Cycle Comments - New Here

[DGenRit]

Hello everyone. I'm new here as a registered user but have been reading a lot over the last 8 months or so. I'm a 5' 11" 47 year old male that has gone through a pretty dramatic transformation. I live in the US. I did a few cycles back in my 20s and a little in my early 30s. I've battled my weight gain my entire life but always kept it manageable (except for a 3 year period in my 20s when I ballooned up to 270 lbs with little muscle).

At 40 years old I started very basic TRT, HCG and HGH but nothing earth-shattering (125mg of test per week and 1.5IU of HGH per day). Did that non-stop for 7 years just to keep my test levels at a normal level of about 700-750 and to benefit from some anti-aging. I worked out throughout but never really made the lifestyle change to make fitness my priority. That all changed about 8 months ago.

I started my recent transformation 8 months ago with nothing but hard work in the gym, great dieting and the above-mentioned TRT/HGH. At 5 months into my transformation after I had seen dramatic results with no gear, I added some gear (only injectables and troches- first Winny troches, Then Tren and then Mas) and upped my Test and HGH (went to 375mg per week and 4.5 IU of HGH ED.). To be clear, I took test and HGH the entire time. The Winny, Tren and Mas were never stacked with each other. Here are specifics from the point that I added the gear.

Week 1-8 - 50mg Winny Troches ED; 125mg Test EOD (100 ENAN 25 PROP); 4IU HGH ED; 1/2 Arimidex ED

Week 9-13 - 100mg Tren EOD; 125mg Test EOD; 5IU HGH ED; 1/2 Arimidex ED

Week 14-16 - 100mg Mas EOD; 100 mg Test Cyp/EN/Prop EOD; 5IU HGH ED; 1/2 Arimidex ED

Week 17 - 50mg Mas EOD; 100mg Test Cyp/EN/Prop EOD; 5IU HGH ED; 1/2 Arimidex ED

PCT - drop test to 125mg 1x week, whole arimidex ED for 1 week, then 1/2 ED. 2 weeks after cycle start HCG

I'm currently on Week 15.

I went from 250 pounds and probably 30% bf (never got a BF test back then) to 210 pounds today and 6% bf now (had BF test done recently). Getting ready to come down and start PCT.

That's my story guys. Looking forward to being a part of this community and learning more about how to safely continue to use gear and improve my physique. Any help or constructive criticism would be appreciated. What do you guys think about the above cycle?

[TheTaxMan]

Well done
Any before and after pics?

[DGenRit]

Well done
Any before and after pics?

Yeah - for sure. Here you go. Don't laugh!!! Lol - I really let myself go as you can see.

[TheTaxMan]

Dont worry i did the same, i have a log back in the q&a section

The main thing is getting back on track, congrats man thats excellent progress

[clarkey02]

Impressive, I'd say maybe we should be the one asking you for advice because you look far better than taxman and me. Good job!

[NACH3]

Yeah - for sure. Here you go. Don't laugh!!! Lol - I really let myself go as you can see.

Yeah but you sure look great now! Well done brother!

But why do you keep saying pct... When your on HRT/TRT you just return back to your normal doses...

[MrFreshmaker]

Only 8 months?!! Wow...

[DGenRit]

Yeah but you sure look great now! Well done brother!

But why do you keep saying pct... When your on HRT/TRT you just return back to your normal doses...

Well I have been advised that I need to continue on Arimidex for a few weeks post-cycle and add in HCG to ignite natural testosterone production again - even though I will stay on TRT/HRT. Do you not agree with that? Just to be clear my natural testosterone level is about 500 w/o TRT. With TRT at 125 mg per week it jumps to about 700-750.

Also I never took Arimidex while I did TRT / doses were so small at 125mg per week that I felt it wasn't necessary and I never got gyno. Do you advise otherwise?

[DGenRit]

Only 8 months?!! Wow...

Yes sir - but a very strictly adhered to 8 months. Not a single missed workout and everything I eat gets logged and macros recorded.

[MrFreshmaker]

Well I have been advised that I need to continue on Arimidex for a few weeks post-cycle and add in HCG to ignite natural testosterone production again - even though I will stay on TRT/HRT. Do you not agree with that? Just to be clear my natural testosterone level is about 500 w/o TRT. With TRT at 125 mg per week it jumps to about 700-750. Also I never took Arimidex while I did TRT / doses were so small at 125mg per week that I felt it wasn't necessary and I never got hypo. Do you advise otherwise?

