Thoughts on low dose test e cycle

This is a long one, for the pertinent shit, read the bold. Thanks.

About five years ago, I did a cycle of test prop only. The even cc worked out to about 105mg eod, which was around 420mg/wk. I had Liquidex at .25 eod and a good PCT. However, while the cycle yielded incredible results, I had some terrible side effects. Night sweats were terrible, it was like someone threw a bucket of water on me while I slept. I would get mild compartment syndrome in my calves and lower back - which I though was just cramps. The pain from that was awful. Speaking of pain, the pins were a mofo. I had three sites, both glutes and one quad. 24hrs after pinning it was almost impossible to sit and sometimes I couldn’t walk. Worst of all, I started to get a bit of gyro - that eventually went away with my PCT and time. Anyway, this whiny list could go on for a while, but I digress. In the end, I put on excellent size and strength. Plus I was shredded, which was totally secondary to a strict clean diet - thanks diet forums.

My point here, even though I had good gains on my first cycle, the shit I went through wasn’t worth it. It felt like I was taking too much of a dose. I got the prop from a buddy at work, whose cousin made it at his house. It was dumb. But I saw his results and some other co-workers and thought I could trust it.

Fast forward five years and I’ve been sticking to a fairly strict diet, I’m in the gym almost daily training my ass off. I recently purchased Test e from a reputable source - not made in a kitchen sink. I’m looking to do my second cycle - test e only. I’m not trying to put on a bunch of mass. I just want to get my strength up, shred up, and heal some injuries common to most 36 y/o’s like myself. What’s the thoughts on doing a low dose test e only cycle? I’m thinking about 150mg e4d, for only 300mg/wk (that’s .6cc’s every pin) for 12 weeks. I’ve read plenty of people on here and other places saying you get more bang for your buck with 500 or more, that low doses are a waste of money. Still, I’ve read excellent articles on low doses and guys having great results. I feel like my first cycle was too much and I really don’t want to go down that road again.

If you had pharmacy grade test e I could maybe see the point to this, but you have no idea the potency of your UGL test.

Imo if you're going to do something then don't do it half assed, use 500mg/week.

What kind of injuries do you have?

Why no mention of hcg, AI, nolva, clomid or blood work?

Have you had a hormone panel recently or after your last cycle to see if you've recovered?

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Originally Posted by numbere

If you had pharmacy grade test e I could maybe see the point to this, but you have no idea the potency of your UGL test.

Imo if you're going to do something then don't do it half assed, use 500mg/week.

What kind of injuries do you have?

Why no mention of hcg, AI, nolva, clomid or blood work?

Have you had a hormone panel recently or after your last cycle to see if you've recovered?

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I see the rules have changed WRT posting source info - I'm not sure what that looks like, you tell me what I can say. But, I ordered my test e online. Everything I've read about the company and brand is nothing but good reviews. You are correct, the potency of my UGL test prop (5 yrs ago) was suspect. This test e is not. It's 250mg/ml.

I have 2x herniated disk L2/L3 and a bulging disk L4 , shoulder issues, knee problems, etc. Sucks, but that's what you get when you jump out of airplanes loaded with a metric fuck ton for over a decade. I see a physical therapist and have everything under control. I'm able to do olympic lifts w/o pain, snatch, cleans, etc. I'm in incredible cardiovascular shape as well - it's just a matter of staying on top of the PT.

I also have hcg, Arimidex, Nolva, and Clomid for PCT - all from the same company. I didn't mention it b/c I was trying to get to the nuts and bolts of the conversation and keep it short.

No blood work or hormone panel as of yet. I'm military and just had a physical. TBH there's no way I could get our docs to look at that w/o raising questions. I feel great, have tons of energy and sex drive. My wife and I just had our third kid several months ago - not really relevant - mostly bragging. I'm out of town -- way out of town for a good long while. All I have here is a gym, good food and time - plus the mentioned cycle. The right answer is absolutely shelving that until I get home in several months to get a private workup. Am I going to do that - no. It's about as close as irresponsible as I can get, but I feel with my current body type, stats, and training experience, it's a calculated risk and I'll be okay.

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Originally Posted by JackSwole

I see the rules have changed WRT posting source info - I'm not sure what that looks like, you tell me what I can say. But, I ordered my test e online. Everything I've read about the company and brand is nothing but good reviews. You are correct, the potency of my UGL test prop (5 yrs ago) was suspect. This test e is not. It's 250mg/ml.

