Testosterone Cycle for Beginners: Dosage, Duration & Safety
Testosterone Enanthate or Propionate? 10 weeks or 16? We break down the safest first cycle protocols, bloodwork timing, and what to expect in terms of gains and side effects.
Why Testosterone Only for a First Cycle
Testosterone is the base of virtually every anabolic protocol for a reason: it is well-understood, predictable, and your body already produces it. Starting with a single compound (Test only) lets you isolate and identify any side effects clearly. If you run testosterone + Dianabol + Deca as your first cycle and feel off, you have no idea which compound is causing it. Keep the first cycle simple: one compound, one variable. The golden rule respected by nearly all experienced coaches.
Testosterone Enanthate vs Propionate
Testosterone Enanthate (half-life ~7–8 days) is injected twice per week — Mondays and Thursdays. Its longer ester means stable blood levels with infrequent injections. Testosterone Propionate (half-life ~2–3 days) requires injections every other day (EOD), which is more demanding for a beginner but allows faster adjustment if side effects occur. For most first cycles, Enanthate is recommended: lower injection frequency, fewer site reactions, and easier blood level management.
Standard Beginner Protocol
Testosterone Enanthate: 300–500 mg/week, split into two injections. Duration: 10–12 weeks. Aromatase inhibitor: Anastrozole 0.5 mg every other day (or Exemestane 12.5 mg EOD), started at week 2 when estrogen begins to rise. Do not start AI pre-emptively at week 1 — testosterone needs time to convert. PCT: begins 14 days after last injection (allowing for ester clearance). Run Nolvadex 40/40/20/20 mg per day for 4 weeks. Expected gains: 6–10 kg lean mass in a well-planned 12-week cycle with sufficient calories and training.
Essential Bloodwork
Pre-cycle baseline: total testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol (E2), liver enzymes (ALT/AST), kidney function, full blood count, lipid panel, PSA. Mid-cycle (week 5–6): testosterone, E2, liver enzymes, haematocrit. Post-PCT (4–6 weeks after PCT completion): full panel including LH, FSH to verify HPG axis recovery. Without bloodwork, you are flying blind. Many serious long-term health complications from AAS use are entirely preventable with regular monitoring.
Managing Side Effects
Estrogen-related: water retention, gynecomastia, mood swings — managed with an AI. Androgenic: acne, hair thinning — topical treatments for skin; DHT reducers (finasteride) for hair if significant. Cardiovascular: supraphysiological testosterone raises haematocrit and LDL while suppressing HDL. Donate blood if haematocrit exceeds 52%, take omega-3 at 4 g/day, and do regular cardio. Androgenic side effects are genetic — some men are sensitive, others are not. You will not know until you run it.
Realistic Expectations
Testosterone does not replace training or nutrition. On 500 mg/week with poor diet and inconsistent training, gains will be modest. On a proper calorie surplus with high-protein diet and structured progressive overload, a beginner can realistically add 8–12 kg of lean mass in 12 weeks — retaining roughly 60–70% post-PCT. The steroids accelerate and enhance the process; they do not replace it. Do not start a cycle if you have less than 2 years of consistent, structured training experience.
Written by
Dr. Markus Hein
Sports Nutritionist, PhD