New guy with lots of questions

[rpewin01]

This probably spans a few different forums, but I have several questions. I am 31 y/o, 13% bf, 5'10, 155 lbs. Been lifting and heavy cardio for 21 months, which consist of 13 months cutting (used to be 180, 25+ bf), 5 months bulking (put on about 8lbs lbm and 8lbs fat), and three months doing nothing.

6 weeks ago my GP tested my testosterone and it was 350 on a scale of 300-1100 (I think). My doctor put me on test cyp 100mg ew, and without doing any research or anything I went along. I have now done a lot more research and realize several things.

First, I don't have copies of my bloodwork, so I don't know my free test, estrogen (she said it was ok), or anything else. I go back for my first post-injection labs tomorrow and will get all copies of previous labs too. Once I get the labs, I will post so you can evaluate everything.

My question for now is this: once I get everything dialed in, is there any reason not to blast? I realize it will take two to three months probably to get everything stable, and I plan to spend that time cutting to 10% bf.

I have read several forums and the general consensus seems to be if you still have a lot of natural growth yet, don't start a cycle. Obviously at 5'10", 135lb LBM I still have a lot of room to grow naturally. But is this still a reason not to if you are already on TRT? My end goal is to get to and maintain 170lb 10%. I know I could do this naturally with time. But if blasting will speed things up without any cons, I would like to. Or, will the TRT be enough on its own? My doctor already said she was ok with getting me to be stable at the top end of the range.

Also, if I do blast, how many calories over maintenence should I consume. My maint is 2500. When I bulked before I ate 3000, which led to 1/2 LBM and 1/2 fat. It seems like I could gain 15-20 lbm on a 12 week cycle. Does this mean I should eat 1000 over maintenance to support that growth, or will it happen at maint or 500 over maint? Like most, I would like the gains to be as lean as possible. Obviously the right amounts of protein and fats regardless.

[bass]

you can blast, but it is better to wait until youre dialed in, it could take a year. its better to find out how your body responses to trt then concider blsting. at you age dont worry about growth stunt, youre way pased it.

[kelkel]

Agree with Bass. You seriously need time to get dialed in. Learn what amount T you actually need weekly or twice weekly. HCG will most likely be needed which is another variable that affects T levels as well as keeping a balanced E level. An aromatase inhibitor may also be needed. These steps have to be taken (or should be) one at a time so you can monitor changes and titrate dosages accordingly. When it comes to your bloodwork make sure it is complete (see Finding TRT Physician sticky) so you have good baselines. If not, get it as soon as possible.

First thing I'd want to know is why your so low at your age. Full BW may explain this for us. Have you cycled or done pro-hormones in the past? And yes, TRT alone in conjunction with proper training and diet can do wonders for you physically when it comes to gaining muscle. The more muscle you carry the more calories it take to maintain it. Everyone is different when it comes to what we need to grow based on body type: Endo - ecto - mesomorph and variations thereof. Hit the nutrition forum for a detailed breakdown diet wise.

To sum up: Give TRT time and you'll see positive changes. Do it right and dial it in. Then if you choose to blast, do your research and go from there. Right now though you have plenty of room for growth without blasting. Start reading all the stickies, visit the various forums and continue learning.

Welcome and stick around!