I have 2x herniated disk L2/L3 and a bulging disk L4 , shoulder issues, knee problems, etc. Sucks, but that's what you get when you jump out of airplanes loaded with a metric fuck ton for over a decade. I see a physical therapist and have everything under control. I'm able to do olympic lifts w/o pain, snatch, cleans, etc. I'm in incredible cardiovascular shape as well - it's just a matter of staying on top of the PT.

I also have hcg, Arimidex, Nolva, and Clomid for PCT - all from the same company. I didn't mention it b/c I was trying to get to the nuts and bolts of the conversation and keep it short.

No blood work or hormone panel as of yet. I'm military and just had a physical. TBH there's no way I could get our docs to look at that w/o raising questions. I feel great, have tons of energy and sex drive. My wife and I just had our third kid several months ago - not really relevant - mostly bragging. I'm out of town -- way out of town for a good long while. All I have here is a gym, good food and time - plus the mentioned cycle. The right answer is absolutely shelving that until I get home in several months to get a private workup. Am I going to do that - no. It's about as close as irresponsible as I can get, but I feel with my current body type, stats, and training experience, it's a calculated risk and I'll be okay.

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Okay, it's seems like you're going to do whatever you want and are just looking for my approval.

So here you go, good luck with this cycle it looks like you're on top of everything.

If you'd like to know what source info you are able to talk about then read the forum rules.

Be careful with the olympic lifts when your strength increases.

Your approval isn't a factor. I'm looking for solid advice. There's evidence that a low dose cycle can improve physical performance w/o generating unnecessary side effects. If you can argue against that, I really want to hear it. I came here to socialize the concept and build my situational awareness. Not get answers like, "if you're going to do something, don't do it half assed" or "you're going to do whatever you want". I've been in and out of this site for years and have come to find some of the most knowledgable people online wrt to this subject. I would think someone with the title 'Monitor' under their name would know how to provide fruitful, respectful answers to a logical question w/o being condescending.

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Originally Posted by JackSwole

Your approval isn't a factor. I'm looking for solid advice. There's evidence that a low dose cycle can improve physical performance w/o generating unnecessary side effects. If you can argue against that, I really want to hear it. I came here to socialize the concept and build my situational awareness. Not get answers like, "if you're going to do something, don't do it half assed" or "you're going to do whatever you want". I've been in and out of this site for years and have come to find some of the most knowledgable people online wrt to this subject. I would think someone with the title 'Monitor' under their name would know how to provide fruitful, respectful answers to a logical question w/o being condescending.

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We're obviously on different wavelengths.

I hope you find the advice you're looking for and this cycle goes well.

Hello JS! I would be willing to bet my buddies farm that during your previous cycle, the Liquidex was bunk. Those side effects you described were probably sky high estrogen and maybe even some prolactin issues. I think you will have a much better experience with this upcoming cycle. Being you are confident with the quality of all your gear.
I also want to point out that I have 100% confidence in Numberes knowledge of everything AAS, and whatever he tells you it's for your good health and wellness.
I also think you would be better served with 500-600mgs. pw with this cycle. Dosed 2xweekly. But I completely understand your point in using less. Good luck bro!

Jack I would simply follow the Successful First Cycle sticky thread at the top of this forum. With good gear and ancillaries you'll do just fine. Keep in mind some guys TRT dose is 200 mgs per week, which is high end TRT but your proposed cycle at 300 mgs really isn't much more. If you're going to shut down your HPTA you may as well do it properly, imho.

Bear in mind I'm not saying a low dose cycle is a waste of time as no doubt your T levels will be much higher than your endogenous levels. That said, I refer back to my last sentence in the first paragraph.

If your last cycle was 5 years ago, this cycle is going to be almost like a first cycle. 300mg/wk of Test E is a good low dose cycle. The sides will be lower as well as the results. I have done low dose Test Cyp cycles in the past with good results. The key is to keep on top of your diet. if you're looking to get good muscle mass from your cycle, you need to eat a little more than your TDEE. I would keep the portions 40% carbs, 30% protein, and 30% fats. You're not going to get "shredded" on this diet but you'll have lots of energy to lift and you'll build some good muscles. if you have a propensity for acne, you'll get them with the low dose Test cycle. Think about running the Test E cycle for 14 weeks. At the end of 12 weeks, keep your eyes on your gains. If you're still making gains, keep going for 2 more weeks. If not, stop your cycle and get ready for PCT. If you wash with salacilic acid based soap, there's a body wash in Walmart that's cheap and works well, you'll keep the acne down and your skin won't sweat oil. Have fun with your cycle.

