over 50 question -Bill Roberts?

[jackiebigmur]

Bill - I know you're getting close to that magic age of 50 so what are your thoughts on a test only cycle for a 53 year old guy. I work out 5 days a week and my progress has slowed to a stop. I just want to look good and stay strong. I have no health problems and my last cycle was 30 years ago. I also have a lot of questions on the pct. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bill Roberts]

I'd say the differences really are that it is relatively more important to keep track of the bloodwork; if still having good natural T production it's even more important to take care with it which I take to mean using shorter cycles (no more than 8 weeks) and avoiding Deca; and optimum point for rewards vs downsides probably tends towards a more moderate dosage.

E.g., at age 50 400 mg of Primo could be extremely satisfactory, whereas for a 25 year old looking for maximum gains, I wouldn't recommend it.

Not that more than this can't be used, certainly it can, and not that this is the only type of cycle to do, it's certainly not. Rather it's an illustration of the difference in experienced benefit / reward.

The 25 year old is saying "I've only gained an inch on my arms with my cycles over the last year" and is disappointed.. the 50 year old may be saying "I'm looking every bit as good muscle-wise as I did 10 years ago (or if this is a first cycle, likely better!) and I did it with only this" and be quite happy.

 

[jackiebigmur]

so do you think with an 8 week cycle (250mg a week) a pct of clomid/nolvadex would be sufficient?
Your example comparing a 50 year old to a 25 year old describes my thinking exactly.

 

[Bill Roberts]

so do you think with an 8 week cycle (250mg a week) a pct of clomid/nolvadex would be sufficient?
Your example comparing a 50 year old to a 25 year old describes my thinking exactly.

I would use HCG during the cycle, for example 250 IU every other day (exact dosing is not critical) so as to be certain of maintaining testicular function, and monitoring estradiol is always worthwhile. A test can be ordered on the Internet for only about $30-$40. Even off-cycle, recent research has shown that estradiol levels in the low-normal range are associated with much lower cardiovascular risk than high-normal levels. So it's an excellent thing to keep a handle on generally.

Testing E2 (estradiol) before the cycle would give a more accurate picture of whether an aromatase inhibitor such as letrozole would be particularly important during the cycle and if so, would enable better estimation of a starting amount, which preferably should be adjusted according to blood test after a couple of weeks.

You might very well be pleased with the 250 mg/week level but I would suggest having enough testosterone on hand so that if not happy by say the 3 week point, you could increase to 500 mg/week if desired.

Clomid is all that is needed for PCT unless having an issue personally with Clomid, typically from emotional side effects (more empathy, basically estrogen-y emotions.) Usually not a problem for most.

 

[jackiebigmur]

thanks for the great information - I'll post my progress once I get started

 

[Reinheart]

Bill has given you great advice. From my part, make sure you emphasize on pct. Due to your age you may respond well to low dosages and need no more than 250-500mgs of test weekly but you're probably not going to recover as fast as someone younger does.

I strongly encourage you to use HCG during your cycle, starting from the third week and until you start your pct and then have Nolvadex and Aromasin on hand for your pct.

 

[jackiebigmur]

thanks for the advice - I'm planning an 8 week cycle of test only 250 mg every 5-6 days. HCG and PCT as advised.

 

[Bill Roberts]

Best of results! I absolutely expect you'll be pleased.

 

[heavyiron]

If you are going to cycle I would ask you to consider using more than 250mg T weekly. I would go at least 300mg T up to 600mg weekly this run. I think as long as you are going to be cycling you should get the most out of it using safe doses.

Whatever you decide, good luck!

 

[Bill Roberts]

Ordinarily I would absolutely agree: I have NEVER recommended an under-500 mg/week cycle for anyone substantially younger than this.

But at around age 50, there's a substantial chance of even the 250 mg/week being very well liked and so as long as the supply is there to increase dose if needed, there's nothing wrong with seeing if the lower dose may be found personally suited.

EDIT: But that said, inching it up a touch to 300 could be a good call

And, to get a fair trial for the first 3 weeks, and just to get a good start generally, frontloading should be employed to fairly rapidly get levels to where they would otherwise only slowly stabilize at.

So for example if planning to take 100 mg three times per week, the first injection would be 300 mg. This would get levels to about where they will stay while using the 100 mg 3x/week protocol.

If choosing to use say 250 mg/week as 83.3 mg 3x/week, the first injection would be 250 mg.

 

[jackiebigmur]

You did mention in an earlier post to have some extra test on hand if I wasn't satisfied so that will be my plan. I also will be going 250 mg test E every 5-6 days which will actually slightly increase my intake over an 8 week period. I'm looking forward to this - thanks again for the great advice.

 

[Bill Roberts]

You're very welcome!