Beginner cycle - not new to weight lifting or TRT, but new to the more "PED" aspect

ZaddyDaddy

New Member
I've been lifting on and off for years, but have been consistent with 6x week with push/pull/shoulder split since March 2024. I had low-T symptoms (mostly tiredness and fatigue) even though my T was about 400. All other possible medical issues were ruled out so the urologist put me on 100mg test-c per week* + 200 IU hcg sub-q 3x week. He also gave me a script for anastrozole in case I had edema or other symptoms.

(To make this easier to read, I'm listing test per week, but I actually divide it in half and take on Sun/Thurs.)

Doctor told me to start at 50mg test-c per week, do blood work, then titrate up to 100mg test-c 2x week.

At 50mg per week, my T was consistently at 800. At 100mg, my T was consistently at 1100. I felt great with the 50mg 2x week and was seeing consistent progress from lifting so I decided to just hang there.

I don’t drink alcohol, track macros closely, and my sleep quality is solid. Stats and current protocol below.

About a year ago, as an experiment I added 50mg week primo for 12 weeks. I liked the cut and there was a small improvement in muscle and strength, but didn't like the hair thinning. (For me, the hair did return after the cycle though.)

About 5 months ago, I hit a "plateau". I'm still seeing slight improvements in strength, but it is extremely slow. I've been trying to push through it but it feels like I've just stopped making progress. I think I'm more or less at my natural limit now.

I'm not looking to go into competitions or get "huge", but I'd like to pack on some more muscle. I've been reading the forums for weeks to take in information.

My impression from the forums is that the general consensus for a first cycle is 400-500mg test per week.

My questions are:
1. Is my impression correct for test-C?
2. How long would you recommend for this cycle?
3. I currently pin my test on Sun/Thur. Would you recommend the same? Or would you do it daily to help with E control?
4. To avoid hair loss during the cycle, I'm considering taking that daily instead of M/W/F. Any experiences to share here?
5. My understanding is that most wouldn't take the anastrozole unless they had side effects (or bloodwork) due to E. Since I did have very minor edema (in the ankles) when at 100mg test-c per week, I would anticipate having edema during the cycle and would like to incorporate anastrozole. Would you take this once a week? Twice a week? Break down the pill and do daily? Or just try to suffer through cow ankles?

Age: 49 1/2
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 191 lbs
BF: 18%
LDL/HDL/Triglycerides: all excellent due to medication
BP: 120/80 consistently any time of day

Current protocol:
25 mg twice a week injectable test-c (from pharmacy)
250 IU 3x week HCG
20 mg ED rosuvostatin
50 mg ED losartan
2.5 mg ED monoxidil
1 mg ED finasteride

For sleeping (not related to PEDs or weight lifting):
2 mg ED eszopiclone
.5 mg ED clonazepam
 
What's your calorie intake like? macros? clean food or trash or a mix? Are you training to near failure on at least a few sets? How many times a week are you able to train each muscle? How's your recovery? Sleep?

Consider all those things before increasing drugs. Once you're sure they're all locked in go ahead and bump the test 50-100 mg. Not sure about AIs, I don't need them at my doses yet. You shouldn't deploy estrogen control without knowing your E2. Testing regularly is part of the game.

If you're worried about edema I don't think anastrozole would save you anyway. High test makes you retain water. It's a feature, not a bug. If you turn into the Michelin Man, sure, pop an AI but a little edema in the ankles is the cost of doing business.

Edit: your other choice (and my recommendation) is to get leaner before you increase your dose. Get down to 10-12% so you can have some runway to bulk proper.
 
At 5-8 191lb and 18% you should already be fairly muscular. At our age, I doubt you are competing in power lifting competitions, so you are doing this for looks right? I would cut.

You will look a lot more muscular if you cut 3-4% of your BF. I would start there and see how it looks. Slow and steady so you dont lose any muscle as you cut.
 
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