Help needed! Cycle review

[Bulkromance69]

Hi,

I'm searching for advice about my cycle. Please read the background information below and feel free to comment on anything. Your feedback is critical to me. Thanks in advance!

Age: 30’s
Height: 5’9
Weight: 152LB
Bodyfat: 12-15%


Weekly stats:


Caloric intake: 1700-1900 (depends on my mood and activity level)


Exercise activity:

1. Bike rides: 500-700 calories/4 times a week (sometimes 1000+ calories, with an significant increase in calorie intake)
2. Weight lifting/gymnastics: 150-200 Cal./3 times a week
3. NEAT: 200 (7000 steps)/daily

On average, it boils down to a 500-calorie deficit daily.


Recently, I've started a cycle:

Test E - 375mg weekly (3x - 125mg injections)
Oxandrolone 25mg - daily


Background information:

Cycling has occupied the last three years of my life. My goal is to improve my biking endurance and power first and foremost. I started reducing my body fat four months ago. The initial weight was 190 pounds. I've lost 30 pounds in a pretty short amount of time, thanks to cycling and a weight lifting/gymnast regimen three days a week.

I started the cycle since my workout and low-calorie diet was having a detrimental impact on my career and life. I have no plans to stop, so I want to blast and cruise till the end of the summer.

The problem now is as follows. I've given my blood to be tested. Everything came back within a healthy range, with the exception that my clinic botched my test and estradiol sample, so I don't have baseline data on those and a few others. My biggest problem, however, is SHBG: @71. High amounts of SHBG lower free T levels.

So the main issue is: should I be concerned about lowering my SHBG, or would it fall as a result of my T injections?

For context, my diet will remain unchanged, but I plan to reverse it in 30-45 days.

 

[Matt88]

I don't feel that you will get much in the way of muscle growth until you start to raise your calories. Pretty sure that has to be a pretty steep deficit but once you start reverse dieting you should start to notice some changes.

How long are you planning to run the Oxandrolone? It should lower your SHBG and allow free test to raise. Anavar is a dht derivative so it will bind to shbg and lower it. If you want something that will also lower shbg after you finish your anavar run then look into proviron (Mesterolone). It is pretty benign and can be run for very long periods of time without any alterations in blood work. With that being said you should always do your own blood work to confirm since these compounds all impact us differently

Man that is very very unfortunate about your baseline lab work I guess this could be a positive learning experience for new guys to always wait for your baseline labs to come back before you start your cycle etc. Labs make mistakes routinely unfortunately.

Congrats on absolutely nailing your weight loss goal! That is a massive weight drop in a very short amount of time!

 

[Bulkromance69]

I don't feel that you will get much in the way of muscle growth until you start to raise your calories. Pretty sure that has to be a pretty steep deficit but once you start reverse dieting you should start to notice some changes.

How long are you planning to run the Oxandrolone? It should lower your SHBG and allow free test to raise. Anavar is a dht derivative so it will bind to shbg and lower it. If you want something that will also lower shbg after you finish your anavar run then look into proviron (Mesterolone). It is pretty benign and can be run for very long periods of time without any alterations in blood work. With that being said you should always do your own blood work to confirm since these compounds all impact us differently

Man that is very very unfortunate about your baseline lab work I guess this could be a positive learning experience for new guys to always wait for your baseline labs to come back before you start your cycle etc. Labs make mistakes routinely unfortunately.

Congrats on absolutely nailing your weight loss goal! That is a massive weight drop in a very short amount of time!

First and foremost, thank you for your input!

I intend to take oxandrolone for 6-7 weeks, or even less. I took it for the first time the other day, and it is quite potent. It smacked me in the face like a brick through a plate glass window. Since adding oxandrolone, I've been experiencing some unfavorable side effects, including a loss of attention and a general sense of ill-being. I believe that could be due to dehydration. Unless I can fix this problem, I will remove oxandrolone from the cycle.

 

[Wardamn]

What are you trying to accomplish?

 

[Bulkromance69]

What are you trying to accomplish?

My short-term goal is to get the lowest body fat percentage possible by the end of December for a photo shoot. Following that, I'd like to transition into a clean bulk. But I don't want to acquire too much junk weight too quickly because it might impair my cycling abilities. While I'm blasting or cruising, I'd like to avoid any adverse side effects like brain fog, hair loss, and gyno.

