RetiredPowerhouse
New member
I've been getting a lot of questions lately about how to start a first steroid cycle, and rather than answering them individually, I thought it would be helpful to post a comprehensive overview here. Before diving into any cycle, remember: research is key. Spend time on forums, read guides, and Google as much as possible on topics like "first steroid cycle," "beginner AAS cycle," "test and dbol cycle," and "proper PCT for first cycle." This is not a complete guide, but it will help you get started on the right track.
First Cycle: Keep it Simple
For your first cycle, simplicity is crucial. Stick to just one or two anabolic compounds and make sure to include the necessary ancillaries and a proper post-cycle therapy (PCT) plan. Testosterone should be the foundation of your cycle, as it is the base for all future cycles. You need to understand how your body reacts to testosterone before adding additional compounds.
An oral kickstart like Dianabol (Dbol) is fine for a first cycle, especially if you're using a longer-estered form of testosterone (such as Enanthate or Cypionate), which typically takes about 4 weeks to become noticeable. This allows you to assess the effects of the oral compound separately from testosterone.
Can You Run an Oral-Only Cycle?
While it's technically possible, it's generally not recommended. Many people will experience rapid weight gain on a 4-6 week Dbol cycle, but the gains often won’t be sustainable. Moreover, orals alone do not provide the prolonged anabolic environment needed to hold onto the muscle mass gained. Also, remember that all anabolic steroids (including orals) suppress your body’s natural testosterone production, which can lead to undesirable side effects like fatigue, low libido, and mood swings.
Can I Run Deca, EQ, or Tren Without Testosterone?
No. Even though Deca, EQ, and Tren are powerful steroids, running them without testosterone can lead to severe side effects due to the suppression of your natural testosterone production. This can result in lethargy, depression, lack of libido , and even erectile dysfunction . While some individuals claim to have run cycles without testosterone, this is the exception, not the rule. It’s far safer to include testosterone in your first cycle to avoid these risks.
Dealing with Gyno (Gynecomastia)
Testosterone and many other steroids (such as Dbol) are aromatizing , meaning they can convert to estrogen in the body. This can lead to side effects like bloating and gynecomastia (development of breast tissue). To combat this, you’ll want to use either an Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) or a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) .
- Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) like Anastrozole (Arimidex) prevent the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
- SERMs like Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) are often used in Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) to block estrogen’s effects on the breast tissue.
For most, using an AI during the cycle to control estrogen levels is preferred over waiting for issues like gyno to arise and then using a SERM.
What is PCT (Post Cycle Therapy)?
PCT is absolutely essential after any steroid cycle. When you're injecting testosterone, your body’s natural production of testosterone shuts down. As the exogenous testosterone wears off after your cycle, your body struggles to start producing its own testosterone again. Meanwhile, estrogen levels can rise, which can cause unwanted side effects.
PCT helps restore natural testosterone production and balance estrogen levels. The most commonly used SERM for PCT is Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) . For effective PCT:
- Start PCT two weeks after your last testosterone shot.
- Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is used to help your body recover its testosterone production.
You could also use an over-the-counter testosterone booster, but a SERM is a must for proper recovery.
What About HCG?
While HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is not always necessary for beginners, it’s highly recommended. HCG mimics Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and signals your testes to keep producing testosterone during the cycle, which helps maintain testicular size and speeds up recovery post-cycle. You should discontinue HCG before starting PCT , as it can also suppress natural testosterone production.
Example of First Cycle
Weeks 1-10:
- Testosterone Enanthate 500mg per week (split into two 250mg doses, Sunday and Wednesday)
Optional (Weeks 1-4):
- Dianabol (Dbol) 30mg per day (split into two doses, one before workout, the other 12 hours later)
Weeks 1-12:
- Anastrozole (Arimidex) 0.5mg every other day (EOD) to control estrogen
Weeks 4-12:
- HCG 500iu per week (split into two 250iu injections, same days as testosterone but not in the same syringe)
PCT (Weeks 13-14):
- Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) 40mg/day for the first two weeks, then 20mg/day for the next two weeks
Important Notes:
- You need time off after your cycle to allow your body to return to a natural hormonal state. The rule is: Time on + PCT = Time off . For example, if your cycle lasts 16 weeks (including PCT), you must wait at least 16 weeks before starting another cycle.
