Over 40 and trying to plan a first cycle...

[jerol]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum so I'll give some background on myself, along with my goals:

I'm 44 years old, 6'3" and 195 pounds. I began bodybuilding 25 years ago (when I weighed 145 pounds, btw). I have had some nagging injuries that have prevented consistent work outs (namely herniated cervical discs and chondromalacia patellae). I am an extreme ectomorph that has always had issues putting on mass.

About 3 months ago, I began bodybuilding again after a 3 year layoff from my most recent cervical disc (asymptomatic now). Since then I have gained probably 7 pounds of lean mass (estimate). I have very good "muscle memory", so even after a prolonged layoff I tend to gain back my tone fairly quickly. My diet is impeccable (though not enough calories, obviously -- I usually get around 3000/day). I take Creatine as my only current "mass" supplement.

I am now considering a cycle of steroids to give me some additional thickness (I have heinous tone, just no mass -- and my legs are, well, pathetic).

I am not interested in developing a "huge" physique. My ideal weight would be around 210 pounds (I want to be able to fit into standard clothing).

As a first time user, I don't need to see big gains, and I really don't want any harsh side effects. Several years ago, I experimented with the oral prohormone 1-AD and noted a pronounced negative effect on my libido. I would really like to avoid any significant effects in that regard.

Any suggestions on a beginner cycle for me?

Many thanks,

Jerol

 

[mr.nitro]

I always suggest newbies start with a 10-12 week testosterone enthanate cycle. simple, cheap and effective.

 

[ForemanRules]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum so I'll give some background on myself, along with my goals:

I'm 44 years old, 6'3" and 195 pounds. I began bodybuilding 25 years ago (when I weighed 145 pounds, btw). I have had some nagging injuries that have prevented consistent work outs (namely herniated cervical discs and chondromalacia patellae). I am an extreme ectomorph that has always had issues putting on mass.

About 3 months ago, I began bodybuilding again after a 3 year layoff from my most recent cervical disc (asymptomatic now). Since then I have gained probably 7 pounds of lean mass (estimate). I have very good "muscle memory", so even after a prolonged layoff I tend to gain back my tone fairly quickly. My diet is impeccable (though not enough calories, obviously -- I usually get around 3000/day). I take Creatine as my only current "mass" supplement.

I am now considering a cycle of steroids to give me some additional thickness (I have heinous tone, just no mass -- and my legs are, well, pathetic).

I am not interested in developing a "huge" physique. My ideal weight would be around 210 pounds (I want to be able to fit into standard clothing).

As a first time user, I don't need to see big gains, and I really don't want any harsh side effects. Several years ago, I experimented with the oral prohormone 1-AD and noted a pronounced negative effect on my libido. I would really like to avoid any significant effects in that regard.

Any suggestions on a beginner cycle for me?

Many thanks,

Jerol

Best thing for you is to put in another 6 months without steroids first. I took 2 years off after lifting 20 years, I then trained naturally for about 8 months comming back.....gained 20Lbs lean muscle back then did a cycle....put on another 20lbs with a 9 week 500mg a week Test cyp cycle.

 

[solo47]

You're certainly not too old, but your history of injuries indicate a lot of caution needs to be taken. If you going to use supplements, I recommend a 6 month of rHGH, then do an AAS cycle within that period. As suggested, Test E @ 500mg/wk for 10-12 would be good, but I can't see that adding 400mg/wk of Deca would do anything but help. Why not aim for "huge"? You'll still be limited by your own genetics. Might as well dream BIG.

Solo

 

[greyowl]

Best thing for you is to put in another 6 months without steroids first. I took 2 years off after lifting 20 years, I then trained naturally for about 8 months comming back.....gained 20Lbs lean muscle back then did a cycle....put on another 20lbs with a 9 week 500mg a week Test cyp cycle.

I agree. Even if you do "very good muscle memory", it's too early to do AASs after being back in the gym for ony three months following a three year lay-off, esp. given your history of susceptability to injuries. I would give it at least one year.

When you do go back on, make it a simple cycle of maybe 500 mg ed of test enanth or cyp for maybe 12 to 16 weeks. If you want to stack the trast, maybe throw in another 400 of eq which might help manage some of your injuries. Stay away from deca which is very inhibitory for old guys like us.

IMO, men over 40 face a very elevated risk of fucking up their HTPA on a long-term basis by doing 'roids. Are a few extra pounds of muscle worth the risk of becoming a permanent HRT patient?

 

[tommyguns2]

The replies here contain some good advice and info.

Based on your goals, I would use a low dose test cycle. No need to go to 500mg/wk on the test IMO. Since this is a first cycle, your body will readily respond to a lower dose. I would opt for a low dose cycle of 200 mg/wk test-e with HCG employed durinng your cycle.

The HCG will keep the testes producing, so no testicular atrophy will develop. However, the HCG does not prohibit HPTA shutdown, you can't avoid that, and even a low dose test WILL shut you down. However, since the testes are still operating at the end of your cycle, your own production may come on line more promptly, making PCT more smooth. Line up a good PCT plan BEFORE you start... your PCT is every bit as important as your cycle. (check out the PCT stickies to learn the basics).

You can easily put on 10 lbs lean mass that is maintainable on a first low dose test cycle.

 

[jerol]

Thanks very much for all the replies.

I am a bit scared of pure test based cycles because of the threat to my HPTA. Before posting I was convinced that Anavar might be something I would like to try, since it seemed to have few side effects, but it might not help me put on any lasting mass.

I think, on balance, the advice to wait another 6 months and then reassess is good for my particular situation. I'll get my baseline testosterone and estrogen levels tested prior to any decision as well.

Many thanks (again),

Jerol

 

[greyowl]

I think, on balance, the advice to wait another 6 months and then reassess is good for my particular situation. I'll get my baseline testosterone and estrogen levels tested prior to any decision as well.

Many thanks (again),

Jerol

Good thinking. Use the 6 months to bone up on post-cycle therapy (PCT).