Hi Team - First Cycle Pre - Report and Questions

[masterkey]

First Cycle Plan and Request for Feedback and Support

Hi everyone,

I'm new to posting here but have been on the site for about two months, researching for my first cycle. After much consideration, I’ve decided to jump on my first cycle and wanted to share my plan and get your thoughts and advice. I want this to be a comprehensive report for anyone considering a cycle.
Thanks in advance for your feedback and advice! I look forward to hearing your thoughts and making the most of this journey. I will be active on the forum daily and will respond to every constructive comment.

Background

• Training Experience: I've been training on and off for 8 years.
• Current Status: I haven’t reached my genetic potential naturally, but with my lifestyle, I’m not sure I ever would without fully dedicating my life to working out.
• Motivation: In recent years, I’ve plateaued and struggled with consistency, often losing motivation for a couple of months before returning to training for 7 months of the year on average. Recently, I’ve had a significant life change: I split from my partner of 3 years. I’m viewing this as an opportunity for a fresh start, something to focus on and dedicate myself to. This will also give me the time and energy to prioritise my health completely.

Goals for the Next 3 Months

1. Diet: Commit to eating right.
2. Training: Hit the gym 5-6 times a week with 1-2 of those sessions being with a PT.
3. Mental Health: Although I already deal with mild anxiety, I want to approach this process with a positive mindset. However, I’m concerned about potential cycle-related anxiety. Any advice on managing this is greatly appreciated, or personal experiences are welcome!

Cycle Plan

• Compound: Test E
• Dosage: 300mg/week
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Injection Schedule: Tuesdays and Fridays

Post-Cycle Therapy (Advice?)

• Plan: I intend to order my PCT and Test from Germaniac.
• Questions:
  • What do you recommend for an effective PCT protocol?
  • Are there any additional aids or supplements I should use during the cycle? (Money isn’t an issue.)
  • Do you recommend any over-the-counter (OTC) supplements to support recovery and maintain gains post-cycle?
  • When should I start PCT? And how long should I supplement for?
  • What do you think of the following?
  • • Week 1-2: Clomid (50-100 mg/day) + Nolvadex (20-40 mg/day)?
    • Week 3-4: Clomid (25-50 mg/day) + Nolvadex (10-20 mg/day)?

Reporting Plan: I plan to post fortnightly updates, including:

• Photos
• Progress in lifts
• A short write-up of my thoughts and feelings if the cycle thus far + side effects

Natural Stats and Pre-Cycle Information

• Personal Information:
  • Age: 27M
  • Height: 5’11”
  • Weight (Pre-Cycle): 82kg (178 lbs)
  • Natural Lifting Experience: 8 years (on and off)
• Hormone Levels (Pre-Cycle):
  • Testosterone, Total: 513ng/dL (Normal) - ( = 17.8 nmol/L)
  • Testosterone, Free: 116.5pg/mL (Normal to Optimal) - ( = 404 pmol/L)

Big Questions Before Starting My Cycle

1. Muscle Retention Post-Cycle: This is my biggest concern before starting. I’ve done significant research but still seek clarity.
   • Understanding So Far:
     • Gaining muscle far beyond genetic potential is more likely to result in muscle loss post-cycle.
     • Gains achieved before reaching genetic potential are more likely to be maintained if diet and training remain consistent.
     • While some muscle loss is inevitable after coming off steroids, sticking to a strict diet and consistent training should help retain most of the progress.
   • Questions:
     • Is my understanding above correct?
     • How much muscle loss should I realistically expect if I maintain a strict diet and consistent training post-cycle?
     • Are there any tips or best practices to help maximise muscle retention after the cycle?
2. Cardio Considerations During the Cycle:
   • Current Activity:
     • I play competitive basketball twice a week for cardio.
     • My job keeps me on my feet, averaging 7k steps daily.
   • Questions:
     • Given my current activity level, should I include additional cardio in my routine?
     • Would adding or avoiding cardio optimise my results during the cycle?
3. Hair Loss Concerns and Creatine Use:
   • Current Hair Loss Management:
     • I currently take 1mg of finasteride three times a week to help mitigate hair loss.
   • Questions:
     • Will one cycle of testosterone (Test E) significantly affect my hair loss, especially considering my finasteride regimen?
     • Should I expect noticeable hair loss during or after the cycle even with finasteride in place?
     • Is not taking creatine due to concerns over hair loss a mistake? Is there a significant risk that creatine could worsen hair loss, especially considering my current use of finasteride?
4. On-Cycle Support:
   • Are there any other aids from Gearmatic I should take during the cycle ? (Money isn’t an issue.)
5. Over-the-Counter Supplements:
   • Do you recommend any OTC supplements to complement the cycle?

Final Goal
I want this cycle to be perfect—a one-and-done experience. My goal is to get as close as possible to my genetic potential and maintain those gains well after completing the cycle.

 

[SpoonT]

Will be keeping an eye on journey here, you're in a very similar position to myself with similar goals, that hope that one cycle to get to that good state and just work on maintaining. Can't answer any of your gear questions but I can say for one, not taking creatine is a mistake, all the research points towards easy benefits with no real risk, and the hair loss rumours have never been subtaintiated in actual research. The only real downside with creatine is a bit of bloating, but even that goes away after a while of taking it.

 

[ChasetheCase]

Similar size to me, will be following.

Please do some reasearch into Finasteride if you haven't already, there are concerns about long-term use, with many people reporting experiencing persistent side effects (often referred to as "post-finasteride syndrome"), including ***ual dysfunction and mental health issues. If you suffer from MPB, you're going to lose your hair anyway, just a matter of delaying it, and do you really want to be on the drug long term?

As @SpoonT said, Creatine is really beneficial, and not just for weight training. Hundreds of studies out there now show it, supporting brain health, energy production, muscle and bone maintenance, heart health, recovery, and mental well-being. It enhances cognitive function, reduces fatigue, aids in injury prevention, and may improve mood and insulin sensitivity. Even my Nan was recommended it by her GP to reduce chances of neurodegnerative disease.

 

[Kengw002]

I second that on Finasteride, look into that further for sure, if money is no object, the hair transplant is the better option, its not related to MPB and will stick around a while I believe, but i'm not exactly sure on that last fact.