How to Plan Your First Steroid Cycle: A Beginner’s Guide

Starting your first steroid cycle can be overwhelming. With so many compounds, dosages, and protocols, it’s important to plan carefully to maximize gains while minimizing risks.

This beginner’s guide walks you through the key steps to design a safe and effective first cycle.

Step 1: Define Your Goal

Are you aiming to:

Build muscle mass (bulking)?
Lose fat while preserving muscle (cutting)?
Improve strength or athletic performance?

Your goal will guide your choice of steroids, dosage, and cycle length.

Step 2: Choose Beginner-Friendly Compounds

For your first cycle, pick compounds with mild side effects and good safety profiles.

Common beginner steroids:

Testosterone Enanthate or Cypionate (base hormone)
Primobolan (Methenolone) – mild and lean gains
Anavar (Oxandrolone) – oral, mild, good for cutting
Dianabol (Methandrostenolone) – oral, fast bulking (use short cycles)

Step 3: Decide Cycle Length

Typical beginner cycles last 8 to 12 weeks.
Shorter cycles reduce side effects but may limit gains.
Avoid cycles longer than 12 weeks on your first try.

Step 4: Plan Dosages

Start with low to moderate doses.
Example:
- Testosterone Enanthate: 300–500mg per week
- Primobolan: 400mg per week
- Anavar: 30–50mg per day (oral)

Step 5: Include Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)

PCT helps restore your natural testosterone production after the cycle ends.

Common PCT drugs: Clomid, Nolvadex
Start PCT about 2 weeks after your last testosterone injection
Typical PCT duration: 4 weeks

Step 6: Monitor Your Health

Get baseline blood work before starting
Regularly check liver enzymes, lipid profiles, and hormone levels
Watch for any side effects and adjust if necessary

Step 7: Support Your Cycle with Nutrition and Training

Eat a balanced diet with sufficient protein and calories
Follow a consistent, progressive training program
Get adequate rest and recovery

Final Tips for Beginners

Avoid stacking too many steroids on your first cycle
Don’t exceed recommended dosages
Be patient; gains take time
Always prioritize your health and safety

Starting your first steroid cycle with a well-thought-out plan sets the foundation for successful future cycles. Stay informed, stay safe, and optimize your results.