First cycle + concerns about cholesterol

[Jamie Sutherland]

Hi guys,

So I've been training naturally for about 5 years now and I've decided I'd like to do my first ever cycle. After quite a lot of research I've decided it's going to look something like this:

Weeks 1-12:
400mg Test Enanthate
12.5mg Aromasin *EOD*

Weeks 13-14: OFF

Weeks 15-16: 40mg Nolvadex *ED*
Weeks 17-18: 20mg Nolvadex *ED*

First question is, does this seem ok for a first cycle? I've done a lot of research myself but getting opinions of others would be good too!

Second question is to do with cholesterol. I've read a few times that when Test and AIs are combined, they can significantly increase cholesterol. However, I've also read that Aromasin doesn't have the same negative effect on cholesterol that other AIs do. Does anyone know the truth on this, as I've read a few contradictions online and I would like to make sure that I'm not significantly raising my cholesterol in order to avoid the obvious cardiovascular implications that this could cause!

 

[Ophydian]

If you're under 35 I'm not sure how cholesterol would be a major impact to you. And after all it's a short term increase after cycle of your levels will return to normal.

 

[Ophydian]

Aromasin lowers HDL (good cholesterol). As long as your diet is low in red meat to keep triglycerides low and increas greens you should be ok.

 

[Marcus]

Hi guys,

So I've been training naturally for about 5 years now and I've decided I'd like to do my first ever cycle. After quite a lot of research I've decided it's going to look something like this:

Weeks 1-12:
400mg Test Enanthate
12.5mg Aromasin *EOD*

Weeks 13-14: OFF

Weeks 15-16: 40mg Nolvadex *ED*
Weeks 17-18: 20mg Nolvadex *ED*

First question is, does this seem ok for a first cycle? I've done a lot of research myself but getting opinions of others would be good too!

Second question is to do with cholesterol. I've read a few times that when Test and AIs are combined, they can significantly increase cholesterol. However, I've also read that Aromasin doesn't have the same negative effect on cholesterol that other AIs do. Does anyone know the truth on this, as I've read a few contradictions online and I would like to make sure that I'm not significantly raising my cholesterol in order to avoid the obvious cardiovascular implications that this could cause!

For a first cycle, that looks great. What's your stats and goals?

As far as cholesterol, what is your current LDL and HDL? Any AI will lower HDL and raise LDL, as will testosterone in those doses.

I disagree with @Ophydian
Eating fatty meats and a diet high in healthy fats like those from meat, nuts, avocado, olive oil, butter, eggs has been known to raise HDL, lower LDL, and lower triglycerides according to a multitude of more recent human studies.

I know I'll get a lot of pushback on this, but it's outdated thinking to cut out fatty meats. But if your cholesterol is good, then keep eating and doing what you're doing regardless IMO

Edit: but definitely eat your greens! Full of fiber and micronutrients

 

[Jamie Sutherland]

For a first cycle, that looks great. What's your stats and goals?

As far as cholesterol, what is your current LDL and HDL? Any AI will lower HDL and raise LDL, as will testosterone in those doses.

I disagree with @Ophydian
Eating fatty meats and a diet high in healthy fats like those from meat, nuts, avocado, olive oil, butter, eggs has been known to raise HDL, lower LDL, and lower triglycerides according to a multitude of more recent human studies.

I know I'll get a lot of pushback on this, but it's outdated thinking to cut out fatty meats. But if your cholesterol is good, then keep eating and doing what you're doing regardless IMO

Edit: but definitely eat your greens! Full of fiber and micronutrients

Hey bro Thanks for the reply,

Current stats are:

Age: 22
Height: 5ft 11"
Weight: 175 lbs
Bf: 9%

I'm simply looking to add some more lean mass, as when I cut down like I have atm I always feel skinny af! lol

Not sure of my current HDL/LDL. I'm going to try find somewhere private I can get cheap bloods done here in the UK soon!

Thanks for the advice, I'm definitely going to do a lot more research in to the diet side of things to aid with keeping my cholesterol in check!

 

[Ophydian]

For a first cycle, that looks great. What's your stats and goals?

As far as cholesterol, what is your current LDL and HDL? Any AI will lower HDL and raise LDL, as will testosterone in those doses.

I disagree with @Ophydian
Eating fatty meats and a diet high in healthy fats like those from meat, nuts, avocado, olive oil, butter, eggs has been known to raise HDL, lower LDL, and lower triglycerides according to a multitude of more recent human studies.

I know I'll get a lot of pushback on this, but it's outdated thinking to cut out fatty meats. But if your cholesterol is good, then keep eating and doing what you're doing regardless IMO

Edit: but definitely eat your greens! Full of fiber and micronutrients

I'm going off of personal examples of triglycerides increasing with red meat as I've taken blood samples 2 to 3 days after eating a large steak and my triglycerides are in the 160 to 170 range. Granted there maybe other factors that raised my triglycerides but I assume to account it to redmeat.

 

[Marcus]

I'm going off of personal examples of triglycerides increasing with red meat as I've taken blood samples 2 to 3 days after eating a large steak and my triglycerides are in the 160 to 170 range. Granted there maybe other factors that raised my triglycerides but I assume to account it to redmeat.

Totally man... if it works for you, don't change it! That is high for triglycerides but not too crazy, play with your diet and see how you can fix it