First Cycle at 37 with outside variables (anti-depressants and TRT)

[Sluggo]

Hello everyone:

I would like to get some insight/opinions on my current inclination to go on my first cycle.

I am considering going on a test only cycle for 12 weeks, I am heavily considering Sust 250. As the title of the post suggests I am 37, I have been training consistently for 10 years and finding a passion for competitive power-lifting for the past 2 years. In addition to this I am on TRT and have been for the past 2 years. Currently on Testopel. I have been satisfied with TRT for general well being however for gains in the gym there is negligible if any change, and I understand test in a TRT dose is taken for those reasons.

The main issue and the one thing that is holding me back from starting is the fact that I have been on anti-depressants for also close to 10 years. I have been stable and while depression and my other afflictions will always be part of me I have a satisfying life.

so the bullets:

- 37 on anti-depressants and Testopel TRT. Currently stable
- Training for 10 years.
- Want to go on Sust 250 12 weeks. (500 weekly 250 Mon and 250 Thurs) Edit
- After 12 weeks continue with TRT in a therapeutic dose.

Questions

- Should I be overly concerned with a Sust only cycle because of my Anti-depressant usage?
- The TRT has already shut down my natural production of Test, could my PCT simply be TRT?


Thanking you all in advance.

Sluggo

PS: If by posting this I used the wrong protocol I apologize, but would like to get opinions on my situation specifically, not that it is very unique but through the literally months of viewing info on the net and with other people It simply resulted in this confused state.

[gurupimp6969]

I'll bump this

[austinite]

Welcome Sluggo.

Let's get more stats from you first:

Age: 37
Weight:
height:
Body Fat percentage:

[Sluggo]

Welcome Sluggo.

Let's get more stats from you first:

Age: 37
Weight:
height:
Body Fat percentage:

Thanks for the welcome, I am 37 5'9" and 243lbs today, Im guessing my BF is approx 20%

[MickeyKnox]

Thanks for the welcome, I am 37 5'9" and 243lbs today, Im guessing my BF is approx 20%

Hey Sluggo,

5'9" 243.

If you use this chart where do you feel you are?

Often we think we are a certain BF%, but when using a chart we discover we are actually higher. Im not suggesting this is the case for you my but its important to be as close as possible without a Bodpod or something similar, of course.

[Sluggo]

Hey Sluggo,

5'9" 243.

If you use this chart where do you feel you are?

Often we think we are a certain BF%, but when using a chart we discover we are actually higher. Im not suggesting this is the case for you my but its important to be as close as possible without a Bodpod or something similar, of course.

I hear you Mickey:

It was definitely a guess, after looking at the pics, it does seem like the 20% is about right, I will post a pic in this thread and Ill let yall decide, and I have a thick skin so if I am an obese pig lmk lol!

[MickeyKnox]

I hear you Mickey:

It was definitely a guess, after looking at the pics, it does seem like the 20% is about right, I will post a pic in this thread and Ill let yall decide, and I have a thick skin so if I am an obese pig lmk lol!

No one is here to judge - only want to offer the best advice we can based upon your stats.

[Sluggo]

THE Hogg:

Yeah I wonder the same all the time myself...it is definitely the chicken or egg syndrome.

[Sluggo]

This is what I could come up with.

[MickeyKnox]

This is what I could come up with.

Pretty solid and so is your 20% guesstimate.

My advice is this. I recommend you adjust your diet and reduce your Body Fat to around 15% before you begin your cycle. This will also reduce your likelihood of experiencing unwanted sides attributed to high E2 levels like, Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Acne, Raised Blood Pressure, Increased Heart Rate, Bloating, Cardio vascular Issues, Mood swings, changes to your Cholesterol Factors (HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, TC)...ect.

Excess fatty tissue is a huge proponent of Estrogen. "Adipose tissue can contribute significantly to the circulating pool of estrogens." You want your BF to be as low as possible before you begin your proposed cycle - very important! Read this clinical study…Estrogen production and action. [J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001] - PubMed - NCBI

And then head over to the Nutritional Forums and the Specialists in there will assist you in developing a solid diet that will reflect your intended goals and slim you down to a more suitable and safe BF%.

