stack or Best Natural Bulking Stack and unleash your ultimate muscle-building potential.
Related Reads:

Why Opt for a Bulking Stack?

  • Muscle Growth: The fundamental purpose of a bulking stack is muscle growth. An anabolic stack helps in building muscle by increasing muscle protein synthesis.
  • Fat Loss: Contrary to popular belief, the right stack can help you lose weight while building lean muscle. This is often because of the boost in metabolism and fat-burning properties of certain stacks.
  • Enhanced Blood Flow: An improved blood flow, or increased blood circulation, aids in delivering essential nutrients to the muscles, ensuring rapid muscle recovery after workouts.
  • Boost in Human Growth Hormones: Some stacks can elevate the levels of human growth hormones in the body, an indispensable ingredient for muscle growth.
  • Augmented Athletic Performance: Enhanced endurance, stamina, and overall athletic performance can be a delightful side effect of the right stack.

Always bear in mind the potential risks of side effects.

No journey is without its bumps, and with muscle building, the hurdles can range from water retention to more significant issues.


Natural Anabolic Bulking Stacks:

  • Nature's Gift: As the name suggests, these stacks derive their power mainly from natural sources. This can include plant-based compounds, vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients that promote muscle growth.
  • Side Effects: Generally, they're known for having far fewer risks of side effects compared to their hormonal counterparts. This makes them an attractive option for those who want gains without too many complications.
  • Versatility: Ideal for just about any fitness enthusiast from beginners to advanced bodybuilders. They often provide a gentler introduction to supplementation for muscle building and can be used longer without the need for post-cycle therapy.
  • Duration: Typically, natural anabolic stacks can be cycled for a longer duration compared to hormonal stacks, because of their mild nature.

Hormonal Bulking Stacks:

  • Power-Packed: Hormonal stacks are extremely potent. They contain synthetic hormones or prohormones that mimic the body's natural hormones, resulting in rapid muscle growth and enhanced athletic performance.
  • Side Effects: Because of their potency, they can come with a string of side effects, from mild like water retention to more severe ones that can impact liver function or hormonal balance.
  • Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT): After using a hormonal stack, it's often necessary to undergo PCT. This helps to restore the body's natural hormone levels and prevent any long-term complications.
  • Duration: Hormonal bulking cycles are generally shorter, often lasting between 4-12 weeks, followed by a break or PCT.

Making The Right Choice

Choosing between natural anabolic and hormonal bulking stacks boils down to individual fitness goals, experience, and risk tolerance.

While natural stacks offer a safer route with milder effects, hormonal stacks pack a harder punch for those chasing rapid and more aggressive results.

Always consult with a fitness or health expert before starting any supplementation regimen.

In the next section, we'll discuss some of the best hormonal and natural anabolic bulking stacks.

We'll be breaking down their benefits, key ingredients, and their mechanisms of action to help you make an informed choice based on your individual needs or fitness goals.


Spotlight on the Best Hormonal Bulking Stacks

Mandro the Giant Gold Stack

Mandro The Giant Gold Stack

A premium blend tailored for maximum muscle growth and peak athletic performance, while also minimizing unwanted water retention.

Mandro The Giant Gold Stack's Key Benefits:

  • Premium muscle growth
  • Boost in athletic performance
  • Minimizes water retention

Key Ingredients Provided By Each Supplement:

