Bodybuilding

A Complete Guide to the Top 3 Supplements for Newbies Including PCT and Side Effects.

TOP 3 Bodybuilding Supplements in 2025 Article Header

Last Updated on January 30, 2025

Deciding to start using these supplements for the first time can be intimidating. To safely and successfully navigate the complicated world of performance-enhancing pharmaceuticals, beginners require clear instructions. The first choice should always be based on medical advice and a full understanding of the effects on performance and health. Supplements cause significant reactions in the body, and misusing them can have serious health consequences. Therefore, people who are new to the field need to grasp the basics and utilize these supplements sensibly and carefully.

Selecting the right substance to begin using supplements is one of the most important steps. Newbies should choose less potent supplements that nevertheless produce the desired anabolic results with fewer negative effects. It’s crucial to understand how to cycle supplements correctly, including how long to use them for and what doses are required. After taking supplements, beginners should also become familiar with Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT), a process that aids in the body’s recovery and sustains its gains. Given their potential presence, it is important to comprehend how to manage and maybe lessen the negative impacts.

In summary:

  • Testosterone, Anavar, and Dianabol are the top three supplements that beginners should consider.
  • Careful cycle planning and sensible drug selection are crucial for beginners.
  • Post-cycle recovery must be included to maintain gains and health.
  • Understanding how to manage side effects and give the proper dosages is essential for safety.

Knowing About Supplements and How They Affect the Body

Bodybuilding Supplements: Oral Tablets and Injectables


Anabolic supplements, which are synthetic forms of the male sex hormone testosterone, are intended to improve muscle growth and general athletic performance. When it enters the body, it speeds up the synthesis of proteins in cells, which increases muscle mass and strength. For males to develop and maintain secondary sexual features, such as greater muscle and bone mass, testosterone, a naturally occurring hormone, is necessary.

Anabolic supplements can significantly increase testosterone levels, which boosts the body’s capacity to gain muscle. However, there may be adverse repercussions from this, hormonal abnormalities, which can result in diseases like acne and gynecomastia (male breast tissue development), are among the frequent side effects. The cardiovascular system is at greater risk for serious health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.

Damage to the liver is a particularly harmful side effect of taking oral anabolic steroids. Due to prolonged use or high dosages, the liver may be overworked when breaking down these substances, which could result in failure or harm.

Understanding the possible advantages of anabolic supplements for muscle building as well as the significant health hazards associated with them is crucial for a responsible and informed approach.

Basics of Supplements for Novices

Man taking oral tablets bodybuilding supplements


Before starting supplement cycles, beginners should understand the necessary components and determine the optimal cycle duration. Meticulous preparation ensures both security and efficacy.

What Makes Up a Supplements Cycle

One anabolic supplement and a small number of chemicals are usually included in a beginner’s supplement cycle. Choosing a supplement that is well tolerated by the body and has minimal side effects is essential. Since testosterone is the body’s natural hormone and the foundation of the majority of supplement cycles, beginners should think about starting with it.

Support supplements are frequently included in the first cycles:

  • Testosterone: For a consistent release and fewer injections, choose a long-ester testosterone such as Testosterone Enanthate.
  • If orals are taken, liver protectants
  • Aromatase inhibitors to counteract estrogenic adverse effects
  • Supplements for cycle support to help maintain lipid levels

To restore natural hormone levels following the supplement cycle, post-cycle therapy, or PCT, is necessary. This could involve medications like Nolvadex or Clomid.

Selecting the Proper Cycle Length

Vial of Testosterone Enanthate Proper Labs - "ProperEnan" 300mg

Cycle length is an important consideration when planning a supplement cycle. A first cycle of steroids typically lasts 8-12 weeks, with an equal or greater period off in between. The novice user’s body can adapt to the hormones and respond to them during this time without being overly stressed.

The weekly routine for a normal beginner’s cycle of testosterone enanthate might look like this:

After the last injection, PCT should begin one to two weeks later and continue for four to six weeks. To track the effects and recuperation process, routine blood tests are essential both before and after the cycle.

Choosing the Best Supplements for Novice


Beginners should carefully assess the type of supplements they will use, making sure they are safe and effective.

Injectable vs Oral Choices

Man injecting injectable supplement

Because oral supplements are so simple to administer, they are frequently chosen by novice supplement users. Injectables, on the other hand, can produce more consistent hormone levels in the body and are frequently less hepatotoxic. Because injectable supplements like testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate are long-estered, they raise testosterone levels steadily and require fewer doses.

The Advantages of Anavar

One of the greatest substances for novices is Anavar, an oral anabolic supplement with comparatively low effects. With the right diet and exercise, its advantages include:

  • Boosts muscle building and fat reduction with the right diet and exercise
  • Minimal suppression of testosterone production
  • Lower risk of negative effects when compared to other supplements

Testosterone’s Function in Novice Cycles

Because testosterone is so important for muscle growth and general health, it is frequently the starting point for beginner supplement cycles. Starting with a testosterone-only cycle with testosterone enanthate or testosterone cypionate is advised. Because of its steady release and compatibility with the body’s natural hormone synthesis, such types of testosterone are preferred.