- You can extend the testosterone cycle by two weeks if you prefer, but this will push back the start of PCT and the end of HCG and Arimidex.
This is a simple, straightforward first cycle that balances effectiveness with safety. If you have experience or feedback to share about your own first cycle!
First Cycle: Keep it Simple
For your first cycle, simplicity is crucial. Stick to just one or two anabolic compounds and make sure to include the necessary ancillaries and a proper post-cycle therapy (PCT) plan. Testosterone should be the foundation of your cycle, as it is the base for all future cycles. You need to understand how your body reacts to testosterone before adding additional compounds.
An oral kickstart like Dianabol (Dbol) is fine for a first cycle, especially if you're using a longer-estered form of testosterone (such as Enanthate or Cypionate), which typically takes about 4 weeks to become noticeable. This allows you to assess the effects of the oral compound separately from testosterone.
Can You Run an Oral-Only Cycle?
While it's technically possible, it's generally not recommended. Many people will experience rapid weight gain on a 4-6 week Dbol cycle, but the gains often won’t be sustainable. Moreover, orals alone do not provide the prolonged anabolic environment needed to hold onto the muscle mass gained. Also, remember that all anabolic steroids (including orals) suppress your body’s natural testosterone production, which can lead to undesirable side effects like fatigue, low libido, and mood swings.
Can I Run Deca, EQ, or Tren Without Testosterone?
No. Even though Deca, EQ, and Tren are powerful steroids, running them without testosterone can lead to severe side effects due to the suppression of your natural testosterone production. This can result in lethargy, depression, lack of libido , and even erectile dysfunction . While some individuals claim to have run cycles without testosterone, this is the exception, not the rule. It’s far safer to include testosterone in your first cycle to avoid these risks.
Dealing with Gyno (Gynecomastia)
Testosterone and many other steroids (such as Dbol) are aromatizing , meaning they can convert to estrogen in the body. This can lead to side effects like bloating and gynecomastia (development of breast tissue). To combat this, you’ll want to use either an Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) or a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) .
- Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) like Anastrozole (Arimidex) prevent the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
- SERMs like Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) are often used in Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) to block estrogen’s effects on the breast tissue.
For most, using an AI during the cycle to control estrogen levels is preferred over waiting for issues like gyno to arise and then using a SERM.
What is PCT (Post Cycle Therapy)?
PCT is absolutely essential after any steroid cycle. When you're injecting testosterone, your body’s natural production of testosterone shuts down. As the exogenous testosterone wears off after your cycle, your body struggles to start producing its own testosterone again. Meanwhile, estrogen levels can rise, which can cause unwanted side effects.
PCT helps restore natural testosterone production and balance estrogen levels. The most commonly used SERM for PCT is Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) . For effective PCT:
- Start PCT two weeks after your last testosterone shot.
- Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is used to help your body recover its testosterone production.
You could also use an over-the-counter testosterone booster, but a SERM is a must for proper recovery.
What About HCG?
While HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is not always necessary for beginners, it’s highly recommended. HCG mimics Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and signals your testes to keep producing testosterone during the cycle, which helps maintain testicular size and speeds up recovery post-cycle. You should discontinue HCG before starting PCT , as it can also suppress natural testosterone production.
Example of First Cycle
Weeks 1-10:
- Testosterone Enanthate 500mg per week (split into two 250mg doses, Sunday and Wednesday)
Optional (Weeks 1-4):
- Dianabol (Dbol) 30mg per day (split into two doses, one before workout, the other 12 hours later)
Weeks 1-12:
- Anastrozole (Arimidex) 0.5mg every other day (EOD) to control estrogen
Weeks 4-12:
- HCG 500iu per week (split into two 250iu injections, same days as testosterone but not in the same syringe)
PCT (Weeks 13-14):
- Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) 40mg/day for the first two weeks, then 20mg/day for the next two weeks
Important Notes:
- You need time off after your cycle to allow your body to return to a natural hormonal state. The rule is: Time on + PCT = Time off . For example, if your cycle lasts 16 weeks (including PCT), you must wait at least 16 weeks before starting another cycle.
- You can extend the testosterone cycle by two weeks if you prefer, but this will push back the start of PCT and the end of HCG and Arimidex.
This is a simple, straightforward first cycle that balances effectiveness with safety. If you have experience or feedback to share about your own first cycle!