500 without TRT??!! Can you explain what kind of low test symptoms you had? I am younger than you and my test levels are between 500-600,and i feel great,my libido is through the roof constantly! Just curious what pushed into TRT

[MrFreshmaker]

Yes sir - but a very strictly adhered to 8 months. Not a single missed workout and everything I eat gets logged and macros recorded.

Congratulation,really a huge transformation,well done!

[kelkel]

Well I have been advised that I need to continue on Arimidex for a few weeks post-cycle and add in HCG to ignite natural testosterone production again - even though I will stay on TRT/HRT. Do you not agree with that? Just to be clear my natural testosterone level is about 500 w/o TRT. With TRT at 125 mg per week it jumps to about 700-750.

Also I never took Arimidex while I did TRT / doses were so small at 125mg per week that I felt it wasn't necessary and I never got gyno. Do you advise otherwise?

Adex for a few weeks after cycle is appropriate although it's not necessary to double your dosage. No logic to it.
HCG should be used ALL the time. Not just after a cycle. 250 IU's x 2 per week is fine.
Without blood work you have no clue whether you needed adex while on your TRT. Many guys do even at TRT amounts of test.
Gyno is only a visible side effect. There are many more internal issues with elevated estrogen.

[Mr.BB]

Well I have been advised that I need to continue on Arimidex for a few weeks post-cycle and add in HCG to ignite natural testosterone production again - even though I will stay on TRT/HRT. Do you not agree with that? Just to be clear my natural testosterone level is about 500 w/o TRT. With TRT at 125 mg per week it jumps to about 700-750.

Also I never took Arimidex while I did TRT / doses were so small at 125mg per week that I felt it wasn't necessary and I never got gyno. Do you advise otherwise?

Looking great!

But you dont have any natural testosterone since you started TRT 7 years ago.
Once we inject our body stops producing completely, and the longer you stay on the harder it is get the testis back to work.
Maybe you need to revise if you really want stop, you will lose a lot.

Do you do bloodwork often? Hows your hematocrit?

[DGenRit]

500 without TRT??!! Can you explain what kind of low test symptoms you had? I am younger than you and my test levels are between 500-600,and i feel great,my libido is through the roof constantly! Just curious what pushed into TRT

I was really more interested in HRT and the benefits of that. They recommended that I add in some Test the thought was that 500 was adequate but a little more would be better. I didn't have any libido issues and I felt fine. I will say that during this current cycle libido is off the charts - really off the charts - especially when I started the Mas.

[DGenRit]

Adex for a few weeks after cycle is appropriate although it's not necessary to double your dosage. No logic to it.
HCG should be used ALL the time. Not just after a cycle. 250 IU's x 2 per week is fine.
Without blood work you have no clue whether you needed adex while on your TRT. Many guys do even at TRT amounts of test.
Gyno is only a visible side effect. There are many more internal issues with elevated estrogen.

Thanks for the info. A few follow up questions

(1) I was on HCG non-stop during TRT for 7 years (315 IU ED) so I was advised to cut it out during the cycle to try and restart my receptors. The idea was that after such extended non-stop use, I may have become desensitized. I you agree?

(2) should HCG be taken non-stop post cycle? Should it be taken non-stop during TRT/HRT? Or just during PCT?

(3) you recommend above 250 IU 2xweek. Seems like I was taking too much?

(4) what am I looking for in my bloodwork to determine if I need adex during TRT?

Thanks - really appreciate the help.

[Mick50cal]

Hello everyone! So I'm starting my 2nd cycle at the beginnng of next month. I made the mistake of not really learning a lot my 1st time I did it last year. On my last cycle i had really bad side affects with acne on my back and chest. The cycle consisted of 250MG test Eth and 250 MG of tren. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Im 36 yrs old 5'8 170lbs. This cycle I plan on sticking to just 250MG of Test Cypionate every 3 day along with some arimidex at .25 every other day. I have my pct in hand which consist of clomid and nova. My question to all of you is do you guys think I really need some HCG??? I really don't want to add another shoot if I don't have to. Thanks in advance

[DGenRit]

Looking great!

But you dont have any natural testosterone since you started TRT 7 years ago.
Once we inject our body stops producing completely, and the longer you stay on the harder it is get the testis back to work.
Maybe you need to revise if you really want stop, you will lose a lot.

Do you do bloodwork often? Hows your hematocrit?