Super Mandro by Hard Rock Supplements:
  • 1-Androsterone / 1-DHEA: Converts to 1-Testosterone, providing an increase in muscle mass and strength without conversion to estrogen or DHT.
Andro the Giant by Hard Rock Supplements:
  • 4-Androsterone / 4-DHEA: Converts to testosterone, promoting muscle growth, enhanced recovery, and increased libido.
Protex by Vital Alchemy:
  • Milk Thistle: Supports liver health, protects against toxins, and has antioxidant properties.
  • Selenium: Acts as a powerful antioxidant, supports thyroid function, and enhances the immune system.
  • Hawthorne Berry: Supports cardiovascular health, regulates blood pressure, and has antioxidant properties.
  • L-Cysteine Hydrochloride: An amino acid known to support liver health and detoxification.
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid: Powerful antioxidant that can restore vitamin levels, improve nerve function, and lower skin aging.
  • Celery Seed: Acts as an anti-inflammatory, supports kidney function, and aids in lowering blood pressure.
Joyful Joints by Vital Alchemy:
  • D-Glucosamine Sulfate: Supports joint health, alleviates joint pain, and aids in cartilage repair.
  • Vitamin C: Essential for collagen production, immune function, and acts as an antioxidant.
  • Turmeric Powder: Has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a strong antioxidant.
  • Cissus: Aids in the healing of bone fractures and supports joint health.
  • MSM: Reduces joint pain, has anti-inflammatory effects, and supports skin health.
  • Bromelain: Helps with digestion, reduces swelling, and can relieve sinus symptoms.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Lubricates joints and can keep skin glowing and hydrated.
Post Cycle 3X by Vital Alchemy:
  • Zinc: Crucial for testosterone production, immune function, and protein synthesis.
  • Magnesium: Enhances muscle relaxation, energy production, and bone health.
  • Ashwagandha: Improves endurance, increases muscle mass, and reduces cortisol.
  • Eucheuma Cottonii (E.Cottonii): Boosts immune function and has antioxidant properties.
  • Indole-3-Carbinol: Helps in balancing hormone levels and supports liver detoxification.
  • Eurycoma Longifolia: Increases testosterone, enhances energy, and improves libido.
  • Caffeine Anhydrous: Boosts metabolism, enhances athletic performance, and improves focus.

Beginner Bulk Stack

Beginner Bulk Stack

Designed for those new to the bulking game, this stack promotes muscle growth, aids recovery, and encourages fat loss, making it an ideal starting point.

Beginner Bulk Stack's Key Benefits:

  • Tailored for beginners aiming for more aggressive muscle growth
  • Aids in muscle recovery
  • Can help increase lean muscle while supporting fat loss

Key Ingredients Provided By Each Supplement:

Super Mandro by Hard Rock Supplements:
  • 1-Androsterone / 1-DHEA (mechanism of action and benefits shown above under Mandro Gold Stack)
Dermacrine by Iconic Formulations:
  • DHEA: A natural hormone that boosts testosterone, promotes muscle growth, and enhances energy.
  • 7,8-Benzoflavone: Acts as an aromatase inhibitor and neuroprotective agent.
  • Resveratrol: Antioxidant that also acts as an aromatase inhibitor.
  • Pregnenolone: Boosts memory, reduces symptoms of PMS and menopause, and can increase DHEA levels.
  • Chrysin: Inhibits the aromatase enzyme, potentially increasing testosterone levels.
Protex by Vital Alchemy (as shown above)
Post Cycle 3X by Vital Alchemy (as shown above)

Natural Anabolic Stacks: Nature's Way to Bulk

Natural Mass Builder Stack

Natural Mass Builder Stack

A nature-powered stack that stimulates muscle growth, enhances fitness achievements, and propels the fat loss process.

Natural Mass Builder Stack's Key Benefits:

  • Stimulates muscle building naturally
  • Includes protein and BCAAs
  • Increases protein synthesis

Key Ingredients Provided By Each Supplement:

Bio-Active Whey by iSatori:
  • 25 grams of protein per serving
  • Includes Bio-Active Peptides extracted from micro-concentrated colostrum
  • Provides Proline Rich Peptides, Growth Factors, Immunoglobins, Lactoferin, and Fibroblast-GF
AlphaBulk by Olympus Labs:
  • α-Cedrene: Helps increase cAMP in muscles and fat cells, potentially enhancing muscle mass and strength.
  • α-lonone: Potent stimulator of myogenesis and skeletal muscle anti atrophic agent.
  • PhytoFUSE Kaempferia Parviflora (root) Extract: Enhances physical fitness, improves personal vitality, and has anti-aging properties.
  • UroBolin Shilajit: Improves testosterone levels, enhances cognitive abilities, and supports mitochondrial function.
AnaFuse by Vital Alchemy:
  • Turkesterone: An ecdysteroid that increases muscle growth and performance.
  • Epicatechin: Increases nitric oxide production, improves endurance, and may inhibit myostatin.
  • HICA: Activates mTOR pathway, supporting muscle growth and reducing soreness.
  • Eriobotrya Japonica: Contains triterpenoids which have anti-inflammatory effects.
Resurgence BCAA by Blackstone Labs:
  • BCAAs (Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine): Promote muscle protein synthesis, increase muscle growth, and reduce exercise fatigue.
  • Essential Amino Acids (Lysine, Threonine, Methionine, Phenylalanine): Necessary for protein synthesis, hormone production, and nutrient absorption.
  • CDP Choline: Enhances memory, increases attention, and improves mood.
  • Theobromine: Acts as a stimulant, diuretic, and vasodilator.
  • Vitamins A, C, D3, E, K1, B1, B2, B6, and B12: Essential for numerous bodily functions including energy production, bone health, and immune function.
  • Biotin: Supports healthy hair, skin, and nails, and is crucial for metabolizing fats and carbohydrates.
  • Niacin: Helps lower cholesterol, ease arthritis, and boost brain function.

GH Amplifier Stack

GH Amplifier Stack

Packed to amplify muscle growth, this stack gives a dual boost of enhancing blood flow and raising human growth hormone levels.

GH Amplifier Stack's Key Benefits:

  • Amplifies muscle growth
  • Boosts human growth hormones naturally
  • Enhances nutrient delivery and increases protein synthesis

Key Ingredients Provided By Each Supplement:

Bio-Gro by iSatori:
  • Bio-Active Peptides extracted from micro-concentrated colostrum: Enhance muscle growth, repair, and recovery.
  • Proline-rich peptides: Immune system support and anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Growth Factors (IGF-1, TGF Beta-2, EGD, PDGF): Promote cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation.
  • Immunoglobulins: Boost immune system and neutralize pathogens.
  • Lactoferrin: Acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agent.
  • Fibroblast-GF: Supports skin health and can aid in accelerating wound healing.
Youth GH by Vital Alchemy:
  • Vitamin B6: Supports neurotransmitter synthesis and can aid sleep.
  • Magnesium: Supports muscle relaxation and nerve function.
  • TRAACS: A form of amino acid chelate that improves mineral absorption.
  • Rikkunshito: Traditional herb known to promote appetite.
  • L-Ornithine HCL: Promotes energy and aids the removal of bodily wastes.
  • Gaba: A neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep.
  • Mucuna Pruriens: A source of L-Dopa, which can increase dopamine, promoting well-being and mood.
  • Valerian Root: Promotes relaxation and sleep.
  • L-Theanine: An amino acid known for promoting relaxation without drowsiness.
  • Melatonin: A hormone that can greatly aid in regulating sleep-wake cycles.
IGF 600 by Pure Solutions:
  • Deer Antler Velvet: Contains growth factors and is believed to support recovery and joint health.

Natural Strength Amplifier Stack

Natural Strength Amplifier Stack

Engineered for those seeking an edge in strength and stamina, this stack reduces recovery time, ensuring you're always ready for the next challenge.

Natural Strength Amplifier Stack's Key Benefits:

  • Supercharges muscle growth and strength
  • Sustains energy and stamina
  • Reduces muscle recovery time

Key Ingredients Provided By Each Supplement:

