Thanks @match.
My test levels are not below the reference range. Therefore, I want to start using test to assist with my physique & strength goals.
I’m going to take another testosterone test very soon, as the readings I’ve had previously perhaps don’t paint the ‘true picture’ of base line levels - e.g. taken in afternoon whilst in a calorie deficit after a poor nights sleep. Or, just after a SARMS cycle, or just after a PCT.
I’m happy to self-administer. I just need to understand what to do & how to do it in order to do it.
I do have concerns about fertility ramifications from TRT, however I’m not in a position right now where I’m thinking about making a baby. I’m single & I don’t even own my own home lol. Furthermore, I continue to hear/read that men are impregnating their partners whilst on TRT, and that HCG tends to be effective in sustaining / restoring the baby making capabilities of the testis. I’m not an expert though.
I’m not happy with the way I look. My gains are inconsistent and yet I work my fucking arse off - resistance train 5x per week + cardio & clean eating. I don’t drink alcohol or use illicit drugs. I’m now ready to take my training to the next level.
Proper TRT will be designed to bring your test levels into the reference range, not give you supraphysiological levels of test. It will also shut down your natural testosterone production, but proper TRT is supposed to be for life.
If you tried to do proper TRT through a clinic, but your test levels are already in the reference range, the TRT clinic should turn you down and refuse to give you testosterone.
It sounds like you're looking for a TRT clinic that will prescribe you test so you can do a cycle (or a lifelong cruise). They exist, and their costs vary but I expect they are more expensive than just buying and pinning your own test. I don't know what the laws are like in the UK, so if legality is a concern then there's a possibility that a shady clinic is less likely to get you in trouble legally. There's also the difficulty of getting test, which may vary depending on where you live/whom you know.
Regardless of all of that, if you're not getting the gains or hitting your physique goals without test (considering what you said earlier) then one, or more, of these possibilities is true:
1. Your goals are not realistic, either you expect too much too quickly, or you expect supraphysiological results from natural training.
2. Your training could use improvement.
3. Your diet could use improvement (including the implementation of a few key supplements, nothing crazy or bank breaking).
4. You don't get enough sleep/rest to grow properly.
Most people are guilty of #1, setting unrealistic goals. This is a marathon, not a sprint, even with AAS.
Anyone who says they have #2 and #3 both dialed in perfectly should be good enough to coach others to do those things professionally, and should probably never be complaining about not reaching their goals. If one is being honest with oneself, we ALL can improve in both of these categories in some way. For example, you said you eat clean, but do you count your macros and track your body weight and properly adjust your diet according to where you are at in your periodized training?
If you're not getting #4 then you have at least one reason why you aren't achieving your goals. AAS won't fix that, it might put a bandaid over the problem, but you'd still be leaving gains on the table instead of maximizing your results.
A lot to take in above, take a minute to honestly consider all of it. I'm not accusing you of not trying your hardest, so I hope I don't come across as rude or accusatory. But if you honestly want to do better, you have to honestly assess where you are falling short, then learn how to do better, and then you need to commit to that change. Most people aren't willing to learn and improve, that's why finding people who have achieved elite fitness levels is so rare. It takes a rare level of dedication and even rarer self-honesty.