The cycles below are considered effective starting points for amateur athletes due to their relative simplicity and proven results. These protocols are suited for healthy men with training experience who understand the risks of anabolic steroids and have no pre-existing contraindications.
A cycle is useless without the proper base. To gain muscle, you must be in a calorie surplus with adequate protein (at least 2g per kg of body weight). Expect to gain 5-10 kg over a cycle, with a portion being water weight that will be lost post-cycle.
Cycle #1: Turinabol (Tbol) Only
An oral steroid known for providing lean, dry gains with a low side effect profile.
- Pros: Does not aromatize (convert to estrogen), low risk of gynecomastia or water retention, relatively mild on the liver.
- Cons: Suppresses natural testosterone production; requires PCT. Purity of oral products can be inconsistent.
|
Week |
Turinabol |
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) |
|
1-6 |
40 mg/day |
-- |
|
7 |
-- |
Tamoxifen: 20 mg/day |
|
8 |
-- |
Tamoxifen: 20 mg/day |
|
9 |
-- |
Tamoxifen: 10 mg/day |
Split the 40mg dose (e.g., 20mg morning, 20mg afternoon). A liver support supplement (e.g., TUDCA, NAC) is recommended. PCT begins 2-3 days after the last Tbol dose.
Cycle #2: Methandrostenolone (Dianabol) Only
A classic mass-building oral, known for rapid strength and size gains, but with significant estrogenic side effects.
- Pros: Very rapid muscle and strength gains.
- Cons: High estrogenic activity (water retention, gynecomastia risk), liver toxic, strongly suppressive.
|
Week |
Dianabol |
Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) |
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) |
|
1-6 |
30 mg/day |
-- |
-- |
|
7 |
-- |
-- |
Tamoxifen: 20 mg/day |
|
8 |
-- |
-- |
Tamoxifen: 20 mg/day |
|
9 |
-- |
-- |
Tamoxifen: 10 mg/day |
The original text downplays the need for an AI. This is dangerously false. Dianabol is highly estrogenic. Running it without an AI on hand is risky. A better protocol is to have Anastrozole (0.5mg every other day) available from week 1 and use it at the first sign of estrogenic side effects (bloating, sensitive nipples). Bloodwork is ideal to guide AI use.
Cycle #3: Testosterone Enanthate (Base Cycle)
Testosterone is the foundational steroid and the most recommended first injectable cycle. It provides balanced, keepable gains.
- Pros: Well-tolerated, highly effective, easy to manage with bloodwork.
- Cons: Requires injections, converts to estrogen (requires AI management), fully suppresses natural testosterone.
|
Week |
Testosterone Enanthate |
Aromatase Inhibitor (AI)* |
hCG* |
PCT (Tamoxifen) |
|
1-10 |
500 mg/week |
0.25-0.5mg EOD |
250 IU 2x/week (Weeks 3-10) |
-- |
|
11 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
|
12 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
40 mg/day |
|
13 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
20 mg/day |
|
14 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
20 mg/day |
Inject Testosterone 2x per week (e.g., 250mg Monday, 250mg Thursday). *AI dose is a starting point; adjust based on side effects and bloodwork (check Estradiol at week 5-6). hCG is optional but helps maintain testicular function. PCT starts 2 weeks after the last injection.
Cycle #4: Primobolan (Methenolone Enanthate)
A mild, well-tolerated injectable known for quality lean muscle gains with minimal side effects.
- Pros: Does not aromatize, low toxicity, very low side effect profile.
- Cons: Very expensive (often counterfeited), mild gains compared to stronger compounds, still suppressive.
|
Week |
Primobolan Enanthate |
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) |
|
1-10 |
400-600 mg/week |
-- |
|
11 |
-- |
-- |
|
12 |
-- |
-- |
|
13 |
-- |
Tamoxifen: 40 mg/day |
|
14 |
-- |
Tamoxifen: 20 mg/day |
|
15 |
-- |
Tamoxifen: 20 mg/day |
Due to its mild nature, doses often need to be higher (500-600mg/week) for noticeable results. Its high cost and frequent counterfeiting make it a less ideal first cycle. PCT begins 2-3 weeks after the last injection.
Critical Stacks for Enhanced Results
While "solo" cycles are simpler, stacking creates synergy. Here are two foundational stacks.
|
Stack Name |
Goal |
Compounds & Dosage |
Notes & PCT |
|
First Injectible Stack |
Maximize muscle and strength gains. |
Test E: 500mg/week (Weeks 1-12) Dianabol: 30mg/day (Weeks 1-4) |
Use AI from day 1. Liver support during Dbol. PCT: Standard Tamoxifen protocol (40/20/20) starting 2 weeks after last Test injection. |
|
Lean Mass & Strength |
Gain quality muscle with minimal bloat. |
Test E: 400mg/week (Weeks 1-12) Turinabol: 40mg/day (Weeks 1-6) |
AI likely needed but at a lower dose. Less water retention than Test/Dbol. PCT: Same as Testosterone solo cycle. |
Universal Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) Principle
After any cycle longer than 4-6 weeks, a SERM-based PCT is non-negotiable to restart natural testosterone production. The most common protocol is Tamoxifen (Nolvadex):
- Week 1-2: 40mg per day
- Week 3-4: 20mg per day
Begin PCT after the ester has cleared: 2 weeks for Enanthate/Cypionate, 3 days for orals.
Conclusion
For beginners, a Testosterone-only cycle is the safest and most educational first choice. Orals-only cycles (like Tbol or Dbol) are harder on lipids and liver and require careful PCT. Always prioritize bloodwork before, during, and after your cycle. Have all necessary support supplements (AI, SERM, liver support) on hand before you begin. There are no truly "safe" steroids, only safer protocols.
- Metabolism of oral turinabol by the human brain cholesterol 24-hydroxylase CYP46A1
- The action of methandrostenolone and ecdysterone on the physical endurance of animals and on protein metabolism in the skeletal muscles
- Methandrostenolone metabolism in humans: potential problems associated with isolation and identification of metabolites