Thanks Mr.BB - I typically did bloodwork once a year before this cycle. Now that I'm cycling, I plan on doing it quarterly but am waiting to finish this cucle and PCT before getting it drawn again. My last panel before my transformation had my Hematocrit at 53.8 so a little bit high right? What should I be worried about there? The reason that I felt my test production was still in tact was that I always took HCG.

[somewhatjacked]

Yeah - for sure. Here you go. Don't laugh!!! Lol - I really let myself go as you can see.

<img src="http://forums.steroid.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160896"/>

Wow congratulations!!!

You look great!

[kallmenelly]

Hello everyone! So I'm starting my 2nd cycle at the beginnng of next month. I made the mistake of not really learning a lot my 1st time I did it last year. On my last cycle i had really bad side affects with acne on my back and chest. The cycle consisted of 250MG test Eth and 250 MG of tren. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Im 36 yrs old 5'8 170lbs. This cycle I plan on sticking to just 250MG of Test Cypionate every 3 day along with some arimidex at .25 every other day. I have my pct in hand which consist of clomid and nova. My question to all of you is do you guys think I really need some HCG??? I really don't want to add another shoot if I don't have to. Thanks in advance

hey man you have to make your own thread but I'm going give you some advice from an acne prone guy do not use a long ester test you will break out and it will take forever to rid yourself from the acne. Do a prop cycle great fast results very minimal sides.

[TheTaxMan]

Impressive, I'd say maybe we should be the one asking you for advice because you look far better than taxman and me. Good job!

Hes actualy at my goal, apart from bodyfat, too hard to maintain that, you have to be very dedicated.

5ft11 210lbs 6% hes at

5ft8 202lbs 14% im at now
5ft8 210lbs 10% is my goal, so i can kind of see the mass id have - right no PCT for me, time to treble the dose j/k

[kelkel]

Thanks for the info. A few follow up questions

(1) I was on HCG non-stop during TRT for 7 years (315 IU ED) so I was advised to cut it out during the cycle to try and restart my receptors. The idea was that after such extended non-stop use, I may have become desensitized. I you agree?

Entirely to much HCG. Whoever advised you that should be kicked directly in the nuts. Desensitization is probably unlikely at that dose, imho. Only way to tell would be an HCG Stimulation Test.

(2) should HCG be taken non-stop post cycle? Should it be taken non-stop during TRT/HRT? Or just during PCT?

If on TRT it should be taken. As previously stated, 250 iu's x 2 is fine. Google Dr. John Crisler's paper on HCG and read it. Remember, it keeps your testies functioning somewhat by mimicking LH function. HCG does not maintain full endogenous T production as if you were not on AAS.

(3) you recommend above 250 IU 2xweek. Seems like I was taking too much?

Yes. 250 x 2 or 3 is fine. Some like smaller doses such as 100 iu daily.

(4) what am I looking for in my bloodwork to determine if I need adex during TRT

A Sensitive Estrogen Assay. Standard Estradiol is geared to women and not sensitive enough to be accurate for men at low readings. The difference between the two can at times be dramatic. Discounted Labs . com has about the cheapest available test I believe. Check Private md labs as well.

Thanks - really appreciate the help.

In bold above.

[DGenRit]

In bold above.

Great response. You're the best man. Thank you.

[kelkel]

Great response. You're the best man. Thank you.

No worries. It's what this place is about. Stick around, read-learn-contribute. Pay it forward.

You've made great progress. Now help some others!

[Strongblood]

Yeah - for sure. Here you go. Don't laugh!!! Lol - I really let myself go as you can see. <img src="http://forums.steroid.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=160896"/>

You may have let yourself go, but you got yourself back, nicely!

[73rr]

Yeah - for sure. Here you go. Don't laugh!!! Lol - I really let myself go as you can see.

Great job man! Inspiration for sure!

[Proximal]

Insane transformation - congrats. Question: Is the before picture before you initiated the HRT 7 years ago or before this 8 month lifestyle change?

[DGenRit]

Insane transformation - congrats. Question: Is the before picture before you initiated the HRT 7 years ago or before this 8 month lifestyle change?

That BEFORE picture is April 2015 before I started the transformation. TRT I did was low dosage - not meant for building a ton of mass. My diet wasn't great and training was mediocre at best.