Putting Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) into Practice

Post cycle therapy

To minimize negative effects and restore normal hormone levels, post-cycle therapy is essential for people after an anabolic supplement cycle.

Recognizing the Need for PCT

After stopping the usage of anabolic supplements, Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) attempts to raise natural testosterone levels. Supplements inhibit the body’s natural production of testosterone. People may experience side effects like gynecomastia, fatigue, and a hormonal imbalance that inhibits muscular growth if PCT is not taken. Following a cycle of supplements, PCT helps restore the body’s natural testosterone synthesis, maintaining muscle mass and overall health.

Typical PCT Supplements

Clomid - Clomiphene Citrate tablets PharmaQo Labs

Clomid (clomiphene citrate) and Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate) are two of the most well-known PCT supplements. As selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), they increase the production of testosterone by inducing the pituitary gland to release more follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.

  • For four to six weeks, clomid is commonly used at doses of 50-100 mg per day.
  • 20-40 mg of Nolvadex are often given daily for the same duration as clomid.

It’s important to keep in mind that dosages may vary based on the components and length of supplement use. Before beginning PCT, a healthcare provider should always be consulted to customize the ideal regimen to each patient’s needs.

Controlling and Reducing Possible Adverse Effects

Side effects


Beginners using supplements need to be aware of the possible negative consequences. Common androgenic consequences linked to elevated testosterone levels include acne and hair loss. These can be managed by:

  • Applying topical acne treatments and medicated shampoos
  • Maintaining a high level of personal hygiene
  • Monitoring and adjusting dosages closely

High blood pressure is another problem. This can be reduced by users via:

  • Maintaining a healthy diet that is low in salt
  • Including aerobic activities to improve cardiovascular well-being
  • Checking blood pressure regularly

Due to the possibility of liver function being affected, periodic liver function tests are required. The components of protection include:

  • Supplementing with liver-supporting foods like milk thistle
  • Selecting injectable supplements that are less harmful to the liver than those taken orally
  • Staying away from booze and unnecessary medications

Supplements can cause estrogenic side effects like gynecomastia, which may call for:

  • Inhibitors of aromatase to control estrogen levels
  • Regular examinations to quickly adjust dosages to prevent gynecomastia

Furthermore, controlling mood swings calls for:

  • Keeping a close eye on mental health
  • Seeking help or treatment while experiencing severe mood swings

To effectively reduce these dangers, supplement users should adhere to a thorough strategy guided by medical professionals. A safer strategy can result from consistent observation and knowledge of how to take supplements correctly.

The Value of Administration and Dosage

Dianabol pink tablets / pills


To lower the risk of adverse effects and guarantee the efficacy of the supplements, it is essential for those starting their supplement journey to grasp proper dosage and administration techniques.

Guidelines for Safe Dosage

When considering supplement use, it’s important to adhere to safe dosage guidelines. Injectable supplements are typically used in smaller amounts than oral supplements since they bypass the liver and enter the bloodstream right away. Novices are advised to start with the smallest dosage and never exceed it. It’s important to keep in mind that dosages may vary greatly depending on the specific supplement ingredient being used.

An example of a beginner’s dosage

  • Supplements taken orally: 20-30 mg of Dianabol daily
  • Weekly injections of testosterone enanthate (300-500 mg)

Additionally, it is recommended that individuals get advice from a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage based on their goals and physical attributes.

Administration Frequency

The half-life of the supplement being used determines how frequently it should be administered. Because injectable supplements often have a longer half-life than oral supplements, they require fewer doses.

Schedules for Injections:

Because of its short half-life, oral supplements frequently need to be taken daily or in many doses to keep blood levels steady.

Administration of Supplements Orally:

To prevent problems and infections, novices must follow sterile injection procedures. This means using the appropriate needles and ensuring the injection site is clean.

Enhancing Strength and Muscle Growth

Muscle growth process showcase on men bodybuilder

It is crucial to start using supplements to enhance muscular development and strength by choosing ingredients that are known to promote muscle growth and strength gains.

Dianabol is a well-known oral supplement that has been used because of its capacity to boost muscle mass. It is particularly notable for its ability to rapidly increase lean muscle mass. Beginners may start with a low dosage and increase it gradually to ensure their body’s tolerance and prevent any negative effects.

Injectable supplements such as testosterone enanthate, which provide a progressive increase in strength and muscle mass, are also beneficial for beginners. Testosterone is the building block of many supplement cycles, stimulates muscle cell protein synthesis, and aids in tissue growth and repair.

To optimize growth when using supplements, it’s critical to follow a calibrated diet and workout regimen. In addition to supplements, resistance training and eating a diet high in protein are essential for building muscle.

SupplementCharacteristicsRecommended Dose
DianabolQuick growth in muscular mass
Low beginning dosage
Testosterone Enanthatesteady increases in strength and muscle
Adjust as needed

Finally, after a cycle, post-cycle therapy (PCT) is necessary to return the body’s hormone levels to normal. This helps to ensure that the muscle growth gained is maintained while avoiding undesirable side effects.