"Anything worth doing is worth over doing ...moderation is for pussies " lol jk. It's a quote from LONE survivor. But still. I gues it makes sense that if your going to shut down your system you might as well do amounts more worth it and still in the safe low end range compared to what others do.. opposed to low doses. . I never cycled so I can't give u solid intell..I just like to talk

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Originally Posted by Marsoc

"Anything worth doing is worth over doing ...moderation is for pussies " lol jk. It's a quote from LONE survivor.

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I met Marcus Luttrell at a couple hour Q & A event in NJ years back right after his book came out. It was hosted by Mike Smirconish and was a great evening. Amazing story and he answered tons of questions. Impressive man.

The Scariest Navy SEAL Imaginable…And What He Taught Me | The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss
This was real cool

Yep. I read his book a few months ago.

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Originally Posted by Strongblood

Hello JS! I would be willing to bet my buddies farm that during your previous cycle, the Liquidex was bunk. Those side effects you described were probably sky high estrogen and maybe even some prolactin issues. I think you will have a much better experience with this upcoming cycle. Being you are confident with the quality of all your gear.
I also want to point out that I have 100% confidence in Numberes knowledge of everything AAS, and whatever he tells you it's for your good health and wellness.
I also think you would be better served with 500-600mgs. pw with this cycle. Dosed 2xweekly. But I completely understand your point in using less. Good luck bro!

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Way back in my cycle log I mentioned that I suspected my Liquidex wasn't legit. I'm not sure if you guys can speak to the quality of *****'s research chem's (I believe they used to advertise on here), but I had their AI and Clomid. The AI tasted great, but didn't seem to hold back many of the issues. And I also believe the test p, from the UGL, might have been stronger than purposed. Both resulting in a poor first time experience.

Question regarding doses - would a person's physical stats play into the dose? If someone 6', 210lbs, 12% bf, starts at 500mgs/wk, could someone with my stats have the same benefit on a lower dose? 5'7", 170lbs, same bf%. Again, my goal isn't to bulk up. My diet and training are already on track - and will be as close to perfected as I can get in a few weeks. I just want to increase strength, gain lean muscle mass, and potentially garner some healing benefits from the increased testosterone.

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Originally Posted by ScotchGuard02

If your last cycle was 5 years ago, this cycle is going to be almost like a first cycle. 300mg/wk of Test E is a good low dose cycle. The sides will be lower as well as the results. I have done low dose Test Cyp cycles in the past with good results. The key is to keep on top of your diet. if you're looking to get good muscle mass from your cycle, you need to eat a little more than your TDEE. I would keep the portions 40% carbs, 30% protein, and 30% fats. You're not going to get "shredded" on this diet but you'll have lots of energy to lift and you'll build some good muscles. if you have a propensity for acne, you'll get them with the low dose Test cycle. Think about running the Test E cycle for 14 weeks. At the end of 12 weeks, keep your eyes on your gains. If you're still making gains, keep going for 2 more weeks. If not, stop your cycle and get ready for PCT. If you wash with salacilic acid based soap, there's a body wash in Walmart that's cheap and works well, you'll keep the acne down and your skin won't sweat oil. Have fun with your cycle.

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Is there any concern for energy loss on low dose test? I'd be worried about putting down that many carbs. I keep a pretty strict low carb diet now, with enough energy reserve for my training. For the last year, I was completely Ketogenic - with my macros, 70% fat, 25% protein, 5% carbs. I came off that diet and went back to a glycolysis based one for the purpose of this cycle a couple months ago. My current macro count is almost reversed with 70% protein, 20% carbs, 10% fats. Staying shredded is sort of a must for me. I completely agree with you that the key is keeping on top of the diet. I've seen way too many dudes try to cycle to lose weight or cut up only to f themselves. I strongly believe the better fit you are in the beginning, the better results you'll have. Hence the reason I'm looking at a low dose cycle. IMO I'm in great shape, already lean and built for a guy my height and weight. I simply want to benefit from a little more testosterone, but don't want to over do it at the same time.

Thanks for all the help and advice here guys. Really appreciated.