+ 6 First Cycle
Just turned 25 & getting ready to start my first cycle. I just want to break down my plans for the cycle and receive input on whether there are changes I should make. I also have a few questions you might have good answers for.
Quick background: I'm 5'9", currently 173 lbs. The heaviest I ever got was about 177 (higher BF). I've been training since April of 2021. Took myself from 119 lbs dead skinny with some fat to a solid 170lbs with great vascularity & muscle definition. I'm not 100% sure on my BF %, but I'd say probably around 10%. I've been hard stuck in the 170s, & unless I dirty bulk I don't see 180lbs lean coming to fruition anytime soon while eating just above maintenance calories.
For the first cycle I'll be running Test Cyp @ 300mg/week split into two shots every 3.5 days for 12–16 weeks (still deciding on length). I might possibly titrate up to 400mg, but I don't personally want to push any higher than that if I do go up.
I'm carrying Anastrozole as my AI on hand, Cialis to microdose for BP creep / pump, Telmisartan also for BP just in case, Nolvadex for PCT, along with Enclomiphene for PCT. The only other compound I'm considering adding is HCG for ball shrinkage / fertility / PCT aid, but I'm curious to know your opinions on adding/using HCG.
CYCLE:
Weeks 1–4: 300mg Test C
Blood work, monitoring E2
Weeks 5–8: Potential titration to 400mg Test C, if not remain at 300mg
E2 check
Weeks 8–12 or 16?: 400/300mg Test C (still debating cycle length, but 16 weeks is the cutoff)
2 weeks after last pin start PCT
PCT:
Weeks 1–2: 25mg Enclo daily & Nolva 40mg daily
Weeks 3–4: 12.5mg Enclo daily & Nolva 20mg daily
4 weeks after last PCT administration get blood work to assess recovery of normal bodily function.
Feel free to critique any part of my plan or tell me adjustments I should potentially make in durations of my PCT, or anything else you would adjust/change.
As for questions I have (most are about AI):
When on cycle obviously E2 rises, however what should my target value be while on supraphysiological levels of test? (For example, if I'm at 60 pg/mL but showing no major signs of gyno mid-cycle, should I still take an AI to get under 39? For reference, pre-cycle I'm at 32.)
Next, let's say I do have to start taking an AI during my cycle—when do I take my last pill? Day of last Test pin? I have yet to find an answer on when exactly to stop taking it.
Once I do start taking an AI, how long should I wait before getting blood work to make adjustments? 1 week, 2 weeks, or longer?
Someone I know recently did their first Test cycle, however they only used Enclo as their PCT. Is this acceptable, or generally not considered enough for a PCT protocol?
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That is almost essentially what I am doing. First cycle, 300mg/week split between M/W/F injects. Although considering going to daily.
Got my bloods last weekend at around the 5 week mark and waiting for the test and e2 results but I’m feeling great and other health markers are looking good so far. For a first time you’ll notice a difference in how you feel, even if it isn’t the stereotypical 500mgs a week.
I’m not gonna sit here and give any advice, though, since I’m still new to AAS. Just giving my thoughts so far on 300mgs test c as a first cycle.
Personally, id run a higher dose for less time. Thays just me. Id run 400mg+ for 11 or 12 weeks.
Only bc I seem to typically plateu around then.
Youre gonna lose a good percentage of your gains post coming off. You may as well try to overshoot your goals.
I would get some hcg. I love it.
Labs should be done in the middle of the cycle. Post your labs and someone will be able to tell you if you need an Ai or not. Otherwise, keep an eye out for sore/sensitive nipples. Or any lumps.
