For many lifters, stepping into the world of performance-enhancing drugs is a serious decision—one that carries risks alongside rewards. The first cycle sets the foundation. Do it right, and you’ll grow safely and sustainably. Get it wrong, and you risk long-term damage to your health and hormones. This guide outlines a smart, medically-informed path for UK lifters in 2025.
Understanding the First Cycle
A beginner’s steroid cycle is not about pushing massive doses. It’s about learning how your body responds, staying safe, and laying the groundwork for future progress. The goal is moderate, consistent lean mass gains without crashing your natural testosterone or inviting dangerous side effects.
Most Common Beginner Stack (2025-Updated)
Testosterone Enanthate or Cypionate is still the go-to base compound for most first cycles:
- Dosage: 300–500 mg/week
- Cycle Length: 10–12 weeks
- Injection Frequency: Twice weekly (e.g., Monday & Thursday)
- Aromatase Inhibitor (AI): Arimidex 0.5mg every 3 days if estrogenic symptoms appear
Avoid stacking multiple compounds right away. Adding other steroids like Deca, Dianabol, or Tren on a first cycle is a fast track to unpredictable side effects and difficult post-cycle recovery.
On-Cycle Support
- Liver Support: Not usually necessary if only using injectable Test, but milk thistle or NAC can still be used
- Estrogen Management: Keep an AI on hand, but don’t crash your E2 levels—estrogen supports libido and joint health
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: Mandatory. Elevated BP often goes unnoticed and can strain your heart
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT)
After suppressing your natural testosterone, recovery is non-negotiable. Here’s a standard PCT protocol for a first cycle:
- Start 2 weeks after last injection
- Nolvadex (Tamoxifen): 40mg/day for 2 weeks, then 20mg/day for 2 more weeks
- Clomid (optional): 50mg/day for 2 weeks, then 25mg/day for 2 more weeks
You can run Nolvadex alone for simplicity, especially if your cycle was mild and you don’t feel wrecked post-cycle.
Lab Work Before and After Cycle
Smart users get bloodwork done:
- Before starting: To establish a baseline (testosterone, estradiol, lipids, liver enzymes, CBC)
- Mid-cycle (optional): To monitor safety
- 6–8 weeks post-cycle: To ensure hormonal recovery
Key Advice for First-Timers
- Don’t copy advanced cycles from forums or influencers
- Track your training, diet, sleep, and mood weekly
- Don’t skip your PCT no matter how good you feel post-cycle
- If you’re not already training and eating like a pro, steroids won’t help
In 2025, with better access to pharma-grade gear and smarter online communities, it’s easier than ever to use steroids safely—but only if you respect the process and treat your health like a priority, not a side note.