Thanks so much for this post. I can admit, when I first started thinking about steroids, well ... I didn't even realize their were different kinds.
A great article on that was "Steroids for Dummies" at steroidology.com/forum/anabolic-steroids-bodybuilding-articles/1810-steriods-dummies.html
I appreciate that this article clearly pinpoints test e or test c as the best first choice for newbies. That brings up a question:
1. What is the difference between Testosterone enanthate and cypionate? I realize the article says they are almost identicle, but that makes it hard to choose. Is the choice basically just done when you see what your source has to offer -- is the choice just based on availability? 500mg/wk seems like the right amount to me, since some of my internet research shows that Test e and c are often sold at 250mg.
This article gave me a great base knowledge of what I was looking at. Also, the article addressed some of the fears I had which were preventing me from getting started, "If I use steroids, won't I get bitch tits?" and "Won't my balls shrink?" However, that was when I learned that additional substances must be used in tandem with the anabolic substance. There must be something to deal with estrogen during the cycle, and there must be a substance plan to kick start the body's natural testosterone production back into automatic after running the body's testosterone on manual. post cycle therapy (pct).
So, this article goes past those basics. Now, I've learned that "dealing with estrogen" during the cycle is actually two seperate substances. One for moobies, one for balls -- substances actually address the two major fears I had to getting started. For moobies -- Arimidex or Aromasin. For balls -- HCG.
This brings up some questions:
2. What is the difference between Arimidex and Aromasin? Sorry if I'm missing something in this main post or in any of the replies. I've read everything, and I'm still not sure which to incorporate into my first cycle.
--- What I really do like is that this article really makes it clear that a first cycle should be a simple test e -- so, is there a simple, most basic choice between Arimidex and Aromasin?
--- Nevermind, just re-read and you said "Aromasin is the obvious choice." Scratch this question.
3. In the Aromatase inhibitor (AI) section, it says 'A blood test would be the most ideal way to determine the dosage of the AI." I was thinking of getting my testosterone levels tested before I start this process. Does anyone else do this? How often during and after the cycle do you test test levels? Do you do it at the doctor's or is there a self-test you can take? Also, how can I find out what "levels" determine what "dosage" of the AI? Or is it just trial an error. You test test, find out test is lower that it should be, so you try a smaller dosage of Aromatase inhibitor (AI) -- you test test again and now it's better, but still too low, so you increase Aromatase inhibitor (AI) and test again. Now, it's perfect, so that's your dose. Is that how it works? Also, this raises another question: How long after taking the Aromatase inhibitor (AI) would a test test be accurate?
This is gold:
"Sunday 10mg Aromasin
Monday 10mg Aromasin/500iu HCG
Tuesday 10mg Aromasin/300mg enanthate
Wednesday 10mg Aromasin
Thursday 10mg Aromasin
Friday 10mg Aromasin/500iu HCG
Saturday 10mg Aromasin/300mg enanthate"
This is too:
"I recommend the following post cycle therapy (pct) protocol for esters like cypionate and enanthate;
Day 1-16 : (...) i.e. 1,000iu HCG etd.)
100/100/100/50 clomid (50mg taken twice per day weeks 1-3 after aas ester clears)
20mg/20mg/20mg/10mg Aromasin (20mg daily for 3 weeks, 10mg daily in week 4)
3g Vit C every day split in 3 doses
10g creatine daily
The HCG is administered BEFORE the ester clears to increase the mass of the testes and bring back ITT levels. This will allow the testes to sustain output of testosterone sooner."
So, thanks. But more questions:
4. How long after an injection of test e or test c should clomid start? I've read multiple reviews on this.
5. One guy said that a testosterone levels check (again) should be the indicator on starting post cycle therapy (pct). (as I understand, you've been running Aromatase inhibitor (AI) and HG. What levels would I be looking for as an indicator the time is right to start post cycle therapy (pct).
Thanks