Anabolic Effect by CEL:
  • Korean Mistletoe: Traditionally used to boost the immune system, improve endurance, and reduce fatigue.
  • Eriobotrya Japonica: Contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties.
  • Rehmannaie Radix: Used traditionally in Chinese medicine to nourish the blood and treat conditions like anemia.
  • Shilajit: Known to enhance energy, boost cognitive function, and support natural testosterone levels.
  • Actigin: Enhances endurance and speeds recovery after exercise.
  • Astragin: Improves the absorption of various nutrients and supplements.
  • S7: A blend of plant-based ingredients known to boost nitric oxide production, which may improve athletic performance.
Epi 2.0 by Vital Alchemy:
  • Epicatechin: A flavonoid that can potentially inhibit myostatin, allowing for increased muscle growth, and also has antioxidant properties.
  • Quercetin: A potent antioxidant that supports cardiovascular health and can enhance endurance.
  • Sodium Caprate: Can enhance the bioavailability and delivery of certain nutrients and ingredients.
Colossal Muscle by Hard Rock Supplements:
  • Turkesterone: An ecdysteroid that promotes muscle growth and enhances athletic performance.
  • Ecdysterone: A natural compound that can boost muscle mass and strength.

Related Read: The Science Behind Turkesterone and Ecdysterone Stack: Are They Safe and Effective?

Creatine by Psycho Pharma:
  • Pure Creatine Monohydrate: Increases muscle energy (ATP) production, enhancing physical performance and muscle growth.

The Supernatural Gold Stack

Supernatural Gold Stack

Harnessing the power of nature, this stack offers optimal muscle growth without relying on synthetic compounds, making it a golden choice for natural bodybuilders.

Supernatural Gold Stack's Key Benefits:

  • Optimal muscle growth without the synthetics
  • Enhanced human growth hormones
  • Boosted fat loss process

Key Ingredients Provided By Each Supplement:

AnaFuse by Vital Alchemy:
  • Turkesterone: Ecdysteroid promoting muscle growth and enhanced protein synthesis.
  • Epicatechin: Inhibits myostatin, boosting muscle growth; antioxidant properties.
  • HICA (Alpha-Hydroxyisocaproic Acid): Leucine derivative; boosts protein synthesis and reduces muscle breakdown.
  • Eriobotrya Japonica: Offers antioxidative benefits; aids muscle recovery post-exercise.
Sergeant Steel by Assault Labs:
  • Zinc & Magnesium: Essential minerals for various body functions including immune function, testosterone production, and nerve and muscle health.
  • D-Aspartic Acid: Can temporarily boost testosterone levels, potentially leading to increased muscle mass and improved libido.
  • KSM-66 Ashwagandha: An adaptogen known for reducing stress, boosting testosterone, and enhancing stamina.
  • Mucuna Pruriens: Contains L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine, which can enhance mood and well-being.
  • Fenugreek: Can boost testosterone levels and enhance libido.
  • Shilajit: Contains fulvic acid and offers various benefits including energy enhancement and cognitive function support.
  • LJ100 (Eurycoma Longifolia): Also known as Tongkat Ali, it can enhance testosterone production, energy, and libido.
  • DHAA: A form of ascorbic acid with potential antioxidant properties.
  • Tribulus: Traditionally used to increase testosterone levels and improve sexual health.
  • Maca: Known for its energy, endurance, and libido boosting properties.
Youth GH by Vital Alchemy (as shown above)

Huge Supplements Advanced Anabolic Stack

Huge Supplements Advanced Anabolic Stack

Designed for rapid muscle growth and intensification of strength, this stack stands out for those aiming for advanced athletic prowess.

Advanced Anabolic Stack's Key Benefits:

  • Rapid muscle growth and repair
  • Intensified strength and stamina
  • Enhanced athletic performance

Key Ingredients Provided By Each Supplement:

Ecdysterone by Huge Supplements:
  • Ecdysterone: Boosts muscle growth by enhancing protein synthesis.
Sapogenix by Huge Supplements:
  • Dioscorea Makino: Contains steroidal saponins that might boost testosterone production.
  • Progenin III: A compound with potential anti-aging properties. It can also protect nerve cells against damage, degradation, or impairment of function.
  • Dioscin: Has potential testosterone boosting properties and may enhance sexual health.
  • Iridoid Glycosides: Compounds that might have a range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects.