[DGenRit]

Hello all - pardon my question but I want to be sure I do this properly and don't go against the rules here. I am on my final week of the above mentioned cycle and did BW about 10 days ago - and just got results. I would love to have some feedback on it but don't know if this is the right place to post it. I know there is a BW thread but since my cycle/transformation is here, I thought this may be the best place for it. Is it OK to post it here? Just looking for some input on how good/bad my numbers look. I think many can learn from this as the numbers (according to my interpretation of them), look pretty good. Should I post labs here or on a different thread?

[DGenRit]

Looking great!

But you dont have any natural testosterone since you started TRT 7 years ago.
Once we inject our body stops producing completely, and the longer you stay on the harder it is get the testis back to work.
Maybe you need to revise if you really want stop, you will lose a lot.

Do you do bloodwork often? Hows your hematocrit?

Hey there BB - Hope you had a great New Year!!! I wanted to get back to you on this question regarding hematocrit. I just had bloods drawn about 10 days ago - about 14 weeks into cycle and the results weren't that bad I don't think. I'm not as knowledgeable as you but from what I can gather, it looks not too bad. Hematocrit is 49.8 but RDW was high at 19 (not sure what that means). The only one of the Liver tests that came in high was ALT at 61. Not sure how big a problem that represents. As for Kidney, BUN was at 25 and so was the ratio at 25 but Creatinine was in range at 1.02 and GFR at 87 (in range). My test was 1274 and free test 49.5.

Honestly I was pretty scared on what I was going to see but I think this is reasonable given the length of my cycle no?

[NACH3]

Hey there BB - Hope you had a great New Year!!! I wanted to get back to you on this question regarding hematocrit. I just had bloods drawn about 10 days ago - about 14 weeks into cycle and the results weren't that bad I don't think. I'm not as knowledgeable as you but from what I can gather, it looks not too bad. Hematocrit is 49.8 but RDW was high at 19 (not sure what that means). The only one of the Liver tests that came in high was ALT at 61. Not sure how big a problem that represents. As for Kidney, BUN was at 25 and so was the ratio at 25 but Creatinine was in range at 1.02 and GFR at 87 (in range). My test was 1274 and free test 49.5.

Honestly I was pretty scared on what I was going to see but I think this is reasonable given the length of my cycle no?

Your bw doesn't look bad... Your ALT will be elevated due to heavy lifting(and or if you ran an oral) but doesnt seem too high at all(what's the cut off range)?

Your hematocrit is getting on the high(er) side... You want to keep it under 50%... Donate blood either a WRBC/or DRBC(but check your other lab work for when you felt best with where your hematocrit is) I like 44-48 myself...

[Mr.BB]

Hey there BB - Hope you had a great New Year!!! I wanted to get back to you on this question regarding hematocrit. I just had bloods drawn about 10 days ago - about 14 weeks into cycle and the results weren't that bad I don't think. I'm not as knowledgeable as you but from what I can gather, it looks not too bad. Hematocrit is 49.8 but RDW was high at 19 (not sure what that means). The only one of the Liver tests that came in high was ALT at 61. Not sure how big a problem that represents. As for Kidney, BUN was at 25 and so was the ratio at 25 but Creatinine was in range at 1.02 and GFR at 87 (in range). My test was 1274 and free test 49.5.

Honestly I was pretty scared on what I was going to see but I think this is reasonable given the length of my cycle no?

Cant you post the whole hemogram? Its better to look at whole picture, RDW is ussually analised together with MCV. 19% is quite high, upper limit is 15.

[NACH3]

Cant you post the whole hemogram? Its better to look at whole picture, RDW is ussually analised together with MCV. 19% is quite high, upper limit is 15.

Hey BB, do agree with what I posted as well? I missed that RDW(and didn't see MCV) good catch!

[Mr.BB]

Hey BB, do agree with what I posted as well? I missed that RDW(and didn't see MCV) good catch!

Yeah, you are correct. But that big RDW might indicate some defficiencies, OP did you test for b12?

[DGenRit]

Cant you post the whole hemogram? Its better to look at whole picture, RDW is ussually analised together with MCV. 19% is quite high, upper limit is 15.

Yeah absolutely - would be honored to have you take a glance guys. That's really appreciated.

