First Cycle with Stats/ Cycle Plan/ Diet Macros - Would Love Some Advice or Insight

[Next Level]

Hey Everyone,

Hope you***8217;re all kicking ass and taking names. I***8217;m planning my first ever cycle and would love some insight and/or criticism. Here goes:


Stats:

Age: 31
Wt: 185 lbs
Height: 6***8217;
Bf %: 15-16% I believe
Training Experience: 10+ Years
Diet: 3J designed and approved (Cal: 3452 Fats: 69 Carbs: 378 Protein: 320)



Cycle Plan:

Week:

***8226; 1-12 Testosterone Enanthate: 500mg EW (250mg Monday + 250mg Thursday)
***8226; 1-14 Arimidex (Liquidex from our Lion friends) 0.25mg EOD (stopped 2 days before PCT)
***8226; 15-18 Clomid (Liquid Clomi from our Lion fiends as well) 50/50/50/50
***8226; 15-19? Nolvadex (Liquid Tamox - see above) 40/40/20/20/20


Have had pre-cycle blood work done and will be doing mid and post cycle blood work as well. Decided against Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) this cycle but will consider it for any future cycles.

Also, I haven***8217;t acquired any Nolvadex yet and have heard some say that it is not required while others say that Nolvadex and Clomid work synergistically to help with recovery; any thoughts?

I***8217;ve watched numerous others post their cycle plans and have a good idea of why I chose this cycle but would love some insight into other more experienced user***8217;s opinions on this cycle for someone like me based on the info provided.


Have an incredible week and lift on my friends***8230;lift on.

 

[Austin1]

Hi, Next Level,

Clomiphene and Tamoxifen are certainly synergetic for the betterment of recovery. Considering you're opting out of hCG, I would absolutely run both serms, probably extend your PCT an additional week with Tamoxifen.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Next Level]

Hi Austin,

Good to see some insight from someone who is so knowledgeable. Turns out I do have access to Nolva or Liquid Tamox (aka Tamoxifen). I've also decided to have Raloxifene on hand mostly based on a write up of yours so thanks for that.

Hope my dosages (for ancillaries) are good. Based on the extensive research I've done, I think think they look to be spot on. Adex is the only one I'm concerned about. In reference to extending my PCT with Tamoxifen, to clarify; just Tamoxifen @ 20mg a day for an additional week?

Hi, Next Level,

Clomiphene and Tamoxifen are certainly synergetic for the betterment of recovery. Considering you're opting out of hCG, I would absolutely run both serms, probably extend your PCT an additional week with Tamoxifen.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Austin1]

Hi Austin,

Good to see some insight from someone who is so knowledgeable. Turns out I do have access to Nolva or Liquid Tamox (aka Tamoxifen). I've also decided to have Raloxifene on hand mostly based on a write up of yours so thanks for that.

Hope my dosages (for ancillaries) are good. Based on the extensive research I've done, I think think they look to be spot on. Adex is the only one I'm concerned about. In reference to extending my PCT with Tamoxifen, to clarify; just Tamoxifen @ 20mg a day for an additional week?

That's correct.

 

[Swole78]

Your cycle looks like a great first cycle and Austin is dead on with the post cycle therapy (pct). Just out of curiosity, why no HCG? I'm not saying you should use it, but I'm curious as it has become a staple is most people's cycles. I, personally, do not use Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) as I'm not interested in fertility and am worried about the negative feedback loop of the HPTA.

It's great to see that you're with 3J, he clearly has proven results.

What are your goals?

 

[Next Level]

Hey Swole,

Thanks, I've spent many months learning how to be safe in this game. My reasoning for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is basically the same logic I used to settle on a Test E only cycle; isolation. If I have a reaction, I want to know what is causing the reaction. That being said, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) does sound good and I don't have kids yet, but want them, so it weighs heavily on my mind.

That coupled with the fact that I have low, but within lab range, natural test levels gives me a lot to think about.

Goal wise, add 10-15 lbs of muscle when it's all said and done. Having naturally low testosterone which I suspect has been going on much of life makes the prospect of having supra-physiological levels very appealing.

Your cycle looks like a great first cycle and Austin is dead on with the post cycle therapy (pct). Just out of curiosity, why no HCG? I'm not saying you should use it, but I'm curious as it has become a staple is most people's cycles. I, personally, do not use Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) as I'm not interested in fertility and am worried about the negative feedback loop of the HPTA.

It's great to see that you're with 3J, he clearly has proven results.

What are your goals?

 

[Swole78]

I like your logic, playing it smart!

Hey Swole,

Thanks, I've spent many months learning how to be safe in this game. My reasoning for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is basically the same logic I used to settle on a Test E only cycle; isolation. If I have a reaction, I want to know what is causing the reaction. That being said, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) does sound good and I don't have kids yet, but want them, so it weighs heavily on my mind.

That coupled with the fact that I have low, but within lab range, natural test levels gives me a lot to think about.

Goal wise, add 10-15 lbs of muscle when it's all said and done. Having naturally low testosterone which I suspect has been going on much of life makes the prospect of having supra-physiological levels very appealing.

 

[Austin1]

I don't want to start a debate, it's late and almost bedtime. But I'll try and follow up tomorrow should there be any concerns with my comments...

hCG on cycle (especially long cycles) will absolutely benefit fertility maintenance. Spermatogenesis does not occur with Follicle Stimulating Hormones (FSH) only. Both; natural testosterone and FSH are required to stimulate Sertoli Cells into production. LH analog from hCG will stimulate leydig cells to produce enough natural testosterone and maintain healthy sertoli cells.

In the event that FSH fails to recover (which would be suppressed with or without hCG), Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG) may be administered to mimic FSH for the melioration of fertility.

 

[Swole78]

to piggyback on Austin's comments, I have blasted and cruised for quite some time and was having fertility issues. I tried HCG, Clomid, etc, with no luck. HMG was the answer and I was very happy with how well it worked.

If you are worried about fertility Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) may have a place. You don't need Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) on cycle, you could just do a blast at the end if you would like and that way you would still maintain your isolation.

 

[Austin1]

to piggyback on Austin's comments, I have blasted and cruised for quite some time and was having fertility issues. I tried HCG, Clomid, etc, with no luck. HMG was the answer and I was very happy with how well it worked.

If you are worried about fertility Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) may have a place. You don't need Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) on cycle, you could just do a blast at the end if you would like and that way you would still maintain your isolation.

Dang it, swole! You're keeping me awake.

I don't recommend an hCG blast. These high doses of hCG are over stimulating leydig cells. There are only a certain amount of cells we can stimulate. In short spans, this likely will not desensitize leydig cells, although possible as it's quite individualistic. However, it most certainly will increase intratesticular estrogen which cannot be treated with the standard aromatase inhibitors safely. This is also of concern with regards to fertility.

Furthermore; as hCG is an exogenous compound, it's suppressive. A simple blood test can confirm. Off cycle, only SERMs should be used and in rare cases, hCG. Clomid is the most successful compound used in studies for restarting HPTA systems of eligible men.

 

[Swole78]

Well, I certainly learn something new every day! Thanks for the info Austinite!

Dang it, swole! You're keeping me awake.

I don't recommend an hCG blast. These high doses of hCG are over stimulating leydig cells. There are only a certain amount of cells we can stimulate. In short spans, this likely will not desensitize leydig cells, although possible as it's quite individualistic. However, it most certainly will increase intratesticular estrogen which cannot be treated with the standard aromatase inhibitors safely. This is also of concern with regards to fertility.

Furthermore; as hCG is an exogenous compound, it's suppressive. A simple blood test can confirm. Off cycle, only SERMs should be used and in rare cases, hCG. Clomid is the most successful compound used in studies for restarting HPTA systems of eligible men.

 

[MustangDX]

Nice cycle layout

Your PCT would be weeks 15-18(you probably just made a typo)

You should definitely run a Clomid/Nolva combo for PCT

I would also run Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) @250iu, 2xWeek(Mon/Thurs) starting week 1, until the 4th day before PCT

Since your gonna do Test E @500mgs/week, I would recommend taking the Arimidex @0.5mgs/EOD

 

[Next Level]

Thanks Mustang,

You are correct 15-18 weeks makes much more sense. 19 weeks if I extend Nolva for an additional week. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) still keeps coming up...still undecided.

For your recommendation of Arimidex @0.5mgs/EOD, is this more typical for someone who is 185 lbs or would that be for a bigger guy?

Nice cycle layout

Your PCT would be weeks 15-18(you probably just made a typo)

You should definitely run a Clomid/Nolva combo for PCT

I would also run Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) @250iu, 2xWeek(Mon/Thurs) starting week 1, until the 4th day before PCT

Since your gonna do Test E @500mgs/week, I would recommend taking the Arimidex @0.5mgs/EOD

 

[Rastas]

Thanks Mustang,

You are correct 15-18 weeks makes much more sense. 19 weeks if I extend Nolva for an additional week. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) still keeps coming up...still undecided.

For your recommendation of Arimidex @0.5mgs/EOD, is this more typical for someone who is 185 lbs or would that be for a bigger guy?

Gauge your Aromatase inhibitor (AI) dosage depending on estrogenic sides. If you find yourself short of breath more than usual, get blood noses, headaches, itchy nips, high BP (the list goes on) adjust your Aromatase inhibitor (AI) dosage. It differs for everyone. Bloods will ultimately determine this at the end of the day.

 

[Rastas]

And I personally prefer Aromasin. Just thought I'd throw that in there. You'll learn what you like the longer you're in this game.

 

[Next Level]

Thanks for the insight Rasta. Not sure which to go with as I've never used any so I'll just have to choose one and go from there. I should make a list of sides and then evaluate what my does should be from there. Just not sure if I should start at 0.25 or 0.5mg EOD.

Gauge your Aromatase inhibitor (AI) dosage depending on estrogenic sides. If you find yourself short of breath more than usual, get blood noses, headaches, itchy nips, high BP (the list goes on) adjust your Aromatase inhibitor (AI) dosage. It differs for everyone. Bloods will ultimately determine this at the end of the day.