Solid plan and tons of great feedback from these other guys. My question to you is why would you want to put a predetermined timeline on your cycle? If bloods look good, you're healthy and feeling good, there's no reason not to run your cycle for 20-24 weeks. Especially when its a test only cycle. Good luck with everything bro
I dont know if a 20-24 week cycle is good advice for a 1st timer, or even 2nd timer, or 3rd.. and mayeb even 4th... just saying
Why do you say that? If done properly I don’t see any negatives, assuming your nutrition, training and supplements/ ancillaries are on point. My first cycle was 20 weeks test only. Curious for your thoughts tho bro
A first cycle should be as much about learning how your body responds as it is about gaining muscle, and committing to six months of suppression before you even know how you’ll react can create problems that are difficult to manage. Most experienced users recommend a shorter, simpler first cycle because it allows you to assess your response, monitor health markers, and minimize risk before considering longer durations in the future.
I was exaggerating on the 3rd and 4th cycles.
Don’t titrate.
16 weeks minimum. 20 weeks max.
If your e2 gets a little high and you feel fine personally I’d leave it be. I personally like higher e2 and @SeeOhShow explains a bit more about it below.
If you need an AI run it until you’re finished with your cycle. Don’t overthink when you need to take the “last pill”.
Running a similar first cycle cept I'm in at 500mg a week for 16 weeks. Keep an eye on your E2 symptoms and don't take AI without bloodwork confirmation. Should work out well for you buddy at your size. I'm going to cruise dose after the cycle. Wish I could help with the PCT
10 AAS commandments for rookies
This is a perfect list honestly
Post a pic. Most people over estimate how lean they are. Typically a person guessing 10% is really 13-15%.
I’d say for your first cycle just pick a dose and stay there. Titrating is advanced. You need to build some baseline data on what a specific dose feels like and reports back as on bloodwork.
Up to 60 pg/ml E2 is fine with no symptoms. You’ll get the highest GH/IGF1 production at that level. Really anywhere you land in the 40-60 range will be fine. E2 is anabolic. You’ll get more growth by letting it get a little higher.
Enclo is far superior to straight clomid. Clomid is two isomers zu- and en-….zu- causes all the side effects clomid is notorious for. En- is what gives all the benefits you’re taking clomid for. Good on you for buying enclomiphene from the get go. More expensive but definitely worth it.
For a day oner, this is not the worst proposal. Which in reality is high praise. Most newbs dont know their elbow from their asshole so you are already ahead of the curve.
Just remember to keep it simple. 300 is a solid number to work with. Keeping an eye on BP is always a very good idea regardless of being on or off.
Evaluate how you feel on the test first before just jumping on an AI. Some people aromatize more than others. If you need it, you will know.
On a first cyle of a simple low dose of test, I wouldnt even worry about HCG. Just roll with the test and make sure diet is lock down & training is super on point.
Thumbs up, its refreshing to see new people doing research and putting up a good first cycle.
Beautiful thang. Nothing wrong with staying at 300mg for your first run. Personally love hcg. 250-500 mcg 3x a week and I feel pretty good.
Your plan is honestly more thought out than most first-cycle posts. If it were me, I’d stay at 300mg for the entire cycle and see what that does before increasing the dose. You only get one true first cycle, and 300mg is enough for most guys to make great gains. I’d lean toward 16 weeks if bloodwork, BP, and side effects stay in check.
For E2, don’t chase numbers—chase symptoms. Plenty of guys run E2 well above the reference range on cycle and feel great. If you’re at 60 pg/mL with no gyno, excessive water retention, BP issues, or mood problems, I wouldn’t automatically take an AI.
If you do start Adex, give it about 2 weeks before pulling labs again. HCG is worth considering if fertility matters, but it can increase E2 for some guys.
As for PCT, Enclo-only can work after a moderate test cycle, but Enclo plus Nolva is a solid, more aggressive approach. Most important thing is getting pre-cycle, mid-cycle, and post-PCT bloodwork.
Test C half life is 5-8 days and you should wait 4 half life's before you start PCT, so 4-5 weeks, another thing you could do is swap last 4-5 weeks of the cycle with test P which has a lower half life so you can start PCT earlier. Or you could just stop the test and do 4-5 weeks of HCG (this will make your body produce its own testosterone) then start PCT.
In any case before you even pin make sure to gather information and lurk a lot more since I got a feeling you only watched a few videos and you think you are ready to inject exogenous testosterone