What should be done before the first steroid cycle?

Author: Nikita Shilkin - Candidate for Master of Sports in Powerlifting and gym trainer.
2014-03-25

Important! We do not advocate for the use of steroids and other potent substances. All information is provided so that those who still decide to take them can do so with minimal health risks.

This question is asked by all athletes who decide to start taking anabolic steroids. How should one conduct the first cycle? It is impossible to give definite recommendations, as the choice should be different for each person.

To begin with, you must definitely ensure that the use of AAS (androgenic-anabolic steroids) makes sense for you.

1. This means that your growth potential without steroids should be fully or almost fully exhausted. In this case, steroids will provide a much better return. It is not possible to approach your genetic limit in less than three years of proper, productive training.

2. You should also refrain from taking hormones until your hormonal profile (levels of primary hormones) stabilizes. This occurs after puberty and not earlier than 19-21 years of age. This is necessary so that after discontinuing the drugs, the endocrine (hormonal) system can quickly and confidently return to its original state.

Before starting the first steroid cycle, preparatory work must be done.

Taking Tests

For this, it is necessary to take tests for prolactin, estrogen, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormones.

These tests represent your hormonal profile. It is necessary for the body to reach this initial state if you decide to permanently or long-term stop taking steroids.

Also, based on these tests, you can anticipate in advance how steroids will affect you and which side effects are more likely.

Prolactin and Progesterone

The higher the prolactin and/or progesterone levels, the more pronounced the side effects associated with progestogenic activity will be. These side effects include increased water, fat, and muscle gain, reduced libido, increased irritability, and a strong suppression of endogenous (natural) testosterone production. Only three drugs have progestogenic activity: nandrolone, trenbolone, and oxymetholone.

Estrogen

Elevated estrogen indicates stronger aromatization. Aromatization is the process of converting androgens into estrogens by the action of the enzyme aromatase, released by the liver. Therefore, if you have strong aromatization, the side effects from testosterone and methandienone will be more severe.

Estrogen-related side effects include water and fat retention. With high concentrations and prolonged exposure, there is a risk of breast growth in a feminine pattern (gynecomastia). However, aromatization is not always bad. Water retention is beneficial for joints and ligaments, and small amounts of estrogen can boost libido. Additionally, estrogen helps build more muscle and store glycogen, enhances cells' sensitivity to androgens, and is beneficial for the liver and skin.

Dihydrotestosterone

The higher the dihydrotestosterone, the more significant the androgen-related side effects will be. These primarily include increased oiliness of the skin and, consequently, acne.

It also results in a deeper voice, increased body hair growth, enlargement of the penis or clitoris, and male-pattern baldness (from the forehead to the back of the head). The androgenic activity of steroids helps the body recover faster after exertion and improves the functioning of the nervous system.

Androgen-related side effects are present in all AAS without exception, as anabolic and androgenic activities cannot be separated.

Preparation of the Regimen

Before starting the first cycle, you need to select a proper training program for yourself, organize the best nutrition and rest regimen. It is also advisable to take a break from training for 5-7 days or simply reduce the load enough to fully recover from the stresses you were under before the cycle. Since the first cycle should not be strong by definition, there is no need to significantly increase the number of sets and exercises in your training program.

All of this is necessary to create conditions in the body where it can grow even without steroids. Then even minimal dosages of the lightest substances will yield good results.

Summary

1. AAS in sports are necessary to overcome the genetic limit, which is pointless to ignore when considering the use of chemicals.

2. It is not advisable to start taking steroids before establishing a stable hormonal profile.

3. Before starting the first cycle, it is essential to take hormone tests. This is necessary to understand what side effects to expect and to know the condition of the hormonal system before any intervention.

4. To achieve the best results, one should organize their training and recovery before starting the cycle in such a way that good results can be attained even without chemicals.