Techniques for Cutting and Bulking

Bulking Diet & Bulking Process

Beginners frequently go between phases of bulking to gain muscle and cutting to lose body fat when pursuing bodybuilding. The approaches for the two stages are very different and should be customized to the physiology and goals of each individual.

Bulking Cycles That Work

The goal of bulking cycles is to increase strength and muscular mass. Compounds with a reasonable side effect profile and a reputation for effectiveness should be the main emphasis for beginners. For novices, a typical bulking cycle includes:

  • Testosterone: The mainstay of most bulking cycles, this hormone is suitable for beginners because of its effectiveness and few adverse effects. Beginners may benefit from a weekly dosage range of 300-500 mg.
  • Dianabol is frequently used since it greatly increases strength and muscular mass. A beginner would usually start with 25-30 mg per day.

Beginners must pay special attention to how their bodies react and adjust over the cycle, which typically lasts 8 to 12 weeks. Post-cycle therapy is then given to return hormone levels to normal.

Enhancing Cutting Cycles

Cutting cycles are intended to promote fat reduction while preserving muscular mass. For beginners, it is best to utilize modest supplements that decrease muscle catabolism and encourage fat burning. Here’s an example of a cutting cycle:

  • Anavar: Popular for weight loss since it promotes fat loss while preserving muscle mass. Beginners may use a daily dosage of 15-20 mg.
  • Winstrol: Because of its diuretic properties, it could provide a more defined appearance. For beginners, a cautious course of treatment might be 5-10 mg per day.

Maintaining a regular exercise schedule and calorie deficit are essential during reducing cycles. Generally speaking, cycles are shorter, roughly 6-8 weeks to reduce the effect on the body’s hormonal equilibrium.

Considerations for Long-Term Health

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Understanding the possible long-term health effects is essential for novices thinking about supplement use. To make up for the decrease in natural testosterone production brought on by supplement use, doctors may suggest testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT itself, meanwhile, can be problematic and needs to be managed by a doctor.

The usage of anabolic supplements may cause liver damage. This increased strain on the liver could lead to serious issues in the long run. Regular testing is advised to monitor the liver’s condition. Oral supplements are often more dangerous due to their liver-based metabolism.

People who use supplements should be aware of the potential negative consequences. These can include everything from hormone imbalances to cardiovascular issues. undesirable consequences that might have to name a few, these adverse consequences include:

  • A higher risk of heart disease
  • Variations in cholesterol levels
  • Increased blood pressure

It is impossible to overestimate the importance of moderation and vigilance because long-term well-being shouldn’t be sacrificed for temporary aesthetic benefits.

FAQs

1. Which steroid cycle is best for beginners looking to grow muscle?

A 12-week basic cycle of testosterone enanthate or testosterone cyclopionate is frequently advised for novice users who want to grow muscle. They are picked because of their potential to increase strength and muscle mass while posing a minimal risk of adverse effects.

2. Which supplements are best for novice users who want to bulk up?

Beginners who want to bulk up might think about taking a cycle of testosterone and Dianabol. For the first four to six weeks of the cycle, Dianabol is usually utilized to jumpstart strength and bulk growth.

3. How does a beginner’s testosterone enanthate cycle differ from an experienced user’s?

To reduce the possibility of adverse effects, beginners often take 300-500 mg of testosterone enanthate per week. Because they have gained tolerance and a better awareness of their body’s reaction, experienced users may stack additional supplements and utilize bigger doses.

4. What outcomes may a person anticipate from their first supplement cycle?

After their first supplement cycle, people may usually anticipate notable increases in strength and muscular growth. However, dietary choices, exercise habits, dose, and a person’s reaction to supplements can all affect the outcome.

5. Which supplements are typically suggested for novices who want to start cutting?

Because of their softer effects on the body and capacity to preserve lean muscle mass while lowering body fat, Anavar and Winstrol are commonly recommended for novices looking to reduce.

6. What is the usual use of Anavar and how does it work in beginner supplement cycles?

Because of its reputation for being mellow, Anavar is appropriate for novices. It is frequently used during cutting cycles to help preserve strength and muscular mass while attempting to reduce body fat.

Ask Expert

If You have any questions or troubles choosing which supplement is the best for You, feel free to contact our professional expert Dr. Grant F. using contact form below:



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    Annika K

    Content Writer at Steroiduck |  + posts

    Hey I’m Annika K., MPH. I’m a public health professional who loves fitness and writing. With a Master’s in Public Health and experience working with the CDC and WHO I’ve spent years taking complex medical research and breaking it down into simple, actionable advice. I love being active and healthy and want to help others live their best life – whether that’s understanding a medical condition or finding fitness tips that work.

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    About Annika K

    Hey I’m Annika K., MPH. I’m a public health professional who loves fitness and writing. With a Master’s in Public Health and experience working with the CDC and WHO I’ve spent years taking complex medical research and breaking it down into simple, actionable advice. I love being active and healthy and want to help others live their best life – whether that’s understanding a medical condition or finding fitness tips that work.