Recommendations on performing my first cycle safely?

LearnAnabolic

New member
Awards
0
Me and a friend plan to begin a cycle next month, and are looking at a basic test cycle. I really don't know much about
AAS, any research I've done (which has been A LOT) has been on PHs and PCT. I'm 170, 12% BF and have been training for 2 years, currently 23. I'm hoping this cycle can get me to my goal of 180 at the same BF, even if it is short lived (some gains to be lost after the cycle).

We want to keep pinning down to a minimum, so we're looking at Test-E. I don't know much about dosing, 500mg a week I believe is what I read. We plan to use Nolvadex as PCT. For 8 weeks following a 12 week cycle. 40 then tapering to 20 after a bit.We can get Dianabol as a supplemental, although not sure if its necessary.

I'm looking for suggestions for a beginner cycle, hopefully using Test as a base. Although I am concerned that test won't be anabolic enough, I'd like to get to 180lbs on this 12 week cycle while keeping the same BF, not sure if thats possible, or rather if Test-E is anabolic enough to pull this off, willing to add a more Anabolic AAS on top if necessary.

Again, I know don't know about AAS and whats an appropriate approach. I want to do this safely and effectively above all, any help is apprecviated, I am more than willing to listen and learn.

EDIT: Also, concerned about something to keep estrogen down while on cycle and Arimidex is hella expensive, not sure if Erase would be a good substitute, otherwise I'm going to have to put some OT in.
 
fueledpassion

fueledpassion

Well-known member
Awards
2
  • RockStar
  • Established
It will be enough if you eat like you are supposed to. If you eat clean and enough, you should keep most of it, too. But diet is a totally different topic that should be equally researched and studied intensely. It has more to do with your cycle success than the dosages and length.

With that said, I would do this:

Test - E @ 500mg/week pinned twice per week
10 week cycle, 8 is not long enough IMO.

Nolva or Clomid 4-6 weeks. I prefer Clomid and an AI. They work well with each other.

Done. 10-15lbs should be possible.
 

LearnAnabolic

New member
Awards
0
Appreciate the input, and its good to hear that I can put on and keep 10 lbs in 12 weeks on just test alone, so theres no need to add another AAS or something like Anavar/Dbol/etc.

The AI is primarily for post cycle or to keep on hand for signs of gyno? Is there something pharmagrade aside from Arimidex that will work? The Arimidex I am finding costs quite a lot.
 
Gerbil

Gerbil

Well-known member
Awards
1
  • Established
It will be enough if you eat like you are supposed to. If you eat clean and enough, you should keep most of it, too. But diet is a totally different topic that should be equally researched and studied intensely. It has more to do with your cycle success than the dosages and length.

With that said, I would do this:

Test - E @ 500mg/week pinned twice per week
10 week cycle, 8 is not long enough IMO.

Nolva or Clomid 4-6 weeks. I prefer Clomid and an AI. They work well with each other.

Done. 10-15lbs should be possible.
I agree with the ten minimum, I would go with clomid and nolva together also an AI on cycle would be smart.
 

LearnAnabolic

New member
Awards
0
Another question, libido and or erections shouldn't be a problem on a purely test cycle correct? I wouldn't see why not, its an endogenous compound.
 

LearnAnabolic

New member
Awards
0
Yeah I plan to do this cycle for 10 to 12 weeks. Depending on how the gear ends up leaving.

EDIT: Libido and erections should be just fine on a test only cycle right? Its an endogenous compound so I don't see why not?
 
Gerbil

Gerbil

Well-known member
Awards
1
  • Established
Another question, libido and or erections shouldn't be a problem on a purely test cycle correct? I wouldn't see why not, its an endogenous compound.
Test makes your dick a rock and libido is through the roof. Yeah I nearly broke my girlfriend around week 4.
 

LearnAnabolic

New member
Awards
0
Thanks, looks like I got everything cleared up, just looking into seeing what AIs are available sans Arimidex, or whatever might cost less, my current source is asking for $120 for a box.
 