 

[Astro95]

Should’ve kept on dieting and exercising till 10% bf. Didn’t need the test nor anavar. After the photo shoot, a lean bulk cycle at 10% perfect.

 

[GasmanX]

If you’ve been eating in a deficit for a long time, body may be used to it and you should bump the calories up for a week or two and go back into a deficit if fat loss is the goal. Doesn’t sound like you need test to accomplish this. Doesn’t sound like weightlifting is the priority

 

[Bulkromance69]

I agree. To lose weight, there is no need for a test or Anavar. I began using re-feed days, and my weekly average weight has continued to drop. Nonetheless, my body composition declined and I lost a lot of muscle as a result. I ride my bike 100+ miles every week, and my legs grew at the expense of my upper body. Most significantly, my mood and concentration were poor. It began to have an impact on my life and job. I can't ride my bike if I can't pay my bills. And if I can't ride my bikes, I'm in a bad mood. That is my predicament. Most problems are alleviated by the test. In terms of Anavar, I'm on the fence about it. @GasmanX @Astro95

 

[GasmanX]

I agree. To lose weight, there is no need for a test or Anavar. I began using re-feed days, and my weekly average weight has continued to drop. Nonetheless, my body composition declined and I lost a lot of muscle as a result. I ride my bike 100+ miles every week, and my legs grew at the expense of my upper body. Most significantly, my mood and concentration were poor. It began to have an impact on my life and job. I can't ride my bike if I can't pay my bills. And if I can't ride my bikes, I'm in a bad mood. That is my predicament. Most problems are alleviated by the test. In terms of Anavar, I'm on the fence about it. @GasmanX @Astro95[/USER
[/QUOTE]

I agree. To lose weight, there is no need for a test or Anavar. I began using re-feed days, and my weekly average weight has continued to drop. Nonetheless, my body composition declined and I lost a lot of muscle as a result. I ride my bike 100+ miles every week, and my legs grew at the expense of my upper body. Most significantly, my mood and concentration were poor. It began to have an impact on my life and job. I can't ride my bike if I can't pay my bills. And if I can't ride my bikes, I'm in a bad mood. That is my predicament. Most problems are alleviated by the test. In terms of Anavar, I'm on the fence about it. @GasmanX @Astro95

I hesitate to an answer this because I’m not an expert. But in IMO you are doing too much cardio and not eating enough and that is why your body comp has declined. I would like to see what your weight training is like, what’s the intensity level and and how long are the sessions. What’s the protein intake like. There are so many factors that go into this. Fat loss isn’t linear but as somebody who is currently cutting, when the performance goes down that’s a signal to ramp up the carbs for a day or two. Pushing your weight training sets close to failure and taking in adequate protein will help fight off muscle loss. And if you really want to improve cardio performance, take some EQ (kidding)

 

[Astro95]

I hesitate to an answer this because I’m not an expert. But in IMO you are doing too much cardio and not eating enough and that is why your body comp has declined. I would like to see what your weight training is like, what’s the intensity level and and how long are the sessions. What’s the protein intake like. There are so many factors that go into this. Fat loss isn’t linear but as somebody who is currently cutting, when the performance goes down that’s a signal to ramp up the carbs for a day or two. Pushing your weight training sets close to failure and taking in adequate protein will help fight off muscle loss. And if you really want to improve cardio performance, take some EQ (kidding)

Agreed.

 

[Matt88]

First and foremost, thank you for your input!

I intend to take oxandrolone for 6-7 weeks, or even less. I took it for the first time the other day, and it is quite potent. It smacked me in the face like a brick through a plate glass window. Since adding oxandrolone, I've been experiencing some unfavorable side effects, including a loss of attention and a general sense of ill-being. I believe that could be due to dehydration. Unless I can fix this problem, I will remove oxandrolone from the cycle.

You're welcome sir.