Nutritional Forum

NUTRITION RESOURCE FORUM

Note: I have no medical background or experience with your medical condition. My advice is based solely on your body composition and stats.

All the best Sluggo. Hope to see you around with a cycle and positive results.

[Metalject]

Hello everyone:

I would like to get some insight/opinions on my current inclination to go on my first cycle.

I am considering going on a test only cycle for 12 weeks, I am heavily considering Sust 250. As the title of the post suggests I am 37, I have been training consistently for 10 years and finding a passion for competitive power-lifting for the past 2 years. In addition to this I am on TRT and have been for the past 2 years. Currently on Testopel. I have been satisfied with TRT for general well being however for gains in the gym there is negligible if any change, and I understand test in a TRT dose is taken for those reasons.

The main issue and the one thing that is holding me back from starting is the fact that I have been on anti-depressants for also close to 10 years. I have been stable and while depression and my other afflictions will always be part of me I have a satisfying life.

so the bullets:

- 37 on anti-depressants and Testopel TRT. Currently stable
- Training for 10 years.
- Want to go on Sust 250 12 weeks. (500 weekly 250 Mon and 250 Thurs) Edit
- After 12 weeks continue with TRT in a therapeutic dose.

Questions

- Should I be overly concerned with a Sust only cycle because of my Anti-depressant usage?
- The TRT has already shut down my natural production of Test, could my PCT simply be TRT?


Thanking you all in advance.

Sluggo

PS: If by posting this I used the wrong protocol I apologize, but would like to get opinions on my situation specifically, not that it is very unique but through the literally months of viewing info on the net and with other people It simply resulted in this confused state.

Before I say this I want to preface it by saying I'm not telling to stop taking your anti-depressents. My question is did you find your anti-depressent dosage went down once you began TRT or did it remain the same? The reason I ask is many men who suffer from depression often do so due to low testosterone and once they remedy the problem the need for anti-depressents goes out the window or at least the need is reduced. This is simply a curious question on my end. However, I will say there's a good chance the use of anti-depressents also played a strong role on your natural testosterone production as most (perhaps all) anti-depressents are notorious for lowering natural testosterone levels. It's funny (not in a ha ha sense) most medications can lower test levels, but things like anti-depressents and pain meds are probably the worst.

Anyway, I don't see how a supraphysiological dose of testosterone could be damaging due to your anti-depressent medication use. It would be possible for there to be some severe depression after your cycle if you simply end all testosterone use, but in your case you'd simply end your cycle and continue with your TRT. If you're on TRT there is no need for PCT. The primary purpose of PCT is stimulating natural testosterone production and to aid your return to natural optimal levels. In your case there is no return to optimal natural testosterone levels, if there was you wouldn't be on TRT now.

All that said, I'm not an expert on anti-depressents and their effects when conjoined with steroid use. It would be nice if you could get an opinion from someone who understands this relationship a little more than I do. That may not be possible in the real world from a physician but I wouldn't call it impossible. You may have to do some digging. My guess is it wouldn't be harmful but I could be wrong. Sorry if that's the best answer in the world but that's my answer.

[THE HOGG]

Before I say this I want to preface it by saying I'm not telling to stop taking your anti-depressents. My question is did you find your anti-depressent dosage went down once you began TRT or did it remain the same? The reason I ask is many men who suffer from depression often do so due to low testosterone and once they remedy the problem the need for anti-depressents goes out the window or at least the need is reduced. This is simply a curious question on my end. However, I will say there's a good chance the use of anti-depressents also played a strong role on your natural testosterone production as most (perhaps all) anti-depressents are notorious for lowering natural testosterone levels. It's funny (not in a ha ha sense) most medications can lower test levels, but things like anti-depressents and pain meds are probably the worst.

Anyway, I don't see how a supraphysiological dose of testosterone could be damaging due to your anti-depressent medication use. It would be possible for there to be some severe depression after your cycle if you simply end all testosterone use, but in your case you'd simply end your cycle and continue with your TRT. If you're on TRT there is no need for PCT. The primary purpose of PCT is stimulating natural testosterone production and to aid your return to natural optimal levels. In your case there is no return to optimal natural testosterone levels, if there was you wouldn't be on TRT now.