Gerbil

Gerbil

Well-known member
Awards
1
  • Established
Thanks, looks like I got everything cleared up, just looking into seeing what AIs are available sans Arimidex, or whatever might cost less, my current source is asking for $120 for a box.
If that is pharma grade that might be about right, however you can normally find research chemical versions of it for like $20-40.
 

LearnAnabolic

New member
Awards
0
RC seems sketchy, and I wouldn't know where to find it legitimately, a bunch of places offer it, have no ideas which are legit, and my body isn't something I take lightly. It is pharma from what I can tell, if I could get away with $40 for RC I would, but its too much risk.

Also, I want to clarifiy, gyno is one of the biggest concerns with test? A test cycle seems to be one where gyno is very likely due to aromatization of test. The AI is for post cycle as well as controlling any flare ups during the cycle if that occur? I'm a bit concerned because despite how lean I get, my chest tends to stay fatty, and this is actually good because it makes my chest look full while I'm lean. I just worry this means I have high estro receptors there and I might be more susceptible to it. This is just conjecture, I really don't know if a fatty chest while lean means this.
 
Gerbil

Gerbil

Well-known member
Awards
1
  • Established
RC seems sketchy, and I wouldn't know where to find it legitimately, a bunch of places offer it, have no ideas which are legit, and my body isn't something I take lightly. It is pharma from what I can tell, if I could get away with $40 for RC I would, but its too much risk.

Also, I want to clarifiy, gyno is one of the biggest concerns with test? A test cycle seems to be one where gyno is very likely due to aromatization of test. The AI is for post cycle as well as controlling any flare ups during the cycle if that occur? I'm a bit concerned because despite how lean I get, my chest tends to stay fatty, and this is actually good because it makes my chest look full while I'm lean. I just worry this means I have high estro receptors there and I might be more susceptible to it. This is just conjecture, I really don't know if a fatty chest while lean means this.
I will not get into the pec thing because I dont want to offend you. I see about equal amount of RC and Pharma faked, now what you want to do is check out what sites have good results, hint good site good product.
 

Able825

New member
Awards
0
If I were you I would not use any steroids as there seems to be a nasty side effect which causes loss in body fat, and an increase in muscle density. This is definitely not a good look. AND THIS IS DUE TO THE STEROIDS BEING ANABOLIC
 

LearnAnabolic

New member
Awards
0
I will not get into the pec thing because I dont want to offend you. I see about equal amount of RC and Pharma faked, now what you want to do is check out what sites have good results, hint good site good product.
I'd like to hear what you have to say about the chest thing. And again, the AI, the primary intent is to keep estrogen levels low while the bodys test levels drop when off cycle? To prevent an imbalance of too much E while T is low and the Nolva/Clomid is doing its work.
 
Gerbil

Gerbil

Well-known member
Awards
1
  • Established
I'd like to hear what you have to say about the chest thing. And again, the AI, the primary intent is to keep estrogen levels low while the bodys test levels drop when off cycle? To prevent an imbalance of too much E while T is low and the Nolva/Clomid is doing its work.
No your test levels will be at supraphisiological levels. Testosterone aramotises(****ed that spelling up), which causes very high estro levels in the body which is unwanted.
 

druller655321

Member
Awards
0
Me and a friend plan to begin a cycle next month, and are looking at a basic test cycle. I really don't know much about
AAS, any research I've done (which has been A LOT) has been on PHs and PCT. I'm 170, 12% BF and have been training for 2 years, currently 23. I'm hoping this cycle can get me to my goal of 180 at the same BF, even if it is short lived (some gains to be lost after the cycle).

We want to keep pinning down to a minimum, so we're looking at Test-E. I don't know much about dosing, 500mg a week I believe is what I read. We plan to use Nolvadex as PCT. For 8 weeks following a 12 week cycle. 40 then tapering to 20 after a bit.We can get Dianabol as a supplemental, although not sure if its necessary.