You need proper amounts of electrolytes. Sodium is very misunderstood and I think a lot or people don't realize how much they need and how much they lose during cardio and weight training. Potassium and magnesium are extremely important as well. I would recommend getting a GOOD electrolyte supplement. Don't rely on sports drinks either bc they are underdosed generally speaking imo. Look up how much sodium a person loses per hour of intense training. It's pretty crazy. You could even just go to Walmart and pickup some liquid IV. They have a generic brand of it now there too that's a lot cheaper btw and I'd get the generic for sure. Atm I'm using nutricost electrolytes from Amazon bc they was cheap but that taste like dog piss that's sat in the sun all day but the dosing on it is pretty good and it's cheap

 

[Bulkromance69]

I'm happy to learn that most of the points raised by everyone in their comments support many of the things I considered. (@GasmanX @Matt88 @Astro95) In addition, I believe @GasmanX may have a point.


I follow a strict diet most of the time. Snacks, breakfast, and protein powder are all the same. I introduced diversity for dinner and lunch. After some trial and error, I discovered that my adherence to the diet is excellent if I keep my meals within the range of 550–600 calories and tinker with the macros—sometimes more protein, sometimes more carbs. A high-carb diet also benefits me because it improves my performance.


Calories: 1700-1900
Protein: 146-166 grams
Carbs: 112-132 g.
Fats: 50-70 g.


Vitamins:

AG1
Collagen
Vitamin D and K2
Animal Omegas
Iron


Electrolytes: 2–3 Liquid IV Sugar-Free. It seems to be lacking in magnesium and potassium. I tried adding Prime; it tastes too sweet and wears me out on the senses, but it has more potassium and magnesium content.)

Chicken or Beef broth before bed helps as well.



My cycling regimen is based on conventional approaches to increase FTP (functional threshold power). I continue to observe a steady monthly improvement in performance, ranging from 5 to 10%. My heart rate has increased significantly since the beginning of my test cycle—ten beats per minute more than typical at 90% effort. Using the proper breathing techniques to regulate it is also a little more complicated now. I'm thinking about taking a NAC supplement in addition to oxandrolone to combat its adverse effects. Any recommendations regarding the dosage?



As @GasmanX said, my weightlifting and gymnastics routine is the issue. Considering everything, I don't want to look like a mewtoo, but my future is already determined if I don't get my upper body to grow.

My current routine: I stretch first, then perform the L-sit, shoulder stand, and elbow lever static holds. Three sets in 30 seconds each. I then execute dynamics, which include squad, leg raises, pull-ups, and dips. Lastly, I perform dumbbell shoulder raises and rows to complete my workout. (10–15 reps, three sets per exercise)

I typically need an hour and a half to complete this routine.

So far, my workouts are unchanged, with the occasional tiny improvement, but I am seeing huge improvements on my bicycle. Since I began the test cycle, I have not observed a significant improvement. Nothing is evident yet because it has just been a week.

Instead of rushing it, I must exercise patience. Things will naturally change.


Am I overlooking something else?


Also, here are a few questions which give me anxiety.


Are there any supplements I may take in addition to the test or oxandrolone to avoid the side effects? Support for the kidneys, liver, gyno prevention, and hair (using minoxidil and caffeinated shampoo at the moment)?

I'm aware of TUDCA and Milk Thistle, but I'm not sure how much of each is safe and effective.

What advice would you give someone looking to elevate their mood? Oxandrolone is causing some fatigue and a lack of motivation.

How much time should I allow myself before getting another blood test? I'm apprehensive about my levels of estradiol. Two weeks into the cycle, I'm considering doing it, but I'm afraid that might be premature. I wish to avoid taking AI, unless warranted.


I apologize for cramming so much content into one post. I would hate to lose the chance to draw from your reserves because you all appear to be a knowledgeable and seasoned people. I sincerely appreciate your participation and attention. Thank you for your contributions!

 

[GasmanX]

I appreciate the thoroughness of your response. Reading your questions towards the end lends me to believe you rushed into your use of anabolics without a thorough understanding of the side effects and how to mitigate them. Some quick answers would be, wait 4-6 weeks to recheck blood. Test will elevate your mood but more importantly, FOOD! Personally I keep protein constant at 1 gram/lb. Eat more carbs on the days you train. You really aren’t going to add much in a deficit, maybe a little bit on test. 12-15 % BF is a big range when looking in the mirror. If you are truly 12%, go into a slight surplus to aid in adding muscle to your frame. If you are closer to 15% and have been dieting this strictly for a while, give yourself a break and eat at maintenance calories for a week and then go back to your deficit. You have to be honest with yourself on this one. I really don’t think it’s a good idea to bulk if you are at 15%. Others will disagree but i stand firm on that one. Drop the anavar until you figure out how to manage yourself on test alone. It also sounds like weight training isn’t a huge priority for you and that’s ok, everybody has different goals but from what you describe, I think you made a mistake hopping on test. Doing some rows and shoulder raises isn’t conducive to adding significant muscle. I mean, how many sets of rows and laterals can you really do a few times a week. Just honest feedback, it’s your life and you can do what you want.