All that said, I'm not an expert on anti-depressents and their effects when conjoined with steroid use. It would be nice if you could get an opinion from someone who understands this relationship a little more than I do. That may not be possible in the real world from a physician but I wouldn't call it impossible. You may have to do some digging. My guess is it wouldn't be harmful but I could be wrong. Sorry if that's the best answer in the world but that's my answer.

I hadnt ever thought about it until now but when I got on trt I found that I didnt need my anti depressants anymore. I never made the connection between the two until just reading this post. Learn something new everyday.

[ScotchGuard02]

I'm on anti-depressants and TRT. Do a Sus cycle, it's awesome. Steroids does not affect the anti-depressant adversely. I think the AAS increases my state of well being and makes me feel better.

[Sluggo]

I'm on anti-depressants and TRT. Do a Sus cycle, it's awesome. Steroids does not affect the anti-depressant adversely. I think the AAS increases my state of well being and makes me feel better.

Thanks Scotch!

Certainly the opinion I want to hear, and I have heard the same from many others as well.

[lovbyts]

As for your PCT you are correct, it is simply going back to your normal TRT dose.
You do need to at the very least have an AI such as Adex or liquidstane on hand if not using it throughout the cycle.
Have you considered HCG during cycle or adding it to your TRT protocol?

[Sluggo]

As for your PCT you are correct, it is simply going back to your normal TRT dose.
You do need to at the very least have an AI such as Adex or liquidstane on hand if not using it throughout the cycle.
Have you considered HCG during cycle or adding it to your TRT protocol?

Thanks Lovbyts

I want to have aniclliaries I would need for during or after just in case. I fully admit that I am very green when it comes to AAS and certainly want to make sure its done correctly. Do you recommend that I take HCG during my cycle and even after while on TRT?

[Sluggo]

Metalject:

I am absolutely convinced that, at the very least my long term AD use has resulted in low T. However I cannot blame low T for originally becoming afflicted with depression, OCD and GAD. It is literally a dream of mine (a little melodramatic I know) to get off of the ADs, its been a long time and quite frankly and cannot deny the help they have given me but do not want them as a crutch for the rest of my life. Thinking logically however it is a succinct possibility.

Im sure we are all well aware of the wealth of info you can get on the web about any subject possible. From what I have read one of the ADs that I am on is know to be one of the, if not the worst to come off of (effexor). This is what scares the crap out of me, too much is going well for me now to be brought down by extreme withdrawal effects from SSRIs.

As far as the AAS, most of the people I have spoken too have claimed that there should be no issues, but I am not a spontaneous person lol, I have been training for a decade and am finally heavily considering taking the plunge.

Thanks again for the input and advice.

[Sluggo]

Thanks very much Mickey, for the input and honesty

[Sluggo]

Thanks again all for the responses...

Now considering my BF% is in the 20% range, would taking an AI along with the Sust such as Aromasin help reduce E2?

I probably should have made it clear, but judging from the pic I provided its probably obvious lol that the reason for considering a cycle is for strength gains and size gains not necessarily aesthetics.

[austinite]

You seem to be holding a lot of water. I don't think you're at 20%. Probably less. I'd check your diet for sure. But again, hard to tell with just frontal pic.

[Sluggo]

Thanks for the response austinite

I have made a promise to myself that after my June meet, I will start working on conditioning heavier in my off-season to feel/look better and ultimately compete at the 220lb weight class which is where I believe I should be.

[OnTheSauce]

I welcome all challengers to the 220 class! Ha. Who am I kidding, im barely competitive in 220 lol. For now anyway... welcome to the board and it seems you've gotten some great advice so far

[Sluggo]

I welcome all challengers to the 220 class! Ha. Who am I kidding, im barely competitive in 220 lol. For now anyway... welcome to the board and it seems you've gotten some great advice so far

LOL! Ill be there by December to get my butt kicked brother!

[Sluggo]

So I have made a decision to hold off on Sust cycle until July, as that will be my so called off season and will be working more on a body recomp and conditioning. It will also coincide with my new TRT doc which is closer and any complications that would have happened if he saw my blood work with supramaximal amounts of test, and why I am on TRT.

Thanks for all the informed responses. You have help me make the decision to go on a cycle, albeit at the right time