Beginner Steroid Cycles: What to Use, Avoid, and Expect (2025 Edition)
If you're new to steroids and considering jumping into your first cycle, welcome to the iron playground where size meets science. But before you jab that first pin, let’s lay down the groundwork so you don’t wreck your hormones or your gains.
At yourmuscleshop.to, we aim to bridge the gap between hype and hard facts. Whether you’re sourcing compounds, researching stacks, or planning a cycle, we’re your go-to underground shop for reliable gear, fast delivery, and support that actually understands what you’re doing.
A beginner cycle is your first introduction to anabolic steroids. The goal isn’t to go full Mr. Olympia mode, but to:
Many make the mistake of stacking 3–4 compounds right away. Don’t do that. You won’t know what’s causing what, and the side effects can hit hard. Simplicity = safety + progress.
If you’re sourcing quality products, stick to proven suppliers like yourrawmaterial.to, which is known for lab-tested raw powders, injectable oils, and oral tabs with unmatched purity. Whether you’re DIY or looking for finished products, this is a trusted spot to start from.
If you're going to run just one compound, make it Testosterone Enanthate (Test E).
Why Test E?
Typical beginner dosage: 250–500 mg per week, split into 2 injections (e.g., Monday and Thursday).
Most users start seeing significant results by week 4, with strength and muscle mass climbing consistently until week 10. If your training and diet are in check, you could gain 12–20 lbs (some water, some muscle).
If you want to get slightly more advanced:
Avoid stacks like Tren, Deca, or multiple orals your first time. You don’t need them, and your body isn't ready.
Also, make sure you’re using liver protection, like TUDCA or NAC, if you're including orals. Oral toxicity is real and sneaky.
Even on a basic Test cycle, you can expect:
Most sides can be managed. Bloodwork is non-negotiable — check Test, E2, lipids, ALT/AST, prolactin, and HCT.
After the cycle, your natural test production will be in the gutter. PCT helps restart it.
If you don’t do PCT, be ready for:
Basic PCT Protocol (Clomid + Nolvadex):
Start PCT 14 days after your last Test E injection. Bloods 4–6 weeks post-PCT will tell you if recovery succeeded.
Some lifters use HCG during the cycle (250 IU twice per week) to maintain testicular function — it’s optional but recommended if you plan to stay fertile.
Here’s the truth nobody tells you:
Pro tip: Track your mood, BP, and weight weekly. Create a log on the forum so others can help and guide you in real time.
Your first cycle should be:
Don’t chase size too fast. Don’t listen to the bro-science. And don’t use gear if your diet, training, and sleep aren’t already solid.
Want real support and unfiltered advice?
More blogs coming soon:
Drop your questions in the forum. Respect the gear. Respect your body. Let’s grow.
If you're new to steroids and considering jumping into your first cycle, welcome to the iron playground where size meets science. But before you jab that first pin, let’s lay down the groundwork so you don’t wreck your hormones or your gains.
At yourmuscleshop.to, we aim to bridge the gap between hype and hard facts. Whether you’re sourcing compounds, researching stacks, or planning a cycle, we’re your go-to underground shop for reliable gear, fast delivery, and support that actually understands what you’re doing.
What a "Beginner Cycle" Actually Means
A beginner cycle is your first introduction to anabolic steroids. The goal isn’t to go full Mr. Olympia mode, but to:
- Build muscle
- Test your body's response to exogenous hormones
- Learn how to manage side effects
Many make the mistake of stacking 3–4 compounds right away. Don’t do that. You won’t know what’s causing what, and the side effects can hit hard. Simplicity = safety + progress.
If you’re sourcing quality products, stick to proven suppliers like yourrawmaterial.to, which is known for lab-tested raw powders, injectable oils, and oral tabs with unmatched purity. Whether you’re DIY or looking for finished products, this is a trusted spot to start from.
Why Testosterone Enanthate is Always #1
If you're going to run just one compound, make it Testosterone Enanthate (Test E).
Why Test E?
- Your body naturally produces testosterone
- It’s well-researched and widely available
- Long ester = stable blood levels
- Easy to recover from (with proper PCT)
Typical beginner dosage: 250–500 mg per week, split into 2 injections (e.g., Monday and Thursday).
Most users start seeing significant results by week 4, with strength and muscle mass climbing consistently until week 10. If your training and diet are in check, you could gain 12–20 lbs (some water, some muscle).
Common Beginner Stacks
If you want to get slightly more advanced:
1.
- Test E: 300–500 mg/week
- Dbol: 20–30 mg/day for 4–6 weeks
- Faster strength and size gains
- Watch for water retention & blood pressure
2.
- Anavar: 30–50 mg/day for 6–8 weeks
- Dry, aesthetic look with minimal bloat
- More expensive, but gentler

Also, make sure you’re using liver protection, like TUDCA or NAC, if you're including orals. Oral toxicity is real and sneaky.
Side Effects to Expect (And How to Manage)
Even on a basic Test cycle, you can expect:
- Acne & Oily Skin – Use salicylic acid body wash, zinc, and hygiene hacks
- Increased Estrogen (Gyno Risk) – Keep an AI on hand (Arimidex 0.25mg EOD or Aromasin 12.5mg EOD)
- Water Retention – Reduce salt, avoid too much Dbol, and do cardio
- High Blood Pressure – Check BP weekly; supplement with Hawthorn Berry, CoQ10
- Testicular Atrophy – Shrinkage is common but temporary
Most sides can be managed. Bloodwork is non-negotiable — check Test, E2, lipids, ALT/AST, prolactin, and HCT.
Importance of PCT (Post Cycle Therapy)
After the cycle, your natural test production will be in the gutter. PCT helps restart it.
If you don’t do PCT, be ready for:
- Low libido
- Depression
- Muscle loss
- Estrogen dominance
Basic PCT Protocol (Clomid + Nolvadex):
- Clomid: 50/50/25/25 mg (4 weeks)
- Nolvadex: 40/40/20/20 mg (4 weeks)
Start PCT 14 days after your last Test E injection. Bloods 4–6 weeks post-PCT will tell you if recovery succeeded.
Some lifters use HCG during the cycle (250 IU twice per week) to maintain testicular function — it’s optional but recommended if you plan to stay fertile.
Real Talk: What to Expect
Here’s the truth nobody tells you:
- Gains: You’ll gain weight fast — 10 to 20 lbs — but not all of it is lean muscle. Keep diet clean.
- Strength: You’ll PR every week. It’s addicting. Train smart, avoid ego lifting.
- Shutdown: You’ll feel great on-cycle, but the crash during PCT is real. Mental prep matters.
- Libido: Sky high on gear, may dip post-cycle. It usually returns in 2–4 weeks.
- Mood: Expect a boost in aggression, confidence, and drive. But irritability and impatience can hit too.
Pro tip: Track your mood, BP, and weight weekly. Create a log on the forum so others can help and guide you in real time.
Final Thoughts
Your first cycle should be:
- Simple (Test E only or Test + mild oral)
- Safe (AI on hand, bloods, quality source)
- Planned (Cycle start → Cycle end → PCT start → Bloods)
Don’t chase size too fast. Don’t listen to the bro-science. And don’t use gear if your diet, training, and sleep aren’t already solid.
Want real support and unfiltered advice?
yourmuscleshop.to – Source gear with confidence
yourrawmaterial.to – For labs, powders, and raw DIY solutions
yourmuscleshopforum.com – Join the underground. Post your log. Get feedback.
More blogs coming soon:
- Best PCT protocols (Clomid vs Nolva vs HCG)
- Lab testing 101: Is your gear legit?
- How to train on cycle (split, intensity, volume)
