First Cycle

[BD30]

49yo, 6'4" 215lb powerlifting for 4 years + now. Looking to add some lean mass and if I get some gains on the bar - all the better. I only compete with myself.

Going to keep this simple - planning on running my first cycle according to the method described in the sticky thread. Only one change - since I am on 100mg test cup weekly for TRT, will forgo the PCT because I will continue the TRT throughout the cycle (reducing the test e by 100mg weekly) and continue with it after completion of the cycle.

Still researching while I collect materials, but from what I read it is a good idea to run the hCG regardless of TRT so the other ball functions work correctly?

Is the sticky thread for a first cycle still current info or is there something other change I need to consider?

[kelkel]

Welcome to the forum BD!

Correct, no pct is needed. It's such a huge benefit to not have to run it.
No need to slowly reduce the test E. Just stop and immediately resume your TRT dose. The extra test will reduce itself.
Yes, HCG is a big plus. 250 iu's x 2 per seek is just fine, year round. Read the sticky thread at the to of the HRT Forum on it please.
Yes, the Successful First Cycle thread is on-point for a TRT-er about to cycle.
Make sure you use an AI.

How's your T levels (total and free) doing on your current protocol?


Best of luck!

[BD30]

Thanks for the confirmation Kelkel. My AI will be that recommended in the first cycle post. Will take your advice and hold the legit RX T-Cyp aside until post cycle. Thinking about subbing T-Cyp for the E just because I do have a script for the stuff so if I get caught with it I may have a way out.

My Free T levels were in the upper end of normal at the last test in January (75th percentile or so). Getting more bloodwork done here in a week or 2 so will have current data then. Plenty of time before I start as I am still sourcing - what a nerve racking process!

[Dannyboy51577]

Hey BD30, not sure you will check this post, but if so, wanted to get some info on trt. Im going to be going in for a check up in the next day or so, and i can already tell i have problems with low t. Just trying to see what im in for. I work alot and dont have too much free time to be going from one dr appt to another, even though i know its important. Just wont have the ability to get much time off work to do tests or appts, so trying to see how to go about knocking alot of it out quickly.

[Richard Head]

From experience its not super fast process. Blood work has to be done, then evaluated. From there another Dr. visit, etc. For me took 6-8 months to get dialed in so to speak but still have blood work done 3-4 times a year to keep track. Keep reading in the HRT section, a lot very good info in there.

[ScotchGuard02]

Thanks for the confirmation Kelkel. My AI will be that recommended in the first cycle post. Will take your advice and hold the legit RX T-Cyp aside until post cycle. Thinking about subbing T-Cyp for the E just because I do have a script for the stuff so if I get caught with it I may have a way out.

My Free T levels were in the upper end of normal at the last test in January (75th percentile or so). Getting more bloodwork done here in a week or 2 so will have current data then. Plenty of time before I start as I am still sourcing - what a nerve racking process!

Test E or Test Cyp, they're about the same. Their ester half life is almost the same and Test is Test.

[kelkel]

Hey BD30, not sure you will check this post, but if so, wanted to get some info on trt. Im going to be going in for a check up in the next day or so, and i can already tell i have problems with low t. Just trying to see what im in for. I work alot and dont have too much free time to be going from one dr appt to another, even though i know its important. Just wont have the ability to get much time off work to do tests or appts, so trying to see how to go about knocking alot of it out quickly.

Danny take a look at the Finding a Doc sticky at the top of the HRT Forum. Try to use the list of BW in it if at all possible. Some items can be cut out if needed but many are important to determine where the issue may lie such as Primary, Secondary, combination, etc. Be sure to get LH/FSH, Prolactin, Cortisol and a full thyroid panel if possible to include TSH, FT3, FT4 and Rt3. These are some of the main ones that can inhibit testosterone.

Also take a minute and google the Adam Questionnaire, take the test and see how you make out.

[Dannyboy51577]

Thanks Kel. Did the questionnaire and that basically descibes my life to a T in the last year. Did blood work with my doc, gotta go in for him to go over with me in a week. But the nurse told me over the phone that although my test levels are in the lower 10% of range, it still isnt low enough for them to do anything about. Which is kinda what i figured i would hear. Just aggravating. I work alot and really dont have a ton of time to be getting to doc appts. So gonna check out what he says about labs and if necessary just start my own regimen.
Docs say people shouldnt self diagnose or self medicate, but when there needs to be a resolution to a problem and they wont do anything, sometimes it forces you to do something on your own

[kelkel]

Thanks Kel. Did the questionnaire and that basically descibes my life to a T in the last year. Did blood work with my doc, gotta go in for him to go over with me in a week. But the nurse told me over the phone that although my test levels are in the lower 10% of range, it still isnt low enough for them to do anything about. Which is kinda what i figured i would hear. Just aggravating. I work alot and really dont have a ton of time to be getting to doc appts. So gonna check out what he says about labs and if necessary just start my own regimen.
Docs say people shouldnt self diagnose or self medicate, but when there needs to be a resolution to a problem and they wont do anything, sometimes it forces you to do something on your own

Sorry to hear that shoe fits, so to speak. When it comes to your doctor commenting on self-diagnosing or self-medicating, he's basically correct but in the case of hormones most just don't understand them and/or when they do treat someone they really are clueless about it. Speaking of clueless that's how his office is already treating you. They are already treating you based on a number on a chart as opposed to how you feel. Bullshit.

If you use Labcorp by chance sign up for their on-line service so you can receive your bloodwork on line and review it yourself as well. Or let us help you. Post up your results when you get them. Love to see them. Then chart your course forward be it another doc or clinic.

[TRTdrew]

I’m in the same boat. Please post your progress