Cycle Questions

[AlmightyGodzilla]

First post and bit of a long one so I apologize in advance.

Essentially, I'm trying to see a few things. 1, once I start my first cycle what kind of results would I be likely to see, as I see tons of posts and threads (not just here) of people running small cycles and seeing tremendous results but that not being their first cycle. My first cycle has been put on hold due to source issues so I'm going to use this time to see if I can improve elsewhere or improve planning. Second, how do you go about deciding where to move up from in terms of cycling? As in, if looking to increase based on results of first cycle, how would I know what to add in or increase? Third, I had some initial blood work done and the results confuse me a bit and I truthfully felt the place I went to (a TRT and hormone therapy place) were trying to fake some numbers to get me to go through them for TRT. My test level was 505 and my free test was 12. They said the test level was within normal range but then asked if I had gotten good nights sleep, meals, etc. I know this kind of stuff can affect test levels, and this test was done first thing in the morning after waking up on the weekend so I did sleep in, but they asked me to come back mid-day and wake up at my normal work time (5:30 AM) and take another test. This kind of felt like they were trying to force low T levels so they could then push therapy on to me, which I wouldn't go through them in the first place since it would be too expensive. My question here is, I know the 505 is within normal range but that free test is low correct? Is there any merit to them saying that I am technically low T if it were a normal day? I already plan on getting blood work done through my PCP once I can get an appointment in but that is far out since Covid has got him booked in advance like crazy.

My first cycle was to be (and hopefully should still be):
Test E 300mg a week
Arimidex 0.25mg as estrogen blocker (as needed)
Nolvadex 20mg for PCT
HCG 5000iu for PCT (one shot for PCT)

From what I have seen, the senior members here have always said to make sure you're far in to lifting and your body is at least sizeable (for lack of better word) to handle the cycle/get the most out of being natty before cycling. So, currently I have been lifting for 10 years and here is my body stats, which I have plateaued pretty hard at, even while bulking:
Height: 6'5"
Weight: Currently on a cut, but 245 lbs
BF: Probably around 18-20% as I have decent definition on my legs, arms and back but still have a slight stomach pudge/gut
Bench: 335
Squat: 415 (my legs suck, I know)
Deadlift: 510

The people I was talking to had said that my original plan of 150mg test was very low and I would see minimal results, so I'd also kind of like to know if that is true as well or not. My original plan was to go as safe as possible for my first cycle, but I would still like to see SOME results. Some fat loss, and some strength gain, basically. My account is clearly very new to this board but have been lurking for a while as a guest trying to grab information and absorb it all but it is very daunting, not including the information I have gotten in person. Just looking for answers to these particular questions while I get more information from this board through my own research. Any insight here would be appreciated, thanks!

[MaxiMyME]

I would probably split this into a two or more thread as you are asking multiple unrelated questions.

Have you ever taken any prohormones?

Forgive me if I missed it but how old are you?

Let us know and I'll get you (a) response(s).

[wango]

The anti-aging clinics are generally a little more forgiving with text levels, if you go to them with subjective stuff like low sex drive, fatigue, etc. unfortunately cast is a factor.

[MaxiMyME]

The anti-aging clinics are generally a little more forgiving with text levels, if you go to them with subjective stuff like low sex drive, fatigue, etc. unfortunately cast is a factor.

What's the "standard recommendation" in that or a similar circumstance?

[Honkey_Kong]

I'm assuming your free test is measured in ng/dl and so a 12 is in the normal range for adult men and anything about 240ng of total test a lot of doctors will say is in the "normal range"

https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-...rpretive/83686

Now there is not really a clear exact definition of the what a "low testosterone" level is. Some men will show symptoms of low test at one set of free & total test levels, while others are totally fine.

As far as how you "move up" in terms of "cycling," I don't exactly understand what you're asking. If you mean increase the dosage, that probably will have to do more with what kind of gains you got (and what your levels were while on) from that cycle. As far as adding in other steroids goes, that depends on the effects those steroids has and what you are hoping to gain from the cycle (different steroids have different effects). But you should always add one at a time. That way if you have a problem, you have some ability in isolating what the cause is.

[AlmightyGodzilla]

I have never taken any prohormones, no. And sorry I did forget to put that in the post. I am 27 years old.

[AlmightyGodzilla]

Sorry for being confusing, but you answered essentially exactly what I was asking on the "moving up", so thank you! I'm not too sure if I will move past just test, but essentially I was seeing that if I wanted to do more, how would I go about it. Makes sense to add one at a time to mitigate side effects and isolate any new problems. Thanks again! As for the test part, gotcha as well. I've been having low libido and combined with the plateauing decided to get checked. Guess I'm at an awkward spot there.

[Honkey_Kong]

Sorry for being confusing, but you answered essentially exactly what I was asking on the "moving up", so thank you! I'm not too sure if I will move past just test, but essentially I was seeing that if I wanted to do more, how would I go about it. Makes sense to add one at a time to mitigate side effects and isolate any new problems. Thanks again! As for the test part, gotcha as well. I've been having low libido and combined with the plateauing decided to get checked. Guess I'm at an awkward spot there.

Well I would not immediately assume low libido and plateauing is because of low test. There are many causes for both of those that are not because your test levels are low. You should probably see a physician and have bloodwork done, before you conclude that your problem is low-testosterone.

[AlmightyGodzilla]

Yeah, like I said i went to the HRT place because my appointment with my normal doctor is so far out but then with how they were at the clinic I'm unsure if I can trust their results. Guess I am back to the waiting game. Thanks again!