AGE: 47
CYCLE: SEE ABOVE - During testing was taking 125mg EOD Test C/P/E and 100MG EOD Mast and 5iu Pharma HGH
Weight 210 BF 6-7%

CBC With Differential/Platelet
WBC 5.1
RBC 5.72
Hemoglobin 16.6
Hematocrit 49.8
MCV 87
MCH 29.0
MCHC 33.3
RDW 19.0 HIGH
Platelets 220
Neutrophils 48
Lymphs 42
Monocytes 8
Eos 2
Basos 0
Neutrophils (Absolute) 2.5
Lymphs (Absolute) 2.1
Monocytes(Absolute) 0.4
Eos (Absolute) 0.1
Baso (Absolute) 0.0
Immature Granulocytes 0
Immature Grans (Abs) 0.0

Comp. Metabolic Panel (14)
Glucose, Serum 86
BUN 25 High
Creatinine, Serum 1.02
eGFR If NonAfricn Am 87
BUN/Creatinine Ratio 25 High

Sodium, Serum 139
Potassium, Serum 4.8
Chloride, Serum 100
Carbon Dioxide, Total 24
Calcium, Serum 9.7
Protein, Total, Serum 6.7
Globulin, Total 2.1
A/G Ratio 2.2
Bilirubin, Total 0.6
Alkaline Phosphatase, S 43
AST (SGOT) 39
ALT (SGPT) 61 High

Lipid Panel w/ Chol/HDL Ratio
Cholesterol, Total 191
Triglycerides 67
HDL Cholesterol 30 Low ***NOTE I ALWAYS RUN LOW SINCE I WAS IN MY EARLY 20s Last test a year ago at 39****
VLDL Cholesterol Cal 13
LDL Cholesterol Calc 148 High
T. Chol/HDL Ratio 6.4 High

Testosterone,Free and Total
Testosterone, Serum 1274 High
Free Testosterone(Direct) 49.5 High

Estradiol, Sensitive
Estradiol, Sensitive 15.4

Sex Horm Binding Glob, Serum
Sex Horm Binding Glob, Serum 8.5 Low

[DGenRit]

Hey BB, do agree with what I posted as well? I missed that RDW(and didn't see MCV) good catch!

Thanks Nach3 - just posted full BW below.

[kelkel]

Testosterone,Free and Total
Testosterone, Serum 1274 High
Free Testosterone(Direct) 49.5 High


Sex Horm Binding Glob, Serum
Sex Horm Binding Glob, Serum 8.5 Low

Question. If I'm reading this correctly you're doing a little over 400 mgs test when you pulled this BW? If so your serum level is horrible. It should be way higher.

Also, when it comes to SHBG I'm glad you tested it. You need to keep an eye on things as low SHBG combined with cholesterol issues is a marker for metabolic syndrome. Google it. Yes, added test will suppress SHBG and it also will decrease due to aging. That said, your number is low imho. Next time you pull BW (off cycle) keep an eye on it as well as your CRP level. I'd also suggest an advanced NMR or VAP Lipo profile which breaks down your chol / LDL and gives a much more concise picture.

[DGenRit]

Question. If I'm reading this correctly you're doing a little over 400 mgs test when you pulled this BW? If so your serum level is horrible. It should be way higher.

Thanks Kelkel - at the time of the test I was doing 125MG of Test EOD. Why would the amount of test effect the blood serum levels? What are the risks or indications of serum being low as you state? I do see they are within the healthy range the test form shows.

Also - for taking that quantity of test and mast that I'm doing, aren't my test levels low at 1274? Or are my test levels ok there? How about Free test?

I will research a little on the SHBG. How does the rest of my BW look? Anything else of concern? My pre-cycle LDL with medium/poor diet was 118. Now it's 148. Is that reasonable given my current cycle?

[DGenRit]

Question. If I'm reading this correctly you're doing a little over 400 mgs test when you pulled this BW? If so your serum level is horrible. It should be way higher.

I just realized you were referring to my test serum and not blood serum. I agree - it seems low. What would cause that? I know I was due for a shot the morning of my draw and I was told not to pin until after my test. I have no idea why it's not higher. Any theories?

[NACH3]

I just realized you were referring to my test serum and not blood serum. I agree - it seems low. What would cause that? I know I was due for a shot the morning of my draw and I was told not to pin until after my test. I have no idea why it's not higher. Any theories?

Ugl or pharma? If pharma it shoulda been close to 7x your dose... But it was during a trough(if was right b4 your next pin) ... But still should be higher imho

[DGenRit]

Ugl or pharma? If pharma it shoulda been close to 7x your dose... But it was during a trough(if was right b4 your next pin) ... But still should be higher imho

It's US Pharmacy Compounded. 250mg/ml. My results were pretty remarkable on this cycle so I'm hard pressed to say the gear was bad. When you say 7x dosage are you referring to total weekly dosage or the EOD dosage?