I'm looking for suggestions for a beginner cycle, hopefully using Test as a base. Although I am concerned that test won't be anabolic enough, I'd like to get to 180lbs on this 12 week cycle while keeping the same BF, not sure if thats possible, or rather if Test-E is anabolic enough to pull this off, willing to add a more Anabolic AAS on top if necessary.

Again, I know don't know about AAS and whats an appropriate approach. I want to do this safely and effectively above all, any help is apprecviated, I am more than willing to listen and learn.

EDIT: Also, concerned about something to keep estrogen down while on cycle and Arimidex is hella expensive, not sure if Erase would be a good substitute, otherwise I'm going to have to put some OT in.
SMH. Why did you research ph when you want to do AAS? There is more information, studies, and anecdotal evidence on AAS as most have been either actually clinically studied, or extensively used in humans.
 

LearnAnabolic

New member
Awards
0
SMH. Why did you research ph when you want to do AAS? There is more information, studies, and anecdotal evidence on AAS as most have been either actually clinically studied, or extensively used in humans.
This was a few months back when I thought I was going to do a PH but decided against it. The PCT research came in handy, and I'm still looking into the effects of a test cycle.

I just have one last question, does test dosage need to be increased as time goes on with extended cycles? I don't plan to do this, but lets say I decided to stay on test and do another 12 weeks after an initial 12, does test lose effect over time, or rather, do you lose sensitivity it and and need to up the dosage if you decide to cruise on T? I know steroids aren't like normal drugs, but with most, after time, you need more to get the same effect, I wonder if the same can be said about T or other steroids.
 
no reason

no reason

Member
Awards
1
  • Established
First Cycle and PCT
Testosterone cycle design


Almost weekly someone posts on the Chemical Enhancement forum asking about first cycle advice. The most common questions are; “what steroid should I take?” “How long should I take it?” and “What will the effects be?” There are literally dozens of steroids available and that makes it difficult for a first time user to choose. The following information will attempt to provide enough information for a first time user to make an educated decision about anabolic androgenic steroid use.
Testosterone is one of the most effective, safe and available steroids today, therefore I believe Testosterone is the best first cycle choice. The following text outlines the benefits and risks of Testosterone administration based on a clinical human trial of 61 healthy men in 2001. The purpose of the trial was to determine the dose dependency of testosterone’s effects on fat-free mass and muscle performance. In this trial 61 men, 18-35years old were randomized into 5 groups receiving weekly injections of 25, 50, 125, 300, 600 mg of Testosterone Enanthate for 20 weeks. They had previous weight-lifting experience and normal T levels. Their nutritional intake was standardized and they did not undertake any strength training during the trial. The only two groups that reported significant muscle building benefits were the 300 and 600 mg groups so any dose lower than 300mg will not be considered in this essay. 12 men participated in the 300 mg group and 13 men in the 600 mg group.
600mg of Testosterone a week for 20 weeks resulted in the following benefits. Increased fat free mass, muscle strength, muscle power, muscle volume, hemoglobin and IGF-1.
The same 600 mg administration resulted in 2 side effects. HDL cholesterol was negatively correlated and 2 men developed acne.
The normal range for total T in men is 241-827 ng/dl according to Labcorp and 260-1000 ng/dl according to Quest Laboratories. The normal range for IGF-1 is 81-225 according to Labcorp. Total T and IGF-1 levels were taken after 16 weeks and resulted in the following;

Total Testosterone
300 mg group-1,345 ng/dl a 691 ng increase from baseline
600 mg group-2,370 ng/dl a 1,737 ng increase from baseline
IGF-1
300 mg group-388 ng/dl a 74 ng increase from baseline
600 mg group-304 ng/dl a 77 ng increase from baseline

Body composition was measured after 20 weeks.

Fat Free Mass by underwater weighing
300 mg group-5.2kg (11.4lbs) increase
600 mg group-7.9kg (17.38lbs) increase
Fat Mass by underwater weighing
300 mg group-.5kg (1.1lbs) decrease
600 mg group-1.1kg (2.42lbs) decrease
Thigh Muscle Volume
300 mg group-84 cubic centimeter increase
600 mg group-126 cubic centimeter increase
Quadriceps Muscle Volume
300 mg group-43 cubic centimeter increase
600 mg group-68 cubic centimeter increase
Leg Press Strength
300 mg group-72.2kg (158.8lbs) increase
600 mg group-76.5kg (168.3lbs) increase
Leg Power
300 mg group-38.6 watt increase
600 mg group-48.1 watt increase
Hemoglobin
300 mg group-6.1 gram per liter increase
600 mg group-14.2 gram per liter increase
Plasma HDL Cholesterol
300 mg group-5.7 mg/dl decrease
600 mg group-8.4 mg/dl decrease
Acne
300 mg group-7 of the 12 men developed acne
600 mg group-2 of the 13 men developed acne

There were no significant changes in PSA or liver enzymes at any dose up to 600mg. However, long-term effects of androgen administration on the prostate, cardiovascular risk, and behavior are unknown. The study demonstrated that there is a dose dependant relationship with testosterone administration. In other words the more testosterone administered the greater the muscle building effects and potential for side effects.

Given the results of the study and based on years of personal experience I believe the first time user can safely use between 300-600 mg of testosterone enanthate or cypionate per week for 8-12 weeks. Because it is desirable to have even blood androgen levels I advise at least 2 equal injections per week. The following graph demonstrates that testosterone cypionate peaks within 1-2 days after injection and falls off to almost baseline by day 10. Therefore waiting 7 days between injections of cypionate would cause wide fluctuations in blood androgen levels.

Pharmacokinetics of Testosterone cypionate Injection

Source: Schulte-Beerbuhl, 1980
Figure. Pharmacokinetics of 200mg Testosterone cypionate injection. Source: Comparison of Testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone in serum after injection of Testosterone enanthate or Testosterone cypionate. Schulte-Beerbuhl M, Nieschlag E. Fertility and Sterility 33 (1980) 201-3.

If a first time user wanted to use 600 mg of cypionate or enanthate per week he would inject 300 mg on Tuesday and another 300 mg on Saturday each week for 10 weeks. When injecting long heavy esters like cypionate with this frequency I tend to have less acne then 1 injection per week.
There are a number of esters which provide varying release times. Acetate or propionate esters extend the release time of testosterone a couple of days. In contrast, a deconate ester prolongs the release of testosterone about 3 weeks. Testosterone enanthate and cypionate are almost identical esters. The use of an ester allows for a less frequent injection schedule than using a water based testosterone like suspension which has no ester at all and is rapidly in and out of your system after injection. The published release times are not exact and are many times based on a single injection not many multiple injections which can delay the release of the hormone. Other factors affect release times of esters such as scar tissue and the muscle group injected. Only a blood test can confirm when the active hormone has cleared your system.
Esters not only effect release times but also the potency of the Testosterone as esters make up part of the steroid weight. This must be taken into account when calculating dosages. The longer the release time the less free hormone. For example propionate is about 15% more potent mg. for mg. then enanthate so 500mg of propionate would equal about 575 mg. of enanthate. The following chart illustrates the free base equivalents for several compounds.

Although it was not indicated in the trial, during or after the steroid cycle some men are prone to gynecomastia which is the formation of female like breast tissue. This is due to excessive estrogen as the body tries to balance out the sex hormones. A selective estrogen receptor modulator or S.E.R.M. such as Tamoxifen can be used effectively to combat gynecamastia in an emergency as it competes for the estrogen receptor which in turn inhibits estrogens effects. It is highly recommended that a S.E.R.M. be available during treatment of Testosterone. 10-40mg daily is an effective dose however dosage is dependant on how much testosterone is administered as well as the individual himself.
The decision to use steroids should not be taken lightly and should be the last consideration after implementing a solid nutritional, training and recovery plan. It is advised to get blood work when using these medications.

Testosterone dose-response relationships in healthy young men;
http://ajpendo.physiology.org/cgi/content/full/281/6/E1172



Ancillaries during the cycle



Aromatase Inhibitor


I briefly wrote about using Tamoxifen above for emergency gynecomastia treatment however I am convinced that there is a better strategy for controlling estrogen during a steroid cycle. Rather than waiting for the side effects of estrogen to present an aromatase inhibitor like Arimidex or Aromasin should be used on cycle to control Estrogen and keep free testosterone levels high. 0.5mg-1mg Arimidex daily OR 10-25mg Aromasin daily. Start with the lower dose and then see how that controls water retention, blood pressure and libido and make adjustments as needed. A blood test would be the most ideal way to determine the dosage of the AI. Free T needs to be in the high range and estradiol between 10-25 pg/ml.


Human Chorionic Gonadotropin


Testosterone-Induced gonadotropin suppression tends to cause atrophy of the testes and decreases intratesticular testosterone. In other words, when a male administers testosterone his testes shrink because they are suppressed. A simple way to restore ITT levels and maintain the mass of the testes is to administer HCG during testosterone treatment. During a study it was determined that HCG is dose dependant and that approximately 300iu HCG taken every other day restored ITT levels. This is 1,050iu HCG weekly. I recommend 500iu twice weekly while on testosterone treatment. On a very heavy cycle a third dose of 500iu could be added but that is typically not needed. HCG will not only keep ITT levels and the mass of the testes normal but will also aid in keeping the male fertile.


Sample cycle with ancillaries


Sunday 10mg Aromasin
Monday 10mg Aromasin/500iu HCG
Tuesday 10mg Aromasin/300mg Enanthate
Wednesday 10mg Aromasin
Thursday 10mg Aromasin
Friday 10mg Aromasin/500iu HCG
Saturday 10mg Aromasin/300mg Enanthate


For all you guys who want to add multiple compounds to your first course I advise against it because if you have side effects then you will not know which compound is causing the sides. I have gotton a ton of PM's over the years and there is always some reason that I am given for using multiple compounds on the first run but there really is no need. However my cycle sample above may not be for everyone so I am offering an alternative to the flat cycle design. If you want to run a first cycle with a little more horespower than you may want to consider a modified pyramiding cycle. I have done over 20 pyramid courses and must say they are my favorite way to run aas. The human body is always fighting for homeostasis so the concept is to increase dose before gains plateau. Based on the 2009 myostatin study we can design a cycle that is effective for 10 weeks using this strategy. The following first cycle is for men that want a little more performance with added risk while only using Testosterone. The first 5 weeks a standard dose is administered to evaluate how your body responds and to determine if sides are manageable. If sides are manageable then increase the dose.

Sample first course #2

Week 1-5 600mg Testosterone weekly
Week 6-8 800mg Testosterone weekly
Week 9-10 1 gram Testosterone weekly

10 mg Aromasin daily with the goal of keeping Estradiol between 10pg/ml-25pg/ml. Only blood work can confirm if you are in this range.

500iu HCG twice weekly.


Post Cycle therapy


I strongly believe that an AI should be used as long as there is an aromatizing compound being administered. In this case Testosterone and HCG aromatize therefore using an AI until these meds clear and a few weeks longer is what I am recommending. There is some evidence that adding Nolva to an AI does not increase the effectiveness of estro control therefore Nolva has no real advantage alongside an AI unless one is experiencing gyno. Additionally Nolva has been shown to reduce IGF-1 and GH levels when used alone. This is not a big deal on cycle as testosterone increases IGF-1 in a dose dependant relationship. However off cycle this is a problem. PCT is a fragile time and lower IGF-1 and GH levels is not desirable. I am recommending an AI that is specific to men that can be used on cycle and during PCT. It is my conclusion that Aromasin is the obvious choice.

I recommend the following PCT protocol for esters like Cypionate and Enanthate;

Day 1-16 : 2500iu HCG every other day. (You may use less HCG if your testes are normal in size AND you have been using HCG on cycle, i.e. 1,000iu HCG etd.)

100/100/100/50 Clomid (50mg taken twice per day weeks 1-3 after aas ester clears)

20mg/20mg/20mg/10mg Aromasin (20mg daily for 3 weeks, 10mg daily in week 4)

3g Vit C every day split in 3 doses

10g creatine daily

The HCG is administered BEFORE the ester clears to increase the mass of the testes and bring back ITT levels. This will allow the testes to sustain output of testosterone sooner.

Clomid is universally accepted as THE testosterone recovery tool. It blocks estrogen from the HPTA and stimulates the production of GNRH then initiates the production of LH, which in turn signals the testis (if not atrophied) to produce testosterone.

Aromasin or a similar aromatase inhibitor is for testosterone recovery and it is used to keep the testosterone/estrogen balance in favor of testosterone. It is also helps to keep any additionally occurring estrogen from HCG low to none.

Cortisol is catabolic. It is the enemy of all anabolism and must be kept in check. While it is blocked when under the influence of AAS, it is free to attach to the Anabolic Receptors (AR) once the steroids leave. Due to this blockage Cortisol tends to accumulate and increase when on. A low level is desirable however since it is important for other vital functions such as control of inflammation. Balance is the key. Vitimin C keeps the exercise induced rise of Cortisol in check.

The use of Creatine has shown to increase ATP metabolism and cellular water storage among many other things. This is beneficial because it provides for heightened nutrient storage and a slight increase in anabolism as well as workout stamina.

References

Testosterone dose-response relationships in healthy young men;

Pharmacokinetics and Dose Finding of a Potent Aromatase Inhibitor, Aromasin (Exemestane), in Young Males

Low-Dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Maintains Intratesticular Testosterone in Normal Men with Testosterone-Induced Gonadotropin Suppression

Use of clomiphene citrate to reverse premature andropause secondary to steroid abuse.

special thanks to those men and women who have influnced my thinking over the years in regards to aas use.

 
no reason

no reason

Member
Awards
1
  • Established
PCT start times
Below you'll find starting times for your PCT based on the active life of each compound. The active life is the duration of time it takes for the exogenous hormone to be absorbed, utilized, and expelled; no longer being bioavailable. Keep in mind that active life is an approximation which is dependant on dose, ester, as well as the individuals metabolization of the compound ; but for the moderate user, these are as close to precise as you'll find.

Anadrol /Anapolan: 24 hours after last administration
Deca : 21 days after last injection
Dianabol : 24 hours after last administration
Equipoise : 21 days after last injection
Fina: 3 days after last injection
Primobolan depot: 14 days after last injection
Sustanon : 18 days after last injection
Testosterone Cypionate : 18 days after last injection
Testosterone Enanthate : 14 days after last injection
Testosterone Propionate : 3 days after last injection
Testosterone Suspension : 24 hours after last administration
Winstrol : 24 hours after last administration











 
peter01

peter01

Member
Awards
1
  • Established
Great post. Not looking into PH or gear, but can appreciate the time and consideration you put into your response.
 
jonpaulevans

jonpaulevans

Member
Awards
0
can anyone please inbox me a reliable source for Nolvadex and Clomid. Looking for Havoc PCT - thanks
 
jonpaulevans

jonpaulevans

Member
Awards
0
No sourcing on this board!

Sent from my iPhone using Am.com
my bad - too many damn rules and I dont know any of them... Since when did community boards become a place with so many boundaries? By all means, rip people a new a-hole and insult them all day but god forbid you help someone find what they are looking for through safe and reliable sources. I get it though, someone on the community board doesn't make money on "sourcing" or too many people on here are repping certain sources for personal gain. Or worse ppl are sourcing bunk retailers. Either way I suppose it's the safe way for community sites like this to not be held responsible. Anyway - I'm sure I'm competent enough to use google. Thanks guys and I'll see you around
 

Similar threads


Top