+ 1 Currently on TRT, contemplating first cycle, questions about test-c
46 y/o male, currently 227 pounds around 20%bf. I was 303 pounds in January 1st, but really focused on diet and training. Currently on TRT for the last year, prescribed 80mg 2x a week of test cypionate. Blood test every three months covered by insurance. For the last four blood draws, Total test runs around 950-1100, free around 150-180, and estradiol in the 45-53 range
That particular prescription is comprised of the test c, cottonseed oil, benzyl benzoate, and benzyl alcohol.
Doing a lot of reading, it seems just an increase in what I'm already used to is the way to go for a first cycle, to limit the variable. I'm between doing that or maybe a six week cycle of anavar 25mg (seems to be a lot of strong feelings about orals from reading through here). But I really think since I'm already used to the test c, that would be the best option.
My question is this. I see various sources utilize different carrier oils, I.e. grape seed, or miglyol 813 mct, or 'special blends' etc. should I be looking for a specific carrier oil? Also, some actually list having benzyl alcohol, some do not. From what I read, and from my own prescription, I definitely want that, but I don't want to assume they all have it, or is that typical for most sourced test c (I know nothing can ever be assumed even if it lists it).
Finally, my thought was to keep my current 160mg dose, doing the two 80's a week but add a 100mg of test c, to give me 260 a week for 8-10 weeks. I know that's low, buts its a 60%increase from what I'm used to, and I figured as a first run I can gauge reaction pretty well, get a blood draw 5 or so weeks in that I'll have to pay for, come off in time to get my normal TRT blood draw and have a good idea of where everything's at.
Any input or thoughts people have would be appreciated.
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MCT oil seems to be the most common. My TRT provider switched from grape seed to MCT a while ago and I didn't notice any change. Also the UGL testosterone I've used was also MCT oil. The 1-2% Benzyl Alcohol is common in PED oils as a bacterial inhibitor.
Your first cycle is unique to YOU. Don't worry about how much gear other people talk about running. Starting slow is smart. No one can tell you exactly how your body is going to react to PEDs. The smart way is to try something for a while monitor your BP and how you feel. Then pull some labs and see where your at. Sounds like you are on the right path to me.
thank you for the response, appreciate it! I'm going to try to drop some more weight first, and I'm really leaning toward just first trying an increase to the testosterone. I'm used to the test C, but reading up on the half-life of test E, I'm wondering if that will make sense to do as the third shot in between the two dosed of test C I'm doing. it seems as though every time I think I might have a plan, I go down a rabbit hole of forum posts, and podcasts that gives me more ideas. Tough to sort it all out!
If you are still 20% BF, keep doing what youre doing. If you want to bump up the test I wouldnt talk you out of it, but wouldnt recommend additions, especially orals, until you get a bit healthier.
How in depth is your insurance covered bloodwork? Do you get cystatin-c, ggt, apob, and hs-CRP? Hematocrit?
thanks for taking the time to respond, much appreciated. the hematocrit is standard on the CBC my insurance covers, i copied and pasted the following is what I have every three months (LIPID PANEL, STANDARD, COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PANEL, CBC (H/H, RBC, INDICES, WBC, PLT), PSA, TOTAL, TSH W/REFLEX TO FT4, TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL, MS, TESTOSTERONE, FREE, CALCULATION, CBC (INCLUDES DIFF/PLT), ESTRADIOL, PSA, TOTAL.
It doesn't include the other ones, and I'll be honest, the only one I had read about doing was the apob, particularly with the orals and the effects on the lipid profile. So, I'll definitely look at the other tests you mentioned for when I eventually begin, so thank you for mentioning those. I don't mind paying for extra tests to ensure I'm fully informed as to the effects
I'm thinking about another 20 pounds of weight loss will put me in the area I need to be at to really consider moving forward, assuming its fat loss and the muscle retention is there to get the body fat % lower. I'm trying to do as much research as I can now so that I can get the things I need to get and have a plan of action so I don't get to the point where I say, hell , I'm where I want to be to begin and have no clue what to do next. The struggle for me is trying to be patient, even knowing that consistency in action over time will give me the results I need. I've seen some great results with the sleep, nutrition, training, and supplements, and I'm just excited to see what more I can do.
Again, thank you for the response.
Congratulations on all of the progress you've made. You’re on the right track with how you are planning your first cycle. Dropping 20 pounds will get you into a body fat level that will be more conducive to growth and there will be less aromatization of the higher test dose. Try to find your maintenance calories at the lower weight and then adjust your carbs to about a 300 calorie surplus when you start the cycle. After losing so much weight, it is common for guys to fall into one of two extremes that you will want to avoid. The one extreme is keeping the calories too low out of fear of gaining the weight back. The other is going off the rails and eating too much and thinking the resulting weight gain is muscle. Good luck to you.
Thanks, appreciate it!
No urgency to do them now, lose that 20lbs then run all the tests before you actually hop on cycle. The stuff you posted is pretty comprehensive, but the cystatin-c, GGT will give you a cleaner picture of kidney and liver health and function, and sounds like youre already tracking what apob is.
Just stick with it, patience definitely pays. Especially at 46 (im the same age), we want to live long, too
Is your profile pic your own legs?
Yes, two weeks ago had a great workout, one of the best feeling pumps I've had. Not sure why it stood out, I was on the road for work, woke up at 3am with an.urge to go to the gym, and I have a planet fitness membership for when I travel. It was a great leg day, so I snagged a pic in the locker room. It's one thing I wish I had done this last year, was take more progress photos.
Pretty fucking big bro!
How are you checking your BF%?
Thanks, legs have always where i show the most progress. If my belly fat responded the same way I'd be a lot better off!! I measure in two ways, one is the hume scale my wife got me which i know aren't super accurate, but that has me at 19.2. I also do a three-site skinfold test with calipers, and that puts me at 20.1%, but I wonder if the loose skin on my abdomen from the substantial weight loss interferes with that a smidge? I had thought about doing a DEXA scan, but most places around where I live only seem to do the bone density one and not the body comp one, so that might not be an option. I would love to do one of those.