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Beginner steroid cycle – the guide

New to steroids? Our beginners guide explains the various terminology used in the world of anabolics, looks at how a beginners steroid cycle may be constructed to be effective yet safe, and how to reduce the chance of possible side effects. This article is for informational purposes only.

A steroid cycle is the duration in which a person uses anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), with each cycle often lasting anywhere between four to fifteen weeks depending on the goals of the user, experience and the anabolic compound(s) used. Asteroid compound simply refers to a particular steroid drug, such as Dianabol, Winstrol or Testosterone Enanthate, for examples. Simultaneously using more than one steroid compound during a cycle is known as stacking.

A so-called “beginner steroid cycle” would entail the use of one or two steroid compounds over a limited period of time. The word beginner is used to describe someone who has no prior experience of steroid use, yet understands all the risks involved in using such illicit substances and wishes to embark on a steroid cycle (it does NOT include anyone who is a beginner to weight training – such people should not consider using such substances until they have much greater training experience and have made optimal use of their natural ability to build muscle tissue and strength).

It is paramount anyone wishing to start a steroid cycle first researches as much as possible about steroids, PCT, risks, side effects and so on, so they can make an informed decision on whether to use steroids or not.

Injectable and oral steroids

Using injectable steroids can seem very daunting for many beginner users. Some may therefore opt for a purely oral based steroid cycle for their first cycle, such as Dianabol, Anavar or Winstrol. If you decide to only run orals you are somewhat limited to which anabolic compounds you can run, as well as their doses and cycle duration (due to many orals being toxic to the liver).

Taking the plunge and willing yourself to use injectable compounds allows the use of a wide array of steroids, such as testosterone, Nandrolone, Trenbolone and Sustanon 250. There are many helpful online resources which can help with self-injecting, including this article: how to inject steroids. It is also a lot easier if you have a friend who uses and can help with your first few injections.

Which steroid compounds to use for my beginner cycle?

Someone new to steroid use will have zero knowledge on how they will react to such substances. It is therefore very important to have a good understanding of the compounds you are using, common side effects, and ideally use compounds with a short active life in the body. Using such short acting steroids will ensure the steroid is quickly clear from the body if you decide to cease the cycle due to undesirable side effects.

Below is a brief summary of a handful of popular anabolic androgenic steroids which may be used for a beginner’s steroid cycle:

Testosterone (Enanthate / Cypionate / Propionate): The three words in the brackets refer to the ester. In simple terms, the ester is used to delay the release of the testosterone into the system and therefore you can use testosterone enanthate/cypionate if you wish to obtain a more slow release of testosterone (an active life of ~2 weeks) or testosterone propionate if you desire a faster acting effect (active life ~2-3 days). It is worth noting the fast acting propionate variation tends to be a sorer injection, and therefore undesirable for beginners who have never injected before.

Testosterone is extremely effective at causing rapid strength and muscle gains. We would expect to notice androgenic related side effects such as possible aggressiveness, oily skin and acne. Testosterone has a high tendency to convert to oestrogen, therefore side effects such fluid retention and Gynecomstia (breast tissue formation) should be considered possible (and therefore drugs such as Nolvedex and Proviron should be to hand).

Dianabol: Dianabol is very popular among beginners due to it being a highly effective oral steroid for developing muscle mass. If you are thinking of running a Dianabol only cycle then take a look FU’s article Dianabol Cycle – The Guide. As with testosterone, Dianabol can bring about both androgenic and oestrogenic related side effects. Being hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver), it can only be ran for a limited time like most orals.

Winstrol: Winstrol is an oral steroid which often brings about much more steadier gains in muscle mass compared to the likes of Dianabol. Winstrol does not convert to oestrogen and therefore oestrogenic side effects should be of no concern to the user. Users often have a more defined look when running Winstrol compared to other steroids due to the absence of any water retention from the drug. If you’re interested in running a Winstrol cycle, take a look at FU’s great article:Winstrol Cycle – The Guide.

Nandrolone (a.k.a. “Deca”): Nandrolone decanoate is structurally very similar to testosterone, yet possess reduced androgenic properties and converts to oestrogen at a much lower rate. Whilst oestrogenic side effects tend to be limited, progestin related side effects are of concern to users and these side effects make some users confused as they are similar to oestrogenic side effects. It is paramount such side effects are treated with a competitive aromatase inhibitor, such as Arimidex, to minimise oestrogen levels which avoids activation of the progesterone (progesterone needs oestrogen for activation). Be careful of this steroid if you compete in drug tested sports as it can stay traceable in the body for many months.

Beginner cycle ideas

Below are a handful of steroid cycles which may be suitable for a beginner. Please take note of the PCT (post cycle therapy) shown after the steroid cycle has ceased. Please read our PCT article to fully understand what is required for a productive post cycle therapy.

Dianabol only cycle:

Winstrol only cycle:

Testosterone enanthate only cycle:

Testosterone enanthate and Dianabol cycle:

Testosterone enanthate and nandrolone decanoate cycle: