FIRST H-DROL CYCLE

[MyKH3LL]

Hi everyone,

Sorry to add yet another thread to the collection of 'first cycle advice' threads here but I was just hoping for some feedback.

I'm coming to the pointy end of my 'research' and decision to proceed with my first PH cycle.

Quick overview on me; 30 years old, about 88-90 KG at the minute standing around 5'10" from memory.

Currently cutting back a little bit of body fat but want to recomp through my cycle - lean growth is my goal but if I add a little fat back on that's OK because I will then focus on shredding during PCT and it wont be so bad because hopefully, I'll keep cutting now and will be in a good starting position...

Moving on, this is what I'm looking at running;

- 30 days of HALO-V by Vital Labs. First 2 weeks at 2 caps per day (50mg), weeks 3 and 4 at 3 caps per day (75mg).

- BLOCKADE on cycle defense by Assault Labs. Two bottles, starting one week prior to cycle and continuing through PCT.

- Either CEL PCT Assist or Post Cycle 3X for PCT > appreciate feedback.
...and DIVANEX from Nutraplanet (I have a bottle so thought why not? Is this necessary or overkill?)

- FORMERON by Black Lion Research > unsure whether to use this DURING cycle or as part of PCT... or whether it's necessary at all?

I do supplement with Cissus XT so I will continue to do so throughout the cycle to further support my joints.

I've also been advised that a SERM is not exactly necessary unless you have a problem or tendency with progestin/estrogen. I am thinking that I might get some Nolva off shore to have on hand, just in case but I've noticed in a lot of threads here that you almost get jumped on if you don't mention a SERM as part of your PCT so I seem to be getting a little bit of conflicting info?

The other question I have is in regards to regular supps during a cycle - should you drop everything else?

I use creatine and beta alinine (in addition to the Cissus XT) and wondering if I should continue to use or just give them a rest for the 30 days and start again during PCT? Appreciate your input.

Apart from that, I'm looking to just eat more than usual but keep it clean of course, drinking a metric-f^#k-ton of water while on-cycle and stick to my tried and tested upper/lower 4 day split with primarily compounds - 4 sets for big muscles in 8-12 rep range (15-25 for legs) and 3 sets for the isolation work. Should I bump up my volume during cycle with a few extra lifts or just stay focused on form and tempo with current workload but aim to ramp up the weight used?

Quick overview on current routine;

Upper 1:
DB chest press | 60 seconds | BB bent over row | 60 - 120 seconds x 4
Skull crushers | 60 seconds | preacher curls | 60 seconds x 3
Face pulls | 60 seconds | lateral raise | 60 seconds x 3

Upper 2:
Overhead press | 60 seconds | pull ups | 60 - 120 seconds x 4
Dips | 60 seconds | midline hammer curls | 60 seconds x 3
BB shrugs | 60 seconds | Rear delt raises | 60 seconds x 3

Lower 1:
Back squats | 60 seconds | alternating lunges | 60 - 120 seconds x 4
Stiff leg deadlifts | 60 seconds x 4
DB standing calf raise | 60 seconds x 4
Abdominal work - 3 - 4 sets of approx. 25 reps

Lower 2:
Deadlifts | 60 - 120 seconds x 4
BB hip thrusts | 60 seconds | Single leg extensions (no rest between each leg) | 60 seconds x 4
Standing DB calf raise - single leg | 60 seconds x 4
Abdominal work - 3 - 4 sets of approx. 25 reps

 

[Mystere3]

Get a serm. Run halo 6 weeks

 

[mw1]

Don't cut in PCT. You will want to keep the same diet and training in pct as you did on cycle. SERM(Nolva) is definitely recommended with something like PCT Assist or DAA.
Craetine, BA and Cissus are not an issue if you want to comtinue in PCT

 

[harbonah]

^^^^ the above two are correct 6 weeks and a SERM for hdrol.

 

[Mystere3]

I like to bring cals down to TDEE in pct even with ostarine bc of the loss of nutrient partitioning from aas. As long as you're not at a deficit you're gtg IMO.

 

[808shredded]

Get a serm and something for lethargy. It will hit you in the second or third week. Be prepared.

 

[harbonah]

Get a serm and something for lethargy. It will hit you in the second or third week. Be prepared.

Agreed that's why I use 4ad by AMS or 5alpha test..5alpha is my favorite but I admit I'm biased lol.

 

[g0hardorgohom]

Agreed that's why I use 4ad by AMS or 5alpha test..5alpha is my favorite but I admit I'm biased lol.

5-Alpha Test is great and very mild in terms of side effects. It seemed to effect much faster than regular epiandrosterone capsules.

If OP wants something that is also very anabolic, TR3ST would be a good "test" base... But it needs to be treated with respect. It's really potent. For beginners 4-AD and 5-Alpha Test may be better options.

 

[MyKH3LL]

Don't cut in PCT. You will want to keep the same diet and training in pct as you did on cycle. SERM(Nolva) is definitely recommended with something like PCT Assist or DAA. Craetine, BA and Cissus are not an issue if you want to comtinue in PCT

Thanks for the response. So, just to clarify, Creatine BA and Cissus in PCT only? So stop taking them while on the Halo?

 

[MyKH3LL]

^^^^ the above two are correct 6 weeks and a SERM for hdrol.

I did read 6 weeks is ideal for Halo... even though the bottle and site recommends 30 days for first timers, I should be upping it to 6 weeks?

First 2 weeks at 50mg then the remaining 4 at 75mg?

 

[MyKH3LL]

Get a serm and something for lethargy. It will hit you in the second or third week. Be prepared.

Cheers.

During cycle or PCT?

 

[Mystere3]

Cheers.

During cycle or PCT?

Cycle, shouldn't be too bad with halo; this isn't SD...

 

[MyKH3LL]

Cycle, shouldn't be too bad with halo; this isn't SD...

Think the 5alpha is still needed though?

 

[harbonah]

Think the 5alpha is still needed though?

Needed, well i have ran it with and with out do you need it no but you would enjoy it more if you did.

 

[MyKH3LL]

Needed, well i have ran it with and with out do you need it no but you would enjoy it more if you did.

Ok, cheers... It's in the cart

Do I take that throughout the entire cycle or start working that in around the 3rd week when the lethargy hits?

Also, what's your feedback on the Formerone by BLR? Do you think this is best used during or after my cycle?

Or perhaps start around week 3 and carry into PCT?

 

[808shredded]

Cheers. During cycle or PCT?

During cycle. Creatine pct and cissus during cycle if any joint issues arise.

 

[808shredded]

Cycle, shouldn't be too bad with halo; this isn't SD...

I didn't know you can measure lethargy, to me you either have it or not. With halo I sure had it.

 

[808shredded]

5-Alpha Test is great and very mild in terms of side effects. It seemed to effect much faster than regular epiandrosterone capsules. If OP wants something that is also very anabolic, TR3ST would be a good "test" base... But it needs to be treated with respect. It's really potent. For beginners 4-AD and 5-Alpha Test may be better options.

I prefer trest over all other as far as combatting lethargy.

 

[g0hardorgohom]

I prefer trest over all other as far as combatting lethargy.

It's definitely the most potent legal option out there.

To OP: Take Formeron during the cycle if you notice symptoms of elevated estrogen levels. There's no need to take it if you don't have any issues. It's a great product though.

 

[MyKH3LL]

It's definitely the most potent legal option out there.

To OP: Take Formeron during the cycle if you notice symptoms of elevated estrogen levels. There's no need to take it if you don't have any issues. It's a great product though.

Thanks mate.

So it might be overkill, especially for my first cycle basically? I'm obviously trying to save some dollars that could be better spent on food, so want to make sure at the moment, I'm only picking up the essential stuff... adding 5alpha to the mix, I'm thinking maybe I should hold off on Formerone for a later date perhaps?

So far, I'm looking at Halodrol for a minimum of 4 weeks - I know everyone here is saying 6 but again, I'm getting conflicting info on the length of a first cycle. I've been told for a first timer, just run the four at 50/50/75/50 and for the next cycle (if it ever happens) pyramid over the 6 weeks at 50//75/100/100/75/50.

I'm now just weighing up the pro's and cons between Halo-V and Halocor... Anyone got any opinions on either one? I know if I run the cycle over 6 weeks, the Halocor is much more cost effective however the Halo-V (with 80 caps) is better for 4 weeks as I can get away with 1 bottle.

5-Alpha Test during my cycle to combat lethargy.

Blockade on cycle defense to protect liver and joints. Begin the week before cycle and continue through to end of PCT.

Post Cycle 3X for OTC PCT. I will compliment this with Divanex as I have a bottle already.

Creatine and Beta Alinine introduced again during PCT.

Cissus XT during cycle if joint issues begin to arise.

SERM such as Nolva during PCT > how would you guys recommend I dose this?

I think that basically covers it... Man, who would have thought this to be so overwhelming haha.

 

[Mystere3]

Don't decrease the dose, and run it for 6 weeks. 50/50/50/75/75/75. Run a serm after. If you want a 4 week cycle run a diff compound.

 

[MyKH3LL]

Don't decrease the dose, and run it for 6 weeks. 50/50/50/75/75/75. Run a serm after. If you want a 4 week cycle run a diff compound.

You're straight to the point aren't you? I like that. No waffle...

OK, 6 weeks then > so I will go with Halocor for the price as 2 bottles can cover that cycle and be $40 cheaper compared to Halo-V.

How should I dose the SERM?

 

[g0hardorgohom]

Nolva 20/20/10/10 or Clomid 50/50/25/25.

Who makes Halocor? I'd only buy PH's from few brands... Ironflex, LGI and Celtic Labs have legit Halo clones.

 

[MyKH3LL]

Nolva 20/20/10/10 or Clomid 50/50/25/25.

Who makes Halocor? I'd only buy PH's from few brands... Ironflex, LGI and Celtic Labs have legit Halo clones.

Thanks mate

Halocor is a halo clone from Pharmatec.

Any thoughts on them?

 

[g0hardorgohom]

Thanks mate

Halocor is a halo clone from Pharmatec.

Any thoughts on them?

Never heard of them. It'd be better to go with one of the brands I suggested IMO - at least if Halodrol clone is what you want. There are several other good compounds for beginners... For example Epi, and you can get it cheaper. Olympus Labs EP15TANE has 120x15mg per bottle and you can get it for less than 49 bucks - plus additional 10% off if you buy it from nutri-verse.com (they have discount codes for first time customers). Those same cycle support and PCT protocols work with Epi too.

Nothing wrong with H-Drol though. I like Epi more but it's just personal preference - it was my first cycle and I loved every second of it. I've ran it 3 or 4 times now.

 

[MyKH3LL]

Never heard of them. It'd be better to go with one of the brands I suggested IMO - at least if Halodrol clone is what you want. There are several other good compounds for beginners... For example Epi, and you can get it cheaper. Olympus Labs EP15TANE has 120x15mg per bottle and you can get it for less than 49 bucks - plus additional 10% off if you buy it from nutri-verse.com (they have discount codes for first time customers). Those same cycle support and PCT protocols work with Epi too.

Nothing wrong with H-Drol though. I like Epi more but it's just personal preference - it was my first cycle and I loved every second of it. I've ran it 3 or 4 times now.

In my online research and discussing with my uncle (who has been competing for a few years and ran a few cycles himself over the years) Halodrol and Epi seem to be the go to PH for first timers.

I might look more into Epi before making a final decision. Thanks for the advice.

I've been looking at strongsupplementshop.com and they seem to have good prices and give me some confidence that my shipment might actually make it into Australia haha.

epi-2a3a by vital labs seems to have a lot of positive feedback fwiw... over 100 Reviews.

 

[g0hardorgohom]

Epi 2a3a should be good to go - I've heard good things about it as well. Compare prices of legit brands and pick the cheapest one. You'll need 180x10mg or 120x15mg for a cycle IMO.

 

[MyKH3LL]

Epi 2a3a should be good to go - I've heard good things about it as well. Compare prices of legit brands and pick the cheapest one. You'll need 180x10mg or 120x15mg for a cycle IMO.

Hmmmm... damn, this is 120 x 10mg.

So looks like I need two bottles.

Epi is dosed lower than Halo. Interesting... Should I be sticking with the same dosing idea as Halo, something like; 20/20/30/30/40/40? over the 6 weeks.

 

[Shaun235]

I'm about a week into a Halo/Stano run. No sides of any kind yet, Feeling fuller and tighter already, positive mood in the gym, endurance is up a bit, nothing to much though as of yet.
Dosing Halo at 75 and Stano at 600. At week 3 I'll go to Halo 100 and Stano 800.
Seems like it's going to be a good run so far.

 

[harbonah]

I'm about a week into a Halo/Stano run. No sides of any kind yet, Feeling fuller and tighter already, positive mood in the gym, endurance is up a bit, nothing to much though as of yet.
Dosing Halo at 75 and Stano at 600. At week 3 I'll go to Halo 100 and Stano 800.
Seems like it's going to be a good run so far.

Its the stano you are feeling at that point in your cycle. Its fun stuff.

 

[Shaun235]

Its the stano you are feeling at that point in your cycle. Its fun stuff.

Yea, I'm glad i added it.

 

[g0hardorgohom]

Hmmmm... damn, this is 120 x 10mg.

So looks like I need two bottles.

Epi is dosed lower than Halo. Interesting... Should I be sticking with the same dosing idea as Halo, something like; 20/20/30/30/40/40? over the 6 weeks.

Some people may get good results even with 120x10mg but I'd buy more...

30/45/45/45/45/45 is my recommendation for Epi... Or with 10mg caps 30/40/40/50/50/50

 

[NannerDrol]

You're straight to the point aren't you? I like that. No waffle... OK, 6 weeks then > so I will go with Halocor for the price as 2 bottles can cover that cycle and be $40 cheaper compared to Halo-V. How should I dose the SERM?

I just started my 5th week on halocor and all my lifts are up and my weight is up 7lbs. No complaints on the halocor

 

[fueledpassion]

I just started my 5th week on halocor and all my lifts are up and my weight is up 7lbs. No complaints on the halocor

That sounds about right. Expect to keep most of the weight. You'll lose the strength though.

 

[NannerDrol]

That sounds about right. Expect to keep most of the weight. You'll lose the strength though.

Well Poop

 

[fueledpassion]

Well Poop

Thats with any steroid though not just Halo.

 

[NannerDrol]

Thats with any steroid though not just Halo.

I'm aware haha. I've run other compounds but not hdrol. The one thing I can say about it is that it is steady (ie no huge jumps ect) but you can make steady progress of 5-10 lbs a week.

 

[MyKH3LL]

I'm aware haha. I've run other compounds but not hdrol. The one thing I can say about it is that it is steady (ie no huge jumps ect) but you can make steady progress of 5-10 lbs a week.

Have you run Epi before and in your opinion, how is the comparison between it and hdrol?

 

[NannerDrol]

Have you run Epi before and in your opinion, how is the comparison between it and hdrol?

I have, I'm having less sides with hdrol. I had a few zits second week but they went away and I had some calf pumps but nothing taurine can't fix. Epi kicks in a little faster and I feel like the strength gains are a little better but it is accompanied by more sides, that is for me at least. I did like it though.

 

[harbonah]

I have, I'm having less sides with hdrol. I had a few zits second week but they went away and I had some calf pumps but nothing taurine can't fix. Epi kicks in a little faster and I feel like the strength gains are a little better but it is accompanied by more sides, that is for me at least. I did like it though.

I oddly felt the opposite, hdrol more sides abs bloat. Epistane no sides faster kick in and more of that grrr on feeling. But I get great results from 30-40 mg where most run 50+ for epi

 

[NannerDrol]

I oddly felt the opposite, hdrol more sides abs bloat. Epistane no sides faster kick in and more of that grrr on feeling. But I get great results from 30-40 mg where most run 50+ for epi

Not odd at all. Different strokes for different folks

 

[MyKH3LL]

Some people may get good results even with 120x10mg but I'd buy more...

30/45/45/45/45/45 is my recommendation for Epi... Or with 10mg caps 30/40/40/50/50/50

Hi buddy, thanks for all the advice in this thread. I also saw your other thread about the Olympus Labs products and PH cycles which was interesting. I've found a combo on nutriverse which I think I will be placing the order on today;

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I also have the 5-Alpha Test in the cart to battle lethargy during cycle and stocked up on Cissus at home to further support the joints.

I also see everyone talking about Taurine supplementation during the cycle to help with painful pumps, would this suffice? (I may as well have it on hand just in case)

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Just got to track down and order some Nolva now and I'm good to go I think!

Anything else you can recommend to ensure I have an enjoyable and smooth first cycle?

 

[808shredded]

Have a good run. You'll enjoy it.

 

[MyKH3LL]

Have a good run. You'll enjoy it.

Thanks buddy! I'm a little... nervous I guess, about finally taking the dive into PH's but overly excited at the same time.

Over the next few weeks while my packages arrive I'll be getting more mentally prepared I think and really nailing down the diet > and stocking up on food haha.

Btw, is that Taurine sufficient you think? Just in case I get these dreaded back pumps everyone seems to talk about.

Fun times ahead!

 

[g0hardorgohom]

Hi buddy, thanks for all the advice in this thread. I also saw your other thread about the Olympus Labs products and PH cycles which was interesting. I've found a combo on nutriverse which I think I will be placing the order on today;

Invalid Link Removed

I also have the 5-Alpha Test in the cart to battle lethargy during cycle and stocked up on Cissus at home to further support the joints.

I also see everyone talking about Taurine supplementation during the cycle to help with painful pumps, would this suffice? (I may as well have it on hand just in case)

Invalid Link Removed

Just got to track down and order some Nolva now and I'm good to go I think!

Anything else you can recommend to ensure I have an enjoyable and smooth first cycle?

I'd probably buy another bottle of AR1MACARE PRO so that you could run it at a full dose for 6 weeks. But one bottle is still better than nothing!

Buy some basic fish oil and drink plenty of water and you're good to go

Are you gonna log it? It'd be cool to follow your progress! Good luck!

 

[808shredded]

Thanks buddy! I'm a little... nervous I guess, about finally taking the dive into PH's but overly excited at the same time. Over the next few weeks while my packages arrive I'll be getting more mentally prepared I think and really nailing down the diet > and stocking up on food haha. Btw, is that Taurine sufficient you think? Just in case I get these dreaded back pumps everyone seems to talk about. Fun times ahead!

I take 1gm pwo it works fine, but others say up to 5gm. Find the best dosage for you.

 

[MyKH3LL]

I take 1gm pwo it works fine, but others say up to 5gm. Find the best dosage for you.

Haha, I always get confused if pwo is pre or post workout... I'll play around with the dosage and see what suits my body.

Thanks for the input

 

[MyKH3LL]

I'd probably buy another bottle of AR1MACARE PRO so that you could run it at a full dose for 6 weeks. But one bottle is still better than nothing!

Buy some basic fish oil and drink plenty of water and you're good to go

Are you gonna log it? It'd be cool to follow your progress! Good luck!

Yeah, good point. I'll add another bottle to the cart

One bottle is definitely better than nothing but I don't want to shortchange myself on anything, especially during my first run. I want to make sure this is safe and enjoyable so I can do it again a few months down the track, perhaps as we approach Summer in Australia I'll run my second cycle.

I've got some fish oil, always have that on hand - just like my Cissus.

I think yeah, I definitely will log it. It will be great to get that extra motivation from the AM community and also hold myself accountable as everything will be on display haha. Plus, I'd like to do more in the future so it might be a good way to ease into it and show some companies I can provide a solid log.

 

[g0hardorgohom]

Yeah, good point. I'll add another bottle to the cart

One bottle is definitely better than nothing but I don't want to shortchange myself on anything, especially during my first run. I want to make sure this is safe and enjoyable so I can do it again a few months down the track, perhaps as we approach Summer in Australia I'll run my second cycle.

I've got some fish oil, always have that on hand - just like my Cissus.

I think yeah, I definitely will log it. It will be great to get that extra motivation from the AM community and also hold myself accountable as everything will be on display haha. Plus, I'd like to do more in the future so it might be a good way to ease into it and show some companies I can provide a solid log.

Good idea. It's better to buy less hormones than to buy less support supps IMO.

Fish oil is probably the cheapest and the best "support supp" out there (after water of course). It does good to your joints, heart and immune system. All prohormones and steroids will ruin your lipids but you can easily combat that with fish oil.

I like the idea about logging your cycle too. As a rep of a supplement company I may have opportunities to choose loggers for our products and I will not choose people who haven't done logs before - and preferably with before/after pictures. Proof is in the pudding!