On-Cycle Support and PCT

So, you've decided to dive into the world of hormonal anabolics. But, like any intense journey, preparation and recovery are essential. Enter On-Cycle Support and Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT). Let's break it down.

On-Cycle Support (OCS):

When you're bulking up using hormonal anabolics, your body is subjected to some serious changes. On-Cycle Support ensures you remain as healthy as possible during this period.

  • Liver Protection: Hormonal anabolics can stress your liver. OCS usually contains liver-protective ingredients, like Milk Thistle, to keep your liver in tip-top shape.
  • Blood Pressure Maintenance: Some stacks might increase your blood pressure. Ingredients often found in OCS supplements can help stabilize it, ensuring a safer bulking period.
  • Mood and Libido: While you're focusing on muscle, OCS keeps your mood and libido steady, counteracting potential hormonal fluctuations.
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT):

Once you've completed your anabolic cycle, it's not just about saying, "Cool, I'm done!" It's about recovery, rebalancing, and ensuring long-term health.

  • Hormone Balancing: Hormonal anabolics can throw off your natural hormone levels. PCT helps bring them back to their natural state, ensuring you maintain the gains you've achieved.
  • Detoxification: After intense bulking, your body may have accumulated toxins. PCT aids in flushing them out, especially from the liver.
  • Preserve Muscle Gains: The last thing you'd want is to lose the hard-earned muscle. PCT assists in preserving these gains, while helping lose any water retention from the cycle.
  • Mood and Well-being: Sudden cessation of anabolics can lead to mood swings or feelings of depression. PCT stabilizes this, ensuring a smoother transition back to your body's natural state.

In essence, think of OCS and PCT as the safety gears in your bulking journey. Just as you wouldn't drive without a seatbelt, diving into hormonal anabolics without these support systems isn't just risky—it could undo all your hard work. So, gear up right, and ensure your journey to muscle-building remains both effective and safe.


To Wrap Things Up

Embarking on a muscle-building journey is exciting, but the vast array of supplements out there can be overwhelming.

Thankfully, with the insights shared in this guide, you're now more empowered to choose what's best for your specific needs and goals.

Whether you're inclined to try the robust hormonal bulking stacks or are drawn to the natural anabolic stacks, always remember that supplements are just one piece of the puzzle.

Proper training, nutrition, and rest are the cornerstone of any successful fitness journey. These supplements are here to support and maximize your hard work, not substitute it.

As you move forward, always prioritize research and seek expert advice when introducing any new supplement to your regimen. Your body is a unique entity, and the perfect formula for one might not suit another.

Stay driven, keep educating yourself, and remember to prioritize your health. With dedication and the right tools in hand, those coveted muscle gains are just around the corner.

Keep crushing those workouts and advancing forward!

Written and Sponsored by Leonard Shemtob

Leonard Shemtob is President of Strong Supplements and a published author. Leonard has been in the supplement space for over 20 years, specializing in fitness supplements and nutrition. Leonard appears on many podcasts, written over 100 articles about supplements and has studied nutrition, supplementation and bodybuilding. 

Leonard's articles have been published in many top publications around the web. Leonard enjoys weight training, playing basketball and yoga, and also enjoys hiking. In his free time he studies and works on improving himself. For more detailed information, visit his official blog.

Bulk Stack FAQs

A bulk stack primarily focuses on muscle growth, while an anabolic stack is specifically designed to increase muscle protein synthesis.
Wet muscle building compounds or compounds that have a high likelihood of converting into estrogen are more likely to cause water retention.
Enhanced blood flow ensures that your muscles receive the necessary nutrients faster, aiding in quicker muscle recovery.
For beginners, it's often recommended to start with a natural anabolic bulking stack. This allows the body to get accustomed to supplements without diving straight into more potent compounds.
A protein-rich diet is essential. Also, ensure you're consuming ample healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. Stay hydrated, and monitor salt intake if you're concerned about water retention.
Typically, cycles last 4-12 weeks followed by a break or post-cycle therapy. However, this can vary based on the stack and individual factors.

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