 

[cdubw44]

Beta alanine is King for giving you a third lung. All rock climbers and cycling dudes OD on that stuff. Sports training is about building up to peak performance. You definitely shouldn't be eating on the bikini girl diet you need way more food dude. Tbol would probably be better for you than anavar and trt

 

[Bulkromance69]

I appreciate the thoroughness of your response. Reading your questions towards the end lends me to believe you rushed into your use of anabolics without a thorough understanding of the side effects and how to mitigate them. Some quick answers would be, wait 4-6 weeks to recheck blood. Test will elevate your mood but more importantly, FOOD! Personally I keep protein constant at 1 gram/lb. Eat more carbs on the days you train. You really aren’t going to add much in a deficit, maybe a little bit on test. 12-15 % BF is a big range when looking in the mirror. If you are truly 12%, go into a slight surplus to aid in adding muscle to your frame. If you are closer to 15% and have been dieting this strictly for a while, give yourself a break and eat at maintenance calories for a week and then go back to your deficit. You have to be honest with yourself on this one. I really don’t think it’s a good idea to bulk if you are at 15%. Others will disagree but i stand firm on that one. Drop the anavar until you figure out how to manage yourself on test alone. It also sounds like weight training isn’t a huge priority for you and that’s ok, everybody has different goals but from what you describe, I think you made a mistake hopping on test. Doing some rows and shoulder raises isn’t conducive to adding significant muscle. I mean, how many sets of rows and laterals can you really do a few times a week. Just honest feedback, it’s your life and you can do what you want.

I appreciate how quickly you responded. On the test alone, I did experience a noticeable improvement in my mood, although the effects of injections usually wear off two days later. Will my body composition improve if I up the calorie intake and add more weightlifting sets while maintaining a caloric deficit? Or will it result in more junk sets and fatigue? I do not expect gaining muscle during the deficit.

Currently executing 9 sets per body part.

 

[Bulkromance69]

Beta alanine is King for giving you a third lung. All rock climbers and cycling dudes OD on that stuff. Sports training is about building up to peak performance. You definitely shouldn't be eating on the bikini girl diet you need way more food dude. Tbol would probably be better for you than anavar and trt

It's something I've tried previously. It ignited my backdoor. I don't want to burn down the house.

 

[GasmanX]

I appreciate how quickly you responded. On the test alone, I did experience a noticeable improvement in my mood, although the effects of injections usually wear off two days later. Will my body composition improve if I up the calorie intake and add more weightlifting sets while maintaining a caloric deficit? Or will it result in more junk sets and fatigue? I do not expect gaining muscle during the deficit.

Currently executing 9 sets per body part.

It’s possible. 9 sets per body part close to failure is plenty. Also, test E is long ester shouldn’t be wearing off in a couple days.

 

[Joe_256]

The bad moods and sense of ill-being could also be caused by being in an underfed and/or over trained state. The test+var gives you the ability to train even harder and exert yourself more. Which also creates a need for more food and more rest

Im not saying that it isnt the anavar, but I wouldnt be so quick to blame that just because the timeline coincides.

To me it sounds like the first thing you need to eat more, say 500 extra clean calories a day and see how you feel after a week or so

 

[Bulkromance69]

The bad moods and sense of ill-being could also be caused by being in an underfed and/or over trained state. The test+var gives you the ability to train even harder and exert yourself more. Which also creates a need for more food and more rest

Im not saying that it isnt the anavar, but I wouldnt be so quick to blame that just because the timeline coincides.

To me it sounds like the first thing you need to eat more, say 500 extra clean calories a day and see how you feel after a week or so

Since this is my week of recovery from cycling, I consume the same amount of food but burn 2500 less calories this week. My mood improved considerably. However, I've observed a 3-pound weight gain, which is really unusual for me. Water retention is the only possible explanation.