The “rule of 2” is an informal guideline sometimes used with topical or inhaled corticosteroids, and it is occasionally referenced by people trying to minimise risk with anabolic use. For medical steroids, it can mean that if a patient needs more than two courses a year, uses a rescue inhaler more than twice a week, or wakes at night with symptoms more than twice a month, their condition is not well controlled and treatment needs review. In bodybuilding circles, some lifters adapt the phrase to remind themselves not to run overly long or frequent cycles, for example limiting cycles to twice per year and allowing substantial time off. It is not a strict medical rule for anabolic steroids, and individual needs should always be assessed by a qualified clinician.